Sec. 2. Findings

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A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

Congress finds the following: A career guidance and counseling program develops an individual's competencies in self-knowledge, educational and occupational exploration, and career planning. Career guidance and counseling programs help individuals acquire the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to identify options, explore alternatives, and succeed in a 21st century society. The American School Counselor Association recommends a student-to-counselor ratio of 250 to 1.

Forty-seven States do not meet this recommendation. Professional school counselors design and implement comprehensive school counseling programs that include educational and career planning activities for all students that are designed to assist students in reaching academic, career, and personal goals. 4 out of 5 graduates of secondary-level career or technical education programs who pursued postsecondary education after secondary school had earned a credential or were still enrolled in postsecondary education 2 years later.

Students at schools with highly integrated rigorous academic and career and technical education programs have significantly higher achievement in reading, mathematics, and science than do students at schools with less integrated programs.