Optimize school counselors and raise your school′s cultural competence The authors make a compelling case for recognizing professional school counselors as leaders of 21st-century change rather than "gatekeepers" of the status quo. Today′s school leaders need to acknowledge counselors′ value in the necessary work of providing equitable resources and opportunities for children in today′s multicultural environment. Aligned with the American School Counseling Association National Model for school counseling programs, Culturally Proficient Collaboration provides a conceptual framework and practical protocols for utilizing school counselors as: Change agents for school improvement Creators of results-based programs Advocates for equity among demographic groups Included are case stories and reflective activities for building educators′ skills in serving as leaders, advocates, collaborators, and systemic-change agents. Readers will find a clearly outlined path for empowering counselors to transform your leadership team and your school for the benefit of all students.

The 2023 version of the California Standards for the School Counseling Profession provide an opportunity to expand upon the recent advancements made in school counseling. They are grounded in changes in policy, legislation, research, and the evolving role of school counselors across the Golden State. They support the paradigm that places emphasis on students through the lens of cultural sensitivity, equity, and accessibility. Their practices are evidence-based, data-driven, and culturally responsive, offering a continuum of services from prevention to extensive intervention. When school counselors adhere to the principles and criteria represented in these Standards, studies show that students experience greater overall success in their academic, career, and personal journeys.The Standards were developed to coincide with notable advancements in the field. These advancements include the expansion of the school counselor workforce with over 14,000 currently working in California schools. This number has doubled since the last professional standards were published in 2009. While the California counselor-to-student ratios vary across schools, the statewide average stands at slightly over 1:500. Significant strides have been achieved with a 1:500 counselor-to-student ratio, but it still surpasses the national standards twofold. Therefore, in 2022 Governor Newsom unveiled an ambitious 10-point plan aimed at enhancing student mental health, which includes a heightened commitment to increasing the number of school counselors.