88th Annual CASCWA State Conference

Join us as we explore ways to implement and strengthen alternatives to suspension for substance use in schools. We will review strategies for gaining buy-in, showcase youth insights, and build your capacity to reframe the issue from discipline and punishment to meaningful student support. Participants will be introduced to a comprehensive toolkit with step-by-step guidance and resources to help districts and schools adopt supportive approaches effectively.

As part of a Heluna Health Grant, LACOE's Senior Program Specialist Team, along with our Community Schools Initiative conducted Focus Groups with students, staff, and families to determine why we are experiencing such high chronic absenteeism rates. We found that many participants believed that school climate and the lack of school connection was a contributing factor to the attendance declines. We will highlight methods for creating a positive school climate and re-engaging our students. We will also review best practices shared by our districts in hopes that these MTSS strategies can serve other sites and districts in their pursuit of positive school climate and attendance.