In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, access to technology alone does not ensure student success. True empowerment requires a strong foundation in literacy, intentional digital literacy instruction, and leadership systems that ensure equitable access and opportunity for all students. This session addresses a critical governance issue: how to align foundational literacy, digital literacy, and systemwide supports into a coherent strategy that advances equity and student achievement. Participants will examine how literacy serves as the gateway to digital access and opportunity, and how governance teams can lead the alignment of instructional priorities, technology investments, and accountability systems. Through a district-informed case example, attendees will explore how a unified approach which is grounded in strong literacy implementation and supported by intentional digital systems can move districts from isolated initiatives to measurable impact. This workshop will provide leaders with a clear framework for understanding how to empower all students through strong literacy systems, equitable digital access, and strategic leadership decisions that prepare students for college, career, and civic life in a digital world.
Participants will engage with CESD leadership as we work to reduce chronic absenteeism and elevate parent engagement utilizing the Harvard University Dual Capacity Framework. Learn how CESD successfully reduced Chronic Absenteeism and is engaging parents to be active partners in education.
Superintendent, Centralia Elementary School District
Ms. Norma E. Martinez has served the Centralia Elementary School District since 2010 and has been honored to lead as Superintendent since 2015. She oversees an award-winning district serving Anaheim, Buena Park, and La Palma, with schools recognized as National Blue Ribbon, California... Read More →
Board Vice President, Centralia Elementary School District
Angela M. Hernandez serves as Vice President of the Centralia Elementary School District Governing Board, representing Area 3. A dedicated community leader, business owner, and advocate for children and families, she brings years of experience supporting public education through Parent-Teacher... Read More →
This session will focus on the work of Empire Union (Stanislaus) and their efforts to build a bridge between their preschool, transitional kindergarten and kindergarten-3rd grade programs within a statewide network. Learn how Empire employed a multi-grade district team to build capacity in early mathematics across Pre-K through 3rd-grade transitions with the greatest benefits to English Learners and socio-economically disadvantaged students. Highlights: Universal preschool and TK have the potential to close enormous equity gaps in third grade proficiency, benefiting all students and the entire K-12 school system. But that promise isn’t guaranteed without grade-to-grade coherence. The potential of preschool and TK gains expires over time, making now the right moment for districts to invest in solutions that persist into third grade and beyond.
Key Takeaways: In this session participants will understand districtwide monitoring in PreK-3 student progress for decision making and learn how to build teacher and administrator capacity in early mathematics.
School boards approve professional development spending every year — but how do you know if it's actually working? This session breaks down the three levers of effective PD and shows why the real marker of success is teacher growth, not just completion certificates. We'll explore what separates PD that truly changes practice from PD that checks a box, and why the strongest predictor of student outcomes is instruction. We will explore approaches that build on the strengths already in your district, rather than starting from scratch. Board members and trustees will leave with a practical checklist for evaluating PD providers and holding them accountable for results.
Recent federal policy changes are reshaping how families access nutrition benefits and creating new challenges for schools, community organizations, and advocates working to combat food insecurity. In California, the impacts are being felt through CalFresh, the state's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which serves millions of children and families each year.
This session will examine recently enacted federal legislation and policy changes, including provisions within H.R. 1 and the July 2025 reinterpretation of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), and explore how these developments may affect access to nutrition programs for children and families. Participants will learn how changes to CalFresh eligibility, benefit access, and public charge concerns may influence participation in school meal programs and other federal nutrition supports.
The session will also discuss how increased confusion around eligibility, data sharing concerns, and immigration-related fears can discourage families from applying for CalFresh, completing meal applications, or participating in other benefit programs. These trends have implications for Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) rates, Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) funding, cafeteria revenue, and overall student access to nutritious meals.
While school meals remain available to all students regardless of immigration status, schools are increasingly being asked to navigate complex questions from families about eligibility, confidentiality, and the relationship between nutrition programs and immigration policy.
Participants will leave with practical tools and strategies to: • Understand recent federal policy changes and their implications for CalFresh and school nutrition programs. • Support families with accurate information and trusted resources. • Strengthen outreach efforts and build trust within immigrant and mixed-status communities. • Advocate for equitable policies that protect access to nutrition programs for children and families. • Partner across sectors to ensure students continue receiving the nutrition support they need to learn and thrive.
Together, we will explore how schools, community organizations, and advocates can respond to these evolving challenges while advancing equity, food access, and student well-being.
