The Seattle School Board recognizes that advising and school counseling are important parts of the district’s total program of instruction and are integral to achieving the district’s mission of academic excellence and success for all students.  

To support advising, the district will develop and use materials, orientation programs and course request processes that encourage participation in all school programs and courses of study, including career and vocational technical programs and employment opportunities, for all students consistent with Board Policy No. 3210, Nondiscrimination, Acts of Hostility and Defamation.

The Board believes school counseling is vital to maximizing student achievement and wellness, supporting safe, compassionate learning environments, and developing students’ readiness for college, career, and life. To support school counseling, the district will develop a comprehensive school counseling program in alignment with best practices in state and national models.

The district will not deny any student the ability to participate in, or benefit from, its student support system or its course offerings based on any category protected under Board Policy No. 3210, whether they take place on or off school grounds or are offered as part of the district’s online or alternative learning programs

The Board authorizes the Superintendent to create procedures to implement this policy in accordance with state laws and regulations, ethical standards, and district policies and procedures, including the requirement for a K-12 Comprehensive School Counseling Program.