COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

P.O. BOX 2120

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120

SUPTS. MEMO NO. 17

January 23, 2004

INFORMATIONAL

TO:	Division Superintendents
FROM:	Jo Lynne DeMary Superintendent of Public Instruction
SUBJECT:	Standards for School Counseling Programs in Virginia Public Schools

On January 7, 2004, Standards for School Counseling Programs in Virginia Public Schools (Attachment A) were approved by the Board of Education. These standards replace the Standards of Learning for School Counseling and Guidance Programs that were adopted in 1984. The standards are arranged in three domains: academic development, career development, and personal/social development and in four grade groups: kindergarten through third, fourth and fifth; sixth through eighth; and ninth through twelfth.

The Standards for School Counseling Programs are based on the premise that students will acquire an understanding of the knowledge and skills that contribute to continuous learning and offer a foundation for what a well-planned school-counseling program should provide. The standards reflect the progression of student growth throughout the school experience and ensure that students continue to develop appropriate knowledge and skills at all grade levels.

If additional information is needed about the Standards for School Counseling Programs, please contact Sylinda Gilchrist, school counseling specialist, at sgilchri@mail.vak12ed.edu or (804) 786-9377.

JLD/SG

Attachment

/administrators/superintendents_memos/2004/inf017a.pdf