Concern over the shortage of K-12 licensed school counselors prompted Minnesota state lawmakers to undertake a study to determine the current status of their licensed school counselors. The Counselor Assessment Study was conducted to gather information on four issues: (1) the recommended counselor to student ratios and the costs of meeting these ratios; (2) the alternative strategies for collaboration to provide counseling services to pupils; (3) the mechanisms to strengthen collaboration between school districts and local colleges in providing information and experiences to pupils; and (4) suggestions for meeting the needs of pupils for counseling that focus on academic and career planning. The greatest concern voiced by school counselors was the need to lower the student/counselor ratio. Also, most counselors reported that they do not have a job description, and tasks assigned to them are often non-counseling related. One recommendation that came from the study was to have students develop a career plan early in the elementary grades that it can be expanded upon during the secondary school years. Counselors also recommended that schools utilize the development of technology to support and strengthen programs. Additional support staff to perform routine scheduling and data collection is imperative for effective use of counselors' time. (Contains 12 figures; 3 tables; and 6 appendixes.) (JDM)