CCEA Plus 2025 Surf's Up! Riding the Waves of Opportunity

In the classroom, brain breaks are quick, structured breaks using physical movement, mindfulness exercises, or sensory activities like games and riddles. Brain breaks can be done individually or as a whole class. I use them as a whole class exercise and I mix it up every day to keep them as interested as possible.  No matter what the form, brain breaks take only a few minutes of instructional time. They give your students a brief rest from what they’re doing to help their brains shift focus and return ready to work and learn. It can add a little fun to the long class period and with the addition of rewards, may give some students a reason to come to school! I will briefly go over the Science behind Brain Breaks and you will leave with some ready to use ideas and tools to start using them in your classes!

First we will use a diagnostic tool to assess our and our students' various learning, communication and personality styles. Then we will explore a variety of lessons that engage students of all learning, communication and personality styles.

Valley high school has been implementing learning studios at our site for the past two years. These learning studios are where teachers meet in their cohorts for the day to discuss curriculum implementation, identify a problem of practice, implement a change idea/instructional move and review data and adjust the lesson accordingly with peer feedback. It is also an opportunity for the content areas to meet and collaborate on curriculum ideas and changes. Studios facilitate a shared space for teachers to focus on student collaboration and discourse in the classroom. Valley High schools instructional team would like to present on how your can incorporate this innovative and informative practice at your school!

In today’s evolving educational landscape, many students, particularly those with special needs and those attending alternative schools, face unique challenges that often lead them to disengage from learning. As a veteran educator with over 20 years of experience and a passion for motivating students who have given up on learning, Dr. Jordan B. Smith Jr. has developed effective strategies that integrate the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to re-engage and inspire these students. This presentation is based on Dr. Smith's extensive research, his best-selling book 11 Effective Strategies for Teaching Math to Students Who Have Given Up on Learning, and his ongoing work with AI-driven tools to improve learning outcomes. Dr. Smith’s session will offer attendees insights into how AI can be used as a tool to connect with students who feel marginalized or discouraged by traditional teaching methods. AI allows teachers to differentiate instruction, personalize learning paths, and provide immediate feedback that empowers students to see the progress they may have missed in conventional classroom settings. The presentation will walk through specific AI applications that educators can easily integrate into their daily practice, helping students with learning disabilities, ADHD, or those who struggle with self-esteem and motivation. One of the key aspects of this presentation is the Four Directional Pathways model, which Dr. Smith developed as part of his Motivated Classroom Workshop. This model provides a framework for understanding how to approach teaching from multiple angles, whether through curriculum design, cultural relevance, or emotional connection. Attendees will learn how to leverage AI to reinforce each of these pathways, making lessons more engaging and accessible for students who have historically felt left behind. Another focus of the presentation will be AI’s role in creating culturally relevant performance tasks that resonate with students

Learn about how Westbury High School took the "Lemon" of overcrowding and made "Lemonade" by creating a 9th grade experience. See the journey of creating an offsite school building, creating a PLC centered master schedule, motivating a team of teachers, and how the experience positively impacted a cohort of scholars resulting in the highest graduation rates Westbury High School has experienced. This session is beneficial to those who are implementing PLCs, creating innovative master schedules, planning meaningful professional learning opportunities, and building a student-centered team. Teachers, Administrators, School Counselors, and District Leaders are the target audience, while all are welcomed!

Getting students to collaborate in meaningful ways is hard work. This session aims to create a structured approach to build collaboration in the alternative classroom. We will discuss practical techniques to first build a foundation for conversations in which all students feel safe and confident to participate. We will also explore structured conversation strategies to facilitate group discussions. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to implement in their classrooms.

We have a three pronged after school credit recovery program (sports, academics, gardening) that can be utilized by students to gain credits outside of the school day. We would like to share our successes and answer any questions, to help others create similar programs for their respective schools.

The Gil Lab/Hope Lab is a credit recovery program designed to meet the needs of our most vulnerable students in Anaheim. These students are either 5th year seniors, former drop outs, or often transitioning back from the juvenile justice system. This program was developed to re-engage these students and ask them to give education a  second (or third) chance. We use hands-on projects, field trips every other week, and incorporate art, food, and humor in order to reach every kid and to make them feel like they have a home. This group stays with one teacher all day, and the class of 20 truly becomes a family. We connect them with resources such as the Department of Rehab, Rising Scholars(college program for formerly incarcerated students), and mental health supports as well as help them secure jobs and make sure they are on the right path once they reach that diploma.  This program has been truly life changing, and we can't wait for you to hear the stories of some of our current scholars (who will be in session).

The pioneering 9th grade program at Calaveras Hills High School offers a supportive, learning environment that catches students before falling behind at a traditional comprehensive high school.  The cohort model fosters a strong sense of community, allowing students to build lasting peer relationships and progress through their grade-level academic work. The main goal of this program is for students to engage with school in a positive manner through attendance, academics, and relationships. By combining rigorous academic standards with a personalized approach, the 9th grade program ensures that students are on track to meet their educational goals, while also preventing them from experiencing failure or disengagement.

This workshop is designed specifically for educators seeking effective strategies to engage students in English Language Arts (ELA), particularly those who exhibit a strong aversion to reading and writing. Many students, especially in continuation high school settings, face unique challenges that can hinder their academic motivation and success in ELA. Participants will explore a variety of innovative approaches and practical lesson plans tailored to capture the interest of reluctant readers and writers. We will delve into techniques that foster a supportive learning environment, where students feel empowered to express themselves and develop a genuine appreciation for literature and composition. The workshop will cover key strategies for differentiating instruction, utilizing technology, and integrating real-world contexts that resonate with students' lives. Educators will leave with actionable insights and resources that can be immediately implemented in their classrooms, regardless of subject area. Additionally, we will discuss collaborative approaches that encourage peer interaction and build a sense of community, which can significantly enhance student engagement. By the end of this workshop, participants will be equipped with a toolkit of resources and strategies to inspire and motivate their students, fostering a positive and enriching ELA experience. Join us to transform the way we approach reading and writing in the classroom.

Student engagement can be particularly challenging in an alternative high school setting, where students may have experienced academic struggles, personal obstacles, or disengagement in traditional classrooms. This session equips educators with research-backed strategies to combat apathy and foster intrinsic motivation, helping students take ownership of their learning. By exploring the psychology behind disengagement, educators will gain practical tools to create a classroom environment that promotes curiosity, relevance, and student agency. Through interactive discussions, collaborative activities, and real-world video examples, participants will discover strategies tailored to the unique needs of alternative high school students. The session will focus on building teacher credibility and trust, helping students connect their learning to personal goals and real-world relevance, and promoting student voice, choice, and autonomy in the classroom. Educators will also learn how to increase student effort, resilience, and self-efficacy while strengthening teacher-student relationships and peer connections to create a supportive learning community. More than just a set of quick fixes, this session emphasizes authentic communication and connection, equipping educators with sustainable engagement strategies that empower students to stay invested in their education. Attendees will leave with actionable techniques they can immediately implement to cultivate a more engaging and student-centered learning environment.

1)  Casting a vision and building team consensus for your school’s literacy plan. 2)  Practical skill building strategies and tools (researched based, simple and effective graphic organizers, and best practices). 3)      Results/data/rewards for growth. 4)  All materials will be provided. 5)  Opportunity drawing for attendees.

This engaging, research-based session explores how the Science of Reading (SoR) transforms alternative high school settings by expanding literacy instruction beyond traditional boundaries. Attendees will learn how SoR-aligned strategies can be adapted to meet the needs of continuation and community school students, many of whom face systemic barriers, skill gaps, and inconsistent learning histories. We’ll share real-world examples from Expanded Learning programs that showcase effective, structured literacy integration, with a focus on equity and acceleration. Practical, ready-to-use tools; including multisensory techniques, diagnostic approaches, and culturally responsive supports; will empower educators to boost reading outcomes during and beyond the school day. We will spotlight Hemet Unified School District’s innovative Expanded Learning model, including its “B4 the Bell” morning engagement initiative, afterschool literacy blocks, and summer programming. These flexible, student-centered programs demonstrate how SoR principles can help close achievement gaps, improve student confidence, and pave the way to graduation and lifelong success.