Policy No. 2140
Section: 2000 - Instruction

GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING

The Burlington-Edison board of directors recognizes that guidance and counseling is an important part of the district’s total program of instruction and is integral in achieving the district’s mission of academic excellence and success for all students. The district will provide counseling and guidance services in accordance with state laws and regulations, school improvement plans, ethical standards, and district policies and procedures.

The board believes school counselors serve a vital role in maximizing student achievement and supporting a safe, compassionate learning environment. In the Burlington-Edison district, the purpose and role of the school counselor includes, but is not limited to, the responsibility 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. School counselors shall also act as a liaison to link students with special needs to specialists and agencies operating in and out of the school setting. As well as, provide staff members with meaningful information which can be utilized to improve the educational services offered to individual students.

It is the goal of the Burlington-Edison board of directors that the district’s comprehensive school guidance and 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.

The Board 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. All school counseling programs will include the following elements: guidance curriculum, individual student planning, responsive services, and systems support for the counseling program. The superintendent or a designee will develop procedures to implement this policy.

Legal References: RCW 28A.410.043 School counselor certification

Adoption Date: 07/27/2009

2140P Procedure