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.