Sanchez Introduces Bill to Provide More School Counselors

WHITTIER – Rep. Linda Sanchez has announced legislation she has introduced in Congress that will increase the number of school counselors, social workers and psychologists in qualified schools in low-income communities.

Sanchez, D-Lakewood, made her announcement at a news conference at Whittier High School.

“With No Child Left Behind dramatically increasing the pressure on teachers and administrators to improve test scores, often times we forget that students require support in many ways,” said Congresswoman Linda Sanchez. “This bill not only provides important resources to students who need it but also supports counseling professionals and teachers to continue or pursue their careers.”

HR. 6654 would authorize grant funding to form partnerships between colleges and universities that train these student support professionals and local school districts that serve low-income student populations.

The bill also creates a student loan forgiveness program for individuals who have served five or more consecutive school years as school counselors, school social workers, or school psychologists in similarly qualified low-income schools.

Rep Edolphus “Ed” Towns, D-New York, has co-sponsored the legislation with Sanchez. A companion bill is being introduced in the Senate by Senators Blanche Lincoln, D-Arkansas; Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-New York; and Thad Cochran, R-Mississippi.

Superintendent Sandy Thorstenson of the Whittier Union High School District would help her district.

“Counselors and our student support services are the backbone of our instructional program,” Thorstenson said.

“If our students are busy dealing with social, emotional, or behavioral issues, they cannot focus on the core curriculum our teachers are presenting.” she said. “On a daily basis, we challenge our students to maximize their learning opportunities and perform at their highest levels. This legislation addresses the critical needs our students have every day, allowing them to hit the high goals we set for them and ensuring they succeed in high school and beyond.”

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