Counseling Policy
The mission and purpose of the school is education. Schools may not assume the responsibility for psychological counseling or therapy because they are not qualified or licensed to do so.
In addition to providing classroom instruction, schools may engage in the following limited counseling activities:
Provide advice and counseling regarding academic subjects, class selection for high school students, and student progress in school
Give limited guidance to students who present with non-academic personal issues or situations
Provide families with referrals to child psychologists, licensed educational psychologists, marriage and family therapists, psychiatrists, and similar professionals for diagnosis and treatment; if the school provides referrals to parents/guardians, the list must include at least three names of qualified people or entities
Provide career counseling through career information centers and plan periodic career days or career sessions during which students meet representatives of different professions
Retain, where necessary, appropriate professional individuals or service providers to offer psychological counseling services for the school, including educational testing to assess a student's academic ability, learning patterns, achievement motivation, and personality factors that are directly related to academic learning problems (prior to a contractual relationship, the principal will ensure that the professional is appropriately credentialed, licensed, insured, or otherwise properly qualified); as appropriate
Refer a student for specific or additional testing, generally through the public school where the student resides or at the expense of the parents/guardians should they so elect (see School Inclusion)
Provide high school and college counseling, sharing information with parents/guardians and students about application procedures, entrance exams, scholarships, and
financial aid; schools may also provide information sessions
In cases of actual or suspected cases of child abuse or neglect, please see
Legal Responsibility to Immediately Report Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect.
8-12-2021; 7-31-2025