During the 2005-06 school year, the Department of Education’s guidance and counseling model must provide Standard and strategies for school districts to use and follow in developing and implementing a comprehensive guidance and counseling program in their districts. This model must assist school districts and communities with the planning, development, implementation, and assessment of a school guidance and counseling program to support the personal, social, educational, and career development of pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade students.

1. School Counselors

   • a. Schools with fewer than 600 students must provide the services of a school counselor in the following ratios: Enrollment Minimum Allotted Time Daily Up to 200 100 minutes 201 to 300 150 minutes 301 to 400 300 minutes 401 to 500 250 minutes 501 to 600 300 minutes

   • b. Schools with enrollments of 501 or more must employ one full-time certified school counselor. Schools with more than 600 students must provide school counseling services at the ratio of 50 minutes for each additional 51 to 100 students to the extent that the total school enrollment reflects a minimum of 50 minutes of school counseling services for every 100 students.

   • c. A career specialist may be employed to provide career school counseling services.

   • d. By the 2011-12 school year, the student-to-school counseling personnel ratio will be reduced to 300 to 1 as funds become available.

C. Guidance Program A comprehensive guidance program including career awareness, is required in schools having any combination of grades K-5.

D. Guidance Program/School-to-Work Initiative

• 1. A comprehensive guidance program, including career development, is required in schools having any combination of grades 6-8.