TITLE 17. EDUCATION

CHAPTER 19. GUIDANCE COUNSELORS AND DIRECTORS

17:3002      Definition of terms

  A. The terms "guidance counselor," "guidance director," and "practice of school guidance counseling" for the purposes of this Chapter shall have the meaning respectively ascribed to them in this Section.

  B. "Guidance counselor" is a member of the school faculty who by training and background, is qualified to engage in educational and vocational guidance. The purpose of a guidance counselor is to help students to arrive at their full potential through a process involving direct contact between the counselor and a student, parents, teachers, school administrators and/or others.

  C. "Guidance director" is a member of the school faculty who functions as a guidance counselor but has the following additional responsibilities in the school system:

  (1) The director aids teachers by gathering and interpreting facts which will enable the student to take advantage of the educational opportunities available and to maximize personal growth and development.

  (2) The director fosters a greater understanding between teachers and parents of the emotional, social, and academic problems of the individual student as well as the potentialities and limitations of the student.

  D. (1) The "practice of school guidance counseling" means the rendering, offering to render, or supervising those who render to individuals or groups of pupils within the elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schools, services involving the application of counseling procedures for learning how to solve problems and make decisions.

  (2) In the practice of counseling:

  (a) The counselor serves as an advocate for children within the adult structure of the school and community and has as his or her prime responsibility, services to and for the pupil, and

  (b) The counselor does not include among his or her responsibilities the administration of disciplinary action, substitute teaching, or administrative clerical duties.

  (3) A guidance counselor shall devote not less than two-thirds of each academic school year to the practice of school guidance counseling.

Amended by Acts 1994, 3rd Ex.Sess., No. 45, Sec. 2. Added by Acts 1962, No. 319, Sec. 2. Amended by Acts 1976, No. 389,Sec. 1; Acts 1977, No. 334, Sec. 1; Acts 1994, 3rd Ex.Sess., No. 45, Sec.2.