MN HF2130

School districts must report student-to-school counselor ratios separately for kindergarten through grade 8 and grades 9 through 12 to the Department of Education.

Beginning in the 2016-2017 school year, school districts with ratios above the national average must submit a plan to meet national average ratios within two school years.

The Department of Education must report the current national average student-to-school counselor ratio by February 1, 2015, and every five years thereafter.

An advisory task force appointed by July 1, 2014, by the commissioner of education in collaboration with the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities shall research and develop recommendations for increasing diversity among teachers and school counselors to reflect student demographics.

The task force must submit recommendations to the commissioner by January 6, 2015, with the commissioner reporting findings and recommendations to relevant legislative committees by January 13, 2015.