FEDERAL FUNDS FOR GUIDANCE SERVICES

WHEREAS, it is recognized that the elementary school years set the foundation for future learning experience, life skills, and career interest patterns; and

WHEREAS, this is the school level at which handicapping conditions such as learning disabilities, physical and emotional problems and mental retardation should be identified and referred for appropriate help by guidance counselors; and

WHEREAS, the counselor's early identification of social adjustment problems can be effective prevention for future truancy, dropouts, vandalism, violence, and drug/alcohol abuse; and

WHEREAS, the guidance counselor is actively involved with teachers and parents to foster understanding of healthy growth and development patterns to prevent child neglect and abuse:

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers will seek the broadening of federal regulations so that Title I ESEA and other federal programs will mandate the expenditure of funds to employ licensed/certified guidance counselors.