WSSB recognizes that a comprehensive school counseling program based on current national and state standards of best practice is an important part of WSSB’s total program of instruction and support for all students.
WSSB 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. WSSB will revise its plan as necessary based on relevant data. WSSB will also create a transition plan that supports the long-term goal of full implementation of the written 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 WSSB’s vision, mission, and school improvement goals. In addition to school counselors, all Educational Staff Associate (ESA) staff, in collaboration, serve to support the implementation of a comprehensive, multi-tiered system of student supports.
In accordance with SSB 5030, school counselors and other ESA staff implementing the comprehensive school counseling program will spend no less than 80% of their contracted time on direct and indirect supports to students and no more than 20% of their contracted time on program planning and school support activities.
It is the goal of WSSB that the 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, WSSB 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.
WSSB will provide 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 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 Reference:
SSB 5030
RCW 28A.410.040
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.