This section adds a new section to an existing chapter 28A.320. Here is the modified chapter for context.
By the beginning of the 2022-23 school year each school district shall develop and implement a written plan for a comprehensive school counseling program that is based on regularly updated standards developed by a national organization representing school counselors. The written plan must:
Establish a comprehensive school counseling program that uses state and nationally recognized counselor frameworks and is systemically aligned to state learning standards;
Provide a process for identifying student needs through a multilevel school data review and analysis that includes, at a minimum, use-of-time data, program results data, and data regarding communication with administrators, parents, students, and stakeholders;
Explain how direct and indirect services will be delivered through the comprehensive school counseling program; and
Establish an annual review and assessment process for the comprehensive school counseling program that includes building administrators and stakeholders.
This section adds a new section to an existing chapter 28A.320. Here is the modified chapter for context.
The comprehensive school counseling program required by section 2 of this act must be implemented by school counselors or other educational staff associates for the purpose of guiding students in academic pursuits, career planning, and social-emotional learning.
School counselors or other educational staff associates assigned to implement comprehensive school counseling programs must allocate at least 80 percent of their work time providing direct and indirect services to benefit students, as aligned with standards developed by a national organization representing school counselors. Tasks such as coordinating and monitoring student testing, supervising students at lunch and recess, and assuming the duties of other noncounseling staff are not direct or indirect services.
For purposes of this section:
"Direct services" are in-person interactions between school counselors or other educational staff associates assigned to implement comprehensive school counseling programs and students that help students improve achievement, attendance, and discipline. Examples include, but are not limited to, instruction, appraisal, advisement, and counseling.
"Indirect services" are provided on behalf of students as a result of interactions with others by school counselors or educational staff associates assigned to implement comprehensive school counseling programs that allow school counselors or educational staff associates to enhance student achievement and promote equity and access for all students. Examples include, but are not limited to, collaboration, consultation, and referrals.
"Work time" means the portion of an employee's contracted hours for which they are contracted to perform the duties of a school counselor or other educational staff associate assignment.
This section adds a new section to an existing chapter 28A.320. Here is the modified chapter for context.
By December 1, 2021, the office of the superintendent of public instruction must develop and distribute to school districts guidance for the implementation of sections 2 and 3 of this act. In meeting the requirements of this subsection (1), the office of the superintendent of public instruction shall consult with small school districts and develop guidance for small districts that is appropriate for the staffing resources, school counselor to student ratios, and range of duties performed by school counselors and educational staff associates in small school districts.
Prior to the 2022-23 school year, each school district board of directors must, within existing funds, adopt a transition plan for developing and implementing a comprehensive school counseling program plan.
This section expires June 30, 2023.