NONCERTIFICATED SCHOOL COUNSELORS - H.B. 5740 (H-3): FLOOR ANALYSIS


House Bill 5740 (Substitute H-3 as reported without amendment)

Sponsor: Representative Gerald Van Woerkom

House Committee: Education

Senate Committee: Education


CONTENT


The bill would amend the Revised School Code replace the provision under which school may not permit a teacher without a State Board of Education endorsement to serve in a counseling role. Instead, the bill provides that the board of a school district or intermediate school district (ISD) could not allow a person to serve in a counseling role in the school district or ISD unless the person met one or more of the following:


-- Held a valid teaching certificate with a school counseling endorsement.

-- Met certain educational and experiential requirements, as specified in the bill.

-- Had at least five years of experience serving in a school counseling role in another state within the immediately preceding seven-year period and had successfully completed the Department of Education's guidance counselor examination.


Under the proposed educational and experiential requirements, the person would have to hold a master's degree awarded after completing an approved counselor education program that included skills and content areas specified in the bill; have completed the Department's guidance counselor examination; and, have been recommended by an approved school counselor education program to provide services as a school counselor.


In addition, the school board or ISD board would have to comply with the Code's requirements that a school board or ISD board request a criminal history check from the Department of State Police or the Federal Bureau of Investigation on an individual seeking employment as a teacher or school administrator, or for a position requiring approval of the State Board of Education.


MCL 380.1233 - Legislative Analyst: L. Arasim


FISCAL IMPACT


The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.



Date Completed: 6-7-00 - Fiscal Analyst: J. Carrasco

floor\hb5740 (H-3) - Analysis available @ http://www.michiganlegislature.org

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.