Parents and SHAC debate separating counseling opt-out from college-and-career activities in Keller ISD

Keller ISD's School Health Advisory Council discussed whether to split the district's counseling opt-out form so parents can decline classroom counseling content while allowing students to take part in college- and career-readiness activities.

"So when a parent opts to elect their child, their student, out of counseling, they're opting them out of all of the scope right now," Summer Crowe, chair of Keller ISD SHAC, said at the May 12 meeting. Crowe reported that 615 students were opted out of counseling services this school year; of those she said middle schools accounted for 219 students and high schools accounted for 396.

Why it matters: SHAC members said the current single opt-out can prevent students from participating in activities such as career days, individual scheduling conversations and other College, Career and Military…