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.

The general goal of the District's comprehensive school guidance and counseling program is 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. Such a program should:

1. provide counseling services that address the academic, career, and social/emotional development of all students.
   
   
2. advocate for all students to have an equal opportunity to learn and grow as individuals.
   
   
3. aid students in identifying options and making choices about their educational and vocational future.
   
   
4. refer students in need to appropriate specialists and agencies.
   
   
5. provide proactive leadership and guidance in the school community.
   
   
6. collaborate and consult with families, teachers, and administrators in order to meet the academic, social, and emotional needs of students.
   
   
7. assess the results of the school counseling program to ensure it is meeting the needs of students, staff, and parents.
   
   
8. assist in creating a safe school climate.
   
   
9. assist students in developing a sense of belonging and self-respect.

The District will develop and use materials, orientation programs and counseling techniques that encourage participation in all school programs and courses of study, including career and vocational technical programs and employment opportunities, based on factors other than 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.

The District will not deny any student the ability to participate in or benefit from its any of its course offerings based on any of the categories listed in this policy, whether they take place on or off school grounds or are offered as part of the District's online or alternative learning programs.

Annually, the District will review student enrollment data within courses and programs disaggregated by sex, race, limited-English proficiency and disability, including students protected under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. In reviewing the data, the District will determine whether a substantially disproportionate number of students within these categories are enrolled in a particular course or program. If disproportionality is found, the District will take prompt action to ensure that it is not the result of discrimination in 1) the identification and selection of students; 2) course and program enrollment criteria; 3) tests and appraisal instruments; 4) academic, career and vocational guidance materials; 5) work-study programs and opportunities; 6) educational scheduling or placement by counselors; or 7) other factors related to course or program enrollment.

The Board will provide resources to support the foundation, content, and continuous improvement of a comprehensive K-12 school counseling program.

The Board directs the Superintendent to work with the staff, community and appropriate agencies to develop, implement and regularly evaluate this program.

Legal References:

Adoption Date: April 21, 1998
Revised: February 23, 2015