Balanced Assessment Systems in Action: Fostering Formative Assessment Practices With Mathematical Learning Progressions

DESCRIPTION

This session focuses on the core concepts of Balanced Assessment Systems, particularly formative assessments, and its application in the core content area of mathematics. Rincon Valley Union School District (RVUSD), a district located in Sonoma County, shares their learning journey in fostering formative assessment practices by leveraging the mathematical learning progressions from the Ongoing Assessment Project (OGAP). RVUSD leaders will also share the role of progress monitoring tools such as teacher and student surveys as well as classroom walk-throughs in the implementation of Balanced Assessment Systems. Participants will have time to explore one visual learning progression and opportunities to discuss how to utilize within their context towards more inclusive mathematical instruction.

This session includes a 45-minute presentation and 15 minute open Q&A. Participants will also have an opportunity to sign up for a follow-up Special Interest Group session.

PRESENTERS

Hilary Kjaer – Director of Teaching & Learning

Tasha Lopez – Teacher on Special Assignment

SESSION MATERIALS

ARCHIVED VIDEO

RESOURCES

Navigating California’s Updated Education Code for ELO-P TK/K Programming

Summary:

As an Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P) provider serving Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten (TK/K) students in California, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest health, safety, and licensing requirements. We have created a suite of invaluable resources to help you navigate the updated Education Code and ensure compliance while delivering high-quality programming for early learners.

Key Resources:

  • Comprehensive 4-Minute Video: Our in-depth video provides a clear overview of the essential health, safety, and licensing requirements for ELO-P TK/K programming. In just four minutes, you’ll gain a solid understanding of the updated Education Codes, empowering you to serve your young learners effectively and legally.
  • Concise 2-Minute Follow-Up: To further clarify the critical regulatory changes, we’ve created a succinct 2-minute video that drills down on the must-know updates to California’s Education Code. This brief yet informative resource will help you stay fully compliant while focusing on delivering exceptional programming.
  • Engaging Infographic: We understand that visual aids can be powerful tools for learning and retention. That’s why we’ve developed an eye-catching infographic that showcases the key health, safety, and licensing requirements in an easy-to-digest format. This informational poster is perfect for displaying in your facility, serving as a quick reference for staff and stakeholders.

Conclusion:

By leveraging these carefully crafted resources, ELO-P providers and partners across California can confidently serve TK/K students while adhering to the latest legal requirements. We encourage you to integrate these video explainers and visual aids into your staff training and program planning processes. Together, we can deliver visionary ELO-P that unlocks the potential of every young mind and sets the stage for a bright future.

Call to Action:

Take the first step in enhancing your ELO-P TK/K programming by accessing these invaluable resources today. Watch the videos, display the infographic, and empower your team to navigate California’s updated Education Code with confidence. Our littlest learners’ futures start here!

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Chris Hartley at [email protected].

Increasing Intervention Efficacy Using Data Dashboards

DESCRIPTION

A data dashboard can be a powerful tool when considering how to track the effectiveness of program implementation and efficacy. There are a myriad of factors to consider when deciding what dashboarding can provide your LEA. In this session, San Ramon Valley Unified School District will share how to link data dashboarding with progress monitoring to increase intervention efficacy. Ultimately, LEAs will learn how to use a data dashboard to evaluate which interventions have the highest impact to help ensure students make gains when additional supports are identified.

This session includes a 45-minute presentation and 15 minute open Q&A. Participants will also have an opportunity to sign up for a follow-up Special Interest Group session.

PRESENTERS

Kit Bragg – Director of Assessment Research & Evaluation

Ramaa Ravi – Educational Services Technical Analyst

SESSION MATERIALS

ARCHIVED VIDEO

The State of UDL in California

DESCRIPTION

Join us for an enlightening panel discussion with leading expert practitioners from across California as we delve into the transformative world of Universal Design for Learning (UDL). This event is designed to explore big ideas, share groundbreaking work, and discuss potential next steps to foster the implementation of UDL within the Golden State’s educational framework.


What to Expect
The session kicks off with a comprehensive 40-45 minute panel discussion featuring esteemed experts who are at the forefront of UDL implementation across California. These practitioners will share insights into the exciting developments and initiatives currently underway to support UDL in various educational settings.

Discussion Points
Innovative Initiatives: Discover the groundbreaking work being undertaken across the state to champion UDL principles and practices. Learn about successful case studies and models that are making a significant impact in enhancing learning for all students.
Implementation Challenges: Understand the common obstacles faced by educators at the classroom, school, and district levels in integrating UDL into their curricula. Our experts will shed light on these challenges and share their experiences in navigating these barriers.
Strategic Recommendations: Engage with our panel as they offer expert recommendations aimed at improving coherence and building capacity within California’s Statewide System of Support for UDL. These insights will focus on practical steps and strategies that can be adopted to advance UDL implementation effectively.

PRESENTERS

Jennifer Boettger – Program Specialist, Placer County Office of Education

Karen Taylor – Staff Consultant, California Teacher Association
Sung Park – Coordinator, Santa Clara County Office of Education

Andrea Marks – Director, Nevada County Superintendent of Schools

Session Slides

ARCHIVED VIDEO – Coming Soon!

Guiding AI in Education: Collaborative Leadership for Ethical Integration in LA County

DESCRIPTION

The session, led by Los Angeles County Office of Education is dedicated to addressing the increasing integration of AI in education. It highlights the necessity for ethical and responsible AI usage guidelines, detailing the support provided to LA County’s districts through symposiums, collaborations, and professional development. The task force, comprising diverse members, aims to develop these crucial guidelines. The session also covers a needs assessment survey to understand stakeholder perspectives on AI in education, offering insights on replication strategies for similar initiatives.

This session includes a 45-minute presentation and a 15-minute open Q&A. You can also sign up for a follow-up Special Interest Group (SIG) session on 3/29/2024 to take a deeper, more contextualized look at AI in your school or district by emailing our Program Specialist, Sehrish Anjum, at [email protected]

PRESENTERS

Jose R. Gonzalez – Chief Technology Officer

Elizabeth Graswich – Executive Director of Public Affairs & Communications

Christopher Hoang – Assistant Director, Technology Innovation and Outreach

SESSION MATERIALS

ARCHIVED VIDEO

Open Door: Insights from the Frontlines of School Transformation

DESCRIPTION

Join three exceptional school principals and teacher leaders for an inside look at how they are reimagining education at their schools. Through the Intensive Assistance Model pilot, these educators have implemented powerful new strategies – centered on teacher collaboration and meeting individual student needs – that are delivering remarkable results.

In this open invitation session, you’ll discover how schools are moving beyond pandemic recovery through dedicated professional learning communities and a shared commitment to continuous improvement. Gain insights around key themes:

  • Implementing the Guiding Coalition
  • Structures and processes for effective collaboration
  • Strategies and interventions tailored to students
  • Improved academic outcomes and teacher work/life balance

Whether you’re an educator looking for new ideas or a policymaker exploring ways to support innovation, this is an unprecedented opportunity to learn firsthand how some of California’s most dedicated schools are transforming teaching and learning.

PRESENTERS

Sierra Vista Elementary School DistrictJamie Huerta, Principal
Christina Vasquez Coy, Teacher
Nishimoto Elementary School DistrictErin Falke, Principal
Angela Truong, Teacher
Washington Elementary School DistrictAdalberto Hernandez, Principal
Elizabeth Ramirez, Teacher
Daisy Miguel, Teacher 

SESSION MATERIALS

ARCHIVED VIDEO

Building Early Education Staff Capacity

Summary: This slide deck and infographic build capacity for transitional kindergarten and kindergarten staff to support California’s Universal Prekindergarten and Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P). With comprehensive coverage of early childhood development science and the vital role of play-based learning, these resources empower educators to create enrichment activities that unleash young children’s curiosity.

Highlights:

  • Succinct overview of UPK and ELO-P framework
  • Illuminating examples bringing key concepts to life
  • Concrete guidance on planning and facilitating play
  • Hang vibrant infographic for quick reference
  • Materials to train staff and elevate TK/K programming through developmentally-appropriate, play-centered pedagogy

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Chris Hartley at [email protected].

Creating Engaging Early Learning Spaces

Summary: With the expansion of early education programs in California, this three-part series offers tips, tools, and inspiration to help educators design developmentally appropriate and creative indoor and outdoor spaces for transitional kindergarten (TK) and kindergarten students.

Highlights:

  • Video tour showing thoughtful TK learning spaces that support student development
  • Slide deck with specific recommendations for materials and environmental features
  • Reference chart aligning space design with health, safety and early childhood standards

The resources spark ideas for making spaces engaging and tailored to your students’ unique needs. Borrow and adapt ideas as you upgrade existing spaces or build new ones to embrace the shifts happening in TK-12 education, thanks to California’s Universal Prekindergarten and Expanded Learning Initiatives. Support provided through collaboration between the California and the California Department of Education.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Chris Hartley at [email protected].

Podcast: Leading Forward

The Leading Forward Podcast showcases voices from leading California researchers and practitioners talking about lessons we can all learn from 2020 — and how we can reimagine education moving forward.

A perfect companion to the Field Guide, the podcast offers an additional way of learning about key research from recognized experts and promising practices directly from practitioners in the field.

Produced in a conversational format and under 30 minutes in length per episode, busy educators will find great insights they can listen to at their convenience — be it in the office or on the go.

🎙️ Click here to listen to the podcast episodes.