School Counseling

A comprehensive school counseling program is an integral component of supporting a school's mission. School counselors are certified educators who are uniquely trained to equitably support success for ALL students. They help all students in the areas of academic achievement, career exploration and preparation, and social-emotional development, ensuring today's students become the productive, well-adjusted adults of tomorrow. ​

​Per the current ASCA National Model, which OSPI supports as best practice for the school counseling profession, school counselors should spend most of their time in direct service and contact with students. School counselors' duties are focused on the overall delivery of the total program through school counseling core curriculum, individual student planning, and responsive services. A small amount of their time is devoted to indirect services related to system support. Learn more about the role of the school counselor.​

Washington School Counselor Association (WSCA)​

Washington state school counselors can receive additional support from a committed group of practicing school counselors who serve as board and committee members for the WSCA state professional organization. ​

​WA School Counseling​ Legislation

RCW 28A.410.043​

School counselors must be certified and deliver a comprehensive school counseling program based on the national standards for school counseling programs of the American school counselor association.​

WAC 392-348-245​

A minimum of one full-time person, or equivalent, shall be provided for counseling and guidance services. Personnel assigned to...counseling and guidance responsibilities shall have a minimum of one year of training beyond the bachelor's degree including... (click link for more details).​

RCW 28A.320.280​

Differentiates the roles of 3 ESA's: school counselors, school psychologists and school social workers. Also acknowledges these professionals are involved in multi-tiered systems of support for academic and behavioral skills.

RCW 28A.320.600, RCW 628A.320.610, and RCW 28A.320.620

Detail the requirements of district comprehensive school counseling program plans aligned with the national school counseling model and implementation expectations. This legislation requires, among other things, that staff implementing the comprehensive school counseling program spend 80% of their time in direct and indirect service to students.