HB-4552 Summary

• Requires school counselors to hold either a valid teaching certificate with school counseling endorsement, a master's degree in school counseling with specified coursework and exam passage, or 5+ years of out-of-state counseling experience plus exam passage.

• Beginning January 1, 2018, school counselor credentials cannot be renewed unless the individual completes at least 25 hours of professional development in college preparation/selection counseling and 25 hours in career counseling, including skilled trades exploration.

• Department of Education shall develop standards for approved professional development by December 1, 2016 in consultation with the Department of Talent and Economic Development, school counselors, college admissions professionals, financial aid officers, and employers.

• School counselors may complete required professional development hours through their school district, intermediate school district, or public school academy if the content is approved by the department.

• Superintendent of Public Instruction must promulgate rules to implement the professional development requirements; amendments take effect 90 days after enactment.