About the California Administrative Services Credential

The recipient of an Ed.D. from St. Mary’s College of California, Helen K. Foster brings more than two decades of education experience to her position as the Superintendent of Schools for Coalinga-Huron Unified School District in Fresno County, California. In addition to her leadership role with the district, Helen K. Foster coaches other education professionals who are seeking the California Administrative Services Credential.

All school administrators in California must hold Clear California Administrative Credential from the state. The credentialing system ensures that administrators are qualified for their positions and allows credential holders to undertake duties such as developing and coordinating instructional programs; managing fiscal services for schools; and overseeing student support services such as extracurricular activities.

The state manages a two-stage process for obtaining a Clear Administrative Credential. The first stage involves obtaining the preliminary credential, which is approved for applicants who meet the basic application requirements as outlined by the state’s credentialing board. They may either take classes, or pass a comprehensive test to qualify. This preliminary credential lasts for five years, during which time the applicant must complete additional requirements to ultimately receive their Tier 2 portion of their administrative credential. Among other things, these requirements include completing both two years of experience as a California school administrator, and an approved administrative induction course.

Power Dynamics and School Culture Workshop Builds Leadership Skills

As the Superintendent of Schools, Helen K. Foster serves the Coalinga-Huron Unified School District in Coalinga, California. Helen K. Foster is a member of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA). 

The ACSA holds a variety of workshops to help school administrators further their professional development, including a workshop called Power Dynamics and School Culture. School culture is critical to the success of a school, and the power dynamics in play can either enhance or destroy school culture.

Dynamics that lead to power struggles can become debilitating, which makes leaders who understand how to maintain team unity critical to success. ACSA’s Power Dynamics and School Culture workshop equips leaders with the skills to identify and eliminate power struggles. 

The workshop’s content is divided into two parts, with speaker and author Janice Case leading the first part. Dates for the workshop are forthcoming.