55th Annual JCCASAC Conference

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.