| 조치 요약 |
This regulation does not need to be an independent chapter, but can be streamlined under 8VAC20-720, which will enhance clarity and reduce the number of the Board’s regulatory chapters subject to periodic reviews. The underlying statutory requirements of Chapter 620 will be retained in Chapter 720. Further, the language formerly found under 8VAC20-620 will be amended to remove references to “guidance” and replace them with “counseling.” This change is being made subsequent to Chapter 139 of the 2019 Acts of the Assembly, which changed the name as used in the Code of Virginia from “guidance counselors” to “school counselors.” Chapter 139 further directed that school counselors in elementary and secondary schools spend at least 80 percent of their time during normal school hours in the direct counseling of individuals or groups of students. This further illustrates the intention of the legislature to signal a shift in the role of individuals previously described as “guidance counselors”. By removing references to “guidance” found in 8VAC20-620, the regulations will be aligned to the Code of Virginia and reflect the transition from “guidance counseling” to “school counseling” which differ significantly in their scope and approach. School counseling is a more comprehensive and modern approach that has largely replaced the traditional guidance counseling model. Guidance counselors primarily concentrated on vocational guidance and post-graduation planning and traditionally are not required to possess a master’s degree in counseling. School counselors take a holistic approach, addressing academic, career, and social/emotional development of students. The transition from guidance counseling to school counseling reflects a broader understanding of students' needs in today's educational environment, emphasizing a more integrated and comprehensive approach to student success. Eliminating “guidance” in the regulatory catalogue will clarify the role of school counselors and eliminate confusion about the responsibilities and scope of this role in public schools. |
