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!

Join Mr. Barrett Snider for a Q & A session focusing on updates in Continuation Education. Barrett Snider has spent two decades working in California politics and is a founding partner of Capitol Advisors Group, where he manages the daily government relations operations of the firm. His diverse experience in both legislative advocacy and political campaigns provides clients with valuable industry expertise and strategic political consulting. Immediately prior to the founding of Capitol Advisors Group, Barrett ran the operations of California’s then-largest K-12 government relations firm in Sacramento. He also served as a Legislative Advocate in the firm of Peter Birdsall & Associates. Mr. Snider has also worked on a number of legislative and statewide political campaigns under political consultant Gale Kaufman. He was a consultant and spokesperson for the Yes on Prop 1D campaign - the $10.4 billion statewide school facilities bond passed by voters in November 2006. Mr. Snider has also served on the Board of Directors of the California Restaurant Association Education Foundation. He began his career as an intern in the office of United States Senator Barbara Boxer. He is a graduate of the University of California, Davis, with degrees in Political Science and Communication.

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.

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.

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.