School Counselors Help Prepare our Students for the Future By Senator Russ Feingold April 16, 2008 I have long been concerned that the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) may result in a generation of students who know how to take tests, but who do not have the skills necessary to become successful adults. That’s why, in the wake of NCLB, it’s more important than ever that we support professionals in our schools, like school counselors, who provide students with valuable guidance and support. Our children’s education must be about more than standardized test scores. As Congress considers reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act this year, it is essential that we not only reform NCLB’s unfunded testing mandates, but also make sure that students receive support for social and health needs. There is a significant achievement gap that exists in our schools, both in Wisconsin and around the country, between low income and more advantaged students, and between non-minority and minority students. School counselors, school social workers, and school psychologists can play a vital role in addressing the many factors that contribute to this persistent achievement gap. Their efforts and successes may not show up directly on NCLB’s standardized tests, but they can help students overcome seemingly insurmountable academic and personal challenges. Unfortunately, school counselors in Wisconsin and throughout the country continue to report high student-to-counselor ratios that can prevent students from receiving the counseling services they need. That’s why I am leading an effort to boost funding for school counseling programs in the upcoming fiscal year, along with ten of my Senate colleagues. We are calling for the highest fiscally responsible increase in funding for the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Program (ESSCP), a critical school counseling program that gives school districts the opportunity to apply to the Department of Education for grants to expand their school counseling programs. While NCLB, with its focus on standardized testing, draws attention away from the many challenges our students face, school counselors and other pupil service professionals are helping our nation’s children get the educational, social, and health services support they need to overcome these challenges. As the Senate allocates funds this year, I will continue fighting to ensure that support for these school counselors is a priority.