BILL REQ. #:  H-3497.1 

Prefiled 1/3/2006. Read first time 01/09/2006.   Referred to Committee on Education.

     AN ACT Relating to creating a comprehensive guidance, counseling, and planning program in schools; adding a new section to chapter 28A.600 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature recognizes that there are specific skills and a body of knowledge that each student needs to chart a course through middle school, high school, and posthigh school options. The legislature also recognizes that each student needs active involvement from parents and at least one supportive adult in the school who knows the student well and cares about the student's progress and future. Therefore the legislature intends to support students as they navigate their education by encouraging all middle schools, junior high schools, and high schools to develop a comprehensive guidance, counseling, and planning program for students.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 28A.600 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The legislature encourages each middle school, junior high school, and high school to implement a comprehensive guidance, counseling, and planning program for all students. The purpose of the program is to support students as they navigate their education and plan their future; encourage an ongoing and personal relationship between each student and an adult in the school; and involve parents in students' educational decisions and plans.
     (2) A comprehensive guidance, counseling, and planning program is a program that contains at least the following components:
     (a) A curriculum intended to provide the skills and knowledge students need to select courses, explore options, plan for their future, and take steps to implement their plans. The curriculum may include such topics as analysis of students' test results; assessments of student interests and aptitude; goal-setting skills; planning for high school course selection; independent living skills; and postsecondary options and how to access them;
     (b) Regular meetings between each student and a teacher or counselor who serves as an advisor and mentor throughout the student's enrollment at the school; and
     (c) Student-led conferences with the student's parents, guardians, or family members and the student's advisor for the purpose of demonstrating the student's accomplishments; identifying weaknesses; planning and selecting courses; and setting long-term goals.