The first item of concern for me in the proposed policy is the removal of language that:
(1) Indicates collaboration between the guidance office and teaching staff
(2) Reaffirms the necessity of having licensed/certified guidance and counseling staff
(3) Assures services are available to all students from pre-K through Senior Year
Old Policy
New (draft) Policy
The policy then offers alternatives that may involve certified staff, classroom teachers (without the designation of a certification), or staff under the direction of certified staff.
It is unclear whether the BOE must choose “only one” of the alternatives listed or if this choice is left to the building principle.
The new policy also removes the term “legal guardian” and only includes “parent.”
Old Policy
New Policy
The language on equal access to services is removed but is captured later on in connection to referenced state statutes.
The policy changes are confusing and should involve a good deal of clarification before a vote as it may represent a significant change in the overall approach to how Guidance is provided and administered.
Read All Articles on BOE Agendas and Meetings
Reach Out to the Berkeley Heights Board of Education
Subscribe to NJ21st For Free
One thought on “05/30/2024 BOE Agenda Notes on Proposed Changes to Policy 2411- Guidance Counseling”