H. Res. 56 

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 


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•HRES 56 EH 

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 


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•HRES 56 EH 

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. 


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