MS SB2442

Requires educator preparation programs to include mental-wellness approaches in school discipline and classroom management courses, defined as incorporating federal mental health principles to foster safe learning environments where each student is known by at least one adult.

Mandates public school districts and charter schools employ at least one school counselor per 250 students as funds and qualified personnel become available, with a minimum of one counselor per school.

Requires school counselors to facilitate creation of a mental-wellness team at each school to identify trauma-impacted students, and provide at least one hour of annual training to staff on recognizing trauma symptoms and supporting affected students.

Requires districts to report the number, placement, funding sources, and job duties of school counselors to the State Department of Education annually beginning November 1, 2022.

Directs the State Department of Education to create a toolkit by July 1, 2022, and requires each district to submit a mental-wellness implementation plan by July 1, 2023, including strategies for trauma awareness, discipline policies, and community collaboration.