88th Annual CASCWA State Conference

Attendees will learn how to build resilience, establish meaningful connections, and promote advocacy within their African American school culture. Also, attendees will learn how vital the student voice is in implementing culture-specific programs. A blueprint will be available for attendees to develop their own culturally specific program.

We know that students with disabilities are over twice as likely to experience violence compared to their peers without disabilities, leading to significant and lasting effects on their health and well-being (US Dept. of Justice, 2021).  This session draws attention to high levels of peer bullying and crime statistics that students with disabilities face in their lives and the urgent need for collaborative efforts to create a safe learning environment for all.

Presentation Google Folder

This presentation will take a look at how the recently enacted Workplace Violence laws relate to and interact with Special Education laws and students’ rights for a Free Appropriate Public Education.  Specifically, the presentation will assist attendees in understanding how a safe school environment can be created for staff and students using tools available for behavior modification and staff training.

This presentation focuses on the rights and protections for pregnant and parenting students, covering three key areas: reproductive health, parenting, and academic/social supports. Students are entitled to accommodations such as eight weeks of parental leave, excused absences for caring for a sick child, and lactation rooms. Under Title IX and California law, schools must prevent discrimination and ensure pregnant students remain full participants in education. Unfortunately, many students are unaware of these rights, leading to alternative schooling or dropout. This presentation aims to raise awareness and ensure that students receive the accommodations they are entitled to.

Riverside Unified School District’s Department of Wellness and Engagement supports students demonstrating social, emotional, and/or behavioral concerns impacting their ability to fully participate in daily instruction, school activities, or their overall educational experience with licensed therapists, school psychologists, and prevention assistants. The
program focuses on developing supports for students facing non-academic barriers to their learning. The department also supports a thriving structure for enhancing employee well-being.
Participants will gain knowledge about:
RUSD’s innovative program that includes 42 licensed therapists, 8 school psychologists, 20 prevention assistants, and a teacher on special assignment. Consider how attendees might implement a similar structure for counseling, behavior support, and the well-being of employees. These structures work within the Multi-Tiered System of Support framework.