2140 - Comprehensive School Counseling Program Policy

Policy 2140

INSTRUCTION

Comprehensive School Counseling Program

The district will create a plan for a comprehensive school counseling program of tiered services in accordance with state laws and regulations, school improvement plans, ethical standards, and district policies and procedures. The district will revise its plan as necessary based on relevant data. The district will also create a transition plan to support full implementation of the plan over time. 

A school counselor is a professional educator who holds a valid school counselor certification as defined by the professional educator standards board. School counselors serve a vital role in the comprehensive school counseling program. The school counselor plans, develops, organizes, and leads delivery of a comprehensive school counseling program that focuses on the academic, career, and social-emotional needs of all students, based on the national standards for school counseling programs of the American School Counselor Association and state standards. School counselors align supports with the district’s vision, mission, and school improvement goals. In addition to school counselors, all staff should support the implementation of a comprehensive, multi-tiered system of student supports. 

The district’s comprehensive school counseling program should be designed to assist every student in acquiring the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to become an effective student, responsible citizen, productive worker, and a lifelong learner. To that end, staff will develop and use materials, orientation programs, professional learning, and evidence-based counseling techniques that encourage participation in all available guidance and support opportunities, school programs, and courses of study, including career and vocational technical programs and employment opportunities. 

The district will not deny any student the ability to participate in or benefit from its student support system based on sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, honorably discharged 
veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal, 
whether they take place on or off school grounds or are offered as part of the district’s online or alternative learning programs. 

The board will provide state allocated resources to support the foundation, content, and continuous improvement of a comprehensive K-12 school counseling program, consistent with 
best practices described in state and national models. As feasible within existing state allocations, all school counseling programs will include the following elements: classroom counseling curriculum, individual student planning, responsive services, and systems support for the counseling program. 

Cross References:
2170 - Career and Technical Education 
3112 – Social Emotional Climate 
3123 - Withdrawal Prior To Graduation 
3210 - Nondiscrimination 

Legal References:
RCW 28A.320.280 School counselors, social workers, and psychologists—Priorities 
RCW 28A.320.290 School counselors, social workers, and psychologists—Professional collaboration
RCW 28A.320.600 - 620 
RCW 28A.410.043 School counselor certification 
WAC 392-190-010 Agency filings affecting this section Counseling and guidance services—Course and program 
enrollment. 

Approved: July 26, 2022