Search results for "School"
Found 49 results.
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.
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 ...
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, ...
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.