Mandate Support Services for Mandated Expectations: Mandate School Counselor Support and Effective ratio for Grades K-12

School counselors are uniquely trained to identify and assist students who are having academic and social difficulties, to work with students in crisis, and to collaborate with teachers and parents to support and advocate for student success. There are currently 26 states that do not mandate counselors in all schools, grades K-12. Many have unrealistic student/counselor ratios which make it impossible for counselors to reach all students equally; especially regarding CCR mandates. When many schools face significant budget cut challenges, these services are often cut. The mental health and well-being of our children should be a priority. We need schools to have counseling available to all students by mandating a student/counselor ratio that makes effective counseling accessible to students.