[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office]
[H. Res. 56 Engrossed in House (EH)]
In the House of Representatives, U. S.,
January 22, 2009.
Whereas the American School Counselor Association has declared the week of
February 2 through February 6, 2009, as ``National School Counseling
Week'';
Whereas the House of Representatives has recognized the importance of school
counseling through the inclusion of elementary and secondary school
counseling programs in the last reauthorization of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965;
Whereas school counselors have long advocated that the education system of the
United States must leave no child behind and must provide opportunities
for all students;
Whereas school counselors have long emphasized the importance of personal and
social development in academic achievement;
Whereas school counselors help develop well-rounded students by guiding them
through their academic, personal, social, and career development;
Whereas school counselors play a vital role in ensuring that students are aware
of financial aid and college opportunities;
Whereas school counselors may encourage students to pursue challenging academic
courses to prepare them for college majors and careers in the science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics fields;
Whereas school counselors provide support for students whose family members have
been deployed to conflicts overseas;
Whereas school counselors help students cope with serious and common challenges
of growing up, including peer pressure, mental health issues, school
violence, disciplinary problems, and problems in the home;
Whereas school counselors are also instrumental in helping students, teachers,
and parents deal with personal trauma and community and national
tragedies;
Whereas school counselors are among the few professionals in a school building
that are trained in both education and mental health;
Whereas, despite the important contributions of school counselors to student
success, counseling positions are not always protected when budgets are
cut, especially in tough economic times;
Whereas the average student-to-counselor ratio in America's public schools, 475
to 1, is almost double the 250 to 1 ratio recommended by the American
School Counselor Association, the American Counseling Association, and
other organizations;
Whereas the celebration of ``National School Counseling Week'' would increase
awareness of the important and necessary role school counselors play in
the lives of students in the United States; and
Whereas the week of February 2 through February 6, 2009, would be an appropriate
week to designate as ``National School Counseling Week'': Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the United States House of Representatives--
(1) honors and recognizes the contributions of school counselors to
the success of students in our Nation's elementary and secondary
schools; and
(2) encourages the people of the United States to observe ``National
School Counseling Week'' with appropriate ceremonies and activities that
promote awareness of the crucial role school counselors play in
preparing students for fulfilling lives as contributing members of
society.
Attest:
Clerk.