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2140 - Comprehensive School Counseling Program

BOARD POLICY No. 2140

COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL COUNSELING PROGRAM

The Walla Walla Public Schools’ Board of Directors recognizes that a comprehensive school counseling program is an important part of the district’s total program of instruction and support for all students.

The district will create a written plan to develop 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 that supports the long-term goal of full implementation of the written plan.

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. Under the direction of administration, 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. School counselors align supports with the district’s vision, mission, and school improvement goals.

School counselors will spend no less than 80% of their contracted work time on direct and indirect supports to students. Direct services are in-person engagements between comprehensive school counseling program staff and students that help students improve achievement, attendance, and discipline. Examples of direct services include, but are not limited to, instruction, appraisal, advisement, and counseling. Indirect services are provided on behalf of students to enhance student achievement and promote equity and access for all students. Examples of indirect services include, but are not limited to, consultation, student advocacy, and referral.

It is the goal of the Walla Walla Public Schools’ Board of Directors that the district’s comprehensive school counseling program will 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, the district 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 board will provide resources to support the foundation, content, and continuous improvement of a comprehensive K-12 school counseling program. As feasible within existing resources, 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:
Board Policy 2170 - Career and Technical Education
Board Policy 3112 - Social Emotional Climate
Board Policy 3123 - Withdrawal Prior To Graduation
Board Policy 3210 - Nondiscrimination - Students

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.410.043 School counselor certification
WAC 392-190-010 Agency filings affecting this section Counseling and guidance services—Course and program enrollment.
RCW 28A.320.600 – 620

  

Adopted by the Board: July 16, 2002
Revised: August 16, 2022

WALLA WALLA PUBLIC SCHOOLS • 364 South Park St. • Walla Walla, WA 99362 • Phone: 509-527-3000 • Fax: 509.529.7713

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