Current Status:

Passed

(2024-03-04: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Res. Chapter 20, Statutes of 2024.)

Introduced

In Committee

First Chamber

In Committee

Second Chamber

Enacted

What does this bill do?

This resolution names February 5–9, 2024, as National School Counseling Week in California to honor the state’s school counselors. It recognizes that more than 12,000 counselors help students’ academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs, provide career and college guidance, reduce stigma around mental health, address trauma, and support families and teachers.

Version:

This measure would recognize February 5, 2024, to February 9, 2024, as National School Counseling Week.

Version:

WHEREAS, California school counselors are employed in public and private schools to help pupils reach their full potential; and

WHEREAS, All children and youth can learn with the appropriate supports, and have the absolute right to an education that meets their needs; and

WHEREAS, Childrens mental health and resilience are interconnected with their learning and postsecondary success; and

WHEREAS, School counselors provide services and coordinate programs to improve school climate and increase pupils feelings of connectedness within the school setting; and

WHEREAS, School counselors deliver a range of services to reduce mental health stigma, identify risk factors and warning signs of pupils at risk for mental health and behavioral disorders, and provide counseling services to strengthen pupils prospects for school and life success; and

WHEREAS, School counselors address trauma caused by racial injustice and are positioned in school settings to promote equity, healing, and support for all pupils; and

WHEREAS, School counselors provide high-quality career education programs from kindergarten through grade 12 that promote the link between learning and future career choices, including career technical education; and

WHEREAS, School counselors counsel secondary pupils to satisfy the AG curricular requirements for college admissions and encourage participation in college preparation programs, including, but not limited to, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), Early College, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate programs, by increasing pupils awareness of potential careers associated with interests and talents so they may become productive members of society; and

WHEREAS, California school counselors support and consult with parents, teachers, and other educators to help youth explore their potential and set realistic goals for themselves; and

WHEREAS, The citizens of California should recognize the vital role that the over 12,000 school counselors play in the social, emotional, career, and academic development of our children; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature recognizes February 5, 2024, to February 9, 2024, as National School Counseling Week; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.