Bill > H554

This bill requires public school districts in Massachusetts to establish comprehensive school counseling programs that follow the Massachusetts Model for Comprehensive School Counseling Programs. Specifically, the bill mandates that all pre-K through 12th-grade students receive counseling services from licensed school counselors, with each counselor spending at least 80% of their time providing direct or indirect services to students. To ensure equitable access to counseling, the bill stipulates that each school district must maintain a ratio of no more than 250 students per school counselor, which aligns with the nationally recommended average. This provision aims to improve student support by guaranteeing consistent and accessible mental health and academic guidance services across Massachusetts public schools.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H554