55th Annual JCCASAC Conference

The Building a Better Brother program is a transformative initiative designed to empower justice-impacted youth by equipping them with entrepreneurial skills and social-emotional development, fostering pathways for success beyond the justice system. By integrating entrepreneurship and SEL, this program not only supports rehabilitation and economic empowerment but also cultivates a mindset of resilience, leadership, and self-determination. This workshop will provide attendees with a proven framework for embedding these essential skills within juvenile facilities, demonstrating how strategic mentorship, hands-on business development, and emotional intelligence training can reframe scholars’ perspectives on their potential. Through this holistic approach, scholars are empowered to reclaim their narratives, develop a strong sense of agency, and position themselves as architects of their futures—effectively transforming challenges into opportunities for sustained personal and professional success.

In this session, participants will receive an overview of the pillars of Restorative Practices backed with real stories from the classroom. Participants will be able to inspire their students to take control of their education and accountability for their actions. Restorative practices is a foundation for equitable education, where everyone can be a valued member of the learning community, no matter the path that has led them there. From the shared experience of three Alternative Education Teachers, participants will be empowered to make Restorative Practices a priority at their schools, and reignite the love of education for the youth they serve.

"In this session, attendees will explore the powerful synergy between educational frameworks such as Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and Restorative Practices (RP) and cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies. By integrating these approaches, educators can create more inclusive, compassionate, and effective learning environments that support the diverse needs of all students, including those with disabilities.

Participants will gain valuable insights into implementing SEL, UDL, and RP strategies while leveraging AI-powered tools like ChatGPT and Magic School to personalize learning, streamline administrative tasks, and develop accommodations, intervention strategies, and individualized goals. These tools and frameworks empower educators to focus on what matters most—student success.

Through hands-on exploration and resources provided during the presentation, attendees will leave equipped with the knowledge, digital tools, and skills necessary to seamlessly integrate these initiatives into their curriculum. Together, we will also discuss the challenges and opportunities of implementing these innovations responsibly, ensuring equity, accessibility, privacy, and social-emotional growth for every learner.

By the end of this session, participants will be inspired to revolutionize their instructional practices, fostering collaborative, inclusive, and supportive learning environments that drive academic success and holistic development."

This presentation will explore the trauma and systemic barriers faced by currently and formerly incarcerated students as they reenter society. We will discuss effective strategies for navigating and supporting these individuals through the challenges they encounter, including how to respond to complex and often sensitive situations.

Attendees will also have the unique opportunity to hear directly from a formerly incarcerated
student who will share their personal journey—from pursuing education while incarcerated to reintegrating into society and continuing their academic path through the Rising Scholars Program at the community college level and the Project Rebound Program within the California State University system.

Requesting 1.5 hours (enough time for the presentation, guest student speaker, and Q&A)

The session will address the literacy needs of students and how interventions were designed and implemented within the SOAR Academy, YTC, that resulted in our student's ability to read after the 30 day pilot period.

This presentation will describe the significant need for comprehensive reproductive health education and services for youth involved (or at risk of involvement) with the juvenile legal system. Presenters will highlight Stepping Stones, a promising program designed to improve sexual and relationship health outcomes for systems involved young men that is currently being delivered and evaluated with students in San Diego’s JCCS schools.

ACOE will be sharing best practices and success stories in dual enrollment programs and transition into post secondary studies

Explore the transformative potential of augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) technologies in reshaping education for at-risk and incarcerated youth. This session will highlight how innovative programs are leveraging AR/VR to engage students who have struggled in traditional educational environments, offering them new opportunities to earn diplomas, certifications, and valuable job skills. Discover how AR/VR makes complex, real-world equipment and tasks more approachable, providing students with a safe, hands-on experience in fields like automotive training, welding, and advanced manufacturing. Additionally, learn how these technologies are being used to deliver workforce training and HiSET exam preparation to incarcerated youth, offering them a pathway to success after release. Whether you're an educator, program facilitator, or policymaker, this session will provide valuable insights into best practices for integrating AR/VR into programs designed to improve educational outcomes and career readiness for vulnerable youth populations. Gain practical knowledge on overcoming challenges and maximizing the positive impact of AR/VR in alternative educational and correctional settings.

Despite policies aimed at supporting juvenile-justice involved students (JJIS), the lack of a uniform definition, and conflicting perspectives around JJIS privacy inhibits California's ability to evaluate the effects of existing policies and programs. Without a uniform definition California does not have a clear picture of JJIS. This means that California cannot identify these students in our longitudinal data systems or monitor their educational outcomes. This results in challenges around funding for these programs and supports for students when they are most vulnerable.