MS HB1227

Requires educator preparation programs to include instruction on mental disturbance awareness and trauma-informed approaches as defined by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in school discipline and classroom management courses.

Mandates public school districts and charter schools employ at least one school counselor per 250 students, with one counselor minimum per school when funds allow; underfunded districts may employ one counselor to serve the entire district on a rotational basis.

Requires school counselors or mental health providers to create trauma-informed teams at each school to identify students impacted by trauma and provide annual training to staff on recognizing and supporting students with trauma symptoms.

Authorizes school districts to partner with the Consortium for Career Development in Social Work Education and state universities to place master's-level graduate students in schools as supervised counseling interns.

Requires the State Department of Education and Department of Mental Health to develop a toolkit by July 1, 2023, and mandates all school districts submit implementation plans for trauma-informed approaches by July 1, 2025.