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

Calaveras Hill High is in year two of implementing Project Based Learning as a whole school initiative in the hopes of increasing student attendance, buy-in, and graduation, as well as increasing rigor and combating the reputation as "the bad kids school". Our district has long supported PBL, which brought us wide support from the District Office and Board in our efforts and seeking training. All teachers have been trained through PBL Works PBL 101 course and are expected to teach at least one PBL designed project per quarter. Our presentation will highlight our reasoning, strategy, struggles, successes, best practices, wishes, and overall advice to others who wish to implement similarly.

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.

My presentation is based on my PhD research on employee motivation and inspiration as well as my 3 years of substitute teaching for four different school districts in Orange County California. My presentation helps teachers and administrators understand better ways to manage classrooms via small bites of basic psychology training that ultimately helps teachers and administrators understand what young humans need in the classroom. The presentation is designed for teachers, not students, where my presentation helps teachers understand how to re energize, reinvigorate, and recharge making classroom experience for students more pleasant and focused on learning.

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.