CA Education Code § 49600

CA Education Code § 49600

CA ASSN. OF SCHOOL COUNSELORS — CEC: § 49600 REVISIONS (AB 2508, QUIRK‑SILVA 2022) — 05/2023

Section Description
Section 49600
Authority to provide counseling; educational counseling defined.
(a) The governing board of a school district may, and is urged to, provide access to a comprehensive educational counseling program for all pupils enrolled in the school district. It is the intent ... within a Multi‑Tiered Systems of Support framework.

(b) For purposes of this section, "educational counseling" means specialized services provided by a school counselor possessing a valid credential ... that support pupils in academic, social‑emotional development, and college and career readiness.

(c) It is the intent of the Legislature that school counselors do all of the following:
  (1) Engage with, advocate for, and provide both of the following services for all pupils:
    (A) Direct services, including, but not limited to, individual counseling, group counseling, risk assessment, crisis response, and instructional services ... postsecondary educational services.
    (B) Indirect services, including, but not limited to, positive school climate strategies, teacher and parent consultations, and referrals ...
  (2) Plan, implement, and evaluate comprehensive school counseling programs.
  (3) Work within multi‑tiered systems of support ... monitor and improve pupil behavior, attendance, engagement, and achievement.
...
  (11) Engage in continued development as a professional school counselor.

(d) Educational counseling shall include academic counseling and postsecondary services, in the following areas:
  (1) Immediate and long‑range educational plans.
  (2) Progress toward proficiency standards.
... up to (5) Provide high‑quality career programs at all grade levels ... benefit from … Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) …

(e) May also include:
  (1) Individualized review of academic/deportment records.
  (2) Advising pupils at risk of not promoting or graduating.
... up to (11) Providing training to school staff to recognize mental health warning signs.

(f) Does not prohibit persons participating in an organized advisory program approved ...

Amended by Stats 2022 ch 153 (AB 2508), eff. 1 / 1 / 2023; Stats 2017 ch 641 (AB 830), eff. 1 / 1 / 2018; Stats 2015 ch 539 (SB 451), eff. 1 / 1 / 2016.
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