Welcome to our 2025 Conference "Surf’s Up! Riding the Waves of Oppotrunity" For registration, lodging and other up-to-date conference information please visit our CCEA website: https://cceanet.org/ccea-conference-2025/
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Pershing students in partnership with the Fresno Elk's club have been doing two projects with students yearly. One called The Mount Olympus Challenge and one called The Veteran's Video Project. This year with the Seal of Civic Engagement out, the projects help the students involved to qualify for this honor. They also are projects that have really made a difference for our students. We would love to present our projects to other schools.
School District Employee, Central Unified /Pershing Continuation
Principal: Pershing Continuation High SchoolPathway Community Day School, SecondaryPathway Elementary Community Day SchoolTaught all levels Elementary, Middle and High School28 years in EducationDog LoverExercise AddictBookworm
In this session, we will explore how Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) can effectively support students' academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth, while reinforcing their college and career readiness. By examining the three tiers of MTSS, participants will learn how universal, targeted, and intensive supports can connect classroom learning to real-world career opportunities and post-secondary aspirations.Through practical strategies and examples, this session will show how MTSS creates personalized pathways for students, ensuring all have the opportunity to thrive academically, explore career paths, and prepare for future success. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to integrate MTSS within their schools, build stronger community and family partnerships, and promote a culture of equity that supports every student in achieving their college and career goals.
School District Employee, Sierra High School, SBCUSD
Vance Bee has been the MTSS Coordinator and English Language Facilitator at Sierra High School in San Bernardino, since the fall of 2022. Prior, he taught English 9-12, ELD, and Edmentum Credit Recovery. He also has experience with AVID, ELD, and English at the middle school level... Read More →
Candice has been the VP for Sierra since fall 2021. She was an English teacher and the Student Achievement Specialist for over 15 years before becoming an administrator. She has worked in both traditional and alternative schools but prefers alt ed for its flexibility and the resilience... Read More →
Alessandro High School implemented a longer term IDS program to support students needing to be away from campus for longer than short term IDS, not needing formal Home and Hospital support and not eligible for transfer to our district's virtual campus. The session will walk participants through our process for implementing the program, our requirements for students and share what we have learned so far.
This presentation will address everything you need to know about building your Model School Application. Components of the Review Process will be reviewed as well as strengths and challenges of the written application and site visit expectations. Be prepared with questions you may have as we will go through every section of the application.
School District Employee, California Department of Education
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) responsible for monitoring and supporting the operation of community day schools, opportunity education, and... Read More →
In this presentation, you will learn about community cultural wealth, a framework that highlights the cultural assets students bring to the classroom every day, rather than focusing on perceived deficits—particularly for students of color. All students draw on a range of cultural knowledge, skills, abilities, and networks to navigate systems of oppression, marginalization, and inequality. By recognizing and building on these assets, students can gain confidence in both school and life. This framework is applicable across all grades and subjects. We will specifically explore how it was implemented in a social science class, where students applied their cultural knowledge of Día de los Muertos to engage with their community in East San Jose.
This dynamic learning strand explores the unique challenges faced by fatherless boys in continuation schools and equips educators with strategies to foster their success. Participants will delve into effective mentoring models that inspire and guide at-promise males, practical life skills development tailored to their needs, and innovative approaches to building strong community partnerships. By addressing the root causes of the fatherless male epidemic, attendees will discover actionable solutions to empower these young men and transform their futures. Learn how the power of mentoring can serve as a cornerstone in creating a supportive system that nurtures resilience, purpose, and achievement.
This dynamic learning strand explores the unique challenges faced by fatherless boys in continuation schools and equips educators with strategies to foster their success. Participants will delve into effective mentoring models that inspire and guide at-promise males, practical life skills development tailored to their needs, and innovative approaches to building strong community partnerships. By addressing the root causes of the fatherless male epidemic, attendees will discover actionable solutions to empower these young men and transform their futures. Learn how the power of mentoring can serve as a cornerstone in creating a supportive system that nurtures resilience, purpose, and achievement.
This session is designed for educators transitioning from comprehensive to continuation high schools. Participants will explore key differences in structure, student needs, and school culture, while reflecting on how to support diverse learners through empathy, flexibility, and a strengths-based mindset. Interactive activities and real student profiles will help educators identify strategies tailored to alternative settings. Join us to better understand your students, your role, and how to lead with purpose in a continuation setting.
Discover how to create positive transitions for at-risk students while building trust, engaging families, and fostering inclusive solutions that drive success in alternative education settings. This hands-on workshop is designed to empower school leaders with best practices and collaborative tools.
An overview of Valley High's successful 6 week orientation program that introduces students and sets high expectations for high school in academics and behavior. Focus is on students' social emotional health and teaching the students how to be aware of external events that may be impeding on their education. Using circles and creating a purpose for building relationships with staff and their teachers is imperative for students to find success. After taking the course students feel ready to respond to past failures and have tools to be successful on campus and in the "Real World." Big emphasis is put on how to self-advocate, how to set goals, working on communication skills, and participating in team building exercises.
Noemi Iraci is a counselor and teacher with 28+ years advising adolescents in the field of education. As a high school student who constantly got in trouble for talking and disrupting others, her grades were marginal at best. Here diverse experience in education began right... Read More →
As the digital world expands, the demand for professionals skilled in computer science continues to grow. Yet, many students in alternative schools, often facing significant challenges in their educational journey, are overlooked when it comes to accessing these lucrative career pathways. Dr. Jordan B. Smith Jr., an Amazon Future Engineer Teacher Ambassador and veteran educator with 20 years of experience in alternative education, is passionate about changing this narrative. This presentation aims to provide a roadmap for how educators in alternative settings can connect their students to meaningful career opportunities in computer science (CS) using innovative teaching approaches and programs like Amazon Future Engineer. The session will begin by exploring the unique challenges faced by alternative school students, many of whom have struggled with traditional education environments. These students often face barriers such as gaps in foundational skills, behavioral challenges, or learning differences, which can make engaging in advanced subjects like computer science seem out of reach. However, Dr. Smith will demonstrate that with the right support and resources, these students can excel in CS and unlock career opportunities that can change the trajectory of their lives. One of the central themes of this presentation will be the importance of self-esteem and motivation in student success. Dr. Smith has spent over a decade working in alternative education, helping students who are recovering lost credits and rebuilding their confidence in the classroom. He will share evidence-based strategies from his career and research, showcasing how computer science can be an empowering tool for students who may feel disengaged or defeated by the education system. Dr. Smith will also highlight how programs like Amazon Future Engineer offer unparalleled opportunities for students in alternative schools.
Three years ago, we presented the beginnings of our attempt at implementing a data mapping system into our orientation program. Now, we have created a well functioning system that includes a mapping test when students arrive at our school site, a mapping test when they leave our site, and methods for data collection and monitoring student growth. All of this is used to support our EDI, PBIS, and everything in between. We have also found ways to promote student buy-in by telling them "Why." Why do you need to take a test as soon as you get to us, what does this test do, and how do we use it. The result has been a picture into the struggles our students face, what works and what doesn't, and how we can best support them. We also have a good idea of where our state test scores will be that year, and can implement interventions and support as needed.
In this dynamic session, discover how Sierra High School's CTE program ignites student success through internships, industry certifications, and impactful Work-Based Learning (WBL) experiences. Learn how our innovative approach empowers students to take on leadership roles, earn valuable certifications, and engage in hands-on learning with community partners. We'll explore how internships are vital in building career readiness, supporting students’ professional development, and shaping their future career pathways. Attendees will leave with relevant strategies for developing internship programs that align with industry demands and equip students with the essential skills needed for success in both higher education and the workforce.
Sharon Cowley is an experienced educator, curriculum developer, and Linked Learning Program Specialist at Sierra High School, where she leads the development of integrated CTE pathways and work-based learning opportunities. With a Master’s in Literature and Education, she holds... Read More →
We plan to highlight our Tier I and II systems that have resulted in improved academics, increased feelings of belonging, and higher attendance rates. -Tier I data chats -MTSS points and the student rewards store. -Attendance team review -Tier II referral process. -SEL Emphasis -SEL spaces. -Academic Success Academy class. -Students giving their perspective.
Describe the development and growth of a continuation school IS program- Share the lessons I have learned along the way by using Ed Code and board policy as "guardrails" not as roadblocks. Impress upon the audience that CA Ed Code is not a restrictive document but a permissive guide.
Members of the CCEA Plus Board will be available in an open question and answer session to respond to your questions about the New and Improved Model Continuation High School and Model Community Day School Recognition Programs.
School District Employee, California Department of Education
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) responsible for monitoring and supporting the operation of community day schools, opportunity education, and... Read More →
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.
School District Employee, Glen View High School Beaumont Unified School District
Bob Blanck has been teaching secondary English since 1996. He taught at Orangewood Continuation High School in Redlands from 2007-2023. Bob recently joined the staff at Glen View Continuation High School in Beaumont. Over the years Bob has taught all levels of English as well as Journalism... Read More →
Join Valley HIgh School teacher Sharon Clark and members of her team as they discuss the history of AVID at Valley High School. They will share an overview of what AVID is and how it has evolved over the years along with AVID strategies, best practices and the impact it can have on our students' lives. In addition, They will talk about how AVID is making a difference for their students and how they are working together as a staff to transform their school by implementing AVID strategies schoolwide. You will leave with new strategies, ideas and lessons you can use on Monday.
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.
I currently serve as the MTSS Coordinator for one of the largest non-unified districts in the State of California (Bakersfield City Schools). I’m also privileged to be a partner with TrivingYOUniversity as a lead climate coach. I have over 22 years of experience as a Special Education... Read More →
We will present our Directed Studies (DS) class that we offer at our site: Calla High School. Directed Studies is a homeroom class that students enter immediately upon their start at CHS. Students are assigned a DS teacher at orientation and remain with that teacher their entire time at Calla. This teacher serves as a mentor and a safe space for our students. Students track their graduation requirements with their DS teacher, complete their class schedule choices every 6 weeks, do all state/standardized testing, after high school planning and complete their SEL BASE modules each block.
Introduction: Clovis Community Day School (CCDS) fosters a supportive, inclusive, and data-driven environment tailored to the unique needs of alternative high school students. This presentation focuses on two essential practices, our Intake Process and "WIN" (What I Need) Meetings—which together create a culture of trust, accountability, and growth. These strategies exemplify how alternative education programs can address diverse challenges while cultivating student success. Section 1: Intake Process: At CCDS, the intake process personalizes the educational journey for every student. Each student participates in a 30-minute session with a multidisciplinary team, including special education coordinators, counselors, psychologists, and Community Resource Officers (CROs). This session reviews stipulations from the expulsion process and identifies academic and emotional needs through conversations with the student and family, and establishes shared expectations by discussing school rules and resources. By involving SEL professionals from the outset, the process builds trust, ensures early identification of needs, and creates a foundation for success. This approach equips alternative high school students with the support they need to feel valued and prepared. Section 2: WIN Meetings: (“What I Need”) are ongoing, team-based reviews of student progress. These monthly sessions focus on: academic performance, including credit recovery and personalized plans, mental health and drug use support through counseling and therapy, community service engagement and compliance, and behavioral and attendance improvements. WIN meetings empower students to actively participate in their growth while celebrating achievements and addressing challenges. This personalized approach aligns with the needs of alternative high school environments, promoting accountability, resilience, and continuous improvement.
Learn how integrating wraparound services, community partnerships, and equity-driven practices can address the unique challenges faced by students in alternative education and our most at-promise students at any school site. This presentation will showcase real-world examples, highlight effective strategies for fostering student engagement and academic success, and provide actionable insights for creating a supportive, holistic learning environment tailored to diverse needs. Join us to explore how this innovative approach can empower at-promise students and drive meaningful outcomes.
"WASCING with Purpose" is a comprehensive guide for educators on how to approach WASC accreditation visits with intentionality and focus. This session will cover strategic methods to prepare for WASC evaluations, highlighting the importance of aligning school culture, strengths, and improvement areas with the criteria of the visiting committee. Educators will learn how to craft a personalized experience that authentically represents their school through data-driven storytelling, engaging campus tours, and meaningful stakeholder involvement. Participants will leave with practical tips to showcase their school's unique journey and commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring a purposeful and impactful WASC visit.
This dynamic learning strand explores the unique challenges faced by fatherless boys in continuation schools and equips educators with strategies to foster their success. Participants will delve into effective mentoring models that inspire and guide at-promise males, practical life skills development tailored to their needs, and innovative approaches to building strong community partnerships. By addressing the root causes of the fatherless male epidemic, attendees will discover actionable solutions to empower these young men and transform their futures. Learn how the power of mentoring can serve as a cornerstone in creating a supportive system that nurtures resilience, purpose, and achievement.
Digital Beats and Historical Feats is designed specifically for alternative high school environments where student engagement and relevance are key. This session explores how music, especially hip hop and protest songs, can be used to teach U.S. History through a culturally responsive approach grounded in Universal Design for Learning. Attendees will learn how to connect historical events to modern social movements and student experiences using accessible tech tools and classroom-tested strategies. One featured activity, Soundtrack of My Life, invites students to select songs that reflect key moments in their personal journey, helping them make meaningful connections between their lived experiences and broader historical themes. This presentation gives continuation school educators practical tools to tap into student creativity, build emotional connection, and foster deeper learning, all while aligning with academic standards in a way that truly resonates with our students.
School District Employee, Ruben Salazar High School
Hello and welcome everyone. I teach high school history at Ruben Salazar High School in Pico Rivera, California. In addition, I spend my evenings teaching GED classes at the EL Rancho Adult Education Center. I received two Master of Education degrees from California State University... Read More →
We will explore strategies that engage empathy while working through difficult interactions with students, parents and co-workers. By employing empathy and seeing through the other person's point of view we can resolve difficult situations and move forward with a better understanding of each other.
School District Employee, Glen View High School Beaumont Unified School District
Bob Blanck has been teaching secondary English since 1996. He taught at Orangewood Continuation High School in Redlands from 2007-2023. Bob recently joined the staff at Glen View Continuation High School in Beaumont. Over the years Bob has taught all levels of English as well as Journalism... Read More →
Discover how educational leaders across California use creative approaches including AI, AR, and VR to engage and inspire students. This session will demonstrate how students research, learn, and experience a variety of concepts and the associated career pathways in STEM, Health Science, Advanced Manufacturing, Agri-Science, Transportation and more. Based on this exploration, students are able to develop plans for post-secondary study and/or earn valuable certifications. Learning Objectives: - Understand the AI/AR/VR landscape and its role in supporting STEM curriculum and CTE certifications - Discover clinical evidence supporting learning gains with AR/VR - Consider funding sources for the integration of new technology
Discover how Sierra High School prepares students for college and career success through strategic partnerships and hands-on learning experiences. Collaborations with the Department of Rehabilitation, Teamsters, a local realtor group, and Community Health Systems provide students with real-world exposure to career pathways in their local community. Additionally, students engage in workforce readiness activities such as biweekly produce distribution, gaining valuable skills while contributing to their community. Sierra High School also offers College and Career A & B courses, equipping students with essential knowledge for post-secondary success. Join us to explore how these initiatives are bridging the gap between education and the workforce, ensuring students are prepared for a seamless transition into their future careers and higher education.
I am passionate about supporting students of all ages—especially those in alternative and continuation settings—as they plan, begin, and pursue meaningful career paths aligned with their life goals. By focusing on the whole person, I help students explore and prepare for a variety... Read More →
Candice has been the VP for Sierra since fall 2021. She was an English teacher and the Student Achievement Specialist for over 15 years before becoming an administrator. She has worked in both traditional and alternative schools but prefers alt ed for its flexibility and the resilience... Read More →
Join Principal Chris Fore as he shares how the staff at Mojave High School (Hesperia, CA) is fostering meaningful connections with students through the "Each One, Reach One" philosophy in the seminar, "Ghosting is for Phones, Not Schools: Building Meaningful Connections on Campus." Over the past two years, the school has implemented various new programs designed to deepen student engagement. These efforts have yielded impressive results, as reflected in the Youth Truth Survey, with a 15% increase in student engagement, a 14% boost in school culture, and a 24% improvement in students’ sense of belonging and peer collaboration. This holistic approach has also positively impacted graduation and attendance rates.
School District Employee, Mojave High School, Hesperia Unified School District
Chris Fore is a veteran Administrator, Athletic Director, and Head Football Coach from Southern California; he currently serves as the Principal at Mojave High School in the Hesperia Unified School District. Mojave was recently recognized by the California Department of Education... Read More →
Join us for an interactive workshop that showcases the power of student voice and leadership through our Peer-to-Peer program. This elective course equips students with the tools to create a safe, inclusive school community while developing real-world advocacy, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Discover how our student leaders design and deliver impactful presentations on the dangers of tobacco and other harmful substances to younger students across our district. Learn how this program blends academic content with social-emotional learning (SEL) and leadership development, all while aligning with our school’s core values. Whether you're an educator, administrator, or student advocate, this session will offer practical insights and inspiration for implementing or expanding peer-led initiatives in your own school community. Let’s build a generation of empowered, informed, and compassionate student leaders—together.
In a recent Harvard study, 58% of participants aged 18-25 reported that they lacked "meaning or purpose" in their lives. Consider this interactive workshop as a remedy. Join in as we dive into the power of purpose-driven learning, exploring practical strategies to help students connect with their values, interests, and future aspirations. Attendees learn about the PRICE of finding your “why” (Purpose, Routine, Inspiration, Confidence, and Education) and all will leave with a guide to support students in identifying pathways to finding purpose in their lives (and maybe even your own!) to flourish into their most positive and productive selves.
School District Employee, Centinela Valley Union High School District
Tali Sherman has taught at the Centinela Valley Union High School District for 20 years; she has worked as an English teacher at the comprehensive high schools, and as a teacher and WASC coordinator at both the independent study and continuation high schools. She is a National Board-Certified... Read More →
This presentation on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) for students and teachers focuses on the importance of developing emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and interpersonal skills to create a supportive and inclusive school environment. It will introduce activities such as mindfulness exercises, group discussions, and strategies to incorporate into a classroom setting to help students and teachers alike recognize and manage their emotions, resolve conflicts, and build stronger relationships. Measuring tools like SEL assessment surveys, teacher observations, and student reflections will be shared to track progress and ensure effectiveness. By incorporating SEL into daily routines, the school culture can be transformed, fostering empathy, respect, and resilience, ultimately enhancing academic performance and creating a positive, cohesive learning community.
School District Employee, Columbus High, Downey Unified
Hello! My name is Jennifer LaMar and I am the visual arts instructor at Columbus High School in Downey. I've been teaching art at the secondary level for 14 years in both the public and private sectors, having transitioned to continuation school 3 years ago. We all saw the need for... Read More →
