HB 1317 - Certified School Counselors

• School districts must maintain a minimum ratio of one certified school counselor for every 400 students overall, with elementary schools at 1:450, middle schools at 1:400, and high schools at 1:350

• Each school must have at least one full-time certified school counselor before assigning half-time counselors or additional full-time positions

• Certified school counselors shall provide student counseling, develop and deliver curriculum, coordinate programs, and consult with administrators, teachers, parents, and students

• Certified school counselors may not be used as support staff for administrative duties including bus or cafeteria line monitoring, substitute teaching, or test proctoring

• Act becomes effective July 1, 2012, with conforming amendments to school attendance, middle grades promotion, high school graduation, and career education program sections