Senate Unanimously passes Felder Bill Helping Kids Succeed in School

The NYS Senate unanimously passed Senator Simcha Felder’s legislation (S.311) this week. The bill directs the Chancellor of the Department of Education to study and report on the provision of school counselor services to public school students.

“Schoolchildren face numerous challenges in and out of the classroom, and struggling kids are most likely to zone out, act out, or worse- drop out. Certified school counselors can strengthen skills, refer additional resources and provide the critical support they need to succeed. However, it is a sad reality that many children do not receive this crucial help,” said Senator Felder.

After decades of delay, NYSED recently updated their school counseling regulations in an effort to increase student success through expanded access to these services. School counseling programs are to include, school-wide classroom lessons, direct support services to individual students and small groups, and consistent consultation with teachers and principals to coordinate team efforts and evaluate student success. The benefits of school counseling are well documented, bolstering social-emotional skills, fostering resilience, inspiring young students to strive for success, and broadening college placements and career opportunities.

“I thank my colleagues in the Senate for their sweeping support, as schools re-evaluate and implement their programs, this report will prove helpful. I will continue to advocate for appropriate caseloads that reflect the 250:1 ASCA recommended ratio, because counselors have tools and skills, but they need the time to devote meaningful attention or kids will continue slipping through the cracks,” concluded Senator Felder.