Active Legislation(Include a list of active bills) | Counselor Staffing and RatiosResearch consistently shows that appropriate school counselor-to-student ratios improve academic outcomes, attendance, and student well-being. TSCA supports legislation and policy efforts that move Tennessee closer to nationally recommended ratios and increase student access to counseling services. |
Appropriate Use of School Counselors
Source: https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/a0e5b299-5798-4a1c-b4f9-59f99a9c81c0/sc-infographic.pdf | Equity in Education
Educational equity remains one of the most persistent and complex challenges facing Tennessee schools. While progress has been made in access and accountability, deep disparities continue to affect students based on zip code, income level, race, disability status, language access, and community resources. For school counselors across Tennessee, these inequities show up daily—in caseloads, access to mental health supports, academic opportunity gaps, and uneven systems of support for students and families.
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Mental Health Support in Schools
Unmet mental health needs remain a significant barrier to student learning, development, and school safety across Tennessee. Approximately one in five children experience mental health challenges, yet only about 25% receive the support they need. Tennessee schools rely on school-based mental health referral processes to identify students in need and connect them with appropriate supports, particularly when community-based services are limited by access, cost, or provider shortages. Because school-based services are accessed more equitably across student populations, school counselors play a critical role in early identification, referral, and follow-up—work that requires protected time, manageable caseloads, and adequate staffing to be effective. | Undocumented StudentsUndocumented students in Tennessee face unique educational challenges that can affect academic progress, emotional wellbeing, and long-term planning, often compounded by fear, uncertainty, and limited access to community resources. While federal law guarantees all students the right to a free public education regardless of immigration status, navigating school systems, postsecondary pathways, and support services can be especially complex for undocumented and mixed-status families. School counselors play a critical role in supporting these students by fostering safe, inclusive school environments; providing accurate, developmentally appropriate guidance; and connecting students and families to trusted resources when appropriate. Through culturally sustaining practices and ethical advocacy, school counselors help ensure that undocumented students are supported academically, socially, and emotionally, while reinforcing schools as places of safety and belonging for every student. TSCA or ASCA Position Statement |