Action:
Repeal and Amend Following Periodic Review
Action 6868
General Information
| Action Summary |
This regulation does not need to be an independent chapter, but can be streamlined under 8VAC20-720, which will enhance clarity and reduce the number of the Board’s regulatory chapters subject to periodic reviews. The underlying statutory requirements of Chapter 620 will be retained in Chapter 720.
Further, the language formerly found under 8VAC20-620 will be amended to remove references to “guidance” and replace them with “counseling.” This change is being made subsequent to Chapter 139 of the 2019 Acts of the Assembly, which changed the name as used in the Code of Virginia from “guidance counselors” to “school counselors.” Chapter 139 further directed that school counselors in elementary and secondary schools spend at least 80 percent of their time during normal school hours in the direct counseling of individuals or groups of students. This further illustrates the intention of the legislature to signal a shift in the role of individuals previously described as “guidance counselors”. By removing references to “guidance” found in 8VAC20-620, the regulations will be aligned to the Code of Virginia and reflect the transition from “guidance counseling” to “school counseling” which differ significantly in their scope and approach. School counseling is a more comprehensive and modern approach that has largely replaced the traditional guidance counseling model. Guidance counselors primarily concentrated on vocational guidance and post-graduation planning and traditionally are not required to possess a master’s degree in counseling. School counselors take a holistic approach, addressing academic, career, and social/emotional development of students. The transition from guidance counseling to school counseling reflects a broader understanding of students' needs in today's educational environment, emphasizing a more integrated and comprehensive approach to student success.
Eliminating “guidance” in the regulatory catalogue will clarify the role of school counselors and eliminate confusion about the responsibilities and scope of this role in public schools. |
| Chapters Affected |
| |
VAC |
Chapter Name |
Action Type |
| Primary |
8 VAC 20-620 |
Regulations Regarding School Guidance and Counseling Programs in the Public Schools of Virginia |
Repeal Entire Regulation
|
| Other chapters |
| |
8 VAC 20 - 720 |
Regulations Governing Local School Boards and School Divisions |
Amend Existing Regulation
|
|
| Executive Branch Review |
This action will go through the normal Executive Branch Review process.
|
| RIS Project |
Yes [8341] |
| Result of Prior Periodic Review Filed |
3/14/2025
|
| New Periodic Review |
This action will not be used to conduct a new periodic review.
|
Stages
Stages associated with this regulatory action.
| Stage ID |
Stage Type |
Status |
|
10943
|
Fast-Track
|
Submitted to the Registrar and awaiting publication (12/01/2025). |
Contact Information
|
Name / Title:
|
Jim Chapman
/
Director of Board Relations
|
|
Address:
|
James Monroe Bldg.
101 N. 14th St., 25th Floor
Richmond, VA 23219
|
|
Email Address:
|
jim.chapman@doe.virginia.gov
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Phone:
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(804)750-8750
FAX: ()-
TDD: ()-
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This person is the primary contact for this agency.
