Caaasa 2014 souvenir book by California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators

California Statewide 2014

Professional Development Summit March 12 - 14, 2014

Sacramento Sheraton Grand Hotel & Sacramento Convention Center

Commemorate

60 th Anniversary

67 th Anniversary

Brown v. Board of Education

Mendez v. Westminster

California Education Organizations Come Together to Address

Education, Equity and Excellence

for African American, Latino and Other Underserved Students

2014 SPONSORS California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators (CAAASA) • California Department of Education (CDE) Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) •California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA) California State Parent Teacher Association (CAPTA) •California Head Start Association (CHSA) California County Superintendents Educational Service Association (CCSESA) •California School Board Association (CSBA) California Educational Technology Professionals Association (CETPA) •Center for Leadership, Equity, and Research (CLEAR) California Teachers Association (CTA)

. . . Education, Equity and Excellence . . .

Sacramento Sheraton Grand Hotel & Sacramento Convention Center

. . . CAAASA 2014 - Professional Development Summit . . .

March 12 - 14, 2014 | Sacramento, California

. . . Education, Equity and Excellence . . .

Message From the CAAASA President

I have been both privileged and honored to serve as the President of the California Association of African- American Superintendents and Administrators for the past years. I am grateful for having had the privilege of working with some of the finest superintendents, administrators, school board members, teachers, parents, and other educational professionals, both within the state and across our great nation. I have seen conditions improve for our children in some areas; yet, we have a growing amount of work that needs to be accomplished on their behalf. Let us continue to move forward and accomplish the work. The ongoing partnerships that CAAASA has had with the Association of California School Administrators and the California Department of Education has given me the opportunity to meet and work with phenomenal individuals. Recently, that opportunity was extended to include and embrace the co-sponsors of this years professional development conference, the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators, the California State Parent Teacher Association, the California Head Start Association, the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association, the California School Board Association, the California Educational Technology Professionals Association, the Center for Leadership Equity and Research, and the California Teachers Association. The ways in which we engage various stakeholders has changed. The efforts of these educational organizations to organize and implement a professional development conference that focuses on children of color is the first to be implemented in California and serves as a model for other educational organizations throughout the nation. The workshops, seminars, plenary sessions and hearings will include information on research, strategies, programs and policies to assist African- American, Latino, and other children of color matriculate successfully throughout their compensatory school years. I am excited about the energy and passion of what has been and will be accomplished as the result of the co-sponsors partnership, the legislative input, the corporate support, and the response from within the field. It is our responsibility to make sure that the energy and passion, including the sharing of resources and knowledge, continues beyond this week. The growth of CAAASA has been propelled collectively by individuals and members, both past and present, whose training, educational expertise, knowledge, outreach, and unwavering advocacy; has shifted my psyche into overdrive, giving me a renewed sense of solid foundational hope for Black children, the future generations of those children, and the organization itself. I am deeply grateful an appreciative of Mr. Dwight Bonds, Executive Director of CAAASA, for his outstanding leadership, devotion and commitment. His support has been undeniably constant. His advocacy for African- American youth has been unyielding. His focus has always been on point. Let me also extend my warm-hearted thanks to Mr. Michael Dennis, the chairperson for the 2014 conference, for a job well done! We will all see his work as it unfolds. Finally, I am very pleased to welcome our incoming president, Dr. Judy White. Dr. White has distinguished herself and career as a person of intellect and dedication, commitment, integrity and professionalism. Let us all support her as you have supported me in my tenure over the past years. Our historical mission and the upward mobility for our children both in America, and throughout the world, shall remain priority number one. Martin Luther King Jr., in his most memorable speech, I Have A Dream, said, “We cannot walk alone. And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always move ahead. We cannot turn back.” This is our time to move ahead together, Let’s give it our best. Together let us fulfill the dream. Warm Regards, Pamela Short Powell, Ed.D. President, CAAASA Sacramento Sheraton Grand Hotel & Sacramento Convention Center

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Message From the CAAASA President-Elect

elcome to the 2014 Annual California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators Professional Development Summit. Your presence confirms that you know that it takes more than good hearts to change the course for our students of color. It is our belief that you will leave with concrete strategies and best practices that involve all stakeholders in eliminating the educational gap for the students of color. Unity has always been on the journey toward sustaining solutions. This year a historical number of organizations are uniting with CAAASA to examine landmark cases, share research based strategies and measurable best practices, answer the call for a united voice, commit to action and propel achievement for students of color. Together we can design the tools and processes that lead to the closing of the achievement gap. We build on the strength of the original founders as we take this journey called success. It is with gratitude and vision that I receive the baton of presidency from Dr. Pamela Powell. Our collective vision of accelerating the actions that lead to excellence on purpose for each deserving student, demands that we do more. We commit to results and the elimination of excuses and competitiveness. We are history makers and stereotype breakers. I bring to you servant leadership and collaboration. I want from you, your very best. I appreciate your attendance at this conference. I look forward to your measurable actions. I thank you for caring enough to come. Leave with the vision of implementation. The Professional Development Summit is the beginning of a unified partnership. You are part of this journey. The improvement of data and the saving of lives for all students of color will position you to reflect on Dr. Larry Lezotteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quote. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We must pursue learning for all, not because it is politically expedient but because there is no such thing as an expendable child. â&#x20AC;&#x153;

March 12 - 14, 2014 | Sacramento, California

. . . Education, Equity and Excellence . . .

Sacramento Sheraton Grand Hotel & Sacramento Convention Center

. . . CAAASA 2014 - Professional Development Summit . . .

March 12 - 14, 2014 | Sacramento, California

. . . Education, Equity and Excellence . . .

Sacramento Sheraton Grand Hotel & Sacramento Convention Center

. . . CAAASA 2014 - Professional Development Summit . . .

Message From the CAAASA Conference State Chair

Greetings! This year we commemorate the 60th and 67th anniversaries of Brown V. Board and Mendez V. Westminster landmark court cases. These cases were the cornerstone to doing away with what amounted to “legal” discrimination. These decisions led to the greatest era of civil rights in our Nation and perhaps the world. This year’s state conference truly demonstrates California’s commitment to seeing the tenets of Brown and Mendez fulfilled. As Chair, I have been deeply honored to work with the leadership of our ten cosponsoring agencies. We are all aware of the unique opportunity this “coming together” provides for us to build strong coalitions to work on behalf of African Americans, Latino, an underserved students throughout the state. This Summit will allow us to put in place strategies and resources to address the persistent achievement/opportunity gap that still exists in our educational system. This is the vision and goal of the individuals and groups who have abundantly given their time, ideas, and resources to bring this Summit to fruition. I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to all who have helped make this conference a reality. I leave you with these familiar words, “If not us, who? If not now, when?” Our children can’t afford to wait any longer. Sincerely, Michael Dennis Conference State Chair

March 12 - 14, 2014 | Sacramento, California

. . . Education, Equity and Excellence . . .

Sacramento Sheraton Grand Hotel & Sacramento Convention Center

. . . CAAASA 2014 - Professional Development Summit . . .

March 12 - 14, 2014 | Sacramento, California

. . . Education, Equity and Excellence . . .

March 12 - 14, 2014 | Sacramento, California

. . . Education, Equity and Excellence . . .

I am pleased to welcome you all to the 2014 CAAASA Professional Development Summit commemorating the 60th anniversary of Brown versus the Board of education and the 67th anniversary of Mendez v Westminster. The California Educational Technology Professionals Association (CETPA) supports the Information Technology Professionals working in schools and is proud to be affiliated with this event. CETPA was established in 1960 and over the past 54 years we have worked to inform, support and drive efforts to improve teaching and learning through the appropriate and equitable use of technology. As we move forward through the 21 Century it becomes even more important to ensure that all students are well prepared for college or career and event such as these will help us succeed. Enjoy the conference! Sincerely, Andrea Bennett Executive Director, CETPA

Sacramento Sheraton Grand Hotel & Sacramento Convention Center

. . . CAAASA 2014 - Professional Development Summit . . .

March 12 - 14, 2014 | Sacramento, California

. . . Education, Equity and Excellence . . .

Michael Dennis

State Conference Chair/CEO

State Conference Planning Committee Phyllis Marshall

Dwight Bonds

Executive Director CAAASA

Counsel for Manatt

Dr. LaTyna Young

Dr. Charlie Mae Knight

David Gomez

Executive Director CAPTA

Educational Consultant

Executive Director CALSA

Andrea Bennett

Executive Director CEPTA

Consultant

Paul Richman

Craig Cheslog

Principal Advisor State Superintendent

Socorro Shiels Superintendent

Gordon Jackson

Assistant Superintendent, CDE

Seth Bramble

Legislative Advocate ACSA

Adrian Palazuelos

Assistant Superintendent

Ken Magdaleno

Executive Director CLEAR

Rick Mockler

Executive Director California Head Start

Michael Watkins Superintendent

Adonai Mack

Legislative Advocate ACSA

Elvin Momon

Superintendent

Dr. Judy White

Dr. Ramona Bishop

Maggie Steele

Julie Maxwell-Jolly

Katherine Gales

Regina Wilson

Superintendent CAAASA President-Elect

Vice President Family Engagement CAPTA

Executive Assistant CDE

Superintendent

Policy and Programs CSBA

Publicist

Dr. Darryl Adams Superintendent

Teri Burns

Senior Policy Director CSBA

Rory Kaufman

Senior Consultant Speaker’s Office for the California State Assembly

CAAASA President’s Message: Dr. Pamela Short-Powell President, CAAASA

I would like to take the time to first thank our State Chair and the Planning Committee for their hard work and dedication in putting together this year’s state conference. We are extremely appreciative to California Department of Education (CDE) and other statewide organizations for their hard work. Association of California Superintendents and Administrators (ACSA) co-sponsors for their hard work and contributions to make this conference a success. The conference’s general sessions, seminars and workshops will provide solutions and strategies to enhance and foster positive educational environments that will improve the quality of, and expand access to an equitable education for underserved students throughout the state of California. Enjoy the conference and thank you for your participation. Hope to see you next year.

2014 State Conference Goals 1.

Aligning strategies that promote excellence in education for African-American, Latino and other Underserved students.

Implementing Common Core State Standards to increase educational excellence for African-American, Latino and other Underserved students.

Professional Development addressing LCFF & LCAP for eligible students.

Increasing strategies to improve graduation rates and reduce dropout rates.

Statewide solutions to eliminate the “digital divide” for African-American, Latino and other underserved students and increase equity of technological access for urban and rural students.

Addressing student discipline, suspension, expulsion, truancy and chronic absenteeism.

Sacramento Sheraton Grand Hotel & Sacramento Convention Center

. . . CAAASA 2014 - Professional Development Summit . . .

Professional Development Summit Program

State Conference 2014

DAY 1: WEDNESDAY, March 12th Sheraton Grand

7:00 a.m. - 6:00 a.m.

Registration

7:00 a.m. - 5:00 a.m.

Visit Vendors

7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.

Breakfast

Ballroom Foyer

8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Opening Plenary 1 Magnolia/Camellia Ballroom Brown v. Board of Education and Mendez v. Westminster, etc. et al “Education is the Solution to Achieving Civil Rights” Call to Order and Flag Salute: Dwight Bonds, Executive Director, CAAASA Pledge of Allegiance Star Spangled Banner Negro National Anthem Welcome: Dr. Pamela Short-Powell, President, CAAASA • Michael Dennis, Conference State Chair Introduction of Panelists: Dr. Judy White, President Elect, CAAASA and Dr. David Gomez, Executive Director, CALSA Moderator: Fredericka McGee, General Counsel, Deputy Chief of Staff, Speaker John Perez • Keynote: Robert K. Ross, M.D., President and CEO, The California Endowment Panelists: • Cheryl Brown, family member, Brown v. Board of Education • Silvia Mendez, family member, Mendez v. Westminster, etc. et al Tom Saenz, President and General Counsel, MALDEF Eva Patterson, Co-Chair, California Civil Rights Coalition Dr. Judy White, President Elect, CAAASA Dr. David Gomez, Executive Director, CALSA Judge Gary E. Ransom, Retired 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Visit Vendors 10:30 – 11:45 a.m. Workshop Series I – Targeted Workshops “Restorative Justice” Scholar In Residence - Session 1 Beavis Room • Candy Boyd, Ed.D., Professor, School of Education, Saint Mary’s College of California, “Equity and the Common Core” Facilitator: Dr. Eric Andrews, Superintendent, Campbell Union School District Scholar In Residence - Session 2 Bondi Room • Manny Barbara, Vice President, Silicon Valley Education Foundation and Socorro Shields, Superintendent, Santa Rosa School District “A Systemic Approach to Address Equitable Student Achievement” Facilitator: Peter Birdsall, Executive Director, CCSESA Legislative Seminar: Carr Room • Senator Holly Mitchell, Chair, California Legislative Black Caucus • Senator Richard Lara, Chair, California Legislative Latino Caucus • Assemblymember Reginald Jones-Sawyer • Assemblymember Cheryl Brown • Dr. Arturo Delgado, Superintendent, LA County Office of Education • Elvin Momon, Superintendent, Victor Valley Union High School District During this session, State elected officials and educational leaders will discuss legislation and education policy that is being sponsored this year to address equity issues in education. They will also discuss other policy objectives and/or statewide initiatives that should be considered in order to improve outcomes for African American, Latino and other underserved students in California. Facilitator: Pamela Gibbs, Director of Government Relations, LA County Office of Education

March 12 - 14, 2014 | Sacramento, California

. . . Education, Equity and Excellence . . .

10:30 a.m. – 5:15 p.m. California Teachers Association (CTA) Strand Clark Room Exploring Unconscious Bias • Reena Doyle and Gail Watts, Human Rights Consultants, California Teachers Association (CTA) Social psychologists and other social scientists have found that all of us, regardless of race, have cognitive biases that influence how we perceive and make decisions about other people. The behavior of human beings is often guided by racial and other stereotypes of which we are completely unaware. This training will explore the shortcuts and subsequent perceptions we make about people and our surroundings. It will also provide tools to increase awareness about our cognitive biases and offer intervention strategies. 11:45 a.m. – 12 noon Visit Vendors 12 noon - 1:45 p.m. Plenary 2 - Common Core and Local Control Funding Formula Magnolia/Camellia Ballroom – California’s Response to Equity “California’s Department of Education and State School Board Response to Education, Equity and Excellence for African American, Latino and Other Underserved Students” Entertainment: California School for the Blind Jazz Ensemble, Dr. Wittenstein, Site Superintendent Moderator: Dr. Pamela Short-Powell, President CAAASA Welcoming: Vernon Billy, Executive Director, California School Boards Association (CSBA) Greeting: CCSESA Leadership Keynote Speakers: • Tom Torlakson, State Superintendent of Public Instruction • Michael Kirst, Ph.D., President California State Board of Education • Michael Watkins, Superintendent, Santa Cruz Office of Education • Wes Smith, Executive Director, ACSA 2:00 p.m.- 2:30 p.m. Visit Vendors 2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Workshop Series II – Targeted Workshops B Scholar In Residence - Session 3 • David Kopperud, CDE Consultant “Chronic Absenteeism” Facilitator: Terri Burns, Senior Policy Director, CSBA 4 p.m. – 5:15 p.m Workshop Series III Targeted Workshops C

State Capital

2:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. Special Legislative Town Hall Hearing: Room 4202 Conducted by: Assemblymember Shirley Weber, Ed. D. This legislative hearing will be divided into three sessions. Presenters in each session will be asked to e xamine how we can achieve equity and excellence in education. The topics of discussion will include: • “The Impact that Art has on Achieving Equity and Excellence in Education” • “College Readiness of California Schools – Are We Prepared to Compete in a Global Economy?” • “The Role that Discriminatory Discipline, Suspension, Expulsion and Drop Out Rates for Students of Color has on Achieving Equity and Excellence in Education”

Sheraton Grand

5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Reception sponsored by Fagen, Freeman, Fulfrost and Revolution K12 Ballroom Foyer Hosted by: Gloria Allen, President, California Coalition of Black School Board Members (CCBSBM) 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. CREATE CA Showcase “Arts and the Common Core” Magnolia/Camellia Ballroom Join us for a fun filled reception and exciting program that will introduce you to the core reform with Arts & Education in California. Welcome: Malissa Feruzzi–Shriver, Co-Chair, CREATE CA Entertainment: Oakland Performing School of the Arts, Donn Harris

DAY 2: THURSDAY, March 13th 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Sacramento Convention Center

Breakfast Registration Vendors YOUTH SUMMIT EVENT (Sheraton Grand Hotel)

Ballroom Corridor - 2nd Floor Magnolia/Camellia Ballroom

Sacramento Sheraton Grand Hotel & Sacramento Convention Center

. . . CAAASA 2014 - Professional Development Summit . . .

8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Plenary 3 – “Bridging the Digital Divide – Leave No Child Offline” 2nd Floor Ballroom Corporate executives from leading technology companies participate in a discussion about “Leaving No Child Off Line”. Welcome and Introduction: Andrea Bennett, CETPA Speaker: Assemblymember Steven Bradford Panelists: • Mary Stutts, Vice President of External Affairs, Comcast • Asia Powell, Director of External Affairs, Verizon • Sunne Wright-McPeak, Executive Director, California Emerging Technology Fund • Dr. Daryl Adams, Superintendent, Coachella Valley Unified School District 10:30 – 11:45 a.m. Transitional Break/Visit Vendors 2nd Floor Ballroom Corridor 10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Concurrent Workshops Series IV – Technology and Common Core Scholar In Residence – Session 4 Room 309 • Dr. Gilberto Conchas, Ph.D., Associate Professor, School of Education UC Irvine and Anthony Asadullah Samad, Ph.D., Professor of Political Science and African American Studies, East Los Angeles College Nationally known scholars discuss/share research on educating African American and Latino males Facilitator: Winfrey Roberson, Superintendent, Davis School District Scholar In Residence - Session 5 Room 311 • Dr. Kenneth Wesson, Educational Consultant and Neuroscience Researcher discusses STEM and Common Core. Facilitator: Michelle Bowers, Lancaster School District 11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Transitional Break/Visit Vendor 12:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Plenary 4 - “Equity, Access and Excellence” A Response from the White House and the US Department of Education Opening: Dr. Donald Evans, Superintendent, Berkeley Unified School District Welcome: Dr. Adrien Palazuelos, Ph.D., Associate Superintendent, Natomas Unified School District Moderator: Dr. Ramona Bishop, Superintendent, Vallejo City School District Keynote Speakers: • Deborah Delisle, Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education, US Dept. of Education • David Johns, Executive Director, White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Transitional Break/Visit Vendors 2nd Floor Ballroom Corridor 2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Workshop Series V - Instruction to Improve Graduation Rates and Reduce Drop-out Rates Scholar In Residence - Session 6 - Men and Boys of Color Room 304 / 305 Panelists: • Ronald Walker, Founding Member, Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color • Ruben Lizardo, Senior Director and Leader of BMOC and Workforce Initiative • Joseph Bishop, Director of Policy, National Opportunity to Learn Campaign • Larry John Irving, Chief Executive Officer, Brothers Empowered to Teach • Will Ector, Superintendent, Berryessa Union School District Facilitator: Marc Philpart, Associate Director, Black Male Achievement Initiative at PolicyLink 4:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Workshop Series VI Instruction to Improve Graduation Rates and Reduce Drop-out Rates /Common Core 6:00 p.m – 8:00 p.m.

Sheraton Grand

CAAASA’s Presidents’ Reception Magnolia/Camellia Ballroom Sponsored by the Law Firm of Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Rudd, and Romo

DAY 3: FRIDAY, March 14th Sheraton Grand

7 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. Breakfast Magnolia/Camellia Ballroom 7 a.m. – 12 noon Registration Magnolia Corridor 7 a.m. – 12 noon Vendors Gardenia Ballroom 7:30 a.m.– 9:00 a.m. Plenary 5 - Parental Engagement

March 12 - 14, 2014 | Sacramento, California

. . . Education, Equity and Excellence . . .

Welcoming: Gordon Jackson, Division Director, Coodinated Student Support and Adult Education Division, CDE Special Presentation: Kathy Hurley, Vice President, Education Alliance, Pearson Foundation Facilitator: Paul Richman, Executive Director, California State PTA Researcher: Arun Ramanathan, Ed.D., Executive Director Ed Trust-West Impact of Parental Engagement on Student Achievement Keynote Speakers: Otha Thornton, National PTA President Panelist: • Rick Mockler, California Head Start • Colleen A.R. You, President, California State PTA • Paul Gothold, Superintendent, Lynwood Unified School District • Dr. Shirley Thornton, Trustee, Sausalido Marin City School Board 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Aspiring and New Superintendents’ Academy Carr Room – Hosted by CALSA, ACSA,CCSESA and CAAASA 9:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Concurrent Workshops Series VII • Reducing Chronic Absenteeism • Parental Engagement Scholar In Residence Session 7 Beavis Room • Francisca Sanchez, President, CABE and Yvette Jackson, Ed.D. “Success for African American Students: Imagine, Inspire, Implement” Facilitator: Dr. Mark Marshall, Superintendent, Eastside Union School District, Palmdale Scholar In Residence Session 8 Bondi Room • Dan Sackheim, CDE Consultant Facilitator: Daryl Camp, Superintendent, Riverbank Unified School District Youth Empowerment - “Listen As Wise Youth Discuss What Supports or Undermines Resiliency” 10:45 a.m. – 12 noon Concurrent Workshops - Series VIII 10:45 a.m. – 12 noon Scholar In Residence - Session 9 Beavis Room • Noma LeMoine, Ph.D., CEO, LeMoine and Associates Educational Consulting Consortium “Culturally Competent Teachers: Transforming Perceptions, Pedagogy and Practice in Educating Culturally and Linguistically Diverse African American Students” Facilitator: Cheryl Hildreth, Regional Superintendent, LAUSD Scholar In Residence - Session 10 Bondi Room • Linda V. Navarrette, Director US Office National Development “Project Moving Forward” Facilitator: Beverly M. Hempstead, Superintendent, Cypress Unified School District 12:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Plenary 6 Moving California Ahead Magnolia/Camellia Ballroom - “Reducing Chronic Absenteeism” Swearing In of CAAASA’s Incoming President Dr. Judy White Officiated by Dr. Charlie Mae Knight

Keynote Speaker: Jill Habig, Special Assistant Attorney General in the Executive Office of California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris Moving California Ahead - “Reducing Chronic Absenteeism” Moderator: Darin Brawley, Superintendent, Compton School District Panelists: • Dr. George McKenna, Former Superintendent • Adonai Mack, Legislative Advocate, ACSA • Jose Gonzalez, Superintendent, Planada School District • Seth Bramble, Legislative Advocate, CTA 2:30 p.m. Conference Adjournment

Sacramento Sheraton Grand Hotel & Sacramento Convention Center

. . . CAAASA 2014 - Professional Development Summit . . .

March 12 - 14, 2014 | Sacramento, California

. . . Education, Equity and Excellence . . .

Workshop List CAAASA Conference 2014 Wednesday March 12 Workshop Series 1

10:30 – 11:45 a.m.

Sheraton Grand Hotel

1. School Districts: Adapt or Perish

Tofanelli Room

Presenter:

Gerald Dawkins Associate Regional Director K12 Insights

Workshop Description: With the advent of school choice, districts must compete for every student and dollar. Surviving in this land-

scape — despite the disruptive effects of social media — requires brand management and customer service commensurate with 21st century expectations. Building on its success with hundreds of school districts nationwide, K12 Insight weaves cutting-edge solutions into the cultural fabric of district operations at all levels. The company’s latest innovation, Let’s Talk!, makes authentic community engagement easier and more valuable than ever. A Local Attorney will join to answer estate planning questions.

2. Changing Literacy Outcomes for Middle School Students

Bataglleri Room

Presenter:

Sheena Hervey Chief Academic Officer

Generation Ready

Workshop Description: One of the greatest challenges facing middle schools is ensuring students have the strategies needed to read the

increasingly complex texts they encounter across the disciplines. Generation Ready’s Middle School Literacy Initiative (MSLI) helps educators to support literacy development for all learners through a comprehensive district-wide approach to raising literacy outcomes. The goal of MSLI is to have students enter high school with the literacy skills necessary to succeed across disciplines.

3. Exploring Unconscious Bias - Part 1 Presenters:

and

California Teachers Association

Reena Doyle Human Rights Consultant

Clark Room

Gail Watts Human Rights Consultant

Workshop Description: Social psychologists and other social scientists have found that all of us, regardless of race, have cognitive bias-

es that influence how we perceive and make decisions about other people. The behavior of human beings is often guided by racial and other stereotypes of which we are completely unaware. This training will explore the shortcuts and subsequent perceptions we make about people and our surroundings. It will also provide tools to increase awareness about our cognitive biases and offer intervention strategies.

4. Restoring Justice For all Students: Strategies for Implementing Alternatives to Suspension and Expulsion Lead Presenter:

Co-Presenter:

Vallejo City Unified School District

Public Counsel Law Center

Dr. Ramona Bishop Superintendent

Compagno Room

Sarah Omojola Statewide Education Advocate

Workshop Description: The Superintendent of Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD), a school-based team and an education

advocate will discuss how districts can improve the educational and life outcomes for all students, especially students of color and students with disabilities, by implementing alternatives to suspension and expulsion. This workshop will highlight best practices and challenges gleaned from VCUSD educators’ firsthand experience with implementing restorative. justice. Presenters will also shed light on resources available to implement discipline alternatives.

Sacramento Sheraton Grand Hotel & Sacramento Convention Center

. . . CAAASA 2014 - Professional Development Summit . . .

5. Equity Through Access: Differentiated Instruction Lead Presenter:

Co-Presenters:

Inglewood Unified School District

Santa Paula Union High School District

Irella Perez Principal

Dr. David Gomez Retired Superintendent

Falor Room

Raquel Antunez Founder and President Coaching Alongside

Workshop Description: African American students have the highest school dropout rates. Latino, and Native American students are

not far behind that data, when compared to total student enrollment in California. The goal of education is for our students to graduate from the system with the possibility for higher education. To achieve this, each child must access grade level instruction in Standard English. For pathways to success, instruction must be differentiated each hour, each day and each year.

6. Common Core State Standards: Engaging Parents and Stakeholders for Successful Implementation

McGinnis Room

Lead Presenter:

Co-Presenters:

and

California State PTA

Moreno Valley School District

Azusa USD

Patty Scripter Vice President for Education

Dr. Judy White Superintendent

Xilonin Cruz Gonzales, School Board Member

Workshop Description: As the Common Core State Standards and related assessments are being implemented in schools and class-

rooms, it’s essential for educators to engage often with parents and stakeholders to discuss the benefits of Common Core, significant changes, and implementation plans. Learn and share strategies and resources for facilitating positive dialogue to support the transition.

7. Scholar In Residence Session 1 Equity and the Common Core

Beavis Room

Lead Presenter:

Candy Boyd, Ed. D. Professor, School of Education Saint Mary’s College

Workshop Description: Ready for college and careers, America’s “literate” youth successfully compete in the 21st Century global world.

8. Scholar In Residence Session 2 A Systemic Approach to Address Equitable Student Achievement Lead Presenter:

Manny Barbara Vice President, Silicon Valley Education Foundation Retired Superintendent Silicon Valley Education Foundation/Oak Grove School District

Bondi Room Co-Presenter:

Socorro Shields Superintendent

Santa Rosa School District

Workshop Description: Increasing the college readiness of students of color, requires a systemic approach in order to achieve racial

equity in student results. A systemic approach includes changes in policy, intervention strategies, equitable access, and improved instruction (professional development). It also means focusing on the right metrics that will lead to improved end of K-12 outcomes.

9. Legislative Seminar: Carr Room

• Senator Holly Mitchell, Chair, California Legislative Black Caucus • Senator Richard Lara, Chair, California Legislative Latino Caucus • Assemblymember Reginald Jones-Sawyer • Assemblymember Cheryl Brown • Dr. Arturo Delgado, Superintendent, LA County Office of Education • Elvin Momon, Superintendent, Victor Valley Union High School District

Facilitator: Pamela Gibbs, Director of Government Relations, LA County Office of Education During this session, State elected officials and educational leaders will discuss legislation and education policy that is being sponsored this year to address equity issues in education. They will also discuss other policy objectives and/or statewide initiatives that should be considered in order to improve outcomes for African American, Latino and other underserved students in California.

March 12 - 14, 2014 | Sacramento, California

. . . Education, Equity and Excellence . . .

Sacramento Sheraton Grand Hotel & Sacramento Convention Center

. . . CAAASA 2014 - Professional Development Summit . . .

March 12 - 14, 2014 | Sacramento, California

. . . Education, Equity and Excellence . . .

Workshop Series 11

2:30 – 3:45 p.m.

Sheraton Grand Hotel

10. Scholar In Residence Session 3 Transforming Education by Improving Student Engagement and Attendance

Bondi Room

Lead Presenter:

Co-presenter:

California Department of Education, Educational Options Student Support, and American Indian Education Office

State School Attendance Review Board

David Kopperud Educational Programs Consultant

Dan Sacheim Chair

Workshop Description: Chronic absence is a crisis in California, especially in certain communities and subgroup populations. The LCAP requires districts to measure chronic absenteeism, dropout, suspension and expulsion rates to measure progress in improving student engagement and school climate. We can keep students in school and hold them accountable. Research has shown the need to replace punitive discipline practices. We will focus on how behavioral intervention approaches, including the use of SARBs, increase student engagement and attendance.

11. Preventive Discipline Falor Room Presenter:

Sherman R. Garnett CEO

Sherman Garnett & Associates

Workshop Description: Are you current and well-versed in the world of student discipline and due process? Have you found yourself

creating your own policies or relying on past written/ unwritten practices that may/may not be aligned with California Education Code and FERPA? This highly interactive workshop will focus on basic issues confronting school administrators statewide, in the area of safe schools and student discipline, by presenting solutions. Participants will be quizzed regarding current practices being utilized in their school district. Sample policies/procedures/forms aligned with Ed code and FERPA will be provided to all workshop attendees.

12. The Condition of College and Career Readiness of Hispanic Students Presenters:

and

Career & College Readiness ACT

ACT

Juan M. Garcia Assistant Vice President

Beavis Room

Maria Vasquez Director

Workshop Description: College and career readiness among 2013 Hispanic U.S. high school graduates who took the ACT test shows

slow but steady improvement, particularly in the key areas of math and science, according to ACT’s yearly report, “The Condition of College and Career Readiness 2013.” This has occurred as the number of Hispanic test-takers continues to dramatically increase. This session will review the findings of the 2013 report and discuss the changes from the 2012 report. Policies and practices that states, districts and schools can implement to systemically increase the percentage of their students who are ready for college-level work, will be presented and discussed.

13. Evidence-Based Practices for Integrating Resiliency and Self-Control with Common Core.

Compagno Room

Lead Presenter:

Jon Oliver Executive Director Lesson One

Workshop Description: Jon Oliver will demonstrate an evidence-based intervention that improves school climate and develops educa-

tor’s capacity to integrate social skills with common core standards so children can be successful at school, home and in the community. Oliver will lead a participatory workshop with practical strategies and proven methods to help all students internalize self-control and become resilient learners, providing them with a necessary foundation to stay in school through graduation and achieve life-long academic, personal and professional success. Sacramento Sheraton Grand Hotel & Sacramento Convention Center

. . . CAAASA 2014 - Professional Development Summit . . .

14. Effective Parent Engagement Before Kindergarten and Beyond

Batagliera Room

Lead Presenter:

Rachelle Pastor Arizmendi Director PACE

Workshop Description: For many of our Early Education programs, parents from underserved communities are not just volunteering

in the classrooms, but they are engaged in parent education activities, participating in programmatic decisions, and advocating on behalf of their children. What are the strategies and techniques used during the early years that can be extended to elementary school and beyond? How can we learn from this approach and what can we do to bridge the gap?

15. Unconscious Bias Part 2

16. Title 1 and Arts Education: Advocating for Arts Education for ALL Students Co Presenters:

Lead Presenter:

Barbara Ledterman Chairman

Special Committee for Arts Education California State PTA

Joe Landon Executive Director

Clark Room Tofanelli Room

and

Steve Winlock Executive Director, Leadership Institute

California Alliance for Arts Education Sacramento County Office of Education

Workshop Description: Arts education deepens learning skills including problem-solving, critical thinking, and nurtures team build-

ing, adding to overall academic achievement and success. Research shows there are huge inequities when it comes to the number of students who receive arts instruction during the school day. Learn ways that parents, educators, and school leaders can work together to ensure that ALL students have access to a quality education that includes the arts through LCFF/LCAP, Common Core, and Title I.

17. CREATE CA- Collective Impact and California Arts Education Presenters

and

The California Arts Council

to the Superintendent of Public Instruction

Craig Watson Executive Director,

Carr Room

Craig Cheslog Principal Policy Advisor

Workshop Description: This session will provide an update on the Statewide collective impact Arts initiative Core Reforms Engaging

The Arts to educate, widely known as CREATE CA. This initiative is aligning the work of four statewide arts organizations, the California Department of Education, the California Arts Council, The California Alliance for Arts Education, and the CCSESA Arts Initiative, along with numerous local Arts organizations to underscore the value of Arts education in California public schools.

18. Pathway to Change: California’s Quality Education Investment Act (QEIA)

MeGinnis Room

Presenter:

Jane Robb Instruction and Professional Development Department California Teachers Association

Workshop Description: The Quality Education Investment Act (QEIA), one of California’s most ambitious intervention programs for

low-performing schools, is now in its sixth year of implementation in nearly 400 schools across the state. In this new era of increased local control, the responsibility of district-level decision makers to “choose wisely” argues for more practice-based evidence to determine which strategies, structures and decisions can contribute to increased student and school success; QEIA sites provide a valuable cohort for gathering that evidence. From its inception in 2007-08, the California Teachers Association (CTA) has funded an independent, multi-year study of QEIA schools to uncover the pathways they have taken to foster success. The most promising practices that are accessible to all schools will be shared and discussed.

March 12 - 14, 2014 | Sacramento, California

. . . Education, Equity and Excellence . . .

Sacramento Sheraton Grand Hotel & Sacramento Convention Center

. . . CAAASA 2014 - Professional Development Summit . . .

March 12 - 14, 2014 | Sacramento, California

. . . Education, Equity and Excellence . . .

Workshop Series 111 4:00 – 5:15 p.m.

19. Linked Learning & Common Core: Pathways to Excellence, Leadership, Equity Presenters:

and

The Education Trust—West

Sheraton Grand Hotel

Compagno Room

Amber Banks Practice Associate

Jeannette LaFors Director of Equity Initiatives

Workshop Description: This workshop will describe the Linked Learning approach in the context of new standards in California and

how these systemic educational reforms can address historical issues of inequity and access to rigorous college and career preparation for African-American, Latino, and other underserved students. Presenters will identify barriers to increasing college and career readiness and provide actionable strategies for educational leaders to continue to align their efforts with the rigorous expectations outlined in the new standards.

20. Close Reading in the Elementary Classroom

Falor Room

Lead Presenter:

Pamela C. Robertson Principal

State Street Elementary LAUSD

Workshop Description: This professional development shall provide Close Reading metacognitive strategies that align with the Com-

mon Core State Standards. Participants will learn the goals, levels, rigor and strategies typically taught in isolation to ensure successful implementation of the Common Core. Participants will also gain an understanding of how all domains of Language Arts (reading, writing, listening and speaking, language) work together. [Intended audience: Elementary school teachers who primarily teach 2nd through 6th grade; Elementary school administrators; elementary school parents].

21. GRADUATION BUNGEE JUMPING FOR PARENTS: INCREASING PARTICIPATION ON FIRST LEAP.

Bataglleri Room

Presenter:

Terry Boykins CEO Street Positive

Workshop Description: Interactive workshop, incorporating consumer behavior tactics, motivations, market trends, cultural con-

ditions, economic fears, competencies and institutional perceptions to achieve optimal parent engagement and equity sharing for improved outreach, participation and education advocacy benefiting African American, Hispanic and underserved students.

22. Unconscious Bias Part 3

23. Increasing Access and improving Achievement in the New Era of Common Core Math Lead Presenter:

Jennifer Li Marketing and Partnerships Manager

Silicon Valley Education Foundation

Co-Presenters:

Justine Fischer President-Elect

Manny Barbara Vice President Advocacy and California State PTA Thought Leadership

Silicon Valley Education Foundation

Clark Room

Bondi Room and

Kathy Sheppard Associate Superintendent Evergreen School District

Workshop Description: Algebra in eighth grade has long been considered a “gateway” for higher learning. However, many students of color or low social economic status don’t have this option. In the Common Core era, this challenge has even more dimensions. This session focuses on “Elevate: Math,” a program that prepares high-need students for formerly grade 8 algebra and now the common core equivalent (e.g. high school Mathematics I) through innovative curriculum, education technology, mentorship, and college awareness. Sacramento Sheraton Grand Hotel & Sacramento Convention Center

. . . CAAASA 2014 - Professional Development Summit . . .

24. Establishing a Legacy of Pride and Success for Black Girls Beavis Room Co-Presenter:

Lead Presenter:

Constance Gipson, President/Author

Dr. Hazel Mahone Author

Team America

Workshop Description: The Legacies book talk helps African American girls overcome academic and social roadblocks, bad deci-

sion-making and self esteem issues. Key contemporary role models explain what it takes to complete school and prepare for the world of America. Issues seldom addressed at home or school lie dormant, generating behaviors that can impact their current and future lives, such as skin color, acting white, teen pregnancy, decision-making, unmasking black-girl triggers, and strategies for averting unnecessary pain. ]

25. Redefining Choice: Transforming Schools Within the Context of Open Enrollment

McGinnis Room

Presenter:

Christopher Morris, Ed.D. Principal Discovery High School

Workshop Description: Increased school choice options and open enrollment policies in schools have seen significant growth. As

parents see access to educational options for their children, urban and high poverty schools have seen plummet. This has decreased the educational opportunities for disadvantaged students that remain at their home schools. This presentation will provide parents and school leaders with strategies to influence enrollment patterns and improve the educational outcomes for students that remain at their neighborhood schools.

26. Collaborative Engagement in Supporting Challenging Behaviors in a Head Start Classroom

Carr Room

Presenter:

Damon Carson, Director

Neighborhood House Association Head Start

Workshop Description: The growing number of children with challenging and aggressive behaviors in our preschool classrooms

requires a systems approach to support children and teachers, engage parents and access additional resources in the community. The goal is to maintain effective discipline and support systems to strengthen teachersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; behavior management skills and engage parental involvement in order to prevent expulsion and ensure success in Head Start classrooms. This requires collaborative engagement with a multi-disciplinary team approach, headed by a mental health professional. Participants will learn how to develop programs and policies which detail actions of due diligence to prevent expulsion of children exhibiting extreme levels of challenging behaviors. (PHOTO) Ken Wesson

27. Equity, School Climate, and Increased Funding: How new state policies Tofanelli Room give California schools the opportunity to change outcomes for our most vulnerable kids. Lead Presenters:

Castle Redmond Program Manager

Co Presenter:

Tia Elena Martinez

The California Endowment

Workshop Description: In this workshop, we will unpack the role of childhood trauma and implicit bias in blocking access to school

success for black and brown children. We will also examine best practices in school discipline, school climate and social-emotional health to leverage opportunities created by LCFF and Common Core and transform the experience of our most vulnerable young people.

March 12 - 14, 2014 | Sacramento, California

. . . Education, Equity and Excellence . . .

Sacramento Sheraton Grand Hotel & Sacramento Convention Center

. . . CAAASA 2014 - Professional Development Summit . . .

March 12 - 14, 2014 | Sacramento, California

. . . Education, Equity and Excellence . . .

Thursday March 13th 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Sheraton Grand Hotel

YOUTH LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

COLLEGE FAIR

MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERS / WORKSHOPS TECHNOLOGY

YOUTH LEADERSHIP SUMMIT * COLLEGE FAIR * MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERS/WORKSHOPS * TECHNOLOGY * STUDENT SHOWCASE

STUDENT SHOWCASE

Robert Jackson is an educator, motivational speaker and author. A former professional football player, he has delivered keynote addresses at numerous universities and education-related workshops and seminars. His motto is, “If you’re not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem.” He is the author of “No More Excuses: Black Men Stand Up!” “No More Excuses: The Workbook” and “No More Excuses:; Educating Black and Latino Males.” With a strong commitment to mentoring, he presents workshops around the country for young men. He also serves as the Kappa League Chair of six mentoring programs with the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. Michael Dennis is an educator, consultant, education advocate and author. His more than 29 years of education-related experience includes service as a teacher and principal within the Inglewood Unified School District as well as the Los Angeles County Office of Education. An accomplished curriculum designer of culturally relevant and responsive educational practices, he has conducted professional development workshops on a number of topics. He developed the STARS (Students Achieving & Reaching Success) Rites of Passage Program and currently serves as Legislative Liaison for the Education is a Civil Right Committee (ECRC) in Los Angeles. Joseph E. Marshall, Ph.D. is a nationally recognized public speaker, community activist, author and radio host. Tired of losing kids to violence and drugs, he left the classroom, earned an additional degree and began developing programs with the goal of preventing violence. Dr. Marshall is the founder of the Alive and Free Movement and the founder and president of Street Soldiers National Consortium. He is the co-founder and Executive Director of the San Francisco-based Omega Boys Club/Street Soldiers and oversees the Omega Leadership Academy for academic and life skills education, the Omega Training Institute on violence prevention and Street Soldiers Communications, which hosts a nationally syndicated radio talk show. Erik Cork is a nationally recognized writing consultant who has conducted workshops for more than 300,000 students, parents and educators in more than 250 school districts and universities throughout the United States and beyond. He is the creator of the lively workshop, entitled, “Rap, Rhythm & Rhyme: Rebuilding the Writing Foundation,” as well as the founder of the International Write Now, Inc. He has presented seminars showcasing a wealth of English Language Arts essential skills at major educational conferences, including the National Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), the National Association for Elementary School Principals (NAESP), the Texas Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TEX-TESOL) and the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE).

Sacramento Sheraton Grand Hotel & Sacramento Convention Center

. . . CAAASA 2014 - Professional Development Summit . . .

Judge Burnett brings to this task an extensive record of accomplishments. He graduated from Howard University summa cum laude with a major in political science and minor in economics and in his junior year was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He then attended New York University School of Law where he received his law degree in 1958, graduating in the top 10% of his class and as a Founders’ Day Award Recipient. He was also Associate Research Editor of its Law Review. He commenced his law career in the Attorney General’s Honors Program at the United States Department of Justice in the Criminal Division in June 1958. After specializing in fraud, obscenity and public integrity criminal cases, including serving as a special prosecutor in several cases for the U. S. Department of Justice, in April 1965 he became an Assistant United States Attorney in Washington, D.C. where he prosecuted for almost four (4) years all types of cases, including homicides. In December 1968 he became the first General Counsel of the Metropolitan Police Department in the District of Columbia. Alan Rowe and his wife Donna founded the United College Action Network (UCAN), Inc. in 1988 and have been like a one-family catalyst for students to attend a four-year Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU). Under the leadership of Dr. Rowe, U-CAN has created successful educational partnerships, support, outreach, mentoring programs and services throughout California as well as the United States. U-CAN provides leadership, services and assistance to students who wish to gain enrollment in a four-year Historically Black College or University (HBCU). Since 1988 more than 56,000 students have received assistance from U-CAN. Additionally, more than 15,000 seniors have been accepted and 6,000 students have received scholarships. In total U-CAN has acquired more than $54,000,000 in scholarship monies on behalf of students.

Workshop Series IV 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.

Sacramento Convention Center

28. Technological Resources & The Common Core

Room 319

Presenter:

Brian Bock Partner

Fagen, Friedman & Fulfrost LLP

Workshop Description: As Common Core State Standards are implemented statewide, what questions must school districts ask to en-

sure that technology and professional learning are aligned to promote core success. Best practices to closing the digital divide of our African American, Latino/Hispanic and rural students will also be addressed.

29. Common Core Technology Boot Camp: Exceeding Common Core Standards while integrating necessary technology in the classroom.

Room 310

Presenter:

Nancy Coblenz Senior Business Advisor School Tech Supply

Workshop Description: Get informed of what Common Core is really mandating with your technology infrastructure and how to

effectively bridge the digital divide. This workshop will educate participants of industry expertise in technology requirements, cost-effective solutions to bolster current technology infrastructure and taking advantage of the technology put in students’ hands. Learn how to manage Common Core technology deadlines without exacerbating your current budget yet, successfully transition into a blended learning environment.

30. Scholar In Residence Session 4

Room 309

Presenters:

and

East Los Angeles College

School of Education UC Irvine

Anthony Asadullah Samad, Ph.D. Professor of Political Science and African American Studies

Dr. Gilberto Conchas, Ph.D. Associate Professor

Workshop Description: Nationally known scholars discuss/share research on African American and Latino males

March 12 - 14, 2014 | Sacramento, California

. . . Education, Equity and Excellence . . .

Sacramento Sheraton Grand Hotel & Sacramento Convention Center

. . . CAAASA 2014 - Professional Development Summit . . .

March 12 - 14, 2014 | Sacramento, California

. . . Education, Equity and Excellence . . .

31. Leveraging Technology: Create Engaging, Relevant, and Personalized Learning Environments Lead Presenter:

Co Presenters:

Alice Petrossian Appointed Member

California Task Force on K-12 Civic Learning

Karin Lundquist Account Executive Classworks

Samir Bolar Chief Strategy Officer

Mastery Design Collaborative

Room 304 -305

Scott Griego Director of Sales Let’s Go Learn

and

Jeffrey Tsang Chief Executive Officer

Mastery Design Collaborative

Workshop Description: Technology increases student engagement and achievement, supports personalized learning, and prepares stu-

dents for the future. Learn how technology can help support teachers, while making classrooms more manageable with the transition to Common Core. Experience how to create a blended learning environment by effectively integrating technology into the classroom. Participants will also learn how to personalize learning, with the use of online diagnostic assessments and individualized instruction, to increase student achievement.

32. Scholar In Residence: Brain-STEM: Merging the Goals of the Common Core State Standards, the New Science Standards, and STEM

Room 311

Lead Presenter:

Kenneth Wesson Educational Consultant Neuroscience

Workshop Description: The primary goal of education is to teach our students how to think and how to solve future problems. It is our

job as educators and administrators to help them cultivate the most robust “cognitive tool chest” possible. Human beings are the only animal living on Planet Earth that looks for problems and for problems to solve. Most important, we alone can explore and deploy various innovative strategies to solve problems. Recognizing the projected demographic shifts expected over the next 25 years, the sharpest focus of elementary students should be science education. What occurs/does not occur in K-8 classrooms will determine the depth of our national STEM pipeline. Students learn to solve problems most effectively when they are actively engaged in applying key concepts and skills meaningfully from across the academic spectrum. All real-world problems have elements that stretch across multiple disciplines simultaneously. Schools should emphasize the fact that scientists, mathematicians, and engineers regularly take part in listening, speaking, reading, writing and discourse, which are formally considered the property of the Common Core/Language Arts.

33. Family Love Letter Room 302 - 303 Lead Presenter:

Co Presenter:

AXA - Employer Sponsored Business

AXA Advisors – Retirement Benefits Group

Lucretia H. Windom Director, Strategic Relationships

Raymond H. Preston, Jr. Advisor

Workshop Description: What is the Family Love Letter? The Family Love Letter is a gift – of time, love and clarity. It is a Legacy for

the Living. We will all leave a legacy. Will it be a legacy of confusion or of information? Will we add to the trauma of our death or incapacity by adding to its inherent confusion, or leave a roadmap for those who follow? Will we leave a Legacy for the Living – of the stories, hopes and desires for our family? The Family Love Letter is designed to help people avoid future confusion by organizing their thoughts, wishes and assets, for the sake of those they care about most.

Sacramento Sheraton Grand Hotel & Sacramento Convention Center

. . . CAAASA 2014 - Professional Development Summit . . .

34. Using a Social Justice Lens to Foster Relevancy and Access to Common Core: An Exploration on Henrietta Lacks Lead Presenters:

Co Presenter:

Vicki Rice Founder and Executive Director

Carlene Davis Director of Family and Community Engagement

Coalition for Educational Partnerships

Room 312

and

Dr. Antoinette S. Linton Adjunct Professor

University of Southern California

Science Department Chair

Washington Preparatory High School in Los Angeles Unified School District

Workshop Description: Common Core requires students to apply higher-order thinking, construct arguments, validate learning with evidence and synthesize knowledge across content areas. Using text and related articles from “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,” workshop participants will engage in a differentiated exercise to deepen their understanding of how to integrate English Language Arts, Science and History instructional strategies to ensure Standard English and English Learner students excel in this new model of thinking and learning.

Workshop Series V 2:30 – 3:45

Sacramento Convention Center

35. Special Initiatives and Resources of the California Department of Education

Room 302 - 303

Lead Presenter:

Craig Cheslog Principal Policy Advisor

to the Superintendent of Public Instruction

Workshop Description: Craig Cheslog is thePrincipal Adviser to StateSuperintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Torlakson with the

CaliforniaDepartment of Education. Conferees attending this workshop will learn aboutprograms and resources to address LCFF, LCAP, Common Core, and CreateCalifornia Arts Initiative. Informationabout other valuable services and programs will be shared in this session.

36. Real Strategies to Courageously Lead Your District Through a Successful Common Core Implementation Lead Presenter:

Vinnie White Retired Teacher Teacher Support Executive

Co-Presenters:

Stanley Dobbs Superintendent & CEO Hayward USD

Douglas Howard Executive Director Inglewood USDt

Room 310 and

Brent Tilley Principal

Inglewood USD

I CAN Learn Education Systems

Workshop Description: “What we do upon some great occasion will probably depend on what we already are; and what we are will be the result of previous years of self-discipline.” – H.P. Liddon…Shifting to the CCSS is indeed a great occasion that mandates new instructional methods but we must not discount proven leadership strategies. We are facing challenging times that require leaders who will not be silent or tip toe around difficult decisions. Our panelists are respected educational leaders who speak from the heart and with wisdom in the name of educating our children. The panelist will discuss successfully implementing research based STEM programs that positively impact African American and Latino Students. They will also talk about the importance of superior planning and execution. The discussion will present effective strategies to factor team member feedback into decisions, for which you are ultimately accountable. Are you prepared to lead your district to excellence? If your answer is no, then you should attend and learn. If your answer is yes, then you are encouraged to attend and share. Implementing the CC requires all hands on deck so you will hear from leaders at all levels. This will be a practical and honest discussion, open for audience participation. Such a Time as This, sponsored by I CAN Learn Math®, will energize and inspire all who attend.

March 12 - 14, 2014 | Sacramento, California

. . . Education, Equity and Excellence . . .

Sacramento Sheraton Grand Hotel & Sacramento Convention Center

. . . CAAASA 2014 - Professional Development Summit . . .

. . . Education, Equity and Excellence . . .

37. Improving Your Revenue Base and Graduation Rates While Reducing Your Dropout Rates

Room 311

Lead Presenter:

John Murray CEO

AdvancePath Academics

Workshop Description: School Districts typically spend more per Alternative Education student (at-risk and dropout) than they do

on traditional middle and high school students yet they do not necessarily see improved outcomes. It is possible to improve academic outcomes and graduation rates, reduce dropout rates, close the achievement gap and improve school climate and safety within budget. AdvancePath’s in-school and in-district Academies are doing so around the country every day – come and learn how.

38. Bridging the Digital Divide for a 21st Century Education

Room 309

Presenter:

Darryl Adams Superintendent

Coachella Valley Unified School District

Workshop Description: Coachella Valley Unified School District, where most of the students speak Spanish as a first language and

more than 90 percent qualify for free and reduced lunch, is the first school district in the nation to launch a mobile learning initiative, pre-school to high school. Participants will receive an overview of the role of professional development in an MLI, frontloading an MLI rollout funding, infrastructure concerns and accountability.

39. Scholar In Residence Men and Boys of Color: Improving Educational Outcomes for Boys and Men of Color Strategies and Opportunities for California School Districts Lead Presenter:

Ronald Walker Founding Member

Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color (COSEBOC)

Joseph Bishop Director of Policy

Room 304- 305

Rubén Lizardo Senior Director and Leader

Marc Philpart Associate Director

Leads Black Male Achievement initiatives at PolicyLink and co-directs the Institute for Black Male Achievement.

BMOC & Workforce Initiatives

National Opportunity to Learn Campaign

and

Larry John Irvin Chief Executive Officer

Brothers Empowered to Teach (BE2T)

Workshop Description: On February 27, 2014, President Barack Obama announced My Brother’s Keeper, an initiative focused on improving outcomes for boys and men of color. This effort builds on the work of leaders throughout the country who have played an active role in shaping this emerging field of practice. While their work spans a variety of issue areas, none have been documented in as much detail as the challenges boys and men of color face in education. And while problems are well understood, much less is known about the solutions.

During this panel, you’ll hear from a variety of national and local experts working at the leading edge of the field to shape new educational opportunities for boys and men of color through policy and programmatic interventions. You’ll also learn about networks you can join to sharpen your knowledge of what works for boys and men of color and advocacy efforts that you can participate in to support the boys and men of color in your districts.

Sacramento Sheraton Grand Hotel & Sacramento Convention Center

. . . CAAASA 2014 - Professional Development Summit . . .

40. Integrating Parent Engagement Opportunities and Targeted School-Wide Programs to increase Academic Achievement in African American Students

Jordan Goines Doctoral Student in Educational Leadership

Lead presenter:

Co Presenters:

Eastside Union School District

Columbia Elementary School Lancaster, CA

Dr. Mark Marshall Superintendent

Room 316

LaRonda Ortega Principal

Azusa Pacific University

Workshop Description: Raising the achievement level of African American students is a priority at the state and national levels. Par-

ent engagement in the academic process of a school is a major element in building a culture of community-wide learning and development of enthusiasm for educational advancement. This presentation will deliver practical approaches in building greater parent engagement and understanding of the educational setting, while promoting essential school programs that are vital to the academic success of African American students.

41. Two Award Winning Programs Making a Difference in the Lives of African American Students and their Parents!

Room 312

Lead Presenters:

Co Presenter:

and

EOPS Outreach Counselor/ Coordinator of Striving Black Brothers Coalition and MentorsAmong, Chabot College

Concerned Parents Alliance and College Bound Programs

Art Barboza

Marsha R. Dodson Co-Founder

Darlene V. Willis, Ph.D Co-Founder

Workshop Description: College Bound and Striving for Black Brothers Coalition (SBBC) are two unique programs making a differ-

ence in the lives of students and their parents. SBBC is specifically designed for African-American males to understand their purpose in the collegiate arena and in life while College Bound via, Concerned Parents Alliance, works with 5th– 12th graders and their parents empowering families to navigate the educational system while ensuring educational success. SBBC is located at Chabot College while CB programs are located in Hayward, San Diego, Oceanside and Peoria, Illinois.

42. Internet Essentials

Presenter:

Co Presenter:

Comcast

Lorena Hernandez California Director, Community Investment

Room 319

Scott Adams Director, Government Affairs North Bay

Workshop Description: The digital divide and online education is a hot topic for many these days from the White House to California’s

State Capitol. As leaders, we have the power to help close the digital divide. Learn about one of the largest most comprehensive Broadband adoption and access programs in the country and how you can help connect more students and families in your area.

Workshop Series VI

4:00 – 5:15 p.m.

Sacramento Convention Center

43. Turn Around: Arts CA - Arts Education as a School-wide Reform Strategy

Room 309

Presenters:

Co Presenters:

and

Gehry Partners LLC

California Department of Education

Malissa Shriver Policy Consultant

Mary Rice Consultant, Visual and Performing Arts

Jack Mitchell Consultant, Visual and Performing Arts

Workshop Description: During this session, members of the Turn Around: Arts California planning team will share information about how The Arts can be a valuable tool in school turn-around. Building on the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities’ Turn Around: Arts effort, the panel will share student success data from the evaluation of the national program, plans for a California cohort, and the effective strategies used to achieve student success.

March 12 - 14, 2014 | Sacramento, California

Sacramento Sheraton Grand Hotel & Sacramento Convention Center

. . . CAAASA 2014 - Professional Development Summit . . .

March 12 - 14, 2014 | Sacramento, California

. . . Education, Equity and Excellence . . .

44. LCFF-LCAP and More: Opportunities to Build Authentic Parent Engagement Lead Presenter:

Co Presenters:

and

Family and Schools

Vallejo Scholl District

Oscar Cruz President and CEO

Maggie Steele Vice President for Family Engagement California State PTA

Room 310

Dr. Ramona Bishop Superintendent

Workshop Description: Well-informed, engaged parents make a vital difference in helping students and schools succeed. With new ac-

ademic standards, tests and the new Local Control Funding Formula all underway, it’s more crucial than ever for parents to be engaged and informed, not only to support their own children’s education, but to help guide decision-making at their schools. Join the conversation and learn about strategies and programs for effective parent and family engagement – especially in Local Control Accountability Plans.

45. Special Education and Overrepresentation Presenters:

and

California Department of Education

National University

Fred Balcom Ph.D. Director, Special Education Division

Room 311

Janet Jones Balcom, Ed.D. Assistant Professor

Workshop Description: This session will identify the areas of overrepresentation in special education placements and note some of the sources of the overrepresentation. It will also highlight some activities designed to help reverse over referral trends, point out support that is available for districts, and highlight one district’s activities to better serve students.

46. Engaging Diverse Families to Promote Student Success Lead Presenter:

Margit Birge Program Associate

Region IX Equity Assistance Center at WestEd

Co-Presenters:

and

Nancy Bodenhausen Education Programs Consultant

and

Maribel Sainz Program Manager

Office of Family and Community Engagement

California Department of Education

Room 312

Jamilah Sanchez Dual Language Teacher Coach

Community United Elementary School

Workshop Description: Family engagement in the 21st century must build on the strengths within families and communities and must

be connected to student learning. This session will address the barriers to school engagement faced by diverse parents and the steps districts must take to build the capacity of both educators and families to work together as partners.

Friday March 14th Series VII 9:15 – 10:30 a.m.

47. Securing Grant Funds for Your School District

McGinnis Room

Lead Presenters:

and

California Consulting, LLC

Hayward School District

Juan Garcia III COO

Sheraton Grand Hotel

Stan Dobbs Superintendent

Workshop Description: Traditional funding sources have changed significantly for California school districts over the years. Howev-

er, the availability of federal, state, and private foundation grant funds to help finance programs and projects for school has remained high. Identifying all available grant funding opportunities, developing and submitting highly competitive grant applications, and properly administering the grant funds after an award is made can be challenging for school districts. We’ll teach you how to efficiently secure grant funds for your school district.

Sacramento Sheraton Grand Hotel & Sacramento Convention Center

. . . CAAASA 2014 - Professional Development Summit . . .

48. Aspiring and New Superintendent Academy Presenters:

Dr. Judy White Superintendent

Moreno Valley School District

Dr. Ramona Bishop Superintendent Vallejo City Unified School District

Michael Watkins Superintendent Santa Cruz County Office of Education

Wes Smith Executive Director

Carr Room

and

Dr. David Gomez CALSA

ACSA

Workshop Description: This presentation will focus on the skills and knowledge needed to become an effective superintendent and offer best practices for acquiring a position as a public school district superintendent.

49. CREATE CA Arts and LCAP-

Compagno Room

Workshop Description: Using the Arts to impact LCAP Priorities-This panel will look at the recently released 8 LCAP Priority Areas

and examine the role that Arts education might play in achieving these priorities.

50. Unleashing Student Power to Improve Education, Equity and Excellence-Unlocking The Power Within Our Most Under-served Students.

Bataglleri Room

Dr. Brenda Manuel Administrator

Los Angeles Unified School District

Workshop Description: “We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends”. Mary McLeod Bethune.

Come join us for an in-depth look at the work of LAUSD’s newly formed Student Empowerment, Development and Empowerment Unit. Participants will acquire a game plan centered on a student-focused agenda that can be implemented at their District or school site. Tools include how adults can engage students, in an earnest and meaningful manner. It is time that a new school improvement strategy is utilized so that all students thrive in school and beyond.

51. Scholar In Residence Session 7 Success for African American Students: Imagine, Inspire, Implement

Beavis Room

Presenter:

and

National Urban Alliance for Effective Education

California Association for Bilingual Education

Dr. Yvette Jackson CEO

Francisca Sanchez CEO, Provocative Practice and President

Workshop Description: This session will share a process for rethinking and redesigning our approach to the education of African American students, to imagine and inspire a journey of teaching and learning that redefines our roles and responsibilities in creating a new future for our young people. Explore how we can reach our destination: programs powerful enough to guarantee that our African American students are fully equipped to succeed in the 21st century. Learn about a systemic visioning and planning process that convenes educators, community and students in telling powerful stories that help us and others see the possibilities of a better future and then engages them in designing that future. Learn about how we can use a Pedagogy of Confidence ™ to support African American students in demonstrating high intellectual performance. Learn about how to design actionable plans to implement these new visions, designs and pedagogies so we get the results we want and need for our African American students and communities.

52. ALL IN: Schools Connecting Children and Families to Health Coverage Lead Presenter:

Donielle Rooks Program and Fiscal Coordinator

Clark Room

ALL IN:

The Children’s Partnership

California Coverage and Health Initiatives

Workshop Description: With the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA/“Obamacare”), millions of uninsured individuals

are eligible to enroll in new health coverage programs. The goal of this presentation is to equip school superintendents and administra-

March 12 - 14, 2014 | Sacramento, California

. . . Education, Equity and Excellence . . .

Sacramento Sheraton Grand Hotel & Sacramento Convention Center

. . . CAAASA 2014 - Professional Development Summit . . .

March 12 - 14, 2014 | Sacramento, California

. . . Education, Equity and Excellence . . .

tors with tools they need to inform children, parents, and employees about health care reform and help them enroll in coverage. There will be an opportunity for discussion to learn how to make a healthy difference in California’s schools and districts.

53. Instructional Leadership for Implementation and Monitoring of Common Core State Standards

Tofanelli Room

Lead Presenter:

Shelley Holt, Ed.D Director of Instruction

Los Angeles Unified School District

Workshop Description: Moving to a new set of State standards, we can empower ourselves by combining learning from the 1997 transition with what we know about sharing the role of instructional leadership to create learning processes and accountability systems that will ensure success for adults and children. This session will discuss how to set up a triangulated instructional leadership system that ensures that administrators, support staff, teachers, and students are learning and leading together.

54. Scholar In Residence Session 8 Listen as Wise Youth Discuss what Supports or Undermines Resiliency

Bondi Room

Lead Presenter:

Dan Sackheim Educational Options Consultant

California Department of Education, Educational Options, Student Support, and American Indian Education Office

Workshop Description: A youth panel will discuss factors at the core of student resiliency and learning. Participants will learn about 1) factors that support or undermine youth engagement in school and the community, 2) factors in school and the community that support or undermine youth resiliency in the face of challenges and (3) experience how wise youth are, especially about these issues. We need to reshape our actions based on what they say.

Workshop Series VIII 10:45 – 12:00 noon

Sheraton Grand Hotel

55. The Titan Group, Professional Investigations Investigation: A Client Based Approach

McGinnis Room

Lead Presenter:

Edward Saucerman LPI Workshop Description: Come learn how to save your district millions of dollars. Educator Misconduct can cost your district millions. The Titan Group is a full service private investigative firm specializing in fraud, compliance, background investigations, claims investigations, fraud services, and more. Attend this session to learn how our client-based approach can be tailored to your district’s specific needs. Serving school districts throughout California.

56. Aspiring and New Supt. Academy – cont.

Carr Room

57. Arts Integration- What does it look like at the District and school site level?

Compagno Room

Presenters:

Co Presenter:

Twin Rivers Unified School District

Twin Rivers School District

Jackie White Any Given Child Project Director

Janis Wade Principal

Workshop Description: In this session representatives from Twin Rivers Unified School District’s Any Given Child program will share

Arts integration strategies developed in collaboration the Kennedy Center and how those strategies have improved student perforSacramento Sheraton Grand Hotel & Sacramento Convention Center

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mance and community involvement.

58. Promoting Student Health and Academic Success through the LCAPs Lead Presenter:

Yvonna Cazares Director of Arts Education and Next Level Engagement California State PTA

Tofanelli Room

Co Presenters:

and

California State PTA

California Department of Education

Kathy Rabun Vice President for Health

Stephanie Papas School Health Education Consultant

Workshop Description: Healthy students are more likely to succeed in school. Through the new Local Control and Accountability

Plans, schools can address issues related to physical education, school climate, and health for all students. Parents will play an essential role in helping ensure that the critical link between health and academic achievement is part of their local LCAP conversations and plans.

59. No Where to Go – Strategies to Reduce Preschool Expulsion and Suspension in Young Children of Color. Lead Presenter:

Co- Presenter:

School/Office YMCA of the Central Bay Area/Early Childhood Services

YMCA

Pamm, Shaw Executive Director

Clark Room

Anita Gutierrez Inclusion Specialist

Workshop Description: Preschool expulsion rates are more than three times the rate of expulsion in K-12 schools. African American boys are expelled at least twice the rate of other ethnic groups. Suspension and expulsion of children of color under the age of 5 impacts their future readiness and school success. While no single strategy has shown to be effective, there are a number of actions that preschools can implement in with K-12 to reduce this gap.

60. Scholar In Residence Session 9

Beavis Room

Presenter:

Norma LeMoine, Ph.D. CEO

LeMoine and Associates Educational Consulting Consortium

Workshop Description: “Culturally Competent Teachers: Transforming Perceptions, Pedagogy and Practice in Educating Culturally

and Linguistically Diverse African American Students”.

61. Scholar In Residence Session 10 Bondi Room Project Moving Forward: Close the Gap with the RULE of 3 RAP Lead Presenter:

Co- Presenters:

and

Project Moving Forward, National University

Moreno Valley Unified School District

Linda Ventriglia-Navarrette Director US Office National Professional Development Grant (NPD)

Debra Johnson Teacher and Staff Developer

Marie White Teacher and Staff Developer

Workshop Description: Project Moving Forward (PMF) a, $1.9 million DOE, NPD grant closed the achievement gap through daily

vocabulary instruction using the RULE of 3 RAP and CCSS. The API catapulted for Moreno Valley District PMF schools. African American students’ 2013 STAR scores jumped 51 points. ELA proficiency increased from 36% to 50.2%. The achievement gap decreased from 12.2 percentage points to 1.9 points. Video clips and demonstrations will highlight the transformative strategies of the RULE of 3.

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SPECIAL GUESTS Dr. Fred Balcom,

was appointed California’s Director of Special Education in June 2010. He has more than 20 years of experience in education, primarily special education, and was the Director of Special Education in the early 1990s for the Idaho State Department of Education. This gives him the unique perspective of having served in both one of the smallest states and the largest. In between, Fred served for two years as Director of California’s District and School Improvement Division, where he provided statewide leadership for all aspects of federal Title I programs, homeless education, and categorical program monitoring. Before that he was an Administrator in the High Priority Schools Office, implementing statewide reform efforts. He also served as the Executive Director of a Countywide Early Childhood Commission (First 5), the Assistant Superintendent a County Office of Education, and Superintendent for a local School District in Idaho.

Andrea Bennett, is the Executive Director for the

California Educational Technology Professionals Association (CETPA). Prior to becoming CETPA’s Executive Director, Andrea served as a director at two of California’s largest school districts; the East Side Union High School District and Oakland Unified. In total, she has 24 years of experience within K-12 education, including service as a programmer and database manager. At CETPA, she works with the Board of Directors in visioning and planning, plus leads and manages programs to accomplish all CETPA goals and objectives. Ms. Bennett is responsible for CETPA’s liaison activities with external organizations on both a local and national level as well as CETPA events and programs.

Vernon M. Billy serves

as the Chief Executive Officer / Executive Director for the California School Boards Association. Billy has extensive experience in public education advocacy and business development, having managed several businesses and serving as an executive of a multi-million dollar education company. Billy provides executive leadership for the association, which represents and serves the elected and appointed members of the governing boards of the more than 1,000 school districts and county offices of education in California. He is responsible for planning, organizing, directing and coordinating the staff, programs and activities of CSBA. He also has extensive public education experience in the legislative and political arenas, serving as the former governmental relations director for San Francisco Unified School District, one of California’s largest and most diverse districts. In addition, he has served as the chief contract lobbyist for California’s largest district, the Los Angeles Unified School District. He also worked for CSBA during the mid-1990s as a senior legislative advocate. Billy is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and graduated from California State University, Sacramento, with a bachelor’s degree in government/ international relations.

Joseph Bishop, Director of Policy, works in partnership with the Opportunity to Learn Campaign network and states to advance efforts around the four pillars of the campaign. Moving a comprehensive opportunity policy agenda anchored by high quality early learning, equitable resources, well-prepared and effective teachers, and a curriculum that prepares students for 21st century college, career and citizenship readiness will be the focus of Dr. Bishop’s portfolio. Samir Bolar, Chief Strategy Officer of Mastery

Design Collaborative, has worked with district, CMO, and private school leaders to launch blended learning initiatives across 16 schools. He previously served as a manager for Deloitte Consulting LLP, leading change management initiatives for enterprise technology transformations. Prior to his consulting work, he served as a Program Director with Teach for America, where he provided coaching, data analysis, and PD support to a corps of 400 teachers across 50 schools in Los Angeles. Samir began his career in education teaching 8th grade math in Compton Unified.

Steven Bradford’s time in the Assembly has

been marked by his Chairmanship of the Assembly Committee on Utilities and Commerce, which has legislative jurisdiction over electricity, natural gas, telecommunications, private water corporations and other issues related to commerce. Actions taken in this committee affect California homeowners and businesses, the economy, jobs, and the environment. Bradford has put to use the knowledge he gained from his earlier career as a public affairs executive at Southern California Edison to focus on safety, reliable energy supplies, affordable rates, energy efficiency and job creation. Bradford seeks to expand clean energy and create jobs for all Californians while stimulating prudent investments in new technologies and keeping rates affordable. In his role as Chair, Bradford has garnered national attention presiding over important hearings investigating major power outages, and how federal, state, and local authorities might better respond to such events and prevent them from happening in the future.

Assemblymember Cheryl Brown was elected

on November 6, 2012 to represent California’s 47th Assembly District, which includes San Bernardino, Rialto, Fontana, Colton, Grand Terrace, Bloomington, and Muscoy. Prior to joining the California State Assembly, Brown worked for the San Bernardino County Planning Department. She later served on the County and City Planning Commissions for 17 years. During her tenure as a commissioner, she was elected president of the California County Planning Commissioners Association.

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Cheryl Brown Henderson

is the Founding President of The Brown Foundation for Educational Equity, Excellence and Research, and owner of Brown & Associates, educational consulting firm. She is also one of the three daughters of the late Rev. Oliver L. Brown who in the fall of 1950 along with 12 other parents, led by attorneys for the NAACP, filed suit on behalf of their children against the local Board of Education. Cheryl also serves as Coordinator of Coming of Age/ RSVP Johnson County. She has extensive background in education, business and civic leadership, having served on and chaired various local, state and national Boards. In addition she has two decades of experience in political advocacy, public policy implementation and federal legislative development. She has been a invited to the White House on six occasions - In January 1994, May 1995, May 2003, June 2004, February 2005 and June 2005, she was one of a group of individuals invited to receptions and dinner at the White House.

Craig Cheslog currently serves as the Principal

Advisor to California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson at the California Department of Education. Craig’s responsibilities in this role include serving as personal strategist, advisor to, and spokesperson for Superintendent Torlakson; serving as the Superintendent’s liaison to other major external individuals and organizations; coordinating major education initiatives; and managing the Superintendent’s Initiatives Office. In addition to conducting outreach for ongoing and prospective educational initiatives sponsored by Superintendent Torlakson, the Superintendent’s Initiatives Office is responsible for the coordination and management of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction’s day-to-day operations; management of all correspondence received by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction; and administration of various awards programs designed to honor students, schools, teachers, and school employees.

Nancy Coblenz is the Senior Business Advisor at School Tech Supply in Westlake Village, California. She has an extensive background in developing and leading specialized college and graduate college preparatory programs for at-risk youth within urban schools. With this passion and experience she joined School Tech Supply to further the technology benefits for charter schools, charter organizations and programs that promote school choice. Dr. Gilberto Conchas, Ph.D. is a leading national expert on public education in America. He is Executive Director of the Career Academy Support Network (CASN) at the University of California, Berkeley and Associate Professor and Chancellor’s Fellow at the University of California, Irvine. Conchas obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of California, Berkeley and a Master of .Arts and a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He has served on the faculty at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and was Senior Program Officer with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He is the author of several books that address the opportunity gap in education: The Color of Success (2006), Small Schools 52

and Urban Youth (2008), and StreetSmart SchoolSmart (2012). Conchas is the son of Mexican immigrant farm workers and maintains a strong commitment to promoting college and career success. Through various consulting venues and speaking engagements, he offers insight into how communities and schools can create opportunities and safe learning environments for youth success.

Candy Dawson–Boyd Ph. D. is a professor in

the School of Education at Saint Mary’s College in Moraga, California. She founded, and currently directs, the Masters and Specialist Credential and Certificate Programs in Reading/ Language Arts at St. Mary’s. Prior to her current role, she directed both the Elementary Education Basic Credential Program and the Special Education Credential and Masters Programs. She received the first Professor of the Year Award for outstanding teaching and scholarship at St. Mary’s. Dr. Boyd holds a B.A. in Education from Northeastern Illinois University, an M.A. in Reading, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of California, Berkeley. A nationally known lecturer and award winning author of children’s literature, she is a K-12 reading expert, specializing in increasing and maintaining improvement in reading performance in urban schools. As founder of Common Literacy Culture, she is committed to improving the teaching of reading and writing for all urban children. (pic and bio) Arthur Delgado.

Gerald D. Dawkins, Ed.D.

Senior Vice President of Superintendent and District Relations is responsible for sharing his experiences and expertise as a superintendent with all departments as they address client needs. He has extensive experience in K-12 policy and governance, community focus groups, parent advisory groups, school consolidations and closures, central office and school site reorganization, busing, bond issues, boundary changes, school construction and renovations, budget planning and budget reductions, and labor contract negotiations. Gerald has spent his entire professional life in public education, most recently serving five years as Superintendent of Caddo Parish Public Schools in Shreveport, La. Prior to that, he spent seven years as Superintendent of Michigan’s Saginaw Public Schools. A lifelong educator, Gerald strongly believes that public education is still the great equalizer in America.

Deborah S. Delisle is the Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of Education and is the principal adviser to the Secretary of Education on all matters related to pre-k, elementary, and secondary education. Previously, Deb was a Senior Fellow at the International Center for Leadership in Education, served as Ohio’s 35th State Superintendent of Public Instruction as well as a district superintendent, principal, and teacher. She has served on a multitude of boards including the Council of Chief State School Officers, the NCATE Executive Board, and the Governing Boards of the Midwest Regional Education Lab and the Minority Student Achievement Network. Deb has been the recipient of many honors including the Cleveland HeightsUniversity Heights (OH) City School District recognizing her lifetime of service to students by dedicating a school as the Deborah S. Delisle Education Options Center.

March 12 - 14, 2014 | Sacramento, California

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Stan “Data” Dobbs is a sharecroppers grandson and retired senior military officer that attributes his successes in life to a family culture centered in educational excellence. His ivy league education and professional training includes the best institutions in America. As a distinguished graduate of the Harvard School of Education Urban School Leaders Program, Dobbs is a champion for the unique issues that plaque inner city youth opportunities and access to becoming global thinkers, learners and leaders. Dobbs serves as the Superintendent & CEO of the Hayward Unified School District. Reena Doyle is a 29 year veteran of the labor

movement and has been called by former President Clinton, “A Wonder Woman of labor organizing, fearless of no employer, protecting the Human Rights of all working men and women in this country.” Reena is currently staff with the California Teachers Association for the last 10 years and champion the Human Rights and Dignity of workers in 39 of the 50 US states and 6 other countries. Her expertise are vast particularly focusing on the affects of Unconscious Bias, Institutional Racism, Internalized Racism, Homophobia and its impact on education and organizational structures.

Juan Garza II currently serves as the Chief Operating

Officer of California Consulting. Mr. Garza graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English. Mr. Garza served as the Press Aide for U.S. Congressman George Radanovich. After that, he managed a successful Central Valley State Assembly campaign for Steve Samuelian. After spending three years in politics, Mr. Garza attended law school at the University of Idaho, where he earned his Juris Doctorate. After law school he worked as an investment banker structuring and managing municipal bond sales for an underwriting firm based in Southern California. After approximately three years, he accepted a position in the Bay Area as Assistant Vice President of a financial advisory firm, which manages and structures municipal bonds sales for approximately 140 school districts throughout California. During his tenure as an investment banker and financial advisor, Mr. Garza gained a wealth of knowledge on the intricacies of the financial structure of school districts and cities. As Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Garza manages the day-to-day operations of California Consulting. Along with managing the firm’s operations, Mr. Garza places a special focus on client relations and the firm’s governmental relations activities.

Pam Gibbs

is the Director of Governmental Relations for the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE). She has served in this capacity since 2005. Prior to joining LACOE, Pamela Gibbs worked for the Office of Legislative Counsel where she drafted education legislation. She also served as Special Advisor to the Director of Labor Affairs and Senate Relations in the Davis Administration. Prior to her five-year tenure in the Governor’s Office, she worked in the California State Senate and Assembly. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of the Pacific in

Communication with an emphasis in rhetoric and public address and earned her law degree from Lincoln Law School of Sacramento. Ms. Gibbs currently serves a Vice President of the University of the Pacific Alumni Board of Directors. She enjoys reading and sailing in her spare time.

Dr. David Gomez retired as Superintendent of

the Santa Paula Union High School District in Ventura County. He is the Past President of Association California School Administrators and California Association Latinos Superintendents Administrators and is currently a CALSA Executive Director.

Scott Griego, Director of Sales at Let’s Go Learn, has worked in the K-12 market for 30 years. He has been a consultant to a number of state educational agencies, districts, and schools administrators. He has also served as program director for large-scale assessment programs in Arizona and Hawaii. Having lived through the paper-pencil era, Scott is a big proponent of having test results delivered instantaneously, allowing teachers to make informed decisions to differentiate instruction for students more efficiently. Scott believes Let’s Go Learn’s Computer Adaptive Diagnostic Assessment is excellent at providing personalized learning plans, while complimenting a Blended Learning environment. \

Jill Habig is a Special Assistant Attorney General in the Executive Office of California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris. She advises the Attorney General on key legal issues and policy initiatives. Her work emphasizes consumer fraud, health, education, human trafficking, and civil rights, including issues related to gender and LGBT rights. Ms. Habig was previously a Lecturer in Law at Yale Law School and served on the Affirmative Litigation Task Force at the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office, where she worked on the landmark trial challenging Proposition 8. She has served as a law clerk for Judge Dorothy Nelson of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and Judge Edward Chen of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Ms. Habig earned her J.D. from Yale Law School and her B.A. from Georgetown University. Lorena Hernandez is the California Director of

Community Investment for Comcast, the nation’s leading provider of cable, entertainment and communications were she is responsible for community investment and media partnerships. Ms. Hernandez oversees the Foundation grants, Comcast community signature programs, and creates partnerships and programs throughout California that make an impact in the community, including: Launching digital literacy programs throughout the State; creating the Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Comcast Fellowship—the only Latino youth legislative program in California and Equality California Comcast Fellowship—the first-ever LGBT youth legislative program in the country; Comcast Community Partners—successful Funders Forum for Nonprofits; and, the successful Comcast Leaders & Achievers Scholarship Capital Ceremony honoring California High School students. In addition,

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Ms. Hernandez was appointed and served as Vice Chair of the California Student Aid Commission from 2007—2011, the principal state agency responsible for administering $9 billion dollars in financial aid programs for California students.

Sheena Hervey, as the Chief Academic Officer

at Generation Ready, Sheena Hervey is responsible for providing educational leadership for the organization. Sheena is one of the original literacy experts that brought Balanced Literacy to the US in the 1990s and was responsible for spearheading the partnership between Generation Ready and New York City Department of Education to roll out CCSS ELA across the City. Prior to her arrival in the US, Sheena was a recognized education leader in New Zealand where she was the Director of Primary Programs at Dunedin Teacher’s College. Sheena has authored books on literacy and maintains a national profile in New Zealand for her work in that area. She has worked with principals, Learning Media (New Zealand’s leading educational publisher) and the New Zealand Ministry of Education in a consultancy role, including the authorship of New Zealand’s national standards for ELA.

Douglas Howard is a veteran administrator who

has provided quality systems leadership skills enabling schools to establish and predictably meet aggressive progress goals. He has a proven track record of succeeding in environments where others have failed. His teams have done remarkable work positively redirecting the course of urban schools. Mr. Howard has been highly recognized and awarded by his district and community for his dedication and successful work changing the future for our urban youth.

Kathy Hurley Executive Vice President, Education

Alliances, for the Pearson Foundation, is a 40+ year veteran of the education industry, and has been with the Foundation for four years as a member of the Executive team. Kathy’s wealth of knowledge both in publishing and technology has aided the Foundation with its work in promoting literacy and global recognition. Throughout her career in the education industry Hurley has also served in top executive positions in both publishing and technology companies. She currently serves on several key industry and education advisory boards and has been at the forefront in leading the charge for 21st century skills as Past Chairman of the Partnership for 21st Century Skills (P21). She most recently was invited to join the Advisory Board for the SREB/iNACOL National Online Teacher of the Year award program and the inaugural Building a Grad Nation Summit Steering Committee. Her work with the philanthropic arm of Pearson, the Foundation, has taken Hurley around the world and into various countries where Pearson has a strong presence renewing her commitment to the need for new and innovative ways to help children learn. In addition, Hurley has received various awards for her service in the industry.

Larry Irvin Before P21, Dr. Bishop was Director of Education for the National Association of Latino Elected & Appointed Officials (NALEO) Educational Fund. In that capacity, he was responsible for the overall design, implementation and development of education policy institutes and governance training opportunities for Latino elected officials across the United States. Co-founder of B.E.T.T (Brothers Empowered to Teach) Initiative, Larry Irvin is a social entrepreneur and educator working in New Orleans, LA to close the achievement gap by incentivizing black men to teach in urban schools and serve as in-class role models. Mr. Irvin is motivated by the fact that Black male students face a dropout rate of 55 percent, nearly twice that of white males and believes black male achievement could be furthered if more black male teachers were educators. Yet, according to the National Education Association, the majority of teachers are white and female. Larry experienced the challenges of being a black male in school as both a teacher and a student, leading him to seek a model that meets the needs of these students. Mr. Irvin seeks to raise academic achievement by emphasizing education as a means to personal growth, not just employment. B.E.T.T. will partner with Historically Black Colleges in New Orleans to train and recruit black male teachers for careers in education, emphasizing both cultural competency and achievement in the classroom. Mrs. Vinnie Jackson White received her public school training from the Holmes County public schools in Tchula, MS. She continued her academic education at Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, MS and Delta State University in Cleveland, MS. She has received numerous awards during her career. She was a math teacher for 31 years before retiring in May 2003. During the last four months of her teaching career, she was given the opportunity to expose her students to a new method of teaching and learning math by using I CAN Learn(R). She remains an active educator, community leader, and motivational speaker. She facilitates professional development workshops for teachers and youths. Currently she serves as Teacher Resource/Account Executive for JRL Enterprises, the creator of I CAN Learn Educational Computerized Math Program. This position has granted her the opportunity to travel to numerous states mentoring, tutoring, and motivating students to excel in mathematics. She enjoys working with students and teachers, motivational speaking, and spending time with family and friends. David Johns serves as Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans. In this capacity, he works to identify evidenced-based best practices to improve African American student achievement from cradle to career. A former New York City elementary school teacher and adjuct professor at American University, Johns holds a Bachelors degree from Columbia University as well as a Master’s degree in Sociology and Education Policy from Teachers College, Columbia University. Prior to his current position, Johns served as Senior Education Policy Advisor to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) and was a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Fellow in the office of Congressman Charles Rangel,( D-N.Y.) Johns has worked on issues affecting low-income and minority students, neglected youth and early childhood education, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). His

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research as an Andrew W. Mellon Fellow served as a catalyst to identify, disrupt and supplant negative perceptions of black males, both within academia and society.

Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer, Sr. most

recently, the Director of Asset Management for the City of Los Angeles was elected in November 2012, to represent California’s 59th Assembly District. The entire district lies within the county of Los Angeles and includes the communities of South Los Angeles, FlorenceFirestone, Huntington Park and Walnut Park. His history of public service includes serving as Chair of the LA County Small Business Commission, an Assistant Deputy Mayor for the City of Los Angeles and Vice President of SEIU’s (Local 721) Los Angeles Professional Managers Association. The Jones-Sawyer family were early pioneers in the civil rights movement. His uncle was one of the “Little Rock Nine”--high school students who braved violent mobs to integrate Little Rock Central High School in 1957; one of the most important and documented events in our nation’s history.

Michael W. Kirst, Ph.D. is the President of the California State Board of Education and Professor Emeritus of Education and Business Administration at Stanford University. The author of 10 books, including The Political Dynamics of Education (2005), he has also published articles on school finance politics, curriculum politics, intergovernmental relations and education reform policies. Prior to joining the faculty at Stanford, Dr. Kirst held several positions with the federal government, including Staff Director of the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Manpower, Employment and Poverty and Director of Program Planning and Evaluation for the Bureau of Elementary and Secondary Education in the U.S. Office of Education. .He was a Budget Examiner in the Federal Office of Budget and Management and Associate Director of the White House Fellows. Dr. Kirst holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Dartmouth College, a M.P.A. in Government and Economics from Harvard. Ricardo Lara

is a Democratic member of the California State Senate, representing District 33. He was first elected to the chamber in 2012. Lara previously served in the California State Assembly, representing District 50 from 2010 to 2012. Lara served as communications director for Assemblymember Kevin de León of the California Assembly and as chief of staff for Assemblymember Marco Antonio Firebaugh. He also served as district director for Assemblymember Fabian Nunez of the California State Assembly.

Karin Lundquist, Account Executive at Classworks,

began her career as an elementary teacher at LAUSD and has worked in the K12 market for 20+ years. Having worked for many of the top digital learning companies, Karin has become somewhat of an e-learning expert. Her strong passion for education, technology and student achievement has enabled her to make a difference in the lives of many children. Her main goal today is helping school districts effectively integrate technology.

Rubén Lizardo, Senior Director and Leader of BMOC & Workforce Initiatives, leads equitable public investment efforts to ensure public investments in infrastructure generate community benefits. His work includes research and public education, training and technical assistance to strengthen community and civic participation in decision-making, and working with public officials to develop investment strategies and policies that further equity and economic vitality. Prior to joining PolicyLink, he was the capacity-building director of California Tomorrow, where he led advocacy, training, and technical assistance efforts to address diversity and equity issues. He also served as director of the Community Planning and Economic Development Program at Los Angeles Trade Technical College. He is a former president of the Los Angeles County Human Relations Commission and was awarded The California Wellness Foundation’s California Peace Prize for his work to address root causes of youth violence. He currently serves on the boards of Californians for Justice and Justice Matters. Dr. Noma LeMoine, Ph.D.

is a national education expert, consultant to school districts across the country and public speaker, with more than 35 years of experience in education. She is the former director of the Los Angeles Unified School District’s Academic English Mastery program (AEMP), where she directed the design, development, coordination and implementation of a program that served more than 30,000 students, 2,000 teachers and 800 paraeducators. The program has as its primary goal, facilitating mastery of standard American English in students who are speakers of non-standard languages, while fostering in them an appreciation for their home language and culture. She holds a Master’s degree in Language and Speech Pathology and Audiology from California State University at Los Angeles, a second Master’s degree in Education from California Luther University and earned a Ph.D. in Language, Literacy and Learning at the University of Southern California (USC). She has served as an adjunct professor at several California universities and has taught courses in Language Acquisition in Children, Speech and Language Development and Disorders, and Language and Speech Development in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations.

Dr. Kenneth Magdaleno received his doctorate

in Educational Leadership from UCLA where his dissertation, “Lending a Helping Hand: Mentoring Latina and Latino Leaders into the 21st Century” focused on the development of Latino Educational leaders in California. Developer of the highly successful California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators mentoring program, Dr. Magdaleno currently serves as an Associate Professor and Department Chair at the Kremen School of Education, Department of Educational Research and Administration, California State University, Fresno and teaches in both the Masters Degree and Doctoral Educational Leadership programs focusing on the areas of School Administration, Leadership for Equity, and Theories of Cross-Cultural Leadership. Dr. Magdaleno is also the founding Director of the Center for Leadership, Equity, and Research (CLEAR).

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Tia Elena Martinez

has over 25 years experience doing social change work in low income communities in the United States. Over the decades her work has spanned a wide range of issues including education reform, the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the war on drugs, homelessness, affordable housing, disconnected youth, and immigration. She is currently an independent consultant doing work on dismantling the school to prison pipeline and transforming life chance for boys and men of color. Prior to consulting, she was the Chief Equity Officer at the Stupski Foundation where she designed a R and D effort focused on applying knowledge from the psychology and neuroscience to help low income students and student of color own and drive their learning and increase academic achievement. Tia came to the foundation from the Warren Institute on Race, Ethnicity and Diversity at UC Berkeley Law School, where she was acting director of education, leading a policy unit focused on issues related to education reform, teacher effectiveness, and racial justice.

Sunne Wright McPeak is the President and CEO of the California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF), a statewide non-profit organization whose mission is to close the Digital Divide by accelerating the deployment and adoption of broadband. She assumed the position as the CETF first chief executive in December 2006, after serving for three years as Secretary of the California Business, Transportation and Housing Agency. With McPeak’s vision and drive, CETF has positioned California as a national leader in closing the Digital Divide, initiating groundbreaking applications such as the California Telehealth Network, Digital Literacy, Smart Housing Policy, School2Home (to improve education), and Get Connected! (to drive adoption). Sylvia Mendez was born in Orange County and

attended Orange Coast Community College where she earned her Associate of Arts degree in Nursing. She went on to California State University at Los Angeles where she earned Fredericka McGee currently deputy chief of staff her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and a Certificate in Public Health. and general counsel to California State Assembly In 2012, Sylvia received a Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters Speaker John A. Perez. She handles litigation in which from Brooklyn College of The City University of New York. the Assembly or the Speaker is a party, creates training and retention In 2001, The first Mendez School was dedicated in Santa Ana, Ca. Moving programs for Assembly employees and oversees the court budget and ahead to 2004, President Bush told the Mendez Story during the Hispanic judiciary policy on behalf of the Speaker. Ms. McGee was one of the lead Heritage Celebration in the East room... In 2005, Sylvia was inducted into staff persons who assisted in the passage of the landmark Homeowners Bill Hall of Fame at Santa Ana College. In 2007, Sylvia was selected as one of of Rights foreclosure legislation of 2012. She also served as general counsel the Hot 25 persons in Orange County. In 2010, President Obama mentioned to former Speakers Karen Bass, Fabian Núñez and Antonio Villaraigosa. In Sylvia during the Women’s History Month speech. In 2011, Sylvia was 2006 in her capacity as general counsel to Speaker Núñez, Ms. McGee awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Obama. In 2011, Sylvia gave advocated for and negotiated the passage of legislation that furthers a the commencement speech at Fullerton College. Sylvia has also received vitally important public policy goal in the legal profession: increasing several Lifetime Achievement awards, and Certificates of Recognition for diversity on the bench. Because of Ms. McGee’s efforts, the judicial her efforts to advocate for education. appointments process now provides a mechanism for tracking diversity in judicial candidates and appointments to the bench on an annual basis

Dr. George McKenna

is an Educational Consultant. He previously served as Superintendent, Local District 7, with the Los Angeles Unified School District. A lifelong educator, McKenna held several positions within the district before joining Washington Preparatory High School in Los Angeles as its Principal. While at Washington Prep, he developed and implemented the Preparatory School Model, stressing academic excellence at all levels. In four years, he successfully changed an inner-city high school that had been torn by violence, low achievement and lack of community confidence into a school with an attendance waiting list, and nearly 80% of the graduates enrolled in college. Because of his success, Dr. McKenna’s programs have been widely modeled throughout the country. Additionally, a motion picture about his success was released in 1986. In addition to serving as a teacher and principal, he served as General Deputy in a Local District, Superintendent in Inglewood, and Assistant Superintendents in Compton, Los Angeles, and Pasadena School Unified Districts before coming out of retirement to work with LAUSD again.

Holly J. Mitchell is an American politician currently serving in the California State Senate. She is a Democrat representing the 26th district, which encompasses Culver City and parts of Los Angeles. Prior to being elected to the state senate, she served in the California State Assembly representing the 54th district. Prior to elected office, she served for seven years as executive director of the nonprofit Crystal Stairs, one of the largest childcare agencies in the state. She is an alumna of the University of California, Riverside. Rick Mockler has served as the Executive Director of the California Head Start Association since 2009. He began his career in 1982 working with families of prison inmates, organizing and advocating for better visiting conditions to support the parent-child relationship. Starting in 1986, he developed a nationally recognized mediation program for Catholic Charities of the East Bay, serving youthful offenders and crime victims. From 1995 to 2005, he served as Executive Director for Catholic Charities of California, leading the provider network’s response to federal welfare reform and the network’s adaptation to systems of managed care. He co-founded the Covering Kids & Families

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Statewide Coalition, expanding health insurance access and enrollment for low-income families. He also led statewide initiatives to expand child care capacity in low income neighborhoods, advance environmental justice, and expand immigrant legalization services.

John Murray

is co-founder, Chairman & CEO of AdvancePath Academics and is responsible for its strategy and day to day operations. Prior to starting AdvancePath, John was Chairman and CEO of PLATO Learning where he had a successful 18 year career. Under John’s leadership, PLATO became recognized by educators, policy makers, and politicians as an industry leader and change agent. Prior to his career in business, John spent 16 years in the British Army after leaving high school at age 15 and was recognized in the Queen’s 1985 Birthday Honors list for his outstanding military service. John, who is passionate about improving life opportunities for at-risk and dropout students, is past Chairman of the National Dropout Prevention Network (NDPN), the largest organization in the US focused on the Nation’s dropout problem.

Eva Paterson, Co-founder and President, Equal

Justice Society Civil rights attorney Eva Jefferson Paterson is co-founder and President of the Equal Justice Society, a national strategy group focused on reclaiming the 14th Amendment and its Constitutional safeguards against discrimination. She previously served 13 years as Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights. At the Lawyers’ Committee, she was part of a broad coalition that filed the groundbreaking anti-discrimination suit against race and gender discrimination by the San Francisco Fire Department. That lawsuit successfully desegregated the department, winning new opportunities for women and firefighters of color. Paterson is co-chair of the California Civil Rights Coalition (CCRC), which she co-founded and previously chaired for 18 years. One of the priorities for the Coalition is devising a progressive slate of ballot initiatives for the November 2012 election. As co-chair of CCRC she was a leading spokesperson in the campaigns against Proposition 187 (anti-immigrant) and Proposition 209 (anti-affirmative action) and numerous other statewide campaigns against the death penalty, juvenile incarceration and discrimination against lesbians and gay men. She also served as Vice President of the ACLU National Board for eight years, and chaired the boards of Equal Rights Advocates and the San Francisco Bar Association Foundation.

Alice Petrossian

retired from the Pasadena Unified School District in 2011 as Chief Academic Officer-Deputy Superintendent. Prior to joining PUSD, she served in multiple administrative positions in Glendale Unified School District, including 10 years as the Assistant Superintendent-Educational Services. Throughout her 40 year career, Alice has been an educational leader and advocate for all students. She has a special passion in working for and with disenfranchised, minority and limited English speaking students. Alice was recognized by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) with its “Most Outstanding Administrator Award” and

in 2011, ACSA members elected her as the State President. Alice is currently a Commissioner on the Los Angeles County Commission for Women and in July 2013 California Chief Justice Canti-Sakuaye appointed Alice to the “California Task Force on K-12 Civic Learning.”

Marc Philpart, Associate Director, leads Black

Male Achievement initiatives at PolicyLink and codirects the Institute for Black Male Achievement. The Institute is a national membership network dedicated to improving the life outcomes of Black men and boys through systemic change. Philpart has specific expertise in supporting and developing networks that advance policy and promising practices to further race and gender equity in the areas of health, education, employment and juvenile justice. Prior to joining PolicyLink, Philpart worked in the president’s office at PATH, a non-profit global health organization. He holds masters degrees in public affairs and public health from the University of Washington in Seattle and earned his BA in History from Xavier University of Louisiana. In his spare time he enjoys international travel, reading, and the paradoxical life of being a fitness junkie and foodie.

Dr. Arun Ramanathan is the Executive Director of the Education Trust—West (ETW), California’s leading policy, research and advocacy organization focused on closing achievement and opportunity gaps for lowincome students and students of color. During his tenure as Executive Director, ETW has built a reputation as a driving force for educational equity. Arun has been a teacher and paraprofessional in New England and California and has also worked in large urban school districts as a Research Director, Executive Director of Government Relations, and Chief Student Services Officer where he had responsibility for ten departments and a budget of $350 million. His work on education policy has been published in an array of journals including the Teachers College Record and the Phi Delta Kappan and his editorials have been published in a wide array of newspapers including the Los Angeles Times, the San Francisco Chronicle and the San Jose Mercury News. Arun received his bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College, his M.Ed. from Boston College, and his Ed.D. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. His family immigrated to the U.S. in 1976 and he began his schooling as an English Learner. He is married to Indelisa Carrillo, a longtime teacher and they have two daughters in a Spanish immersion elementary school in Oakland Unified. Castle Redmond is a program manager at The

California Endowment on The Endowment’s statewide Health Happens in Schools team. Castle is currently responsible for developing policy and funding strategies to improve health outcomes from young people in schools and juvenile justice settings, focusing heavily on positive school discipline reform in California. Castle came to The Endowment after working as a program manager with the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) from 2002-2011. While with OUSD, Castle oversaw Measure Y’s Juvenile Justice Center Wraparound Strategy and collaborated with the probation department on reforms to the juvenile justice system, among a number of other responsibilities. He also served as a teacher and discipline hearing panel case manager for OUSD, during

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which he coordinated services for students, worked with new teachers and administrators on methods to address student behavior, and provided outreach to families, community-based organizations and government agencies. During his time as case manager, Castle was assigned to participate in OUSD’s first restorative justice pilot program at Cole Middle in West Oakland.

Paul Richman joined

California State PTA in 2007 as the first executive director in the history of the association. His responsibilities include providing strategic guidance to the Board of Directors and Board of Managers, and developing and implementing advocacy efforts and programs to advance the association’s goals and priorities, especially related to parent and family engagement. Richman has been involved in a wide range of local and state education and children’s issues for nearly20 years, first as a legislative analyst and advocate, and later as an association executive. Prior to joining the California State PTA, he served for nearly a decade at the California School Boards Association, where as Assistant Executive Director he oversaw internal operations and worked directly with the elected leadership. He also managed several comprehensive “community engagement” assessments in urban school districts as part of the State’s Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team audit process. Richman began his career in Sacramento as the recipient of a California State Senate Fellowship. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN, and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Nolan Rollins is a highly respected Urban League

executive and leader, and the seventh President and CEO of the Los Angeles Urban League in its over 90 years of existence. He is a successful product and student of the Urban League Movement who “lives and breathes the League 7 days a week.” Over ten years ago he began his professional tenure with the Urban League as the Executive Vice President and COO of the Greater Baltimore Urban League where he oversaw all programmatic and operational functions of the agency while managing 25 staff members. In this capacity he developed, directed and implemented all economic and community development strategies which allowed/positioned the agency to monitor over $3 billion in community development projects in Baltimore to ensure local, minority and small business participation. He also designed and implemented employment and housing strategies to help stabilize local communities. Nolan simultaneously served as the President of the National Urban League Young Professionals (NULYP), with 67 chapters’ nationwide and over 8,000 members and was the NULYP representative on the National Urban Leagues’ Board of Trustees, serving on the Affiliate Services, Programs and Strategic Planning committees.

Robert K. Ross, M.D.,

President and Chief Executive Officer, Robert K. Ross, M.D., is president and chief executive officer for The California Endowment, a health foundation established in 1996 to address the health needs of Californians. Prior to his appointment in July

2000, Dr. Ross served as director of the Health and Human Services Agency for the County of San Diego from 1993 to 2000, and Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Philadelphia from 1990 to 1993. Dr. Ross has an extensive background in health philanthropy, as a public health executive, and as a clinician. His service includes: medical director for LINK SchoolBased Clinic Program, Camden, New Jersey; instructor of clinical medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; and faculty member at San Diego State University’s School of Public Health.

Thomas A. Saenz serves as President and General Counsel of MALEF. He is a nationally recognized civil rights attorney who has led numerous civil rights cases in the areas of immigrants’ rights, education, employment and voting rights. During his tenure with the City of Los Angeles, he led the legislative effort to change the governance of Los Angeles Unified School District, the effect of which has been to take the city a step closer to securing a quality education for all students. He also served as the lead liaison for the City of L.A. on labor negotiations. Saenz graduated summa cum laude from Yale University and also received his law degree from Yale. For eight years, he taught Civil Rights Litigation as an adjunct lecturer at the University of Southern California Law School. His Board service includes the Alliance for Justice, Los Angeles County Board of Education, Alliance for Children’s Rights, ENCOMPASS and The Impact Fund. Dr. Anthony Asadullah Samad, Author/ columnist/scholar is the author of five books, numerous publications and one of the most read featured columnists in the African American press today. For the past 22 years, Samad’s various weekly editorial commentaries contribute to newspapers and cyber websites nationwide. His most recent book publishing is the chronicling of the century long history of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., entitled, March On, March On Ye Mighty Host: The Comprehensive History of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (1914-2013). A Professor of Political Science and African American Studies at East Los Angeles College, Samad has a Bachelors of Arts degree (Communications) from Cal State University at Los Angeles, Masters of Arts in Public Administration (Public Finance specialization) from the University of Southern California, a second Masters of Arts Degree, in Political Economy and Ph.D. in Political Science from the Claremont Graduate University’s School of Politics and Economics. Dr. Samad is also President of Samad and Associates, a strategic planning/ urban affairs firm specializing in the assessment and management of public policy, economic development, urban, social and race issues.

Edward Saucerman

is a native of Southern California. He is a graduate of the Los Angeles Police Academy (LAPD 12-89) and a retired police veteran of 16 years from the Pasadena Unified School District. During his tenure with municipal and specialized policing agencies, he has been assigned as a patrol officer, field training officer, school resource officer, gang liaison and acting sergeant. Overall, he has over 21 years on solid investigative experience as a trainer and leader. While obtaining a

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vast amount of advanced training, which reaches into thousands of hours, he attended the exclusive police management program, Delinquency Control Institute (119) University of Southern California, Master’s Degree accreditation. He is the Qualified Manager for Workforce Investigations Group and The Titan Group, Private Investigations (Titan Empire Inc.) and holds licenses in California, Nevada, Arizona and Michigan.

Malissa Feruzzi–Shriver is an impassioned advocate for arts education in schools. She believes that all children should have the opportunity to engage in the arts as a means for creativity and self-discovery. Malissa is the former chair of the California Arts Council, appointed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger for two, four-yea r terms. She was appointed by California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson to co-chair a task force on creative education. She also cofounded the statewide initiative CR EATE (Core Reforms Engaging Arts to Educate). On a national level, Malissa is the First Vice President of the Executive Committee of the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies (NASAA). She serves on the Western States Arts Federation board and the California Alliance for Arts Education Policy Council and is a trustee of the California Institute of the Arts. Currently, Malissa is the political advocacy advisor for Frank Gehry and works with him on the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities on its Turnaround Arts initiative in California. A professional painter, writer, and owner of Feruzzi Fine Arts, Malissa is also a member of the Screen Actors Guild, Arts for LA, California Arts Advocates and Americans for the Arts. She majored in women’s studies at UCLA and then attended the state and local government program at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. She received an honorary doctorate from the Laguna College of Art and Design. Dr. Wesley Smith is executive director of the Association of California School Administrators, the largest school leadership group in the nation. ACSA is foremost a champion for the state’s more than 6 million students. Having served in a variety of school leadership roles, including elementary and middle grades principal, assistant superintendent and superintendent, Dr. Smith understands the intricacies and influences in public education. He believes in a bold new future for ACSA and ensuring it is the most influential voice in public education for years to come. Mary Stutts

is the Vice President of External Affairs for Comcast NBCU California responsible for all aspects of Comcast’s government affairs, communications, community investment and telecommunications policy matters throughout the state. Her career reflects a history of success in public affairs and communications leadership at Fortune 200 companies including Genentech, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Bayer, United Health Group and Kaiser Permanente. Prior to those roles, Stutts worked in broadcast and print media. She excels in integrating strategic and tactical solutions that help drive growth and create clear value with all internal and external stakeholders including media, legislators, regulators, consumers, communities, industry, academia and employees.

Otha Thornton, President of National PTA, is a senior operations analyst with General Dynamics in Fort Stewart, Georgia. He is a retired United States Army Lieutenant Colonel and his last two assignments were with the White House Communications Agency and United States Forces-Iraq in Baghdad. Thornton earned the Bronze Star Medal for exceptional performance in combat operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom 2009-2010. Previously, Thornton served on National PTA’s Board of Directors, Legislative Committee, Membership Committee, and Executive Search Committee. During his time with Georgia PTA, Otha served on the Board of Directors as legislative chair and as an Advisory Group member for Georgia’s Partnership for Excellence in Education. Thornton also served Maryland PTA as nominating leader, board development committee chairman, and as a member of Anne Arundel County’s Superintendent High Performing High School Task Force. In addition, he was appointed by the governor of Maryland to serve on a Maryland Education Task Force. Thornton is also active in the community. He is a member of Atlanta’s West End Church of Christ and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. He is a life member of the National Eagle Scout Association and has more than 25 years of active service in the scouting program across the United States and around the world. Thornton received his bachelor’s degree in urban studies from Morehouse College and a master’s degree in communications from Michigan Technological University. He was awarded an honorary doctorate degree from Michigan Technological University in 2009. Thornton has been married to Caryn, an educator, for 24 years. They have a daughter and a son.

Dr. Shirley Thornton

is a scholar, author, retired educator, administrator, and US Army Colonel. She retired in 2010 from the School of Education, California State University Sacramento. Dr. Thornton served as a Deputy Superintendent, California Department of Education Specialized Programs Branch, was appointed by Major Frank Jordan to serve as Director of San Francisco Public Housing Authority and presently serves as National Director of International Environmental Youth Campaign. Dr. Thornton holds degrees from San Francisco State University in Biological Sciences (BA), Counseling (MA), and Credentials in Teaching, Counseling, and Administration. She holds a Doctorate of Education from the University of San Francisco in Curriculum And Instruction; a Honorary Doctorate from Dominican University of California and graduated from the Command and General Staff College, US Army. Presently, Dr. Thornton serves on the Sausalito Marin City School Board, Marin City Health And Wellness Clinic and as President of The Center For Excellence.

Brent Tilley, a native of Inglewood, California

Brent Tilley has been a teacher, Magnet Coordinator, Assistant Principal and currently serves as the Principal of Monroe Magnet Middle School. With the expectation that every student can achieve mastery as his guiding principle, both he and

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his staff led Monroe to the largest API gain in the South Bay and the highest API for the middle grades in the history of the school district. With the onset of the CCSS, Mr. Tilley is currently leading his staff through the curriculum and instructional strategies necessary for continued student success. He believes that in addition to having high expectations, education leaders must be collegial, knowledgeable and transparent in providing the school community with the support necessary to meet such expectations. Mr. Tilley is a graduate of Morehouse College, California State University Dominguez Hills and Southwestern Law Schoo

Tom Torlakson was elected to a four-year term

of all students - especially male students of color, along with his calm judgment and inspirational vision to his leadership of COSEBOC.

Michael Watkins

is the current County Superintendent of Schools for Santa Cruz County. He was elected to the position in 2006 and ran unopposed in 2010. He began his career as an intern with Teacher Corps in the Oakland Public School District where he taught both high school History and Special Education. From there he went on to teach with the Alameda County Office of Education working with incarcerated and neglected and abused students. In 1980 he accepted the position of Learning Handicapped Program Specialist with the Santa Cruz County Office of Education (SCCOE) and after two years he was promoted to Director of Special Education, a position he held for 10 years. From there he went on to become the Director of Alternative Education with the SCCOE and eventually County Superintendent. He was elected statewide President for both the Juvenile Court Community Alternative Schools Association of California and the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association. In addition, he has been recognized for his work in education by the Watsonville City Council and the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors.

as California’s 27th State Superintendent of Public Instruction on November 2, 2010. As chief of California’s public school system and leader of the California Department of Education, Superintendent Torlakson applies his experience as a science teacher, high school coach, and state policymaker to fight for our students and improve our state’s public education system. Torlakson’s journey has led him from the classrooms of Contra Costa County’s Mount Diablo Unified School District (where he remains a teacher-on-leave), to the Antioch City Council, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, and the California State Senate and State Assembly. During his tenure in the California State Legislature, Torlakson acted to protect education funding, improve student nutrition and physical education, and ensure school safety. He also championed legislation Gail Watts has served as a Human Rights to increase funding for textbooks, computers, and other instructional Consultant for the California Teachers Association for materials and efforts to close the digital divide, eliminate the achievement the past 17 years. In this capacity she has developed gap, and reduce the dropout rate. training and programing designed to address a variety of social justice and diversity issues. In addition, she is the Statewide Organizer for Student CTA, a program for college students who are pursuing careers in Jeffrey Tsang, Chief Executive Officer of Mastery education. Ms. Watts graduated from San Francisco State with a BA in Design Collaborative (MDC), works with schools and Anthropology and continued in Masters Program in Museum Studies with districts to support the design and implementation of an emphasis in Education. personalized learning initiatives. Jeff began his work in education as a school principal in the Bronx transforming a failing inner city school to one of the top 20 schools in New York City. He then served as the Chief Assembly Member Shirley Nash Weber Academic Officer of Lighthouse Academies, a national network of 20 charter was elected in November of 2012 to represent schools serving high-poverty neighborhoods throughout the Midwest and California’s 79th Assembly District, which includes eastern United States. He currently serves on the Founding Team of the the cities of Chula Vista, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, National City Caliber Charter Schools network, the Boards of Advisors of One Purpose and San Diego. Weber Chairs the Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1, School and Yu Ming Charter School and the Design Team of Alpha High which focuses on Health and Human Services issues; the Assembly Select School. Committee on Higher Education in San Diego County; and the Assembly Select Committee on Campus Climate. She also serves on numerous Assembly committees that represent a diverse range of topics, including, Education, Ron Walker is one of the founding members of Higher Education, Appropriations, Budget, and Banking and Finance.Born to the Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color sharecroppers from Hope, Arkansas, Shirley Weber has lived in California (COSEBOC) as well as its founding Executive since the age of 3. Her parents, in particular her father, valued education Director. He is the former Associate Director of ATLAS Communities - a and supported their daughter’s academic aspirations. She attended UCLA, comprehensive school reform organization working with over 100 schools where she received her BA, MA and PhD by the age of 26. Prior to receiving across the country in urban, suburban, and rural school districts. Prior to her doctorate, she became a professor at San Diego State University at the that, Ron was a Principal in the Cambridge (MA) Public Schools for 9 years, age of 23. Dr. Weber also taught at California State University at Los Angeles a Vice-Principal in the Belmont (MA) Public Schools for 4 years and a middle and Los Angeles City College before coming to San Diego State University. school teacher in the Philadelphia Public Schools for 10 years. Recently, Ron was nominated by Ebony magazine and the Open Society Foundation for their Manifest Award, designated for individuals making a positive Ken Wesson, Ph.D. is a keynote speaker and difference in the education of African American male students. Ron brings educational consultant for professional associations and 45 years of educational experience, passion for the affirmative development preschool through the university level. He speaks throughout

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the world on the neuroscience of learning and methods for creating classrooms and learning environments that are brain-considerate. . Additionally, he speaks on the subjects of early brain development, design and engineering, STEM and ST2REAM, contextual learning, and curriculum development. His international audiences have included educators and administrative officers from six of the world seven continents. His research is frequently published and referenced in Parents Magazine, HealthNet, and the journal Brain World. He has served as a writer for Science IQ, contributing articles on brain research. A former faculty member and administrator in higher education, he a founding member of the National Association of Black Psychologists, and has been profiled in numerous publications, including “Who’s Who in Science and Engineering,” “Who’s Who in American Education,” and “Who’s Who in America.”

significant educational reform efforts in the Coachella Valley, including the “Measure X” Mobile Learning Initiative, which will place 20,000 iPads in the hands of all 20,000 CVUSD students, along with a new robust technology infrastructure.

Raquel Antunez is the founder and president of Coaching

Alongside, working with struggling learners to access the common core curriculum. She studied ethnolinguistics at the Facultad de Traductores in Granada, Spain. She served as opening principal of a language academy within the public school system in Stockton, California. She also served as an adjunct professor at the University of the Pacific, Stockton, California State University, Sacramento and University California, Davis.

S. Pastor Arizmendi is a Director at Pacific Jabari Willis is a senior associate in the Cerritos Rachelle Asian Consortium in Employment (PACE), a Los Angeles County

office of Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo. Willis represents public entities in all aspects labor and employment law, including employment litigation defense. Willis also represents school districts in all aspects of education law, including special education and student discipline. He has represented employers in matters before the Public Employment Relations Board, Department of Fair Employment and Housing, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Office of Administrative Hearings. In addition, Willis has assisted public employers with litigation matters in state and federal courts including successfully obtaining temporary restraining orders and permanent injunctions. He also conducts investigations into allegations of harassment and discrimination.

Lucretia H. Windom

she comes to AXADistributors after a long career and education in the public sector. Lucretia earned her Masters Degree from Troy State University in Public Administration concentrating in Public Personnel Management and Bachelors Degree from the University of Central Florida in Public Administration concentrating in Fiscal Services. She has most recently served as the Senior Manager, for the Office of Retirement Services for Orange County School Board of more than 20,000 employees. During her five year tenure in this position, she delivered many workshops to staff on the importance of retirement savings and FRS programs and processes. One of her most notable accomplishments was to have 50 % employee participation in self-directed retirement savings plans.

BIOGRAPHIES Darryl S. Adams, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools for

the Coachella Valley Unified School District began his career as a professional musician. Transitioning to education, he went on to serve as a Music Educator and Band Director, Middle School Assistant Principal, High School Assistant Principal and Principal, Director of Human Resources, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and ultimately Superintendent of Schools. He earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Memphis; a Master of Education Administration degree from California State University, Los Angeles and a Doctorate in Education from Azusa Pacific University. He is now leading

community development organization, where she manages the $19M education program that serves over two-thousand students in the county and employs 320 staff. She is a Commissioner on the Community Services Commission for the City of Sierra Madre, a member of the LA County Child Care Planning Committee, an Advisory Member of PBS SoCal Asian Pacific Islander Community Council, and a Board Member of the Telacu Community Capital Fund. Arizmendi holds a Masters Degree in Family and Consumer Science, is a graduate of the UCLA/Johnson & Johnson/Head Start Management Fellows Program, Southern California Leadership Fellows Program, and Center for Nonprofit Management’s Leadership Development Program. She has presented at and served as an expert at local, state, and national conferences and panels.

Dr. Janet Jones Balcom has been working the educational field

for over 30 years and most of that work has been in Special Education. She was most recently the Assistant Superintendent of Special Education and Student Services in a large urban district. She currently is an Assistant Professor of Special Education at National University. Janet has worked in a variety of settings and positions including state, county, and SELPA levels. These varied positions together have shaped her knowledge in the field. In addition to this, she was director of a federally-funded statewide Head Start-Public School Transition research and demonstration project in the state of Idaho.

Amber Banks is a Practice Associate with The Education Trust-West. She has worked as a teacher, researcher and advocate in the education sector for the past 15 years and is a dedicated champion of education equity. She started her career in education began as a special education teacher in Los Angeles and has taught students from a variety of backgrounds in all grades and subjects. Amber has designed and implemented innovative inclusion programs, project-based curricula and teacher professional development. In addition, she directed a parent leadership and training initiative in South Seattle and worked as a research assistant focused on diversity and school/community partnerships at the University of Washington. Most recently, Amber completed an Education Pioneers yearlong Fellowship with the Pahara Institute and is currently a member of the Education Pioneers Bay Area Alumni Board. She holds a Bachelor of Science. in Journalism from Boston University and is completing a PhD. in Education Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Washington.

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Manny Barbara, Vice President at the Silicon Valley Education

Foundation, served as superintendent of the Oak Grove School District for over 10 years. Under his leadership, all student subgroups showed improved student performance, leading to the district receiving the Applied Materials/Springboard Schools overall achievement award. He has presented on numerous occasions on the importance of a systemic approach in addressing institutional racial inequities within a district system. He has been a leader in drawing attention to the importance of proper math placement at grade 8 algebra and grade 9 geometry, partnered with districts in adopting the A-G course sequence as the default curriculum, and guided a collective impact initiative creating the East Side Alliance, (a partnership involving eight school districts serving over 85,000 students). Barbara is a four-time recipient of the ACSA Regions 8 Administrator of the Year; the 100 Black Men Educator of the Year; the California Alliance of African-American Educators Culturally Courageous Leader Award; and the City of San Jose Excellence in Education Award. He was a member of State Superintendent Jack O’Connell P-16 Council on Closing the Achievement Gap and is the author of “Leading the Equity Agenda” (ACSA Leadership journal, 2009) and the principal author of “Closing the Racial Achievement Gap” (joint publication of the Silicon Valley Education Foundation and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation.

Margit Birge, Program Associate Region IX Equity Assistance

Center, West Ed, provides technical assistance to districts and schools in family engagement and school climate, and coordinates projects at the Region IX Equity Assistance Center that address equity issues related to race, gender and ethnicity. She has extensive experience in federal Title I and Migrant Education programs at the state and local levels. She also has over 10 years of experience as a volunteer parent leader in Title I schools. Prior to joining WestEd in 1999, Margit was an instructor at San Francisco State University College of Extended Learning, where she designed curricula and taught courses in communication skills, conflict management, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution. Margit received a B.A. in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Masters in Nonprofit Administration from University of San Francisco.

Dr. Ramona Bishop, Superintendent, Vallejo City Unified

School District received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Berkeley; her teaching credential from the University of San Francisco; her master’s degree and administrative credential from California State University, Hayward; and her Doctorate in Educational Administration from the University of the Pacific. She served as Associate Superintendent for Educational Services in the Twin Rivers Unified School District. Her career also includes teaching, serving as principal of three elementary schools, and holding several district office positions in the Emery School District, Sacramento Unified School District, and Del Paso Heights Elementary School District. She served as Superintendent of the Del Paso Heights School District prior to its consolidation with three other districts into the Twin Rivers Unified School District. She has been recognized her for her excellence in education. Dr. Bishop’s priority is to ensure that all students in the Vallejo City Unified School District achieve at high levels and are prepared for success in college and career.

Brian D. Bock is a partner in Los Angeles and Inland Empire offices of Fagen, Friedman & Fulfrost, LLP. The primary focus of

his practice is labor and employment law, representing California school and community college districts. Working from the Los Angeles and Inland Empire Offices, he helps clients develop effective strategies for handling matters involving labor relations, employee discipline and dismissal and state and federal legal compliance in all areas related to public school administration. Mr. Bock also regularly represents clients in litigation, arbitration, administrative proceedings and collective bargaining. Further, he has developed a heavy concentration in governance matters, especially Brown Act, Public Records Act matters and media relations. Bock routinely conducts training workshops at conferences and in-house for clients on a range of education and labor relations topics, such as sexual harassment and other forms of discrimination, the Brown Act and governance issues, wage-hour compliance, employee documentation and remediation and effective investigation and evaluation techniques. He is licensed to practice in California, New York, Florida and Georgia. Bock received his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from the University of Miami, and his bachelor’s degree from Cornell University. Mr. Bock also is integrally involved in his community school district, serving in the past as the President of the Alta Loma Educational Foundation and as a member of School Site Council, among other civic activities.

Nancy Bodenhausen is the lead consultant for parental

involvement in the Title I Policy and Program Guidance Office of the California Department of Education. She provides technical assistance to districts and schools to build their capacity to work with parents as partners in helping students achieve the state’s challenging academic standards. Nancy’s qualifications include a Masters degree in Educational Leadership, current California Multiple Subject and Single Subject Teaching Credentials, and a California Administrative Services Credential. She taught elementary school and worked for 10 years on a district educational services administrative team. As part of her district level work, she organized and facilitated parent forums and parent advisory committees. Serving as a parent volunteer launched her into a career in education.

Milton Bowens, born and raised in Oakland, Calif., is the

fifth of ten children. Milton’s artistic promise began at the age of five with nothing more than a few pencils and cut up brown paper bags used as sketch paper, thanks to his mother’s ingenuity of making the best of lean times. Milton never lost sight of his humble roots. Discreetly placed on many of his works of art is a slim strip of brown paper bag. Years later, Milton’s formal art education took off while he attended the Renaissance Art School in Oakland during his junior and senior high school years. After graduating, Milton received a scholarship to the California College of Arts and Crafts. He completed one-year of study then enlisted in the United States Armed Forces and became an Illustrator. He received his Associates Degree in Commercial Art under the Army’s College Education Assistance Program (ACE). Milton continued his art education at Austin Peay State University in Tennessee and at North Carolina’s

Terry Boykins is the CEO of Street Positive, an advocacy

program for children and youth, emphasizing prevention, intervention and positive behavior. A former corporate executive, turned social entrepreneur, he became an award-winning CEO, recognized for implementing best practices involving student achievement, parent engagement and community organizing. The recipient of numerous awards, he has collaborated with the National Center for Missing &

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Exploited Children to develop child safety awareness campaigns. He has also developed mentoring programs for underserved African American and Hispanic males in San Bernardino. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing Management from California State University San Bernardino.

Damon Carson

is the Director, Neighborhood House Association, Head Start and has over 10 years of management experience in grants and contract administration. Prior to joining NHA, he spent four years with Arthur Andersen, LLP in the Audit, Tax and Legal division. As Vice President of Children, Youth and Family Services, he currently leads a team of 600 employees and manages a budget in excess of 70 million dollars annually. Damon holds a Juris Doctor degree from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University and Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration from San Diego State University. He currently serves as the Vice President of the Region IX Head Start Association and an executive member of the California Head Start Association’s Board of Directors.

Carlene Davis

is the Director of Family and Community Engagement for the Coalition for Educational partnerships. In this capacity, Davis provides content expertise on the design and development of research-based program curriculum; plans and executives the delivery of professional development and training for program facilitators; and develops and cultivates partnerships with district and school level personnel. Her expertise is in the public and non-profit sectors, where she brings a comprehensive portfolio of experience in operations start-up, project management, program design, strategic planning and facilitation, policy and advocacy, community capacity building and stakeholder engagement. Davis earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California at Berkeley and a Masters in Public Affairs from the LBJ School at the University of Texas at Austin.

Juan M. Garcia, Assistant Vice President, Career & College

Readiness, ACT. Bringing a history of strong partnerships with schools, businesses and state education leaders, Juan Garcia oversees the Strategic Partnerships division of Career and College Readiness for ACT, working with existing and new partners fulfilling ACT’s mission of helping people achieve education and workplace success. Prior to joining ACT, Mr. Garcia served as a champion of college access and readiness for the Iowa College Access Network (ICAN). As the Executive Director of ICAN, Mr. Garcia established relationships with school, district administration, state and other nonprofits to reach at-risk students, ensuring that these students were aware of the support that was available to them for pursuit of higher education. Prior to his work in improving education opportunities for our students, Mr. Garcia led marketing and promotions for the launch of a new Spanish magazine published by Meredith Corporation and served as an Account Executive in Latin America for the Hispanic Marketing Division of Donnelley Marketing, Inc. Mr. Garcia is originally from Lima, Peru.

Sherman Garnett, CEO of Sherman Garnett and Associates, is a veteran thirty- eight year educator who has been a teacher, coach, dean, assistant principal, principal at both the comprehensive and alternative school level and district office/ county office level administrator. Additionally, he is a current adjunct faculty member in the area of school law and teacher assessment training at Cambridge University and California State University San Bernardino.

He is the past President of the California Association of Supervisors of Child Welfare and Attendance Section(CASCWA), Association of California School Administrators Student Services and Special Education Council (ACSA) a member of the executive board of the National Truancy Prevention Association (NTPA) and is currently serving in a appointed position by the California State Superintendent of Schools as a member of the California State School Attendance Review Board (SARB). Sherman has served as chairperson and keynote presenter/trainer at four national truancy prevention conferences held throughout the nation and has just completed via collaboration with other entities throughout the state of California an extensive truancy prevention manual which can be accessed at no cost online. He also edits and distributes two yearly manuals utilized extensively throughout the state in the areas of student discipline due process and student records.

Constance F. Gipson served as the Gender Equity Consultant

for the California Department of Education for more than 20 years. She administered nontraditional programs for women and men as well as programs for teen parents, single parents, single pregnant women and displaced homemakers. She helped create Images for African American young women. She co-authored visions for African American males and wrote the Visions Activity Guide. She is the author of The Black Man’s Guide to Parenting and A Different Kind of Hero, a three volume collection of biographies of over 400 people, including many women and minorities who had an impact on American history. She has produced award winning video productions and is a national presenter and keynote speaker on School-toWork.

Jordan Goines is a doctoral student in the field of educational

leadership at Azusa Pacific University. He is a graduate of UC Irvine with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with minors in both Sociology and Global Peace and Conflict Resolution and a master’s degree in Education, with an emphasis in Instructional Technology. His current interests include educational reform, pertaining to achievement gap research, strengths-based teaching and learning, mentorship; college preparation of underrepresented students and research-based in parent teacher interactions. He is currently a dean of instruction/vice principal.

Wes Hall is an author, educator, radio personality, national

keynote speaker and Student Empowerment Coach. As a speaker, Wes connected with world-renowned speaker Les Brown and embarked on a career as a national speaker. As a radio personality, he has broadcasted in some of the top markets in the country. As an author, he has published two books—“You are the Money!” and a new children’s book “Jack and the Sly Fox.” In 2007, Wes entered into a five-year partnership with the Omaha Public Schools District to measure student attitudes about education and their future financial well-being. After five years with the district, his program was turned into an elective course where upon successful completion of the course student’s receive graduation credit. Currently, Wes has contracted with the Los Angeles Unified School District and serves as a Student Empowerment Coach with the Student Involvement, Development and Empowerment Unit.

Shelley Holt, Ed.D. has been successfully leading school and district-wide instructional efforts for 13 years. Her focus on instructional practices inside of classrooms and systems of providing support

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and monitoring for teachers, site leaders and district leaders have led to API gains between 38 and 138 points per year and academic success in multiple schools, districts and states. Her belief is that focusing on strategic instructional planning and setting up systems for fluid communication, feedback, reflection and accountability are foundations that sustain time and educational fads. These processes also allow our educators a common language, professional trust and the continuity that enables them to implement new change efforts with ease and collective ownership. Her studies include a Bachelor of Arts from University of California, Berkeley; Master of Arts in Urban Educational Leadership from California State University, Sacramento; and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California.

Dr. Yvette Jackson, CEO of the National Urban Alliance

for Effective Education, is internationally recognized for her work in assessing the learning potential of disenfranchised urban students. She works with school district administrators and teachers across the country to customize and deliver systemic approaches to literacy/ academic development through instructional practices that integrate culture, language, and cognition to expand and accelerate student learning and achievement. She is a visiting lecturer at Harvard University, a member of ASCD’s Differentiated Instruction Cadre, and a keynote presenter at national and international conferences. Dr. Jackson is the author of the recently released book, “Pedagogy of Confidence.”

Debra Johnson

is a full-time educator at the elementary level committed to closing the achievement gap for AfricanAmerican, Latino and other underserved children. Wife, mother and grandmother, Debra has invested the last 25 years motivating and inspiring young people to reach their true potential. Debra earned a bachelors degree from the prestigious University of Southern California followed by a Masters of Education from Concordia University. Debra established the first AfricanAmerican Advisory Council in her school district in October 2010, which is now district wide. She assisted in implementing the Project Moving Forward Vocabulary program that boosted the state testing scores for AfricanAmerican students by 51 points at Hendrick Elementary School. .Debra’s unique vocabulary instructional style was video recorded and placed on the Moving Forward National Professional Development website. Debra was honored with the Board of Education Leadership Award and named Educator of the Month by the Moreno Valley Educators Association.

David Kopperud is the Chair of the State School Attendance

Review Board and of the State Student Mental Health Policy Workgroup. He is the former chair for local SARBs in Hemet Unified, Washington Unified, and Fontana Unified School Districts. He is also the statewide program lead in the Educational Options, Student Support and American Indian Education Office of the California Department of Education (CDE) for school counseling services and child welfare attendance issues and procedures, and a member of the CDE’s Improving the Academic Achievement of African American, Latino and American Indian Students Workgroup. He is a former high school English teacher and former district Director of Personnel and Pupil Services.

Jeannette LaFors, Ph.D. serves as Director of Equity Initiatives,

with the Education Trust-West. Prior to her current position, she served as Senior Director of Professional Services at Teachscape, a privately

held instructional improvement company. She earned a B.A. in American Studies as well as an M.A. in Education, both from Stanford University. She taught high school for six years in Belmont, CA and held multiple leadership positions during this time. She then returned to Stanford to earn her PhD. in Education Administration & Policy Analysis. While at Stanford, she conducted extensive research in teaching quality policies and instructional leadership. Over the course of her career, she served as a program coordinator for Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), mentored student teachers, reviewed national history standards, led various school and district professional development efforts and advised numerous students. In 2004, she became Vice-President of Instruction for Envision Schools where she oversaw curriculum and instruction, knowledge management, school accountability, teacher and leader professional development and program evaluation and research.

Barbara Ledterman, Chairman, Special Committee for Arts

Education, California State PTA. Barbara Ledterman is a volunteer leader and helps direct California State PTA’s SMARTS, Parents for the Arts network, which seeks to identify and support parents at the local and state levels to promote access for all students to a complete education that includes the arts. As an education advocate and leadership mentor with the California State PTA for over a decade, she has served in an advisory capacity for numerous state boards related to child health and education including as a member of the Teacher Preparation Advisory Panel for the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Her background includes seven years full-time teaching in Long Beach and 35 plus years of education advocacy in Los Alamitos and Orange County.

Jennifer Li serves as Director of Strategy and Operations at

the Silicon Valley Education Foundation (SVEF). Jennifer focuses on increasing the effectiveness of SVEF’s initiatives and developing strategic partnerships to increase the SVEF’s impact. She graduated from Cornell University’s MBA program with a focus on bringing strong business acumen to the social sector. She previously worked with a microfinance organization providing financial and strategic support to small business owners in upstate New York. She has also worked with a high school in the Ecuadorian Amazon designed to meet the needs of Amazonian students. Prior to business school, Jennifer worked for four years in the Silicon Valley and London offices of KPMG, providing audit services to clients in the high tech industry. Jennifer also holds a BS in Business Administration and a BA in Cognitive Science from the University of California, Berkeley. She is a licensed CPA in California.

Dr. Antoinette S. Linton

is an adjunct professor at the University of Southern California and the Science Department Chair at Washington Preparatory High School in Los Angeles Unified School District. Dr. Linton teaches courses in multicultural education and methods of teaching for science education. Her seminal work, “Examining the Effects of Structured Dialogue Grounded in Socioculturalism as a Tool to Facilitate Professional Development in Secondary Science” was completed in 2011. Her current research also includes implementing clinical classroom rotations in secondary science pre-service teaching programs and implementing the Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core Standards in high need urban schools.

Dr. Brenda Manuel

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is the Administrator of the LAUSD’s

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Student Involvement, Development and Empowerment Unit (SIDE). She has been involved in education for almost forty years. She started her career as a middle school teacher’s assistant, then moved on to become a teacher, counselor, dean and administrator. As an administrator, she worked as an Assistant Principal at the middle and high school levels as well as an Elementary Literacy Coach Coordinator, Elementary Principal, Local District Administrator of Instruction and Local District Superintendent Less than two years ago, she wrote and submitted a proposal to the LAUSD Superintendent to create a new unit she now leads. Dr. Manuel is a researcher, professional developer, workshop presenter, curriculum developer, adjunct professor and a student advocate.

Diane Marshall-Freeman is a partner Fagen, Friedman & Fulfrost, LLP, serving clients from both the Sacramento and Fresno offices. With over 25 years of legal experience, she is a highly skilled practitioner with an extensive background across all areas of general and special education law. She serves as general counsel to the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) as well as Chair of the firm’s Higher Education Practice Group. She provides counsel in compliance matters relating to Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); student disciplinary actions including expulsions and appeals; discrimination including Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and Department of Education complaints; interscholastic athletics and Title IX matters; and personnel-related matters including teacher dismissals, classified and certificated employee issues and discrimination and harassment claims A popular speaker on education and student athletics topics, Marshall-Freeman is often a featured panelist and presenter at state and national education conferences. She received her Juris Doctor and her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. She has served on the board for the Omega Boys Club of San Francisco and is an officer with the California Council of School Attorneys Dr. Mark Marshall is the Superintendent of the Eastside Union School District. A fairly new resident of California, he was born and raised in Houma, Louisiana. He has served as an educator for nearly 25 years. Prior to his tenure in the Eastside Union School District, he held the positions of Special Education Teacher, Special Education Supervisor, assistant principal and principal at both the middle and high school levels. He earned his B.A. and M.Ed. degrees in Special Education at Nicholls State University. He completed his administrative certification and Ed.S. Degree at the University of West Georgia and holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Auburn University. He has also completed post-doctoral study at Western Washington University and the University of California at Los Angeles-extension. As a classroom teacher and administrator, he has received numerous accolades and has been a featured presenter at local, state and national conferences. Christopher Morris, Ed.D. is the Principal of Discovery High School in the Natomas Unified School District. He is leading the work of transforming the school into the region’s leading continuation/alternative education school. He previously served in the Vallejo City, San Juan, Elk Grove and Plumas Lake Elementary School Districts. During his 15 years in education, he has led both small and large schools in urban and suburban communities. As a graduate of California State University, Sacramento, his research has been focused on public policy and school governance as they relate to educational access and equity in public schools. In 2013, he was

presented with the “Dissertation of the Year” award from CSUS for his study, “An Assessment of the Factors that Drive Parental Choice Regarding Open Enrollment and Intradistrict Transfers.”

Linda Ventriglia-Navarrette Ph. D. is Project Director of the United States Office of Education National Professional Development Grant, Project Moving Forward, which was awarded to help close the achievement gap. She is also Associate Professor and the Lead Faculty for the Best Practices in Teaching Specialization at National University. She authored “Conversations of Miguel and Maria: How Children Learn a Second Language,” (Pearson), “Santillana Intensive English (k-8)” (Santillana USA) and the “Best Practices in Teaching Series” including, “Best Practices Interdisciplinary Vocabulary Development The Rule of 3.” She has earned degrees from Claremont University and Harvard University, where she was a Ford Foundation fellow. She has received two FLAP grants, a FIPSE innovative grant in 2009 for the Vocabulary Development Program and the United States Office of Second Language Acquisition National Professional development Grant in 2012. She has served as Education Consultant to the California State Assembly and as a national consultant. Jon Oliver is a nationally recognized educator, presenter and

author. For 40 years, he has been on the front lines teaching nationally as founder and Executive Director of the non-profit Lesson One. Most recently, his work has brought him to Southern California. His book, “Lesson One: The ABCs of Life,” was released to rave reviews from professionals in the field of child development, including Dr. Bill Cosby, Dr. Alvin Poussaint of Harvard, Dr. James Comer of Yale and Marian Wright Edelman of the Children’s Defense Fund. Jon was invited to a White House ceremony where his Lesson One intervention was lauded as a model. Lesson One has been recognized by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services as an evidence-based practice for mental health and has been featured frequently in the news media including on Dateline, World News Tonight, CNN, and in Parade Magazine.

Sarah Omojola is

the Statewide Education Advocate for Public Counsel. She is a former high school teacher and co-founder of a Stand Up For Each Other, an organization that provides advocacy services for students facing disciplinary action in New Orleans. She now works with Public Counsel and FixSchoolDiscipline.org on policy and advocacy relating to stopping the school-to-prison pipeline. At Public Counsel, Sarah helped create the “How We Can Fix School Discipline Toolkit,” an essential guide for educators and community members to learn about alternatives to traditional methods of discipline and how to advocate for the use of these alternatives in schools.

LaRonda Ortega is the Principal of Columbia Elementary School (Eastside Union School District, Lancaster, CA). Her educational experience commenced in 2002 as an elementary school teacher in Inglewood Unified School District. She later began an administrative career in the Eastside Union School District as a Dean of Instruction and Assistant Principal. She received degrees from Loyola Marymount University and the University of Laverne. She is currently working successful completion of an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at Argosy University. She has made presentations before local and national organizations. She considers herself a grassroots administrator and focuses on creating educational environments and climates that promote communal

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learning and the development of the whole child.

Dr. Irella Perez is currently a school principal in Inglewood Unified School District Adjunct University Professor, School Board Member for Whittier City School District and CALSA board member. Raymond H. Preston is a 27 year veteran of AXA providing

retirement income distribution planning and educational guidance in the area wealth distribution to mid to large non-profit executives and organizations. His practice provides financial consulting, insurance, qualified plans and managed investments. In his professional life he has served in an advisory capacity to several non-profit groups and as a moderator for continuing education in the financial services industry. His current community focus is serving as a co-director of financial stewardship and a board member to New Birth Church located in the city of Pittsburg, CA. He is a member of The Million Dollar Roundtable, Kingdom Advisors, a national network of Christian financial professionals and is a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.

Judge Gary E. Ransom

was born and raised in New Brunswick, New Jersey where he attended the public schools. He is a graduate from Rutgers, the State University with a B.A. In Economics. He was also commissioned as an officer in the USAF. He was a crew member on a B-52 and served a tour of duty in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam Conflict. He earned his law degree at the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. He was an Assistant Public Defender when he was appointed to the Municipal Court Bench in Sacramento in1981. He had been the first Black attorney in the Public Defenders Office. He became a Superior Court Judge in 1988. He retired from there in 2002. He has been sitting on assignment in the Superior Court since his retirement.

Vicki Rice is the founder and Executive Director of the Coalition for Educational Partnerships (CEP), a K-12 Professional Development Organization that supports educators, administrators and families with gaining the knowledge, skills and competencies to increase student achievement and create educational equity for all students. CEP specializes in providing curriculum, instruction, program development, intervention, data analysis, assessment and evaluation and leadership coaching services to schools, districts, community-based agencies and non-profit organizations. CEP works collaboratively with its partners to create ways of thinking and doing that create powerful opportunities for students to reach their full potential. Prior to founding CEP, Rice was a classroom teacher, full inclusion facilitator and school change consultant. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration for Northern Illinois University and a Master of Arts in Multi-Cultural and Multi-Lingual Education from California State University at Los Angeles. Jane Robb is employed in the Department for Instruction and Professional Development of the California Teachers Association, focusing on issues of teacher quality, school improvement, and professional development. Her primary responsibilities are to provide technical and policy support in the areas of teacher development and certification and serve as the lead CTA staff for schools participating in the Quality Education Investment Act (QEIA) program. She also serves on the NEA Task Force on Teacher Residencies, CTA’s Teacher Evaluation 66

workgroup, and is staff consultant to CTA’s Credentials and Professional Development Committee. Prior to joining CTA, she worked as a director of teacher preparation programs, a K-12 teacher development specialist, Intern and BTSA program coordinator, and classroom teacher.

Pamela Robertson

serves as Principal of State Street Elementary School, LAUSD. She began her prinicipalship at Miles Avenue Elementary School in Huntington Park, California in 2008 -2012. She currently is in her second year as principal at State Street Elementary School in South Gate, California. Robertson received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in December 1991 and a Master of Science in Educational Administration at National University in Los Angeles, subsequently, clearing her administration credential at the University of California, Irvine.

Donielle Rooks, MSW is the Program & Fiscal Coordinator

for the California Coverage & Health Initiatives. CCHI’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of California children and families by supporting its members in meeting the needs of their communities. Donielle‘s program focus includes outreach and enrollment to the school community in partnership with the ALL IN campaign and is a Certified Enrollment Counselor through Covered California. Her previous work includes assisting adults and seniors with health insurance options and supporting grandparents raising grandchildren in the community. Donielle holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from The University of Connecticut School of Social Work in Policy & Planning/Community Organization.

Dan Sackheim is the statewide program lead in the Educational Options, Student Support and American Indian Education Office of the California Department of Education (CDE) for community day schools, opportunity education, and Diploma Plus, (programs for at-risk/at-promise students). Sackheim serves on numerous advisory boards and workgroups on asset-based behavioral intervention including restorative justice, resiliency and youth development, including a focus on disproportionate minority representation in disciplinary actions and multicultural understanding. These include the State School Attendance Review Board, the California Career Resource Network, and the CDE’s Improving the Academic Achievement of African American, Latino and American Indian Students Workgroup. He is a former elementary school teacher and education specialist for the State Job Training Coordinating Council. He is also honored to be an active mentor for numerous at-risk/ at-promise youth, as well as undergraduate and graduate level university students, and a Freedom Writer Teacher. Maribel Sainez is Program Manager for the San Francisco

Unified School District in the Office of Family and Community Engagement. She works with the Title 1 Family Liaison Program in grades k-12 and supports family engagement work in 13 community schools and 38 Title 1 schools. She coordinates professional development for district staff, including parent liaisons, after school staff, social workers and community program coordinators. Prior to joining SFUSD, Maribel provided intervention and prevention services to Latina youth in the Mission District. Maribel holds a BA in Business and Visual Arts from California State University Monterey Bay. She also attended the Universidad Technologico de Monterey in Mexico, and did graduate work at San Francisco State University in Ethnic Studies.

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Francisca Sánchez, CEO of Provocative Practice, President

of the California Association for Bilingual Education, and former Chief Academic Officer with San Francisco and Hayward Unified School Districts, has 38 years of educational leadership experience. Currently, she consults with schools, districts, and community/professional organizations, helping to facilitate their strategic planning processes around a powerful vision of equity and excellence. She was named the Inland Empire’s 2002 “Educator of the Year” and selected as a recipient of ACSA’s 2005 “State Valuing Diversity Award “and the California Association for Bilingual Education’s 2006 “Vision Award.” She is the author of “Inspiring Voice: Engaging and Motivating Students through Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Arts Education and When I Dream/Cuando Sueño.”

Jamilah Campbell Sanchez is a Spanish Dual Language

Coach at Community United Elementary School in Oakland, CA. She provides teachers with resources and support on how best to engage and teach Spanish to African American students and promotes and educates the parents on the benefits of bilingualism. Before joining OUSD, she was a Project Manager for Parents for Public Schools-SF, where she oversaw the School Governance Program, designed to engage low-income parents in their SSC and ELAC. Jamilah also brings 11 years of teaching experience working as a Spanish Bilingual Special Education teacher and Literacy Teacher for SFUSD. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Ecology from College of the Atlantic in Maine, a BCLAD Teaching Credential and a Master’s degree in International Educational Development from Teachers College, Columbia University.

Patty Scripter currently serves as the vice president for education

for the California State PTA and focuses on Kindergarten through 12th grade public school issues. With the many changes in education, Scripter frequently goes out across the state and does presentations to PTA members and their local communities on Common Core State Standards, the new assessments, and Local Control Funding Formula and Local Control and Accountability Plans and what parents need to know so that they can support their children and be actively engaged in their local schools. She has also represented PTA on many statewide committees addressing educational issues, including the recent State Board of Education LCFF workgroup. Scripter has also served PTA as the Director of Legislation and as an education advocate. She works with her husband in their television production company, and lives in La Crescenta where their two children graduated from Glendale public schools.

Maggie Steele is the vice president for family engagement for

the California State PTA. As a parent volunteer, she has served on the California State PTA Board of Managers since 2007 and held numerous PTA positions at the local, regional and state level including president of Peralta District PTA for Alameda County. Her experience of how authentic family engagement makes a difference and benefits all children also includes involvement as a parent voice on school site councils, school district committees and local accreditation committees for the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Professionally, Steele holds a Ph.D. degree and works as a college professor.

telecommunications industry before returning to the arts as Executive Director of the Arts Council for Long Beach. The California Arts Council is the official state arts agency for California, the state with the largest number of artists and creative-industry workers in the nation.

Jackie White was a general education classroom teacher with GLAD training before becoming one of the first three area Arts Integration Specialists. She has been Kennedy Center trained and attends annual meetings for Partners in Education, Any Given Child and Changing Education Through the Arts. She has presented as part of the Any Given Child Team at the Kennedy Center and has been a member of the Any Given Child Initiative since 2010. She served as a member of the Any Given Child Governing Council and is currently a Board Member of Friends of the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission. Jackie currently serves on the Create California 21st Century Curriculum work group. Jackie developed the Appetite for Art Program as a key program to support community understanding and participation in Arts Education. She is the facilitator of the Federal Department of Education Arts Model Education Development and Dissemination S.M.A.R.T. (Sustaining Meaningful Arts and Reading Together) grant and the Program Director for the DRIVE 4ARTS (Developing Rigorous Integrated Visual and Performing Arts Education) Federal Department of Education Professional Development for Arts Education grant. Dr. Judy D. White is the Superintendent for Moreno Valley

Unified School District, with 3,500 employees and 35,000 students. She has over 35 years of experience in education and embraces a united effort of “Excellence on Purpose.” Prior to her appointment in Moreno Valley, she served as Deputy Superintendent for San Bernardino City Unified School District. Dr. White has served as Teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, Special Education Director, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, and Deputy Superintendent of Program Improvement, Curriculum/Instruction and Accountability & Research. She has also served as an Adjunct Professor at Azusa Pacific University and Aenon Bible College. Her educational credits include a B.A. in Sociology from Occidental College in Los Angeles, M.A. in Education from California State University San Bernardino, and Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University.

Marie White has 10 years of teaching experience at the Moreno Valley Unified School District. She obtained a teaching credential from California Baptist University and was awarded three Masters Degrees in teaching, educational leadership, and school psychology from Azusa Pacific University. She had a leadership role in implementing Project Moving Forward at Armada School in Moreno Valley. As Team Leader, she helped close the achievement gap for African American students from 12.2 to 1.9 percentage points. Her leadership roles include Administrative Designee for the last five years and Co-Director of Elementary Education for the District’s Union. She was nominated as Teacher of the Year in 2012-2013. She is Chair of the African American Advisory Committee at her school site.

Craig Watson is the Director of the California Arts Council, a position

he has held since August 2011 when he was chosen by the Council after a nationwide search. Watson started his career in the arts field at local arts agencies and arts-services organizations, and later built a career in the Sacramento Sheraton Grand Hotel & Sacramento Convention Center

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