Local leaders have introduced legislation to improve guidance services for students at the state level. Kissimmee State Representative Kristen Arrington introduced HB 229, which would require guidance counselors to advise public middle and high school students of all educational opportunities available to them to gain skills that are in demand in the labor market and how to prepare to obtain post-secondary degrees in technical fields. The legislation in the Senate, SB 400, was filed by Ocoee State Senator Randolph Bracy.
“School districts across the state have wonderful opportunities available to our students through new workforce programs but information about these programs is not always given to students and parents,” said Representative Arrington. “This legislation would ensure that all of our children and their parents are given knowledge about the educational opportunities available, including apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, before choosing an educational path and how to obtain the in demand skills and postsecondary degrees that our labor markets require. It also would require our schools to provide these guidance sessions to students and parents in their first language so they are completely aware of their options.”
“Students deserve to know about the practical skills demanded in the labor market and the opportunities that exist to gain them. This legislation aims to create a stronger link between education and work readiness. While society often pressures high school students to pursue traditional, 4-year universities, this bill opens more doors and creates more choice to a fulfilling career,” said Senator Bracy.
