The Future of School Counseling in 2024: A Recap and What Lies Ahead

In reflecting upon the recent strides made by the California Association of School Counselors (CASC), it's clear that the year 2023 marked a pivotal moment in the realm of school counseling. As we step into 2024, it's essential to not only recognize our past accomplishments but also to anticipate the foreseeable developments on the horizon.
 

Past Achievements (2021–2022)

Before delving into the future, let's briefly revisit the significant milestones achieved in 2021–2022, which laid the groundwork for the transformative changes witnessed in 2023.

Achievements 2021–2022

1. Revisions of the CA Ed Code 49600 through the passage of AB 2508 with recommended CSBA Board Policy
2. Defining 80049.1(c), the law that indicates supervision obligations for Pupil Personnel Services Credential holders explained in a brief to state government officials.
3. Increases in the Medi-Cal reimbursement rate for school counselors, commensurate with licensed mental health professionals
4. Passage of law to offer scholarships (20k) to increase school counselor workforce
5. Passage of law to create the School Counselor Residency Program
6. School counselors were included in the Governor’s ten-point plan to improve youth mental health
7. Institutionalized the second week in May as Student Mental Health Week ARC 29, 2023

Achievements 2023

1. Published the California Standards for the School Counseling Profession and rubric worksheet
2. Created a series of 12 courses on School-Based Mental Health Services (1.5 graduate units available per course issued by UC Santa Barbara)
3. Collaborated with education partners in ensuring DHCS created structures and regulatory provisions related to the role of PPS in the supervision/oversight of Wellness Coaches (a new classified position, arising from the CYBHI); this is still ongoing
4. Press release created on confidentiality laws and student rights

Shifting the Paradigm: A Pivotal Year in 2023

2023 was a pivotal year for school counseling. It marked a shift in the profession's perception, aligning it more closely with mental health services on school campuses. Legislators' misconceptions about school counselors being solely academic counselors were addressed, highlighting the comprehensive support that school counselors have always provided, although under different labels.

The release of the California Standards for the School Counseling Profession and the introduction of mental health courses were strategic moves to strengthen school counselors' capacity to address mental and behavioral health issues effectively. These initiatives aimed to meet the rising demand for mental health services, align with the Governor's Plan for Youth Mental Health and bring California's school counselors in line with their counterparts in other states.
 

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Although California has made significant policy improvements, the real test lies in implementation at the local level. School counselors face the challenge of balancing their expanding roles with existing responsibilities and ensuring that we adhere to the scope of practices (CASC Standards) that align with California laws and national guidelines. This is the time to have conversations with administrators on non-counseling duties and the benefits of streamlining our work as highly trained professionals.

The shift in school counseling, from random acts of guidance to data-driven decision making, has been a defining feature of the profession in the 21st century. The ASCA National Model laid the foundation for delivering comprehensive school counseling programs. However, individual states are held accountable for defining the role of school counselors, since the primary laws that govern education are at the state level.
 

The Future: Priorities for 2024

Looking ahead to 2024, CASC has identified key priorities:

1. Wellness Coaches: Negotiating the role of wellness coaches on school campuses has been an arduous task undertaken by all major education associations and unions in California. Ensuring that the role of wellness coaches complements, rather than supplants, the work of school counselors is a top priority. The creation of a position called “Wellness Coach” was passed in the CYBHI in 2021. Funding has been set aside to provide an associate degree (Wellness Coach I) and a bachelor’s degree (Wellness Coach II) to work in community and school settings. If placed on school campuses, they must receive “supervision” by individuals who hold a Pupil Personnel Service Credential. We are currently working with the California Teachers Association, the School Psychologists and School Social Workers to petition the state to provide clear criteria.
2. Mental Health Course Expansion: The remaining nine courses from the 12-course series on mental health services will be launched throughout the year, further enhancing school counselors' expertise.
3. Description of Practice: CASC is in the process of establishing a team to develop a Description of Practice document. This document will further elucidate the expectations within each of the six broad standards outlined in the California Standards for the School Counseling Profession, providing a detailed roadmap for effective and research-based counseling services.

In conclusion, the school counseling profession in California made significant strides in 2023 in aligning with the evolving needs of students. As we move into 2024, the focus remains on ensuring that these advancements translate into effective support for students. The journey of school counseling in California has been marked by significant achievements and a commitment to adapting to the evolving needs of students. As we move forward, it is essential to maintain the unique role of school counselors while expanding our capacity as appropriately needed.

Contact Loretta Whitson, Ed.D., CASC executive director, at executivedirector@schoolcounselor-ca.org.