Writing Measurable Objectives: It’s the S.M.A.R.T. Thing to Do!
Cliff Rudnick, Administrator, Learning Support & Partner Division, California DOE, CA

This session will focus on the development, monitoring, and evaluation of measurable objectives using the S.M.A.R.T. concept. Attendees will discuss and share how objectives in their schools and districts are monitored and evaluated within a continuous improvement model.

Strand: NEW!, Best Practices
Grade Level: K–12

Model Continuation High School Practices: Moving from Mediocre to Magnificent
Mari Bordona, Principal/K–12 Alt. Programs; Rebecca Tourtellotte, Assistant Principal/K–12 Alt. Programs; Adam LaMunyon, Support Teacher, Sierra High School, Azusa USD, CA

Sierra High School is an alternative education program that provides a personalized, caring, and enriched environment that enables student to develop to their fullest potential. This session will provide an overview of best practices in alternative education, including creative teaching strategies, safe and civil policies, benchmarking standards, developing student leaders, and strengths-based collaboration.

Strand: Best Practices
Grade Level: 9–12

From Improvement to Excellence
Doug Escheman, Principal, Covillaud Elementary, Marysville Joint USD; Donna Cummings and Rick Wise, Probation Officers, Yuba County Probation, CA

Doug Escheman has provided trainings all over the US in educating children at poverty-ridden school sites. His presentations address raising test scores, the “basic needs” theory he put into effect at his school, and the importance of a community partner base. This session will bring tears to your eyes and offer hope for all those who work at challenging school sites.

Strand: NEW!, Best Practices
Grade Level: K–12

Empowering Discipline: An Approach that Works with At-Risk Students
Vicki Phillips, M.Ed., Director Personal Development, CA

Most school discipline plans are based on the need to control student behavior. With those at-risk youths who see no future and feel they have nothing to lose, “control” becomes counterproductive, and they spiral downhill. Learn how to handle disciplinary situations with those students who “do not want to be told what to do.”

Strand: Engaging At-Risk Students
Grade Level: 7–12

Meet the Youth Café
Al Rodriguez, Manager, Orange County Youth Café, CA

This session will demonstrate an extremely successful career and academic support program for high school students that pulls together the best of community and school resources to create outstanding results for the youth involved. The leaner and meaner Orange County Youth Café is the Atkins version of a One Step Center— more protein and fewer carbs. See how the Youth Café uses its protein-based Success Ladder Model to keep both older and younger youth interested, involved, and engaged. If you want to learn about dropout prevention strategies, put down the donut and attend!

Strand: NEW!, Family and Community Collaboration
Grade Level: 9–12

Conscious Classroom Management
Grace Dearborn, Educational Consultant, Conscious Teaching, LLC, CA

This lively, fun, and interactive session gives K–12 teachers a framework for seeing and practicing the often invisible skills of effective classroom management and organization. Participants will leave with a refreshed outlook and with ideas they can use the next day in classroom management, lesson planning, and stress reduction.

Strand: Instructional Strategies
Grade Level: K–12

Empowering Youth to Stand Up to Bullying and Mistreatment
Rick Phillips, M.S.Ed., Executive Director, Community Matters, CA

Harassment, bullying, and intolerance prevent effective teaching and learning. Students hold the key: they see, hear, and know things and can intervene where adults can’t. Learn field-tested best practices to equip student leaders with the nonviolent skills to prevent and stop acts of harassment, hazing, bullying, and intolerance.

Strand: Safety and Violence Prevention
Grade Level: 7–12

Identifying and Preventing Over the Counter (OTC) Drug Abuse
Stacey Zapanta, Alcohol and Drug Education & Prevention Team, County of Orange, Health Care Agency, CA

Over the Counter (OTC) Drug Abuse is extremely prevalent today. Learn how this issue is impacting teens at your school and families in your community and what you can do about it. Appropriate intervention, treatment and prevention will be discussed, as well as how to integrate your awareness of this issue into your current Drug and Alcohol Prevention approach. This session will help you recognize OTC Drug Abuse and develop prevention strategies for your school.

Strand: Safety and Violence Prevention
Grade Level: K–12