H.R.3567 - Put School Counselors Where They’re Needed Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3567, the "Put School Counselors Where They’re Needed Act," aims to reduce high school dropout rates by creating a demonstration project that funds additional secondary school counselors in Title I schools with graduation rates of 60% or lower. The bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish this project. It authorizes appropriations of $5,000,000 for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2029.
Expected Effects
The bill, if enacted, would provide targeted funding to struggling schools to increase the availability of school counselors. This would allow for more individualized attention and support for students at risk of dropping out. The demonstration project would also collect data on the effectiveness of increased counseling services, potentially informing future education policy.
Potential Benefits
- Increased support for at-risk students, potentially leading to higher graduation rates.
- Improved student-to-counselor ratios in participating schools.
- Enhanced identification of students at risk of dropping out, allowing for early intervention.
- Provision of comprehensive counseling services, including individual graduation plans and supplemental resources.
- Potential for long-term positive impact on students' lives and future opportunities.
Potential Disadvantages
- Limited scope, as the project only targets a small number of schools (at least 10).
- Potential for uneven implementation and effectiveness across different schools.
- Reliance on schools to demonstrate adequate improvement for continued funding, which may create pressure and potential for manipulation.
- The funding is limited to $5,000,000 per year, which may not be sufficient to address the needs of all eligible schools.
- Possible administrative burden associated with grant applications and reporting requirements.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it seeks to improve educational outcomes and opportunities for students. While education is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, the federal government has historically played a role in supporting education through various programs and initiatives. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, but federal funding for education is generally considered permissible under the spending clause.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).