This webinar will highlight current California initiatives and Education Code requirements related to bullying prevention and student protections, explore the implications of Senate Bill 939 (SB 939) and its expanded focus on students who identify as or are perceived as neurodivergent, and share research-based strategies for preventing, identifying, and responding to bullying. Participants will also hear from Local Education Agencies (LEA) about practical resources, tools, and partnerships that support students who may be disproportionately impacted by bullying and promote safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments for all.

The California Department of Education (CDE) encourages school and district leaders, school counselors, psychologists, social workers, nurses, and other staff supporting students in both general and special education settings to participate in this webinar and share the opportunity with colleagues who serve students and school communities.

The webinar will bring together state education leaders, researchers, school and district administrators, higher education representatives, and practitioners from the CDE, the UC|CSU Collaborative for Neuroscience, Diversity, and Learning, Open Access, and Lompoc Unified School District. Featured speakers include Erika Torres, Ed.D.; Pam Cajucom, M.A., P.P.S.C.; Lawrence Kim; Mary Nicely; Kathy Do, Ph.D.; Alison Yoshimoto-Towery, Ed.D.; Rachel Heenan, Ed.D.; Laurie Balsano-Wright, Ed.D.; Leah Padilla; Brian Jaramillo; and Channon Mitchell.