1. (a) Because the school counselor plays a critical role in campus effectiveness and student achievement the State Board for Educator Certification adopts the rules in this subchapter to ensure that each candidate for the school counselor certificate is of the highest caliber and possesses the knowledge and skills necessary to improve the performance of the diverse student population of this state.
2. (b) Each individual serving as a school counselor is expected to actively participate in professional development activities to continually update his or her knowledge and skills. Currency in best practices and research as related to both campus leadership and student learning is essential.
3. (c) The holder of a school counselor certificate issued under the provisions of this chapter may provide counseling services to students in regular education programs, career and technology education programs and special education programs in pre-kindergarten through grade 12.

Source Note:The provisions of this §239.1 adopted to be effective January 23, 2001, 26 TexReg 761; amended to be effective July 13, 2004, 29 TexReg 6644.