The School Board shall provide a counseling program to enhance academic achievement and emotional security. The Board recognizes that some students are in greater need of guidance than others. The counseling program shall serve students' diverse needs and shall encourage productive learning experiences.

Counselors shall make every effort to respect student confidentiality as appropriate and shall consult with the Superintendent or with the District's legal counsel whenever unsure of how to respond to a student's personal problem. Parental consultation and consent for counseling shall be obtained as appropriate.

(cf. 5141 - Health Care and Emergencies)
(cf. 6164.3 - Student Mental Health - Medication and Services)

Academic counseling shall help students establish immediate and long-range educational plans consistent with their individual needs, abilities, interests and aptitudes. Insofar as possible, parents/guardians shall be included when making these plans, and student placement shall not be limited by past grades and test scores. Minority, disadvantaged, low-income and other students shall not be automatically or systematically channeled into vocational or special education.

(cf.0410 - Nondiscrimination in District Programs and Activities)

Counseling staff shall help secondary students to plan for the future, become aware of their career potential, understand the business world and develop realistic perceptions of work. Academic planning for postsecondary education shall include information about courses needed for admission to technical training institutions, colleges and universities, standardized admission tests, financial aid, and scholarships. Postsecondary institutions, prospective employers, and military recruiters may be granted access to students as deemed appropriate by counseling staff and the building administrator.

As required by law, the Superintendent shall provide biennial training for guidance and counseling staff in recognizing and overcoming sex bias.

(cf.5125- Student Records)
(cf.5141.4- Child Abuse and Neglect)
(cf.6164.5- Intervention/Assistance Teams)

Legal Reference:

Elementary and Secondary Education Act, 20 U.S.C. §9528, as amended by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (P.L. 107-110)

ALASKA STATUTES
14.18.030 Discrimination in counseling and guidance services prohibited
14.18.050 Discrimination in course offerings prohibited

ALASKA ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
4 AAC 06.530 Guidance and counseling services
4 AAC 51.330 Vocational guidance and placement