Search results for "School"
Found 81 results.
Fostering Family School Partnerships
This resource highlights the importance of meaningful partnerships between families and educators in the IEP process. It offers ideas for improving communication, building trust, showing empathy and respect, and honoring families’ cultural values—so every child’s learning plan is built on collaboration and shared understanding. TPE Alignment: TPE 1.2 - Maintain ongoing communication with students and families, including the use of technology to communicate with and support students and families, and to communicate achievement expectations and student progress. TPE 6.4 - Demonstrate how and when to involve other adults ...
Alternative Pathway to a High School Diploma
The implementation of the Alternative Pathway to a High School Diploma has provided so many students with an opportunity to obtain a high school diploma. We have created resources and guidance for our district outlining the requirements, the procedural steps within our system to ensure clear communication, and considerations for IEP teams to ensure pathways are clearly thought out. We have also created curriculum banks, provided AI resources to teachers, and leveraged our Inclusion Specialists at the high schools to support this work. This ...
Inclusive Practices in Action: Advice for School Leaders (East Bakersfield High School, Kern High School District)
The video offers guidance for school leaders on implementing and sustaining effective co-teaching practices in their schools. It emphasizes their role in setting vision, providing resources (such as professional development and scheduling), and creating supportive structures so that co-teaching isn’t just an initiative but a well-integrated practice. Leaders are encouraged to monitor progress, use data for continuous improvement, and build collaborative and trusting relationships among staff. To get to the full SIP Collection, click here.
Inclusive Practices in Action: Coaching Co-Teachers (East Bakersfield High School, Kern High School District)
This video focuses on how Kern High School District uses coaching to develop co-teaching partnerships, enhancing teacher skills through observation, feedback, and shared reflection. It shows how instructional coaches and administrators support co-teachers in refining their practice, collaborating more deeply, and ensuring consistency in inclusive classrooms. To get to the full SIP Collection, click here.
Inclusive Practices in Action: Progression of Co-Teaching (East Bakersfield High School, Kern High School District)
This video traces how co-teaching practices evolve over time within a district as teachers gain experience and systems mature. It shows stages of development—from initial setup and teacher pairing through ongoing refinement of roles, collaboration routines, and instructional alignment. The progression highlights how regular feedback, sustained support, and data-driven adjustments help deepen co-teaching effectiveness. To get to the full SIP Collection, click here.
Inclusive Practices in Action: Master Scheduling (East Bakersfield High School, Kern High School District)
The video illustrates how Kern High School District designs master schedules to support co-teaching and inclusive learning, ensuring that staffing, class times, and resource allocation align with co-teaching needs. It highlights the importance of strategic planning, collaboration among administrators, and flexibility to accommodate shared planning time and co-teacher pairings. To get to the full SIP Collection, click here.
Inclusive Practices in Action: Pairing Co-Teachers (East Bakersfield High School, Kern High School District)
This video highlights how Kern High School District intentionally pairs co-teachers to foster complementary strengths, support shared responsibility, and enhance instruction for inclusive classrooms. It also shows how site administrators match teachers based on skills, experience, and teaching style and how that pairing leads to better planning, communication, and student outcomes. To get to the full SIP Collection, click here.
Inclusive Practices in Action: Advice for School Leaders (Mira Monte High School, Kern High School District)
The video offers guidance for school leaders on implementing and sustaining effective co-teaching practices in their schools. It emphasizes their role in setting vision, providing resources (such as professional development and scheduling), and creating supportive structures so that co-teaching isn’t just an initiative but a well-integrated practice. Leaders are encouraged to monitor progress, use data for continuous improvement, and build collaborative and trusting relationships among staff. To get to the full SIP Collection, click here.
Inclusive Practices in Action: Coaching Co-Teachers (Mira Monte High School, Kern High School District)
This video focuses on how Kern High School District uses coaching to develop co-teaching partnerships, enhancing teacher skills through observation, feedback, and shared reflection. It shows how instructional coaches and administrators support co-teachers in refining their practice, collaborating more deeply, and ensuring consistency in inclusive classrooms. To get to the full SIP Collection, click here.
Inclusive Practices in Action: Progression of Co-Teaching (Mira Monte High School, Kern High School District)
This video traces how co-teaching practices evolve over time within a district as teachers gain experience and systems mature. It shows stages of development—from initial setup and teacher pairing through ongoing refinement of roles, collaboration routines, and instructional alignment. The progression highlights how regular feedback, sustained support, and data-driven adjustments help deepen co-teaching effectiveness. To get to the full SIP Collection, click here.
Inclusive Practices in Action: Master Scheduling (Mira Monte High School, Kern High School District)
The video illustrates how Kern High School District designs master schedules to support co-teaching and inclusive learning, ensuring that staffing, class times, and resource allocation align with co-teaching needs. It highlights the importance of strategic planning, collaboration among administrators, and flexibility to accommodate shared planning time and co-teacher pairings. To get to the full SIP Collection, click here.
Inclusive Practices in Action: Pairing Co-Teachers (Mira Monte High School, Kern High School District)
This video highlights how Kern High School District intentionally pairs co-teachers to foster complementary strengths, support shared responsibility, and enhance instruction for inclusive classrooms. It also shows how site administrators match teachers based on skills, experience, and teaching style and how that pairing leads to better planning, communication, and student outcomes. To get to the full SIP Collection, click here.
Inclusive Practices in Action: Fostering Partnerships with Kern High School District Teachers
The video explores how Kern High School District builds strong partnerships among educators to support co-teaching and inclusive practices. It demonstrates how collaboration, relationship building, and shared vision help foster trust and consistency in instructional strategies across classrooms. Additionally, it emphasizes the role of leadership in facilitating these partnerships and aligning efforts toward student success. To get to the full SIP Collection, click here.
Inclusive Practices in Action: Co-Planning with Kern High School District Teachers
This video shows how Kern High School District teachers engage in co-planning to align instructional strategies, share responsibilities, and design lessons collaboratively. It highlights the benefits of co-planning, such as improved consistency, shared ownership of curriculum decisions, and more effective support for students across inclusive settings. To get to the full SIP Collection, click here.
Rethinking School Phone Policies: Supporting Student Learning and Health through Developmental Science
With a wave of new cell phone policies sweeping across California schools, educators, education leaders, and families are navigating big questions about how digital habits shape students’ development. This session explores the intersection of digital habits and self-regulation, with a focus on how constant connectivity can impact students’ ability to manage attention, emotions, and social interactions. Grounded in the neuroscience of adolescent development, Dr. Kathy Do will share research on how cell phone use affects students’ self-regulation and well-being. Dr. Joe Bishop will then highlight ...
High School Student Mental Health Student Slides Handout
For high school students - A PDF of student-specific Powerpoint slides corresponding with the activities/exercises included in the article "Mental Health Activity Guide for Teachers to Use in Classrooms." Related handouts are linked below in "Related Items."
High School Student Mental Health Activity Worksheet
For high school students - Worksheet corresponding with the activities/exercises included in the article "Mental Health Activity Guide for Teachers to Use in Classrooms." Related handouts are linked below in "Related Items."
High School Student Mental Health Activity Guide
For high school students - Teacher and student slides with multiple activities and exercises to help students learn about coping skills and other tools that help them build resiliency. Instructions and suggested script for teachers are included in the document. Further instructions (and handouts for other school ages) can be found in the article "Mental Health Activity Guide for Teachers to Use in Classrooms." The Worksheet and Student Slides are linked below in "Related Items."
Middle School Student Mental Health Student Slides Handout
For middle school students - A PDF of student-specific Powerpoint slides corresponding with the activities/exercises included in the article "Mental Health Activity Guide for Teachers to Use in Classrooms." Related handouts are linked below in "Related Items."
Middle School Student Mental Health Activity Worksheet
For middle school students - Printable tool corresponding with the activities/exercises included in the article "Mental Health Activity Guide for Teachers to Use in Classrooms." Related handouts are linked below in "Related Items."
Middle School Student Mental Health Activity Guide
For middle school students - Teacher and student slides with multiple activities and exercises to help students learn about coping skills and other tools that help them build resiliency. Instructions and suggested script for teachers are included in the document. Further instructions (and handouts for other school ages) can be found in the article "Mental Health Activity Guide for Teachers to Use in Classrooms." The Worksheet and Student Slides are linked below in "Related Items."
Elementary School Student Mental Health Student Slides Handout
For elementary school students - A PDF of student-specific Powerpoint slides corresponding with the activities/exercises included in the article "Mental Health Activity Guide for Teachers to Use in Classrooms." Related handouts are linked below in "Related Items."
Elementary School Student Mental Health Activity Worksheet
For elementary school students - Printable tool corresponding with the activities/exercises included in the article "Mental Health Activity Guide for Teachers to Use in Classrooms." Related handouts are linked below in "Related Items."
Elementary School Student Mental Health Activity Guide
For elementary school students - Teacher and student slides with multiple activities and exercises to help students learn about coping skills and other tools that help them build resiliency. Instructions and suggested script for teachers are included in the document. Further instructions (and handouts for other school ages) can be found in the article "Mental Health Activity Guide for Teachers to Use in Classrooms." The Worksheet and Student Slides are linked below in "Related Items."
Policy Brief: Assessing Transitional Kindergarten’s Impact on Elementary School Trajectories
California’s Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program provides an additional year of schooling within the K–12 system that aims to prepare children for kindergarten. Launched a decade ago with limited eligibility, the program will be expanded to all four-year-olds by 2025–26. Little is known about TK’s longer-term impact—especially among multilingual students and students with disabilities, who might benefit from early identification. This resource takes stock of TK’s impact so far in an effort to help the state expand it successfully.
California “Alt” Pathway to a High School Diploma for Students with Significant Cognitive Disabilities
Training and resources created to share information about the pathway to a diploma for students with Extensive Support Needs (ESN) in CA. These slides and information guides are designed to disseminate information to all interest holders in CA in understanding eligibility, requirements, and what to consider when doing person centered planning for students. TPEs Addressed: TPE 1 - Engaging and Supporting All Students in Learning TPE 2 - Creating and Maintaining Effective Environments for Student Learning TPE 3 - Understanding and Organizing Subject Matter for Student Learning TPE 4 - ...
Introduction to Digital Citizenship for Middle and High School Educators
Join Common Sense Education and the UCLA Prevention Center of Excellence for this 30-minute interactive workshop as we explore activities to support educators who are helping middle and high school students navigate the challenges and opportunities of the digital world. We'll highlight lessons that focus on self-management, responsible decision-making, relationship skills, and digital wellbeing. You'll leave with resources to help you lead meaningful conversations with students and parents about working through the challenges that come with living in an ever-connected world.
Introduction to Digital Citizenship for School Administrators
Join Common Sense Education and the UCLA Prevention Center of Excellence for this 30-minute interactive workshop as we explore activities to support administrators who are navigating the challenges and opportunities of the digital world. We'll discuss how to implement school programming focused on self-management, responsible decision-making, relationship skills, and digital wellbeing. You'll leave with resources to help you lead meaningful conversations with students, parents, and educators about working through the challenges that come with living in an ever-connected world.
Key Component 5 Supports and Services - Downloadable Training Package
Support your LEA teams with our downloadable training packages for Key Component #5: Supports and Services - complete with an agenda, Google Slides presentation, and processing guide. Click below to access ready-to-use and customizable materials designed to help teams learn how to identify and document accommodations, modifications, assessment participation, and special education and related services. The training helps staff ensure that supports enable students to access grade-level content, engage in extracurricular activities, and interact with peers while making progress toward their goals. TPE Alignment: TPE 5.8 - ...
Developing High Quality Individual Transition Plans (ITP): Part 2 of 2
Download this customizable Google Slides training deck to support LEA staff in completing high-quality Individual Transition Plans (ITPs). This is Part 2 of a 2-part series and focuses on finalizing the ITP and ensuring effective implementation and compliance. TPE Alignment: TPE 4.5 - Promote student success by providing opportunities for students to understand and advocate for strategies that meet their individual learning needs and assist students with specific learning needs to successfully participate in transition plans (e.g., IEP, IFSP, ITP, and 504 plans.) TPE 5.8 - Use assessment ...
Developing High Quality Individual Transition Plans (ITP): Part 1 of 2
Download this customizable Google Slides training deck to support LEA staff in developing high-quality Individual Transition Plans (ITPs). This is Part 1 of a 2-part series and focuses on building a strong foundation for student-centered transition planning. TPE Alignment: TPE 4.5 - Promote student success by providing opportunities for students to understand and advocate for strategies that meet their individual learning needs and assist students with specific learning needs to successfully participate in transition plans (e.g., IEP, IFSP, ITP, and 504 plans.) TPE 5.8 - Use assessment data, ...
Key Component 5: Supports and Services
The Supports and Services section of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) ensures students receive the assistance they need to achieve their IEP goals. This resource outlines essential program components including accommodations and modifications, assessment participation, and special education and related services, to support students to engage with grade-level content, participate in extracurricular activities, and interact with nondisabled peers while progressing toward their goals. TPE Alignment: TPE 5.8 - Use assessment data, including information from students' IEP, IFSP, ITP, and 504 plans, to establish learning goals and to ...
Unlocking Educational Benefit: Key Component 5: Supports & Services
This final video in the series explains how IEP teams translate goals into actionable supports and services that empower students with disabilities to thrive. Learn the difference between accommodations and modifications, how related services (like speech or OT) are delivered, and how placement decisions prioritize the least restrictive environment. The video also covers how teams support transitions, extracurricular access, emergency planning, and extended school year services. With the right supports, each IEP becomes a meaningful, personalized roadmap to success. TPE Alignment: TPE 5.8 - Use assessment data, ...
Key Component 4 - Individual Transition Part (ITP)
This document provides an overview of how the IEP team can support students in selecting a graduation pathway that aligns with their strengths, interests, and postsecondary goals. It explains diploma options, alternative pathways, and how decisions made during IEP meetings can support long-term academic and career success. TPE Alignment: TPE 4.5 - Promote student success by providing opportunities for students to understand and advocate for strategies that meet their individual learning needs and assist students with specific learning needs to successfully participate in transition plans (e.g., IEP, ...
Strategies for a Successful and Collaborative IEP Meeting
This comprehensive guide covers logistics, meeting norms, and strategies for student-centered and asset-based collaboration during the IEP. Includes tips for in-person and virtual meetings, and promoting inclusive participation. TPE Alignment: TPE 1.2 - Maintain ongoing communication with students and families, including the use of technology to communicate with and support students and families, and to communicate achievement expectations and student progress. TPE 4.5 - Promote student success by providing opportunities for students to understand and advocate for strategies that meet their individual learning needs and assist students with ...
Key Component 5: Supports and Services
This guide explains how to determine and document the services, accommodations, modifications, and supports that will help the student meet their IEP goals. It walks through service types, including specialized academic instruction and related services, and offers tools for ensuring decisions are based on student needs—not on existing service models. TPE Alignment: TPE 5.8 - Use assessment data, including information from students' IEP, IFSP, ITP, and 504 plans, to establish learning goals and to plan, differentiate, make accommodations and/or modify instruction. TPE 6.4 - Demonstrate how and when ...
Preparing Families for the IEP
This collection provides essential tools to help educators and families navigate the special education system with clarity and confidence. It includes a timeline guide outlining California’s legal requirements for special education services, a user-friendly overview of how disability services work across age groups, and a presentation introducing preschool and elementary IEP processes. Together, these resources support informed collaboration, timely advocacy, and meaningful partnerships between schools and families. Perfect for those new to special education or seeking a practical refresher. TPE Alignment: TPE 1.2 - Maintain ongoing communication ...
Your Playbook on How to Support Children, Youth, & Families During & After a Wildfire
Wildfire season is a common and worrisome time each year for many within the United States and around the world. The goal of this playbook is to provide guidance to those who work with children, youth, and families in the event of a fire or the threat of a fire in or near their community. References This playbook was created through a collaborative effort among many individuals and community groups. Thank you to everyone who made this project possible. The Boys and Girls Clubs of the North ...
Introduction to Digital Citizenship for K-5 Educators
Join Common Sense Education and the UCLA Prevention Center of Excellence for this 30-minute interactive workshop as we explore activities to support educators who are helping K-5 students navigate the challenges and opportunities of the digital world. We'll highlight lessons that focus on self-management, responsible decision-making, relationship skills, and digital wellbeing. You'll leave with resources to help you lead meaningful conversations with students and parents about working through the challenges that come with living in an ever-connected world.
Creating Healing Spaces for Teachers
Teachers have the enormous task of facilitating learning while also impacted by trauma, burnout, and grief. This video focuses on how schools can create policies and spaces for teachers that are centered in healing and racial justice principles.
Mental Health Activity Guide for Teachers to Use in Classrooms
The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH) School Based Community Access Platform (SBCAP) program created a mental health activity guide for teachers to use in classrooms. This guide was created to provide teachers with several activities that will equip students with coping skills, in an effort to support their resiliency.
Effective Communication in the Classroom
A critical aspect of adolescent social development is the ability to effectively communicate with peers, teachers, and family members. Use this handout in class to introduce students to effective communication skills, including reflecting openly, making clarifying statements, and asking for more information when needed.
The Team Lift: A Multi-Disciplinary Approach To Accessible And Equitable IEPs
This video provides an in-depth look at the considerations and processes involved before referring a student for special education eligibility. It emphasizes the importance of a team-centered approach in the pre-referral process, ensuring that all stakeholders are actively involved. The video highlights strategies for ensuring active and meaningful parent/guardian participation throughout the process. It also underscores the significance of culturally and linguistically appropriate assessment practices, particularly for dual language learners. Viewers will learn about nondiscriminatory evaluation practices and how to develop effective assessment plans and ...
Key Component 4: Goals - Downloadable Training Package
Support your LEA teams with our downloadable training packages for Key Component #4: Goals—complete with an agenda, Google Slides presentation, and processing guide. Click below to access ready-to-use and customizable materials designed to help staff write clear, measurable IEP goals that drive student success. TPE Alignment: TPE 1.2 - Maintain ongoing communication with students and families, including the use of technology to communicate with and support students and families, and to communicate achievement expectations and student progress. TPE 5.8 - Use assessment data, including information from students' IEP, ...
Key Component 4: Goals
Goals are the foundation of a successful, individualized educational experience for students with disabilities. This resource will cover key elements of measurable goals such as determining goal areas, establishing baselines, aligning goals with state standards, creating linguistically appropriate goals, writing measurable annual goals, and reporting on progress. TPE Alignment: TPE 1.2 - Maintain ongoing communication with students and families, including the use of technology to communicate with and support students and families, and to communicate achievement expectations and student progress. TPE 5.8 - Use assessment data, including information ...
IEP Success Companion Guide
A step-by-step guide to help families and educators work together to create strong, effective Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). This companion walks you through the IEP journey from start to finish—explaining key terms, timelines, and tips for collaboration—so that you feel informed and empowered every step of the way. TPE Alignment: TPE 1.2 - Maintain ongoing communication with students and families, including the use of technology to communicate with and support students and families, and to communicate achievement expectations and student progress. TPE 4.5 - Promote student success by ...
General Education Teacher Quick Reference Guide
This quick-read chart makes it easy to understand the difference between two important education plans: the IFSP (for infants and toddlers) and the IEP (for preschoolers and up). With clear side-by-side comparisons, it explains who each plan is for, how they’re developed, and what services they provide—helping families and professionals navigate the transition between early intervention and school-based support. TPE Alignment: TPE 1.2 - Maintain ongoing communication with students and families, including the use of technology to communicate with and support students and families, and to communicate ...
Preparing for Part C to Part B Transition Checklist
This planning guide supports families and service providers through the transition from early intervention (birth to 3, Part C) to preschool special education services (age 3+, Part B). It breaks down what to expect, timelines to watch for, and steps to take to ensure a smooth, supportive handoff between systems. TPE Alignment: TPE 1.2 - Maintain ongoing communication with students and families, including the use of technology to communicate with and support students and families, and to communicate achievement expectations and student progress. TPE 5.8 - Use assessment ...
Unlocking Educational Benefit: Key Component 3 & 4: Areas of Need and Goals
This video guides viewers through how to identify student areas of need and translate them into meaningful, measurable goals within the IEP. It explains how to use assessment data and present levels of performance to shape goals that are aligned with grade-level standards and tailored to each student’s disability-related needs. The video offers practical tips on writing strong goals — including setting baselines, using short-term objectives, and monitoring progress — so educators and families can support student growth in the least restrictive environment and beyond. TPE ...
Unlocking Educational Benefit: Key Component 2: Present Levels
This video explains the “present levels” section of the IEP — a clear, data-based snapshot of a student’s current skills in academics, communication, and social-emotional areas. By highlighting both strengths and needs, present levels help guide meaningful goals and services. It’s a key step in making sure the IEP is tailored to support each student’s success. TPE Alignment: TPE 1.2 - Maintain ongoing communication with students and families, including the use of technology to communicate with and support students and families, and to communicate achievement expectations and ...
What are IEPs? Unlocking Doors of Possibilities
This short, animated video introduces the Individualized Education Program (IEP) as more than just a legal requirement — it’s a collaborative, student-centered plan designed to unlock potential and support success. Viewers will learn the purpose of an IEP, who participates in the process, and why centering student voice and family partnership is essential. It also encourages educators to reflect on their own mindsets and beliefs, reminding us that a high-quality IEP can open doors and lead to transformative outcomes. TPE Alignment: TPE 1.2 - Maintain ongoing communication ...
Key Component 4: Measurable Annual Goals
This resource outlines how to write effective and measurable IEP goals that are aligned with student needs and present levels of performance. It provides clear criteria for what makes a goal SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) and includes examples to guide teams in crafting individualized goals that promote progress. TPE Alignment: TPE 1.2 - Maintain ongoing communication with students and families, including the use of technology to communicate with and support students and families, and to communicate achievement expectations and student progress. TPE 5.8 - Use assessment ...
Key Components of the IEP Process
This collection equips educators with the tools and strategies to confidently facilitate IEP meetings that are legally compliant, inclusive, and student-centered. From interpreting assessment results to setting measurable goals and selecting appropriate supports, each resource helps ensure meaningful engagement with families and thoughtful planning for student success. Whether you’re planning in-person or virtual meetings, these guides offer practical tips to foster collaboration, trust, and shared decision-making throughout the IEP process. TPE Alignment: TPE 1.2 - Maintain ongoing communication with students and families, including the use of technology ...
Meeting Norms List
This one-page handout offers a simple list of suggested meeting norms to support productive and respectful IEP meetings. Designed to be used or adapted by IEP teams, the list includes examples like listening actively, being on time, and assuming positive intent. Teams can use this list to set shared expectations at the beginning of each meeting. TPE Alignment: TPE 1.2 - Maintain ongoing communication with students and families, including the use of technology to communicate with and support students and families, and to communicate achievement expectations and ...
Meeting Norms Sample
This example shows how meeting norms might be presented visually during a real IEP or team meeting. It can be used as a template or inspiration for schools looking to create their own team-specific norms. TPE Alignment: TPE 1.2 - Maintain ongoing communication with students and families, including the use of technology to communicate with and support students and families, and to communicate achievement expectations and student progress. TPE 6.4 - Demonstrate how and when to involve other adults and to communicate effectively with peers and colleagues, families, ...
Building on My Strengths (Educator Edition)
This flyer introduces the goals of High-Quality IEPs (HQIEPs) and provides an overview of resources aimed at helping educators build capacity for equity-driven IEP development. It emphasizes reflective practices, family partnerships, and clear communication. Designed for use in professional learning settings, this flyer helps teams align IEP work with inclusive values. TPE Alignment: TPE 1.2 - Maintain ongoing communication with students and families, including the use of technology to communicate with and support students and families, and to communicate achievement expectations and student progress. TPE 4.5 - Promote ...
RIOT Protocol
The RIOT flyer presents a helpful framework (Review, Interview, Observe, Test) for organizing student data during the special education referral or evaluation process. It highlights how each data source contributes to a comprehensive picture of student needs. Educators can use this framework to structure conversations and support defensible, data-informed decisions. TPE Alignment: TPE 1.2 - Maintain ongoing communication with students and families, including the use of technology to communicate with and support students and families, and to communicate achievement expectations and student progress. TPE 4.5 - Promote student ...
Creating Self-Awareness
This professional development resource supports administrative designees in preparing for their role during IEP meetings. It includes reflective questions, a checklist of responsibilities, and guidance on how to ensure meetings are compliant, collaborative, and culturally responsive. It’s a great resource for new administrators or those seeking to strengthen facilitation skills. TPE Alignment TPE 1.2 - Maintain ongoing communication with students and families, including the use of technology to communicate with and support students and families, and to communicate achievement expectations and student progress. TPE 6.4 - Demonstrate how ...
Preparing Educators for the IEP
This collection provides educators and school leaders with practical tools to lead and participate in IEP meetings that are collaborative, efficient, and student-centered. It includes guides for establishing group norms, annotated agendas to support inclusive planning, and flyers to promote clarity around team roles and culturally responsive practices. Whether you’re an experienced administrator or a new team member, these resources support strong family-school partnerships and equity-driven decision-making in IEP settings. TPE Alignment TPE 1.2 - Maintain ongoing communication with students and families, including the use of technology ...
Building on My Strengths (Student Edition)
This student-friendly worksheet helps learners reflect on their strengths, interests, preferences, and needs ahead of their IEP meetings. Designed for student empowerment, it invites learners to participate in their own goal-setting and accommodations planning. Educators can use this tool to engage students in self-advocacy, promote inclusive practices, and support meaningful collaboration between school, student, and family. TPE Alignment: TPE 1.2 - Maintain ongoing communication with students and families, including the use of technology to communicate with and support students and families, and to communicate achievement expectations and ...
Preparing Students for the IEP
This collection includes practical tools to support students and families in navigating special education. From compliance timelines to self-reflection sheets that promote student voice, these resources help build shared understanding, promote equity, and encourage active engagement in the IEP process. TPE Alignment TPE 1.2 - Maintain ongoing communication with students and families, including the use of technology to communicate with and support students and families, and to communicate achievement expectations and student progress. TPE 4.5 - Promote student success by providing opportunities for students to understand and advocate ...
Preparing for the IEP - All About Preschool/Elem PowerPoint Template
This PowerPoint resource introduces families and educators to the key aspects of special education services in preschool and elementary school. It walks through how children qualify for services, what an IEP includes, and how families and educators can work together to support children’s learning and development. Whether you’re just starting your journey with special education or want to better understand how to collaborate with school teams, this guide provides clear, accessible explanations of important processes and terms—all in family-friendly language. TPE Alignment: TPE 1.2 - Maintain ongoing ...
Special Ed Timelines in CA
This quick-reference guide outlines the legal timelines that school districts in California must follow when providing special education services. It covers everything from initial evaluations and IEP meetings to triennial reviews and parent-requested meetings. Understanding the timelines helps families and educators advocate effectively. This resource empowers you to know when to expect evaluations, meetings, and services—and what steps to take if delays occur. TPE Alignment: TPE 5.8 - Use assessment data, including information from students' IEP, IFSP, ITP, and 504 plans, to establish learning goals and to ...
Empowering Families to Promote Playful Learning in Their Community
This session will be a structured conversation between UCI School of Education Professor Andres Bustamante and the Director of the Santa Ana Early Learning Initiative Wendy Gomez. They will offer insights into strategies for empowering families to transform community spaces to support early learning and share exciting examples of projects that create playful and culturally grounded learning at home, school, and in the community. The conversation will surface key challenges for creating and sustaining these efforts and lessons learned from the examples in Santa Ana.
Co-Teaching Videos
This collection of short videos explores Kern High School District's approach to building, implementing, and sustaining co-teaching district-wide. The videos feature the following topics: Launching Co-Teaching, Co-Planning, Fostering Partnerships, Pairing Co-Teachers, Master Scheduling, Progression of Co-Teaching, Coaching Co-Teachers, and Advice for School Leaders. Together, these videos provide practical insights and real-world strategies to support schools in strengthening inclusive practices. They serve as a valuable resource for educators and leaders looking to expand and sustain co-teaching in their own contexts. To get to the full SIP Collection, ...
Cultivating Joy & Learning for All Across the Early Grades
The first eight years of life set the foundation for children’s learning, school, and life success. Unfortunately, race, place, language, ability, and zip code continue to determine whether children have the access and opportunities to flourish and be on track for school and life success. The urgency to act is now! This keynote will examine key evidence-informed factors that ensure all learners have access to joyful and enriching learning opportunities. Specifically, this presentation will cover some of the key features that can be aligned from ...
Research Brief: Strengthening K-12 Cellphone Policies to Support Student Learning and Well-Being: Research-Based Guidance for U.S. Education Leaders
Cellphones have become part of students’ daily lives—powerful tools for learning, connection, and self-expression. At the same time, their use in schools can raise concerns around attention, stress, and safety. With more U.S. states moving toward regulation, education leaders have both a challenge and an opportunity to develop school cellphone policies that promote healthy, equitable, and effective technology use. This research brief translates developmental science and policy trends into evidence-based recommendations for K-12 leaders to support focused learning, healthy digital habits, and safer school environments.
Beyond Labels, Toward Belonging: Transforming Education One Mindset at a Time
Join us for a powerful narrative of systemic change, where district leaders, school sites, SELPA, parents, and students unite to redefine inclusive education. Discover how our collaborative approach through Strategic Inclusion Planning (SIP) through Inclusion Academies has directly impacted student experiences. Hear firsthand accounts from a parent and student that illuminate the profound difference our collective efforts have made. This session goes beyond theory—it's a real-world blueprint for creating an educational environment where every student is seen, valued, and empowered to succeed, regardless of their ...
Inclusion Videos
This video collection showcases diverse voices and strategies driving inclusive education and disrupting ableism. Educators, advocates, families, and students share lived experiences, practical tools, and systemic approaches that strengthen belonging for learners with disabilities. Topics range from dismantling segregation and fostering peer supports, to harnessing assistive technology and AAC for communication and access. Viewers will also explore the new Alternative Pathway to a High School Diploma, districtwide Strategic Inclusion Planning, and lessons from leaders with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Together, these sessions offer both inspiration ...
Inclusive Practices in Action: Launching Co-Teaching District-wide
This video features Kern High School District’s approach to expanding co-teaching across schools. Director of Instructional Services, Melissa Donez, explains how leadership, professional learning, and systemwide planning support inclusive instruction while addressing challenges like scheduling and resource allocation. The district emphasizes collaboration, coaching, and data use to ensure consistent and effective co-teaching practices. To get to the full SIP Collection, click here.
Language Equity Among Multilingual Learners in Early Childhood Classrooms: Lessons from a Research Practice Partnership
California’s early elementary classrooms include significant numbers of children raised in multilingual environments. Multilingual learners face inequitable access to linguistically rich instruction, resulting in persistent disparities in language abilities and overrepresentation in special education. Teachers, administrators, parents, and policy makers are seeking effective ways to reduce achievement gaps and more equitably support learning and development for multilingual learners in monolingual classrooms. This session explores the experiences of young multilingual learners in California’s public school classrooms to identify research-based pedagogy and classroom practices that can effectively create more equitable ...
UC|CSU Collaborative Summer 2025 Webinar Series
This summer speaker series highlights the power of developmentally appropriate practices in fostering self-regulation—the foundation of students’ learning, relationships, and well-being. Self-regulation skills, including managing attention, emotions, and behavior, develop over time and require intentional support through environments that are responsive to students. Across three sessions, we’ll explore the science of self-regulation, and how educators can create classroom and school conditions that align with how children grow, learn, and thrive. Topics will include the developmental roots of self-regulation, the role of adult language and co-regulation, ...
Early Literacy Screening in California
California’s early literacy screening requirement (CA Ed Code 53008) takes effect in the 2025-2026 school year for all California public school students in grades K-2. For students who are “at risk” for reading difficulties, it’s imperative that they have an educational experience that accelerates their learning, which can include more intensity, frequency, and duration of instruction, all while attending to students’ language, social emotional, and behavioral needs. This talk features Honorable Senator Anthony Portantino (ret.) and distinguished panelists who provide key insights into what the ...
Supporting Students Who Are Worried and Anxious: Practical Tools for the Classroom
As students and teachers prepare for the upcoming school year, school communities will be adjusting to significant anxiety, stress, and trauma experiences. Dr. John Piacentini from the https://carescenter.ucla.edu discusses how teachers, parents/caregivers, and students can learn to identify and respond to anxiety symptoms and provide strategies to help combat stress in students. Recorded on: 7/30/2020
Screening and Assessment of Literacy Skills and Dyslexia
Beginning with an overview of assessment and multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), this module addresses the importance of screening, provides examples of screeners, and discusses the process of assessing for special education services. The module also shares resources for families to access services for their child. Emphasized throughout are strategies for identifying and challenging educational systems that have maintained inequities. TPEs Addressed: TPE 7.2 - Plan and Implement Evidence-based Literacy Instruction (UDL, MTSS, California Dyslexia Guidelines) TPE 7.10 - Monitor students’ progress using formative assessment practices (Screening, English ...
Mythbusters: Math Anxiety
Is math anxiety just a lack of confidence or effort? This video explains the cognitive and emotional roots of math anxiety, separating myth from fact. Viewers will learn how anxiety affects the brain during problem-solving and what educators can do to help students build a more positive, resilient relationship with math. Produced by Sue Bin Lee and Andy Taing.
Protecting Youth Online: Clinical and Legal Perspectives on Social Media and Online Risk-Taking
Social media use is ubiquitous among teens, with use having increased even further during the COVID-19 pandemic. This presentation will enhance participants' ability to articulate the many risks facing youth as they interact online, as well as the relevant legal background. Clinical and social risks faced by youth interacting online include depression, anxiety, and decreased well-being; social comparison; exposure to negative mental health content and social contagion; cyberbullying; sexting; and exposure to substance use. Additionally, young people face legal risks related to cyberbullying, sexting, cyberstalking ...
A Social Media Risk Assessment for Youth and How to Use It
Concerned about how frequently young people are online or what they are doing while on social media? Use this Risk Assessment to help with open, honest dialogue about social media use and the potential risks.
Helpful or Harmful? Social Media and Youth Mental Health
As children and teens start to use social media more frequently, it is sometimes hard to tell whether it is helping or harming their mental health. This printable tool helps break down the pros and cons of social media use, as well as providing tips for caregivers to help keep their young people safe online.
TikTok Is Helping Gen Z With Mental Health. Here’s What it Can and Can’t Do
As mental health challenges continue to become more prevalent among teens and young people, many of them are turning to the social media platform, TikTok, for support. This website is an article that outlines the potential benefits and potential risks of using the platform as a mental health resource.
Digital Wellbeing for Youth
As the world continues to become increasingly more digital, it can be hard to navigate the opportunities and challenges of being online. This is especially true for children and teens who use social media and online entertainment more than any other previous generation. This collection was designed to help explore the impact of social media on youth mental health, how to talk to young people about staying safe online, and support for engaging in honest, open dialogues about the risks and benefits of social media.