RESIDENCY  PROGRAM RESEARCH & BRIEFS

Bridging the History, Policy, Preparation, and Practice of the School Counseling Profession 

This research report examines how California became a national leader in advancing school counseling—and what is needed to sustain that leadership. 

Developed by the California Association of School Counselors (CASC) and funded by the Californian's Dedicated to Education Foundation, the report draws on more than a century of history, landmark legislation, workforce data, and district case studies. It traces the evolution of the profession from vocational guidance to a central role in academic, college and career, and social-emotional behavioral support, highlighting milestones such as the PPS credential, the 2023 California Standards for the School Counseling Profession, LCFF, and AB 2508. 

The report also explores integrated funding through the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) Fee Schedule and Medi-Cal, emerging staffing models, and California’s first statewide School Counselor Residency Program. It concludes with five strategic recommendations to ensure equitable access for every student. 

Recruiting and Retaining Educators of Color

The Education Trust-West  in partnership with California County Superintendents Educational Services Association developed Recruiting and Retaining Educators of Color: Hiring Practices to Diversify Your Candidate Pool & Strategies to Support and Retain Educators—a research-based resource designed to help education leaders strengthen workforce diversity.

The resource outlines actionable strategies to:

• Expand and diversify candidate pools through equitable, inclusive hiring practices

• Address systemic barriers that limit access to the teaching profession for educators of color

• Improve retention by fostering supportive, inclusive school environments and professional growth opportunities

Grounded in data and practitioner insights, the guide emphasizes that diversifying the educator workforce is critical to improving student outcomes, particularly for students of color, who benefit academically and socially from having teachers who reflect their identities and experiences.