HB 1331 Summary

• Establishes specific target counselor-to-student ratios: one school counselor per 250 students, one school social worker per 400 students, and one school psychologist per 1,000 students.

• Requires the Department of Education to develop a uniform job description for school counselors in cooperation with appropriate associations by July 1, 2012.

• Mandates that individuals seeking initial school counseling licensure after June 30, 2013 demonstrate mastery in eight areas including developmental guidance, career development, counseling strategies, crisis intervention, and student advocacy.

• Expands the elementary school counselors fund to include school social workers and school psychologists, updating grant eligibility and application requirements for school corporations.

• Makes technical corrections by changing "or" to "and" in references to school intervention and career counseling programs throughout the statute.