VCC Magazine Winter 2020

V irginia C apitol C onnections , W inter 2020 22 V I R G I N I A Q U A R T E R L Y M A G A Z I N E Winter 2019 INSIDE Education Issue EqualRightsAmendment The student-to-counselor ratio recom­ mended by both the American School Counselor Association and the Virginia Board of Education is one school counselor for every 250 students, K-12, though nowhere in the nation is this currently mandated or fully state funded. The Governor’s recent proposed budget announcement of $99.3 million for new school counseling positions for the 2020-22 bienniumwould fully fund a 1:250 ratio in grades K-12, making Virginia a leader in the nation. With all of the necessary and worthy asks in education this session, why should school counselors be funded at this level? Of school-age children who receive any behavioral and mental health services, 70-80% receive them at school (ASCA, 2017). School Counselors provide those services, but with caseloads of 300-400+ students in many secondary schools and 600+ in many elementary schools, students cannot access their counselors nor build significant relationships. Even when counselors spend 80% of our time in direct service to students, as mandated by HB1729 last session, we cannot possibly serve all students on large caseloads. That’s a school safety issue and is particularly problematic for vulnerable student populations. We know that warning signs for harm to self and others often start with kids feeling isolated, unseen and unheard. If we want to prevent tragedy, creating connections is the first step. School Counselors provide social- emotional support at a crucial time in children’s lives, especially for students who come from families without experience navigating community supports. We empower students to identify the resources needed to overcome obstacles to achieve academic success and pursue post-secondary goals. If we want high quality schools and life-ready graduates, we need a counselor: student ratio that will provide access and equity. School Counselors cannot be effective advocates and agents of change for students we do not see or know. Virginia legislators have an opportunity to lead the nation in giving students access to mental health supports in school K-12. Carpe diem. Ms. Brett Welch, MA, CTP Brett Welch is a practicing School Counselor in Virginia and the Government Relations Chair for the Virginia School Counselor Association. 1:250 Means Counseling Access For All By Brett Welch Teacher of the Year Kimberly Wilson, Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher for Alexandria City Public Schools, named Teacher of the Year by Association for Career and Technical Education. Dr. Brenda D. Long Executive Director (540) 760-2504 FAX (540) 961-4392 email brendalong73@gmail.com www.virginiaacte.org Fine Art Photographer 4112 Williams Road Lynchburg, VA 24503 wanda@studiowren.com 804.739.1955 WANDA JUDD V