The district recognizes that guidance and counseling is an important part of the total program of instruction and should be provided in accordance with state laws and regulations, district policies and procedures, and available staff and program support.
School counselors serve a vital role in maximizing student achievement, supporting a safe learning environment, and addressing the needs of all students through prevention and intervention programs that are part of a comprehensive school counseling program.
The purpose and role of the school counselor is to plan, organize, and deliver a comprehensive school guidance and counseling program that personalizes education and supports, promotes, and enhances the academic, personal, social, and career development of all students, based on the national standards for school counseling programs of the American School Counselor Association.
The general goal of this program is to help students achieve the greatest personal value from their educational opportunities. Such a program should:
A. Provide staff with meaningful information which can be utilized to improve the educational services offered to individual students.
B. Provide students with planned opportunities to develop future career and educational plans.
C. Refer students with special needs to appropriate specialists and agencies.
D. Aid students in identifying options and making choices about their educational program.
E. Assist teachers and administrators in identifying the academic, social, and emotional needs of students.
F. Assist students in suicide prevention and intervention services.
All staff shall encourage students to explore and develop their individual interests in career and technical education programs and employment opportunities without regard to sex including reasonable efforts encouraging students to consider and explore “nontraditional” occupations for men and women.
The board directs the superintendent to work with the staff, community and appropriate agencies to develop, implement and regularly evaluate guidance and counseling programs.
Cross Reference:
Career and Technical Education - Policy 2170
Withdrawal Prior to Graduation - Policy 3123
Legal References:
School counselor certification - RCW 28A.410.043
Management Resources:
Guidance and Counseling Programs - Policy News, December 2008
Highline School District 401
Adopted by the Board: June 1983
Revised by the Board: 01.08, 2.10
Classification: Discretionary