CLSBA Unity Conference: Full Schedule

3:00pm PDT

Registration

Thursday September 28, 2023 3:00pm - 6:00pm PDT

5:00pm PDT

Presidents Welcome Reception

Thursday September 28, 2023 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT

Reception

6:30pm PDT

Dinner On Your Own

Thursday September 28, 2023 6:30pm - 8:30pm PDT

7:30am PDT

Power Breakfast

Friday September 29, 2023 7:30am - 8:15am PDT
Regency Ballroom

Meal

8:00am PDT

General Session

Speakers

Fiona Ma

California State Treasurer, State of California

Sylvia Mendez

American Civil Rights Activist, United States

Friday September 29, 2023 8:00am - 9:45am PDT
Regency Ballroom

General Session

10:00am PDT

Addressing the Whole Child Through Collaborative Partnerships

Limited Capacity seats available

Heber Elementary School District has embraced the "whole child" approach and has developed and enhanced the integration of supports and services with internal systems and outside agencies to meet the social-emotional, cultural, trauma-informed mental health, overall well-being, safety, and success of our students. We will be addressing three major areas: (1) Types of professional development and support we provide our staff specific to adult and student relationships/families, and trauma informed practices; (2) Integration and coordination of services within our District and outside agencies; and (3) Multi-Tiered Levels of Support to address the "whole child".

Speakers

Juan Cruz

Superintendent, Herber Elementary School District

Tony Sandoval

Board Trustee, Heber Elementary School District

Patty Marcial

Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Herber Elementary School District

Rosa Nava

School Counselor, Heber Elementary School District

Darlene Herrera

Principal, Heber Elementary School District

Friday September 29, 2023 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Regency E 4th Floor

Workshops

10:00am PDT

Multilingual Pathways & Recognitions

Limited Capacity seats available

In the context of California’s renewed focus and investment in multilingual education, we have access to more and more resources to understand, cultivate, recognize, and advocate for biliteracy! In this workshop we will share experiences gained and resources created through the Multilingual California Alliance Project (MCAP), a 3 year grant funded by the CA EWIG EL Roadmap Implementation Grant. This collaboration was led by the California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE) and combined the expertise and efforts of County Offices of Education across the state along with institutes of higher education. See concrete examples of resources available to your districts, including the implementation of the State Seal of Biliteracy and newer biliteracy recognitions from PK to University, and collaborate on a plan that will ignite and elevate the multilingual students in your community!

Speakers

Dr. Alma Castro

Lynwood USD Board Member Director of Statewide Policy, California Association for Bilingual Education

Sara Kennedy

Professional Learning Program Specialist, California Association of Bilingual Education

Friday September 29, 2023 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Beacon A 4th Floor

Workshops

10:00am PDT

We do this “Juntos!” [Together!] School Board and District Staff: How to start, build, and expand a quality Two-way Spanish Dual Language Program

Limited Capacity seats available

Global California 2030 from the California Department of Education (CDE), sets direction for Local Education Associations (LEAs) to develop dual language programs for families, but what does it really take? How do you create a program that highlights additive bilingualism for all students?

This session will highlight how Sunnyvale’s Two-Way Dual Language Spanish Program, Juntos, is elevating the status of our Spanish speaking or Heritage Spanish-speaking Latino families with overall language development with a social-emotional-cultural lens. It will outline the role of the school board as trustees of the school district and the partnership and communication between the school board and central office to ensure the growth and development of this unique program from 2015 to present day.

Sunnyvale School District’s School Board employs the CSBA, California School Board Association’s, responsibilities of setting direction and providing support to create the environment for innovation with the Juntos, Two-Way Dual Language Spanish Program.

Speakers

Christina Lee Ballantyne

Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, Sunnyvale School District

Isabel Jubes-Flamerich

School Board President, Sunnyvale School District

Michael Gallagher

Superintendent, Sunnyvale School District

Friday September 29, 2023 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Regency F 4th Floor

Workshops

10:00am PDT

¡El futuro es hoy! Leveraging Partnership to Diversify the STEM Pipeline

Limited Capacity seats available

BUSD has leveraged CTE Pathways as a means to address the equity gap in STEM fields. The CTE "Diversifying the STEM Career Pipeline" initiative is focused on aligning our Middle School STEM curriculum with the established CTE STEM Pathways at Berkeley High School, providing early exploration of high school STEM pathway curriculum, technology, tools, and related careers beginning in the 6th grade -with a very deliberate focus on students from populations underrepresented in STEM careers most specifically, African American and Latino/a/x students.

This work is involves partnership and collaboration on multiple levels both internal and external. Internally we are supporting professional development and curriculum alignment across our 3 Middle School CTE STEM teams and vertical alignment between our Middle Schools and Berkeley High School. This includes targeted support for student transitions from middle to high school and recruitment into Hispanic and Black Engineering Society chapter at BHS. External partnerships include the Berkeley Public School Fund, The City of Berkeley Youth Equity Partnership, state funding for career technical education and philanthropic partnerships with Bayer and Wareham Development as well as support from our Labor and Industry partners through our Career Technical Education Advisory Committee.

BUSD will share the evolution of this work including strategies to build a continuum of program and support from 6th grade to high school. This workshop will also include and overview of BUSD’s strategies to expand enrollment, maximize internal and community partnerships and how we envision continued support for this important work.

Speakers

Wyn Skeels

Career Technical Education Program Manager, Berkeley Unified School District

Ana Vasudeo

Board Director, Berkeley Unified School District

Jill Hoogendyk

Associate Superintendent Educational Services, Berkeley Unified School District

Friday September 29, 2023 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Regency D 4th Floor

Workshops

11:00am PDT

Achieving Equitable Arts Education: What can LEAs do to fulfill the promise of Prop 28?

Limited Capacity seats available

Proposition 28 adds The Arts and Music in Schools— Funding Guarantee and Accountability Act to the California Education Code to provide a minimum source for annual funding to “supplement arts education programs” for pupils attending PK–12 public schools.

The passage of Prop 28 is a historic opportunity to reverse years of underinvestment in the arts and provide all students, regardless of their zip code, the complete education they deserve that prepares them for the 21st-century workforce, increases their engagement in school, and develops social-emotional skills.

SRI Education’s latest study, “Creativity Challenge: The State of Arts Education in California,” reveals that 89% of California schools fail to meet the state’s arts education mandate of offering all California students dance, music, theater, and visual arts instruction. Only 14% of schools serving primarily low-income students offer all four arts disciplines, compared to 32% of schools with a majority of affluent students.

What can LEAs do to fulfill the promise of Prop 28? To answer this question, representatives from Create CA and the Moreno Valley USD Schoolboard will provide an overview of Prop 28, review promising practices for LEAs to support and expand arts education, showcase exemplary arts programs, and dive into new resources to aid LEAs in planning and implementing arts programs.

The session will also facilitate small group discussions to surface ideas, questions, and needs to ensure the effective implementation of Prop 28.

Speakers

Abe Flores

Deputy Director of Policy & Programs, Create CA

Abe Flores is an advocate, administrator, and organizer who is “paying it forward” by advancing the arts in schools and communities.He grew up in Boyle Heights, with the arts as the spark that lit his passion for education and community. Seeing first-hand the inequitable access... Read More →

Jesus Holguin

Board Member, Moreno Valley Unified School District

Jesús M. Holguín, a supporter of public education in many ways, has served on the Moreno Valley Unified School District Governing Board since November 2002. Additionally, he has held several leadership positions within local, state, and national organizations or committees. From... Read More →

Friday September 29, 2023 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Regency E 4th Floor

Workshops

11:00am PDT

Move Over "Breakfast Club": Igniting and Elevating Saturday’s For Enhanced Community Outcomes

Limited Capacity seats available

Every year students miss school for a number of reasons, excused and unexcused. California Education Code allows districts to make up lost instructional time and lost ADA revenue during weekend classes, so how do we build a program that is attractive to students, staff and our community while promoting equity and inclusion? Come hear how MPUSD has built a state recognized Saturday program to help students recovery lost learning, advance academics, connect socially and emotionally, and how the program is self funded for sustainability.

Speakers

Veronica "Ronnie" Maramontes

Trustee, Monterey Peninsula USD

Friday September 29, 2023 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Beacon A 4th Floor

Workshops

11:45am PDT

Lunch

Friday September 29, 2023 11:45am - 12:15pm PDT
Regency Ballroom

Meal

12:15pm PDT

General Session

Speakers

Dr. Robin Avelar La Salle

Researcher, Author and Founder, Orenda Education

Friday September 29, 2023 12:15pm - 1:45pm PDT
Regency Ballroom

General Session

2:00pm PDT

Achieving Unprecedented Growth: Overcoming Challenges for Marginalized Students

Limited Capacity seats available

Unhappy with historically poor reading results for low-wealth and Hispanic students in an otherwise high-performing school district, PAUSD took bold steps to prioritize marginalized students who were not thriving within the existing system tailored for advantaged students. In a remarkable journey, PAUSD fought to replace a popular curriculum designed for privileged students, navigating through a contentious adoption process.

Amidst challenging politics, the unwavering Board of Education made a resolute decision to adopt a new curriculum that effectively addressed the gaps in the old system. In the first year, every K-2 teacher underwent training in Orton Gillingham (OG) strategies during curriculum pilots, which were later complemented by the implementation of the new curriculum in the second year.

The results were nothing short of extraordinary. i-Ready assessment data demonstrated unprecedented growth, and the forthcoming CAASPP scores have the potential to surpass those of the entire state of California. Join us to discover how the Board of Education united to overcome opposition, even when their individual beliefs varied on the path forward. Experience the transformative power of "hockey stick" growth, as we celebrate our remarkable journey of progress.

Speakers

Dr. Don Austin

Superintendent of Schools, Palo Alto Unified School District

Todd Collins

Board Member, Palo Alto Unified School District

Friday September 29, 2023 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Regency F 4th Floor

Workshops

2:00pm PDT

Collective Impact: How to work collectively for Educational Reform

Limited Capacity seats available

We proudly present a joint workshop proposal representing a collaboration between Eastside Education Initiative and Mt.Pleasant Elementary School District for the CLSBA Unity 2023 Conference. Our workshop aims to showcase the importance of coalition building through a collective impact approach with the support of strong relationships between schools, families, and community organizations to support the education and growth of underrepresented students and their communities.

The Eastside Education Initiative (EEI) vision is to increase the economic mobility of residents in East San José. To realize this vision, EEI’s mission is twofold: (1) to advocate for equal funding for East San Jose schools and (2) to provide supplemental educational services to promote a college and career readiness culture.

The workshop will share how EEI has leveraged the collective impact model for systems change by highlighting the process, its implementation of services, and its long-term advocacy plan through its engagement and collaboration with the Mt. Pleasant Elementary School District.

Collective Impact is a purposeful way of working with other partners by sharing information to solve complex situations. Instead of having a single nonprofit approach the same problem on their own, EEI’s coalition is led by experienced educational organizations, each represented by their CEOs: President & CEO Dr. Lisa Andrew from the Silicon Valley Education Foundation, President Ed Alvarez from the Latino Education Advancement Foundation, President & CEO Ron Gonzales from the Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley, and County Superintendent Dr. Mary Ann Dewan. In addition, the workshop will discuss the alliance with the school district to highlight the importance of the partnership formed between our organizations and the school district to provide supplemental educational resources, parent education, and advocacy.

EEI is shifting the conditions that currently hold the educational problems in place for East San Jose schools. Thus, the workshop will include the main components of the collective impact model, like the coordination by the “backbone” organization, leadership committee, mutually reinforced common agenda, open and continuous communication, and shared measurable goals.

Speakers

Cris Ramirez

Director, The Eastside Education Initiative (EEI)

Dr. Elida MacArthur

Superintendent, Mount Pleasant Elementary School District

Lisanna Dominguez

Chief of Staff and Strategy Officer, The Eastside Education Initiative (EEI)

Melissa Got-Lopez

Board President, Mt. Pleasant Elementary School District

Friday September 29, 2023 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Regency D 4th Floor

Workshops

2:00pm PDT

Connecting to Our Past, Challenging Our Present, Transforming Our Future: Building a Student-Centered Ethnic Studies Program at Santa Ana USD

Limited Capacity seats available

How do you create a district-wide, student-centered ethnic studies program to meet the new California ethnic studies requirement? Join Carolyn Torres, Santa Ana USD Board of Education President, Celeste Migliaccio, Director of Secondary Student Achievement, and members of the SAUSD Ethnic Studies support team to learn how you can design and implement a cross-content ethnic studies program that empowers students to transform their lives and their community.

Speakers

Celeste Migliaccio

Director of Secondary Student Achievement, Santa Ana Unified School District

Carolyn Torres

Board President, Santa Ana Usd

Roselinn Lee

Curriculum Specialist, Santa Ana Usd

Friday September 29, 2023 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Beacon A 4th Floor

Workshops

2:00pm PDT

How we Bridged the Achievement Gap at Artesia High School

Limited Capacity seats available

In this workshop you will learn about Artesia HS, an urban school in Los Angeles County, and their journey in narrowing the achievement gap. Guided by their moral imperative of doing what is best for students, learn how strategic schooling helped increase their graduation rate to 98.9% as well as made double digit gains in the CST era as well as in CAASPP.

Artesia High School has found a way to provide access and equity to minority under-performing students by improving pedagogical and systematical practices across the board; putting students' needs first in order to bridge the achievement gap.

Speakers

Dr. Gina Zietlow

Superintendent, ABC Unified School District

Dr. Olga Rios

Board Member, ABC Unified School District

Mr. Sergio Garcia

Principal, ABC Unified School District

Ms. Roselia Gomez

Assistant Principal, ABC Unified School District

Friday September 29, 2023 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Regency E 4th Floor

Workshops

2:00pm PDT

TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP: Get back to basics!

Limited Capacity seats available

TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP: Get back to basics! When existing practices hinder a district's ability to bring about transformational change, start by following basic legal requirements and implementing best practices. Changes in areas like open public meetings, complaint processing and responding to public records requests will help build on commitments to transparency and maintaining a positive work and educational environment. This approach opens the road for new and dynamic changes.

Speakers

Dr. Roxane Fuentes

Superintendent of Schools, Berryessa Union SD, CALSA President

Dr. Rebeca Andrade

Superintendent, Salinas City Elementary School District

Salvador O. Holguín, Jr.

Partner, Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo

Friday September 29, 2023 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Beacon B 4th Floor

Workshops

3:00pm PDT

Assets-Oriented Approach to Igniting & Elevating Multilingual Learners

Limited Capacity seats available

The Woodland Joint Unified School District is engaged in various initiatives that ignite and elevate Multilingual Learners' success using an assets-oriented approach. Learn about how WJUSD is partnering with CABE to build teacher and parent capacity through the English Learner Road Map, PROMESA Grant, and Project to Inspire.

Speakers

Dr. Bárbara Flores

Immediate Past President, California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE)

Elodia Ortega-Lampkin

Superintendent, Woodland Joint Unified School District

Deborah Bautista Zavala

Board Vice President, Woodland Joint Unified School District

Friday September 29, 2023 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Regency F 4th Floor

Workshops

3:00pm PDT

Community Schools Promise and Implementation in Latinx Communities

Limited Capacity seats available

The Anaheim Union High School District defines a community school as a safe place at the heart of a community where students, staff, and families are connected and work together to expand opportunities and address the needs of the whole child so that all students can thrive and realize their unlimited potential. AUHSD has been funded $24 million for community schools at 13 sites, proportionally the most in the state of California. This interactive workshop will share the journey of Gilbert High School in their first year of implementation and how you to can move towards a community schools model.

Speakers

Jose Lara

Coordinator of Alternative Education, Anaheim Union High School District

Friday September 29, 2023 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Beacon A 4th Floor

Workshops

3:00pm PDT

Empowering Voices: Unleashing the Power of Parent Leadership

Limited Capacity seats available

Discover tools to engage parents and families at your schools and district like never before. CABE offers a comprehensive parent and family leadership engagement programming that combines cutting-edge strategies and practical tools to drive transformative change. Through innovative approaches, we create spaces for reciprocal learning and collaboration between educators and families, fostering a vibrant community of shared knowledge and support. By amplifying parent voices and ensuring their perspectives are valued, we create a platform where everyone has a say in shaping the future of our schools and districts. Equipped with practical and actionable strategies, you'll have the tools to ignite positive change and create a strong, supportive parent and family community. Join us as we explore innovative approaches to engage and empower parents. Prepare to be inspired, equipped, and ready to unleash the full potential of parent leadership in your schools and district. Together, we will build a brighter future for our students and communities.

Speakers

David Calvo

Director, Family and Community Engagement, California Association for Bilingual Education

Maria Villa

Deputy Director, California Association for Bilingual Education

Friday September 29, 2023 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Regency D 4th Floor

Workshops

3:00pm PDT

Everyone Should Take Ethnic Studies, But Who Can Teach it?

Limited Capacity seats available

In this workshop, we describe current efforts to enhance teacher learning of Ethnic Studies.

Speakers

Dr. Theresa Montaño

Professor and County Board Member, California State University Northridge - Chicana/o Studies

Friday September 29, 2023 3:00pm - 3:45pm PDT
Regency E 4th Floor

Workshops

4:00pm PDT

General Session

Speakers

Brian Solis

8x Best Selling Author, Digital Anthropologist & Futurist, Inspiring Future Visionaries

Friday September 29, 2023 4:00pm - 5:15pm PDT
Regency Ballroom

General Session

5:30pm PDT

Dinner On Your Own

Friday September 29, 2023 5:30pm - 7:30pm PDT

8:00pm PDT

UNITY HARVEST MOON QUEEN MARY EXPERIENCE-Ticketed Event

Limited Capacity seats available

Fun event with a live band, great atmosphere and opportunity to engage in great networking! All-Aboard!!

Registered Superintendents, Trustees and Administrators will have one complimentary ticket at registration (if you lose your ticket, secure one below).

If you need an additional for a spouse, friend, loved one please secure below.

If you are a business partner or non-profit partner your may secure a ticket below.
Secure Tickets HERE!

Friday September 29, 2023 8:00pm - 11:30pm PDT
Queen Mary Queen Mary, Queens Highway, Long Beach, CA, USA1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, CA, 90802

Reception

7:30am PDT

Power Breakfast

Saturday September 30, 2023 7:30am - 8:15am PDT

Meal

8:00am PDT

General Session

Speakers

Roni Habib

Founder, EQ Schools

Roni Habib is an expert in helping leaders, educators, and parents become happier, more resilient, more connected to their purpose, and more playful. The founder of EQ Schools, he leads workshops and speaks in organizations nationally and abroad.Early in his career, Roni struggled... Read More →

Dolores Huerta

American labor and Civil Rights Activist Co-founder of the United Farm Workers Association

Saturday September 30, 2023 8:00am - 9:45am PDT
Regency Ballroom

General Session

10:00am PDT

Building Power from the Ground Up

Limited Capacity seats available

Newly elected trustee Julian Cuevas, from Dixon Unified School District and co-founder Briana Mullen, from Education Justice Academy will share our theory of change in creating racially just school districts through sustained community partnerships and power at the local level. Through a partnership with Stanford University, we will share the vision to create community school initiatives in Dixon Unified by rebuilding trust and engagement with the first Latinx elected official to the school board and with support from EJA. Shifting school district practices and behaviors takes much more than just policy and systems - it takes a community collectively reenvisioning what they expect from their local public schools. Join us to discuss progress to date and how you can start building power from the ground up in your community!

Speakers

Briana Mullen

Co-Founder, Education Justice Academy

Saturday September 30, 2023 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Beacon B 4th Floor

Workshops

10:00am PDT

CULTIVATING CONNECTIONS: Fostering Culturally Responsive School Leadership in Community Engagement

This conference workshop, titled "Cultivating Connections: Fostering Cultural Responsiveness in School Leadership through Community Engagement," aims to empower school leaders with practical strategies and insights to create a culturally responsive and inclusive learning environment through meaningful community engagement. Drawing from the successful experiences of the Lamont Elementary School District that has been supporting community engagement and development, this workshop will provide participants with a deep understanding of the determinants of student success and the role cultural responsiveness plays in achieving positive outcomes.

Participants will learn about the impact of grassroots family organizing and institutional systems change advocacy on community investments, improved resources, and increased community capital. Attendees will explore practical approaches to empower families, cultivate connections, and champion cultural responsiveness within their educational settings. Through an interactive discussions and sharing of collaborative exercises and practices, participants will gain valuable insights and tools to build stronger partnerships with families and community educational partners.

You will leave equipped with actionable strategies to create an inclusive and culturally responsive educational environment that empowers families and provides for all students to thrive. Join this workshop to fortify your leadership skills, expand your network, and discover best practices in fostering cultural responsiveness through community engagement. Together, let's cultivate connections that transform our educational landscape and ensure equitable opportunities for all students.

Speakers

Lori Gonzales

Superintendent, Lamont Elementary School District

Saturday September 30, 2023 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Beacon A 4th Floor

Workshops

10:00am PDT

Data Actually, Is All Around: How Data Helps HLPUSD Grow

Limited Capacity seats available

HLPUSD's theme Engage, Experience, Connect: Deep Learning Every Day is based on experience data that informs the LCAP, SPSAs, and program development. Data that focuses on student learning conditions such as rubrics, surveys, the Student LCAP Committee drives initiatives that bridge achievement and opportunity gaps.

Speakers

Dr. Mark Anderson

Executive Director, Secondary Education, Hacienda La Puente Unified School District

Dr. Angela Lin

Executive Director, Elementary Education, Hacienda La Puente Unified School District

Blanca Risco

Executive Director, Multilingual Services, Hacienda La Puente Unified School District

Dr. Alfonso Jiménez

Superintendent, Hacidena La Puente Unified School District

Saturday September 30, 2023 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Regency D 4th Floor

Workshops

10:00am PDT

Enhancing Student Futures: Building Strategic Partnerships between School Districts, Army ROTC, and Navy JROTC

Limited Capacity seats available

This presentation will address the transformative benefits that have been realized through a partnership between Centinela Valley Union High School District (CVUHSD), Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) recruiters, and the Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program. This partnership has expanded college and career opportunities for CVUHSD students, creating an avenue to inspire and motivate the next generation of leaders. We will explore the advantages and strategies of such a partnership, from broadening students' perspectives about potential career paths, fostering leadership skills, instilling discipline, and encouraging civic responsibility, to providing financial aid options for college and assistance with college acceptance. The discussion will also touch upon the diverse training and scholarship opportunities available for students, thus equipping them with the right tools to succeed in both college and career fields. We will also discuss best practices drawn from these successful partnerships, offering a practical guide for initiating and sustaining these relationships.

Speakers

Dr. Stephen Nellman

Superintendent, Centinela Valley Union High School District

Hugo M. Rojas II

Vice President of Board of Trustees, Centinela Valley Union High School District

Captain Daniel Lucero

ROTC Recruiter, US Army

Commander Donald Urquidez

NJROTC Instructor, Centinela Valley Union High School District

Saturday September 30, 2023 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Regency F 4th Floor

Workshops

10:00am PDT

The Impact of the University Seal of Biliteracy & Cultural Competence (USBCC) Initiative: A Partnership with San Diego State University and the Multilingual California Project (MCAP)

Limited Capacity seats available

This workshop presents a comprehensive overview of the groundbreaking implementation of the University Seal of Biliteracy & Cultural Competence (USBCC) program at San Diego State University (SDSU). The collaboration between SDSU and the Multilingual California Project (MCAP) has resulted in a unique initiative, setting a precedent of multilingual recognition at the university level in California. This work provides an overview of the implementation, research findings, and the inaugural USBCC awards planning process, including impactful student testimonios. The article aims to highlight the event's profound significance in cultivating a vibrant and inclusive multicultural and multilingual environment within higher academia.

Speakers

Dr. Alma Castro

Lynwood USD Board Member Director of Statewide Policy, California Association for Bilingual Education

Dr. Cristina Alfaro

Associate Vice President of International Affairs, San Diego State University

Lysandra Perez

Program Coordinator USBCC, San Diego State University

Saturday September 30, 2023 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Regency E 4th Floor

Workshops

11:00am PDT

Leveraging Traditional & Social Media Partnerships to Market Your School District

Limited Capacity seats available

The subject will involve using basic media and public relations strategies to share positive stories about the district. This will encourage the media to report positive news over their continuous reporting on negative stories about education. School districts that build relationships with local media outlets and provide essential media training to staff and board members, along with incorporating effective social media best practices, will benefit from this strategy.

Speakers

Juan Cruz

Superintendent, Franklin-McKinley School District

Rudy J. Rodriguez

School Board President, Franklin-McKinley School District

Saturday September 30, 2023 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Regency E 4th Floor

Workshops

11:00am PDT

Rapidly Transform Math Engagement And Outcomes: Learn how Coachella Valley Unified is using virtual reality to teach math through tactile real world problems

Limited Capacity seats available

In a moment when student engagement is often at rock bottom, math achievement has dramatically decreased, and teachers are feeling burned out and uninspired, Coachella Valley Unified School District, a pioneer district, decided to change the status quo and partner with Prisms Virtual Reality to scale a new way of learning math.

In Prisms VR, students learn through story-driven and hands-on immersive virtual reality experiences. Prisms utilizes kinesthetic visualizations to drive structural understandings and proficiencies on bottleneck topics in Middle School Math, Algebra, and Geometry that hold students back from achieving their potential in STEM classrooms.

Speakers

Dr. Luis Valentino

Superintendent, Coachella Valley Unified School District

Saturday September 30, 2023 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Regency F 4th Floor

Workshops

12:30pm PDT

General Session

Join us for an important conversation around the future of educational funding and political issues pertaining to our organizations.

Speakers

Elizabeth Esquivel

Assistant Executive Director, Governmental Relations., CASBO

Brianna Garcia

Vice President, School Services

Saturday September 30, 2023 12:30pm - 1:45pm PDT
Regency Ballroom

General Session

2:00pm PDT

Collaborative Partnership in Building Positive Identity

Limited Capacity seats available

This session introduces the work resulting from a National Science Foundation grant related to developing educators with the capacity to integrate computational thinking (CT) instruction in math and across content areas with a broader goal of creating a positive identity for rigorous math coursework among all students, but most specifically in students identifying as Latina in grades 4 and 5. The project integrates CT into math instruction and leverages Universal Design for Learning and culturally relevant pedagogy. This session will highlight the interaction between the research team and the teacher practitioners. During the life of the grant, which fell within the time of distance learning, the team discovered that unless we better serve the needs of the teachers, we could not affect positive identity in students. This presentation will share the methods and practices put in place to create a more effective partnership that supported the needs of the teachers so to more positively impact student learning.

Speakers

Judianne Ganschow

Coordinator, Computer Science, Santa Clara County Office of Education

Karen Larson

DIRECTOR, iSTEAM, Santa Clara County Office of Education

Justin Sewell

Director, Krause Center of Innovation

Saturday September 30, 2023 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Beacon A 4th Floor

Workshops

2:00pm PDT

Nurturing Prosperity: Empowering Communities through Collaborative Asset Building

Limited Capacity seats available

In an era where social and economic disparities persist, fostering prosperity and empowering communities is an urgent endeavor. Enter the transformative approach of collaborative asset building and community schools. These initiatives ignite a powerful force that uplifts individuals, families, and neighborhoods by merging collective strengths, resources, and knowledge.

Collaborative asset building serves as the bedrock for sustainable community development. It revolves around recognizing and leveraging the existing assets within a community, including its people, businesses, organizations, and infrastructure. Through partnerships and shared goals, these assets are harnessed to drive inclusive growth and enhance the overall well-being of community members. From fostering entrepreneurship to creating local job opportunities, collaborative asset building empowers individuals to take control of their economic destinies.

Community schools are central to this empowerment movement, which are vibrant hubs of education, support, and engagement. These schools go beyond traditional academic pursuits, embracing a holistic approach that addresses the diverse needs of students and their families. By offering comprehensive services such as healthcare, counseling, nutrition, and adult education, community schools become catalysts for positive change. They provide a nurturing environment where students can thrive academically while receiving vital support for their physical, emotional, and social development.

Empowering communities through collaborative asset building and community schools cultivate a sense of ownership and agency among residents. It encourages active participation, amplifies often marginalized voices, and fosters a deep sense of belonging. These initiatives create a fertile ground for innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth by involving community members in decision-making processes and fostering inclusive leadership.

This collective effort makes prosperity a shared destination rather than an elusive dream. By nurturing prosperity, empowering communities, and building on existing strengths and resources, we pave the way for a brighter future. Together, we can create a world where every community thrives, every individual's potential is realized, and collaboration becomes the cornerstone of lasting prosperity.

People will leave the session with a step by step process guide for asset mapping, the questions we asked to our educational partners through the round table process, and a timeline for this work and next steps.

Speakers

Jessica Swift

Director of Student Services and Enrollment, Morgan Hill Unified School District

Dr. Carmen Garcia

Superintendent, Morgan Hill Unified School District

Corina Sapien

Director of Family and Community Engagement, Morgan Hill Unified School District

Adam Escoto

Board Member, Morgan Hill Unified School District

Saturday September 30, 2023 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Regency D 4th Floor

Workshops

2:00pm PDT

Re-humanizing and Liberatory Ethnic Studies Professional Development

Limited Capacity seats available

Speakers

Anita Fernández

Executive Director, Xicanx Institute for Teaching & Organizing (XITO)

Sean Arce

Consultant, Xicanx Institute for Teaching & Organizing (XITO)

Saturday September 30, 2023 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Regency F 4th Floor

Workshops

2:00pm PDT

Reviewing Charter Petitions: Lessons learned from Napa Valley Unified School District v. California State Board of Education

Limited Capacity seats available

In 2019, AB 1505 drastically changed the charter petition review process by allowing school districts to consider whether granting the charter would serve the interests of the entire community as well as the fiscal impact of the charter. It also stripped the State Board (SBE) of its ability to independently review charter appeals and now requires it to defer to the decisions of local agencies unless it finds an abuse of discretion. When SBE defiantly ignored the new law and granted a charter school’s appeal after its petition was denied by NVUSD, NVUSD sued and won. NVUSD’s Superintendent, an NVUSD Board Member and its General Counsel will share their guidance for the charter review process in light of their experiences in this landmark court battle.

Speakers

Dr. Rosanna Mucetti

Superintendent, Napa Valley Unified School District

Elba Gonzalez-Mares

Board Member, Napa Valley Unified School District

Bonifacio Bonny Garcia

NVUSD General Counsel, Garcia Hernandez Sawhney, LLP

Mary T. Hernandez

NVUSD General Counsel, Garcia Hernandez Sawhney, LLP

Saturday September 30, 2023 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Regency E 4th Floor

Workshops

2:00pm PDT

Seven Core-azón Questions For Successful Educational Communities

Limited Capacity seats available

The answers to these seven questions from candidates for appointment or employment will inform you about their core values and qualities and whether they are the right fit for your schools and community. Use these seven questions and your recommendations and decisions will be better aligned to the Core-azón of your community. These will contribute to better recruitment, retention y regeneración.

Speakers

Salvador O. Holguín, Jr.

Partner, Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo

Dr. Juan Santos

Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources, Ventura County Office Of Education, CALSA President-Elect

Saturday September 30, 2023 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Beacon B 4th Floor

Workshops

2:30pm PDT

Exhibit Hall - connect with our partners

Saturday September 30, 2023 2:30pm - 3:00pm PDT

Exhibit Hall

3:00pm PDT

Indigenous Issues Workgroup

Limited Capacity seats available

Saturday September 30, 2023 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Beacon A 4th Floor

3:00pm PDT

Union Supporters Group Meeting

Limited Capacity seats available

Saturday September 30, 2023 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Beacon B 4th Floor

5:00pm PDT

Dinner On Your Own

Saturday September 30, 2023 5:00pm - 8:00pm PDT

7:45am PDT

Power Breakfast

Sunday October 1, 2023 7:45am - 8:45am PDT
Regency Ballroom

Meal

8:45am PDT

General Session

Speakers

Simón Silva

Speaker, Artist, Author

Distinguished artist, acclaimed speaker, and celebrated author – Simón Silva champions the way for a society filled with confident, creative, and critical thinkers equipped with the 21st century skills necessary to better the world.Born in Mexicali, Mexico and raised in the Imperial... Read More →

Sunday October 1, 2023 8:45am - 10:30am PDT
Regency Ballroom

General Session

10:45am PDT

Adjourn

Sunday October 1, 2023 10:45am - 11:30am PDT