MN HF4512

School districts are encouraged to maintain a ratio of one school counselor for every 250 students in prekindergarten through grade 12.

School counselors must provide preventive and developmental counseling programs addressing academic, social and emotional, and postsecondary and career development within a multitiered systems of support framework.

School counselor duties include assisting with academic planning, classroom instruction on mental health and career development, short-term counseling and crisis intervention, referrals for long-term mental health support, collaboration with families and staff, and data analysis to identify achievement gaps.

School districts are encouraged to ensure 80 percent of a school counselor's time is spent providing direct services to students.

School counselors must hold an appropriate license issued by the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board; effective date is July 1, 2024.