2140P: Comprehensive School Counseling Program

The district’s comprehensive school counseling program (program) will be based on the national model for school counseling and be regularly updated.

At all grade levels the program will support the three domains of school counseling, which are (1) social emotional development, (2) academic development, and (3) career readiness. The program will align with the related state and national frameworks, such as the WA MTSS Framework.

The program will be systematically aligned to state learning standards, including the WA SEL standards. The program will utilize a data driven process to identify students’ needs. Data sources will include use of time data, program results data, and data from communications with administrators, parents, students, or other stakeholders.

The program will deliver direct and indirect services. Direct services are in-person interactions between comprehensive school counseling program staff and students that help students improve achievement, attendance, and behavior. Examples of direct services include 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 collaboration, consultation, student advocacy, and referral. At least 80% of the school counselor’s time will be for providing direct and indirect services. No more than 20% of the school counselor’s time will be spent on program planning and school support activities.

The program will establish an annual program review and program assessment process that is implemented by certified school counselors or other qualified education staff associates (ESAs).

Training and Professional Collaboration

The district will provide professional development for counselors that focuses on recognizing signs of emotional or behavioral distress in students, including but not limited to indicators of substance abuse, violence, and youth suicide, screening, accessing current resources, and making appropriate referrals. Other ESA and district staff may participate in this professional development as appropriate.

The district will facilitate collaboration and coordination between school counselors, mental health assistance team counselors and local mental health service providers at minimum of one time each year (beginning of school year) and additional sessions as needed throughout the year.