55th Annual JCCASAC Conference: Full Schedule

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7:30am PDT

Continental Breakfast

Wednesday May 7, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am PDT

Sierra Ballroom

Wednesday May 7, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am PDT
Sierra Ballroom

Breakfast

7:30am PDT

Industry Partner Showcase

Wednesday May 7, 2025 7:30am - 4:00pm PDT

Hilton Universal

Wednesday May 7, 2025 7:30am - 4:00pm PDT
Hilton Universal 555 Universal Hollywood Dr. Universal City, CA 91608

Industry Partner Showcase

7:30am PDT

Registration/Check-In

Wednesday May 7, 2025 7:30am - 4:00pm PDT

Hilton Universal

Wednesday May 7, 2025 7:30am - 4:00pm PDT
Hilton Universal 555 Universal Hollywood Dr. Universal City, CA 91608

Registration

8:30am PDT

Opening & Welcome Remarks

Wednesday May 7, 2025 8:30am - 8:50am PDT

Sierra Ballroom

Wednesday May 7, 2025 8:30am - 8:50am PDT
Sierra Ballroom

Welcome

8:50am PDT

Transition to Session One

Wednesday May 7, 2025 8:50am - 9:00am PDT

Transition

9:00am PDT

AI for Educational Leadership: Strategic Task Enhancement

Wednesday May 7, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Orchid

This practical session equips school leaders with strategies to identify high-impact opportunities for AI integration in their administrative work. Participants will evaluate their current tasks and prioritize those most suitable for AI enhancement. You will leave with a clear plan for optimizing workflows, allowing you to streamline workflows and reclaim valuable time for instructional leadership.

Speakers

Susie Oh

Susie Oh is a Coordinator of Education Technology and Innovation at the Los Angeles County Office of Education, bringing 25 years of experience in the education field. Throughout her career, Susie has served in various roles-from teacher and social studies coordinator to technology... Read More →

Ellen Palmer

Throughout her 25-year career, Ellen Palmer has consistently demonstrated a talent for integrating technology across K-12 curriculum, enhancing both teaching practices and student learning outcomes. Her expertise in educational technology became a cornerstone of her career, leading... Read More →

Wednesday May 7, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Orchid

Session One

9:00am PDT

Creating a Collaborative Team to Support Students with Disabilities in Court and Community Schools LIMITED

Wednesday May 7, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Mandarin B

School Districts across California are facing unprecedented times in education with challenges in the areas of mental health and behavior. This session will explore the steps that one district took to initially develop a support team to address identified gaps for student with severe mental health and behavioral needs in California's largest single SELPA high school district. Learn how that district support team has transformed into cross-collaboration county-wide to support incarcerated and expelled students being served at County operated Court and Community schools to promote success. This session will equip you with the tools you need to identify gaps and needs in your current educational setting for students with behavioral, mental health, or learning loss related needs. You will have ideas and resources to develop a plan for your students in a collaborative fashion with district partners and community stakeholders. Come follow Kern County Office of Education Special Education Director, Michelle Taylor-Langham and Kern High School District Special Education Director, Holly Mell on their journey through the past five years of creating and implementing a successful support team for critically at-risk youth.

Speakers

Michelle Taylor Langham

Michelle Taylor-Langham is the Director of Special Education for the Kern County Office of Education that provides support and services to the Alternative Education Department working directly with Kern County's 4 residential court schools, 1 non-residential court schools, and 6 community... Read More →

Holly Mell

Holly Mell is the Director of Special Education, Alternative Placement for the Kern High School District in Kern County. Ms. Mell oversees Alternative placement programs operated by California's largest single SELPA High School District in California. Ms. Mell has worked in K-12 education... Read More →

Wednesday May 7, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Mandarin B

Session One

9:00am PDT

Design Thinking Process Part 2 LIMITED

Wednesday May 7, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Salon 6A

A continuation of presentation provided in 2024 to include a hands-on component

Speakers

Silvia Aceves-Flores

Silvia Aceves-Flores has a Master's Degrees in Special Education with an emphasis in Mild/Moderate disabilities with BCLAD. She been working with students receiving special education services since 2014. She has worked with grades Kinder-12th grade in several educational setting including... Read More →

Mimi Seney

Mimi Seney, Ed.M serves as an educational specialist (Special Ed) at East Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility; Mimi previously served as an instructional coach for San Diego County Office of Education, Juvenile Court and Community Schools specializing in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering... Read More →

Wednesday May 7, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Salon 6A

Session One

9:00am PDT

Forming Partnerships to Customize Academic Intervention: Innovative Support through Tutoring. LIMITED

Wednesday May 7, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Mandarin A

Just as every student's needs are different, so are the needs of every intervention program unique. When we talk about customizable academic intervention programs through tutoring, what does that actually mean and what can that look like?

In-person services, virtual or hybrid?
Push-in, pull-out, during school, or after school?
Focus on one subject area of need or multiple subjects with subject matter experts?
What about SEL components and potential mentoring roles?

We'll dive deeper into the tailored models that StudentNest, in collaboration with the Orange County Department of Education and the Office of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, employs to boost student learning and adapt to the ever-evolving needs of students and programs.

Speakers

Felix Navarrette

Ben Keller

Ben Keller has over 20 year experience working in education as a teacher, tutor and administrator. His experience as an effective assistant principal of curriculum and instruction at a high performing Title I high school in Kern County, coupled with his successful leadership of a... Read More →

Chander Joshi

Chander brings more than 21 years of leadership at StudentNest, where they have continuously adapted its programs to meet the diverse needs of students. StudentNest stands out as one of the few organizations designing tailored programs specifically for JCCASAC clients (students).Chander... Read More →

Dr. Katy Ramezani

Dr. Katy Ramezani is a dedicated educational leader with over two decades of experience in alternative education. She specializes in curriculum development, student assessment, and Career technical Education, working closely with industry partners to align programs with workforce... Read More →

Joe Hammond

Wednesday May 7, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Mandarin A

Session One

9:00am PDT

Restorative Practices in High Needs Settings - For Students & Staff LIMITED

Wednesday May 7, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Sierra Suite

This session will cover restorative and mindful practices that are used for both students and staff. The presentation will include how these have been implemented at Shasta County Juvenile Court School and the impact that they have had on both students and staff since they have become part of our system. There will be time to interact with the practices during the session. Participants will leave with multiple examples that they can use in their school setting.

Speakers

Jill North- JCCASAC TOY Nominee

Jill North- Program Director of Alternative Education & Principal of Shasta County Juvenile Court School

Anders Benoit

Anders Benoit - Teacher at Shasta County Juvenile Court School

Wednesday May 7, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Sierra Suite

Session One

9:00am PDT

School-Based Behavioral Threat Assessment How to implement a Threat Assessment Program LIMITED

Wednesday May 7, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Hiro

"El Dorado County Office of Education (EDCOE) has a robust Threat Assessment process utilizing best practices in Threat Assessment. EDCOE developed a Level One Threat Assessment tool and trained school staff, SROs, law enforcement, and county mental health agencies to form site-based teams and conduct their own Threat Assessment assessments. They also have a well-established Level Two team consisting of multiple agencies in the county, including County Behavioral Health, CPS, EDC Sheriff’s Office, EDC Probation Department, and EDC DA’s Office. The Level Two Team serves all 15 school districts in El Dorado County. The process is designed to prevent targeted school violence and utilizes best practices in Threat Assessment to address and prevent, address, and provide support to the most volatile youth and families in the county.
This training will provide participants with specific information on how to create and implement their own Threat Assessment process. This will include access to El Dorado County’s Level One Tool and will walk participants through conducting their own Threat Assessment using a real-life scenario. "

Speakers

Lt. Jason Bloxsom

Lt. Jason Bloxsom: Jason Bloxsom is a Lieutenant for the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office. He has over 27 years of successful supervisory roles in major units for the Sheriff’s Office. Jason was a Correctional Officer working both South Lake Tahoe and Placerville Jail, a Field... Read More →

Carey Buchanan

Carey Buchanan: Carey coordinates the El Dorado county-wide school-based Threat Assessment program and is the Director of Alternative Programs at El Dorado County Office of Education. Carey has over 20 years of experience working in alternative education, including managing educational... Read More →

Wednesday May 7, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Hiro

Session One

9:00am PDT

Transforming Student Outcomes Through Access to Career Technical Education LIMITED

Wednesday May 7, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Salon 6B

Career Technical Education (CTE) plays a critical role in preparing students for the future. CTE course data still suggests a large disparity of students with disabilities, students of color, and English Learners being unable to access these relevant learning opportunities. Join us as we share how we created CTE programming opportunities that were previously unavailable and inaccessible to marginalized youth.

We will explore the student voices, partnerships, and logistics that any school or district can use to increase access for students. We will also share the data findings related to academic achievement, attendance, and the decrease of undesired behaviors that often arise when our systems are not meeting the needs of our students.

Recognizing one of the largest challenges to opening access to CTE courses are interventions and support classes; we will demonstrate how we used an assessment of instructional minutes, master schedule creativity, connection to innovative teacher’s, and collaboration with community colleges to design CTE Masterclasses. These courses meet the equivalency of State mandated high school courses as well as the demand for A-G approved courses and labor market industry certifications.

Acknowledging that many schools and programs do not have funding to spare, we will explain how we approached sustainability through grants and explore best practices for finding success in CTE grant submissions.

You too can have engaged students, excited teachers, and CTE Pathway completers!

Speakers

Kris Shouse

Kris Shouse is the Associate Superintendent of Educational Services at the San Mateo County Office of Education. A long-time educator and advocate for youth-centered education and support, Ms. Shouse leads the County Office of Education’s work to create safe and supportive schools... Read More →

Sarah Notch

Sarah Notch serves as the Executive Director of the Center for Access and Engagement at the San Mateo County Office of Education, and brings her expertise to statewide education policy as a State Board-appointed Commissioner on the California Department of Education's Advisory Commission... Read More →

Wednesday May 7, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Salon 6B

Session One

9:00am PDT

Working with Gang Affiliated Youth LIMITED

Wednesday May 7, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am PDT

Club

Have you ever been frustrated watching a good kid wind up in the streets with the wrong people? Been stymied by the seeming impossibility of disrupting the gang cycle? This presentation is designed for the educators that see the good in at risk youth but are stuck with what they can do to work effectively with gang-affiliated youth. Dr. Ashley Brown and Emily Aihara are clinicians that have a combined 14 years of experience working directly with incarcerated youth. Both have experiences watching youth make extraordinary changes and leave "the life" behind to pursue something better. Learn the ins and outs of gang dynamics as well as effective interventions to promote positive change.

Speakers

Dr. Ashley Brown

Wednesday May 7, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am PDT
Club

Session One

10:00am PDT

Transition to Session Two LIMITED

Wednesday May 7, 2025 10:00am - 10:10am PDT

Transition

10:10am PDT

Addressing Staff Burnout with Recognition, Support and Focus, Year Two

Wednesday May 7, 2025 10:10am - 11:10am PDT

Salon 6A

Picking up from last year's progress, join us in our journey as we continue rewrite what it means for our students to find success in our Community and Court Schools.

Speakers

John Luis

Shannyn C. McDonald

Shannyn C. Mc Donald is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Chapman University, followed by her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from The University of San Francisco... Read More →

Jeani Sique

Jeani Sique is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst who has worked in education for 17 years. Jeani works at Petersen Alternative Center for Education (PACE) which is part of Stanislaus County Office of Education. Before joining PACE, Jeani worked in a variety of settings, including... Read More →

Wednesday May 7, 2025 10:10am - 11:10am PDT
Salon 6A

Session Two

10:10am PDT

AI for Alternative Education: Practical Strategies to Empower Educators LIMITED

Wednesday May 7, 2025 10:10am - 11:10am PDT

Club

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming education, offering new opportunities to enhance learning, streamline teacher workload, and provide personalized support for students. In this interactive session, educators in court and alternative school settings will explore practical AI tools that can be used to differentiate instruction, support trauma-informed teaching, and improve student engagement. Participants will engage in a hands-on AI exploration, learning how to integrate AI effectively while addressing ethical considerations such as data privacy and bias. By the end of the session, educators will leave with actionable strategies and AI-driven resources to empower their teaching and support student success in high-need educational environments.

Speakers

Dr. Alice Pak

Dr. Alice PakEducational Technology & Innovation Coordinator, Los Angeles County Office of Education. Dr. Alice Pak, a former social science teacher turned EdTech specialist, now serves as a Coordinator I in the Educational Technology & Innovation unit at the Los Angeles County Office... Read More →

Ty Kastendiek- JCCASAC TOY Nominee

Wednesday May 7, 2025 10:10am - 11:10am PDT
Club

Session Two

10:10am PDT

Empowering Justice-Impacted Youth: Building a Legacy through Engaging ESL Education LIMITED

Wednesday May 7, 2025 10:10am - 11:10am PDT

Hiro

ESL educators need purposeful materials to equip justice-impacted youth with skills and confidence to shape their futures. This session will explore how Ellii’s engaging, student-centered, ready-made lessons foster language development, critical thinking, and life skills. Attendees will gain practical strategies to implement Ellii’s lessons immediately, ensuring that students feel supported, empowered, and prepared for lifelong success. With increased confidence in speaking English, students will be able to access new opportunities and create a brighter future.

Speakers

Wendy Klatt

Wendy is an experienced ESL educator with over 25 years in the field. She holds an MA in Teaching with a Graduate Concentration in ESL/Bilingual Education from National-Louis University. She also holds a Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design from the University of Wisconsin–Stout.Currently... Read More →

Wednesday May 7, 2025 10:10am - 11:10am PDT
Hiro

Session Two

10:10am PDT

Interviewing A-Z LIMITED

Wednesday May 7, 2025 10:10am - 11:10am PDT

Salon 6B

Interviewing A to Z walks the student and instructor through tips to be successful in the interviewing process. The workshop in interactive, high energy, and entertaining.

Speakers

Vendon Smith

Vendon Smith is a nationally recognized workshop facilitator with more than 20 years working with people entering the workforce. He is a Project Coordinator - Career Services with the Los Angeles County Office of Education. He has created and implemented training videos for the... Read More →

Wednesday May 7, 2025 10:10am - 11:10am PDT
Salon 6B

Session Two

10:10am PDT

Leveraging WASC for Continuous Improvement: Clarifying the WASC Revised Process for Accreditation LIMITED

Wednesday May 7, 2025 10:10am - 11:10am PDT

Ballroom A

This session will outline and clarify for schools the WASC accreditation process. It will provide an overview of the revised accreditation process, including tips and guidance for schools writing shorter reports and streamlining the process. It will provide attendees Q/A opportunities on the value of WASC accreditation and how WASC can work with them to help achieve continuous improvement goals.

Speakers

Nancy Brownell

Ms. Nancy S. Brownell is a fourth-generation Californian with a Bachelor's in English and a Master's in Educational Administration. She began her career as a Special Education teacher and later served in roles including English teacher and K-12 literacy administrator. Currently, she... Read More →

Brian Jensen

Brian Jensen serves as a Director for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Schools (ACS-WASC), a global and regional K-12 accreditation agency. As a Director, Brian supports schools and educators in school continuous improvement and accreditation... Read More →

Wednesday May 7, 2025 10:10am - 11:10am PDT
Ballroom A

Session Two

10:10am PDT

Making higher education a reality LIMITED

Wednesday May 7, 2025 10:10am - 11:10am PDT

Orchid

Step by step guide to collegiate success within the justice system.

Speakers

Malio Elias

Falicia Floyd

Noemy Paz

Doug Silva

Wednesday May 7, 2025 10:10am - 11:10am PDT
Orchid

Session Two

10:10am PDT

Road to Success Academy (RTSA) serving students with disabilities in an Alternative Learning Center K-8, in Palmdale School District LIMITED

Wednesday May 7, 2025 10:10am - 11:10am PDT

Mandarin B

This session will discuss the why, what, and how of RTSA in an alternative learning center. Through project based learning, and interdisciplinary lessons, students get hands-on learning experiences while making connections to real world past, present, and future events while making connections to themselves and their own life events.

Speakers

Deborah Pandullo

Project Director II, Los Angeles County Office of Education

Gia Greaux

Gia Greaux is a dedicated school administrator with five years of leadership experience at a regionalized special education campus serving students with severe emotional and behavioral disorders in the Antelope Valley. With 25 years of experience teaching both general and special... Read More →

Wednesday May 7, 2025 10:10am - 11:10am PDT
Mandarin B

Session Two

10:10am PDT

The Burnt Out Educator - How to Use Ed Tech for a Work Life Balance LIMITED

Wednesday May 7, 2025 10:10am - 11:10am PDT

Sierra Suite

Coach Joe has spent almost a Decade and a half in the classroom, on the Field/ Mat and consulting for schools! Coach takes his real world in class experiences and translates them into time saving resources by using simple readily available Ed Tech Tools for all aspects of Education!

Speakers

Coach Joe Marino

Come meet the Italian guy from Jersey, who lives in Texas and works in CA to bring you real world solutions to give back time to you to spend with your family and friends!! You will laugh, you may shed a tear, more importantly will hopefully leave with one piece of very useful information... Read More →

Wednesday May 7, 2025 10:10am - 11:10am PDT
Sierra Suite

Session Two

11:10am PDT

Transition to Session Three LIMITED

Wednesday May 7, 2025 11:10am - 11:20am PDT

Transition

11:20am PDT

Breaking Barriers: Empowering Students in Juvenile Court and Community Schools through School Social Work and Collaboration

Wednesday May 7, 2025 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT

Sierra Suite

This session will explore effective strategies for supporting students in Juvenile Court and Community Schools (JCCS) by addressing systemic barriers through School Social Work practices. Key approaches include trauma-informed practices, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), and fostering community partnerships to enhance emotional regulation, healthy coping skills, and positive relationships. Through systematic efforts and collaboration with stakeholders, we will demonstrate how to amplify student voice and leadership, ultimately creating supportive and welcoming learning environments for all students.

Speakers

Katelin Trant ACSW

Katelin has worked with at-promise youth for the last fourteen years, serving as an assistant teacher in an ELL classroom, a Job Corps counselor, a CTE teacher, and a school social worker. She is extremely passionate about working with youth and families impacted by homelessness... Read More →

Claudia Castaneda Lopez ACSW

Claudia V. Castaneda Lopez is a dedicated school social worker at San Diego County Office of Education-Juvenile Court and Community Schools, where she provides emotional, social, and academic support to students and families. She specializes in counseling, crisis intervention, and... Read More →

Wednesday May 7, 2025 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT
Sierra Suite

Session Three

11:20am PDT

California Juvenile Court School Workgroup: Advancing Practices for Students with Disabilities through Statewide Collaboration LIMITED

Wednesday May 7, 2025 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT

Mandarin B

This session will review the findings of the JCS workgroup for students enrolled in Juvenile Court Schools and explore strategies to support our students and the efforts made to provide continuing educational opportunities. Resources and updates will allow participants to access and implement improvement strategies immediately.

Speakers

Deborah Pandullo

Project Director II, Los Angeles County Office of Education

Dr. Michael Massa

Dr. Michael M. Massa has been hired as the Education Subject Matter Expert to assist OYCR promote educational health for youth impacted by the juvenile justice system. Dr. Massa’s experience as an educator, SELPA Coordinator and Principal at Central Juvenile Hall with the Los Angeles... Read More →

Wednesday May 7, 2025 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT
Mandarin B

Session Three

11:20am PDT

Empowering Students Through Civic Engagement: Transforming Learning in Alternative Schools LIMITED

Wednesday May 7, 2025 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT

Orchid

In continuation, county community & court, and alternative schools, civic engagement offers students a sense of belonging, purpose, and leadership—critical elements in fostering student success and recognition. This session explores how civic learning, when intentionally integrated, can empower students to engage with their communities, advocate for meaningful change, and build a lasting legacy. Participants will gain insights into the California State Seal of Civic Engagement (SSCE) as a pathway to recognizing and celebrating student contributions—whether they are preparing for post-graduation opportunities or transitioning back to their home districts. Through real-world examples, proven strategies, and access to national resources, school leaders will explore how to initiate, strengthen, and sustain civic engagement programs that meet the unique needs of alternative school students. Attendees will leave with actionable steps, tools, and connections to implement civic learning in their schools, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to be seen, heard, and valued as an engaged citizen.

Speakers

James Koenig

James Koenig has served in various administrative and teaching capacities, including Director, Student Support Services at Oxnard Union High School District (OUHSD), Principal of comprehensive and alternative sites at Santa Barbara Unified School District, Oxnard Union High School... Read More →

Gregorio Medina

Gregorio Medina Gregorio began working at Teach Democracy in 1995 and specializes in leading workshops for youth and conducting professional development sessions for educators and program staff seeking ways to incorporate civic- and law-related activities into their school or community-based... Read More →

Wednesday May 7, 2025 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT
Orchid

Session Three

11:20am PDT

Innovative Learning: Augmented Reality with zSpace Laptops LIMITED

Wednesday May 7, 2025 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT

Club

In this session, we will explore the transformative potential of zSpace laptops in educational settings, particularly for students in camps and halls. These cutting-edge tools offer immersive, interactive learning experiences that can significantly enhance student engagement and understanding.

zSpace laptops provide a unique, augmented reality (AR) learning environment where students can interact with 3D models and simulations, making abstract concepts tangible and easier to grasp. This hands-on approach fosters a deeper understanding of subjects such as science, mathematics, and engineering.

During the presentation, we will showcase how zSpace laptops can be integrated into the curriculum to create engaging and effective learning experiences. We will also discuss the positive impact on student behavior and motivation, as well as the development of essential skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving.

Attendees will have the opportunity to see demonstrations of zSpace in action and hear firsthand accounts from students who have benefited from this technology. By the end of the session, participants will have a clear understanding of how to implement and utilize zSpace laptops to enhance learning outcomes and foster a positive educational environment.

Speakers

Alvaro Brito

Alvaro Brito brings over 12 years of diverse experience in education, having served as a teacher, site coordinator, specialist, assistant principal, and district administrator. He has successfully managed District’s Innovation Labs, Robotics Programs, and acted as the General Manager... Read More →

Jose Ramirez

Wednesday May 7, 2025 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT
Club

Session Three

11:20am PDT

Live on Purpose Nurturing the Whole Child LIMITED

Wednesday May 7, 2025 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT

Salon 6A

This presentation empowers attendees to create lasting, positive impacts in youth and communities. BE MOORE - Living on Purpose equips individuals with the to unlock their potential, nature the whole child, and foster lifelong success in both personal and professional pursuits.

Speakers

Ferrari Y Green M. Ed

Ferrari Green is an accomplished Dual- Credentialed educator and Lead Teacher with the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, where she has served in leadership for the past five years. Her journey into education began unexpectedly in 2014 after a transformative moment in... Read More →

Dr. Reginald Moore

Dr Reginald Moore is a seasoned motivational speaker and trainer at Be Moore Live on Purpose, with over 30 years of experience in youth activism, communication in life skills mentoring, and leadership training. His commitment to empowering young men to become leaders and live purpose... Read More →

Wednesday May 7, 2025 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT
Salon 6A

Session Three

11:20am PDT

Risk and Threat Assessment Management: A Data Driven Approach to Safer Schools LIMITED

Wednesday May 7, 2025 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT

Hiro

In a time of escalating student mental health concerns and increasing school safety threats, districts need more than just a checklist, they need a system. This session explores how school leaders can modernize their approach to risk and threat assessments through structured, consistent, and data-informed practices. Attendees will learn how to simplify threat assessment workflows, improve team communication, and proactively identify patterns among moderate to high-risk students. We’ll also share real-world examples of how counties are using technology to enhance intervention strategies, reduce liability, and build safer learning environments for all students.

Speakers

Deanna McCarty

Adam Bangerter

Wednesday May 7, 2025 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT
Hiro

Session Three

11:20am PDT

Seeds of Genius: Statewide Opportunities to Advance Educational Equity within Juvenile Court and Alternative Education Settings LIMITED

Wednesday May 7, 2025 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT

Ballroom A

This session will introduce attendees to Kings County Office of Education's Seeds of Genius initiative, highlighting statewide opportunities for engagement in equity-centered work that supports justice-involved youth and marginalized student populations. Seeds of Genius is a component of the statewide equity work done collectively by Kings, Los Angeles, and Sonoma County Office of Education through the Genius Initiative. Participants will explore strategies to strengthen community partnerships, leverage statewide systems of support, and implement equity-driven practices in juvenile court and alternative education settings. The session will also provide a space to collect input and identify needs from attendees, ensuring that future equity-focused initiatives align with real-time challenges faced by educators and program administrators.

Speakers

Elizabeth Norris

Joy Santos

Wednesday May 7, 2025 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT
Ballroom A

Session Three

11:20am PDT

Teach to the Heart: Road to Success Academy at Renaissance County Community Schools LIMITED

Wednesday May 7, 2025 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT

Salon 6B

This session will offer a comprehensive overview of the Los Angeles County Office of Education's Road to Success Academies (LACOE RTSA) and its implementation at Renaissance PAU. Participants will acquire practical tools to support teacher development and strategies to promote enhanced student engagement within alternative school environments. Through collaborative discussions and interactive activities, attendees will gain actionable insights aimed at advancing both teacher growth and student success in their respective schools.

Speakers

Jeanett Hector

Adrian Gonzalez Principal

Constance Nwanze Assistant Principal

Victor Wilson Teacher

Wednesday May 7, 2025 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT
Salon 6B

Session Three

11:20am PDT

WE GOT THIS! Infuse optimism & relevance into alternative education environmental curriculum! LIMITED

Wednesday May 7, 2025 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT

Mandarin A

Our overarching primary goal is to maintain relevant, positive and optimistic teaching even in the current environmental climate. How? Come learn about the magic of watersheds as essential ecosystems and universal outdoor classrooms, using the NOAA MWEE teaching platform. We will spend the first half of the workshop running through an accelerated sample Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) focusing on relevant issues in a local watershed. Participants will divide into small group teams to survey/research problems in the simulated watershed, come back together to share results, and then brainstorm positive action projects. The second half of the workshop will have you adapting all four steps of this curricular approach (MWEE) to your own fabulous teaching style and/or unique learners. Equally wonderful, participants will leave with access to a network of other alternative education professionals providing a rich resource of pro-tips, tools, and support. And chocolate.

Speakers

Marci Greenberg

Marci is a marine biologist by training and alternative environmental educator by passion. Her guiding principal is that every single human deserves the tonic of wilderness and has a right and responsibility to be part of it. Birds? Bugs? Botany? Belugas? YES!

Wednesday May 7, 2025 11:20am - 12:20pm PDT
Mandarin A

Session Three