88th Annual CASCWA State Conference

When students are recommended for expulsion, it is often the responsibility of the site administrator to present the case before the Administrative Panel or Governing Board.  The quasi-judicial nature of the expulsion hearing process requires that administrators have at least a basic understanding of the required components of presenting a case, including understanding the burden of proof, how to introduce evidence, and how to question witnesses. This training session provides school administrators with a clear understanding of the expulsion hearing process, from creating the expulsion packet through drafting appropriate findings of fact and conclusions of law.

When Roseville City School District saw chronic absenteeism spike from 6% to 26% after the pandemic, they knew they needed a transformative approach. In this interactive session, district leaders will share how they revolutionized their attendance processes, resulting in a dramatic 50% reduction in chronic absenteeism and a 4-point increase in ADA within just two years. Learn how they shifted from manual tracking to a data-driven system that empowered staff to have meaningful conversations about attendance. Presenters will detail their "Every Day Matters" campaign, showcase their communication approach for different grade levels, and demonstrate how they built a culture where all 1,300+ staff members are committed to attendance improvement. Walk away with practical strategies for implementing a similar transformation in your district.
Takeaways:

1. How to design and launch a differentiated attendance communication campaign that targets specific grade levels and attendance patterns with relevant messaging and support strategies
2. Practical steps for shifting attendance conversations from technical reporting to meaningful family support, including specific questions and talking points for staff to use during interventions
3. Strategies for building school-wide ownership of attendance goals, with examples of how to engage all staff members - from teachers to clerical staff - in consistent, data-informed attendance monitoring and intervention

A student's truancy journey begins at their school site. We often have a well-established SARB process at the district level, but what preventative steps exist at the site level? Who do we engage? What does the SART process look like prior to the student being referred to the district-level SARB?

Next, we will explore the SARB process, which must follow various compliance aspects and there are many facets to a successful program. Participants will explore the legal aspects of SARB, learn step-by-step aspects of a successful SARB program, explore implementation procedures, and evaluate their site and/or district SARB process. Participants will walk away with tools to immediately implement when they return to their site and/or district.

System-impacted students need ways to build a sense of belonging, agency, and academic identity through meaningful relationships. However, many adult practices are disconnected from students’ best interests and are based on a system that is not designed for marginalized youth to successfully graduate. Upon recognizing this disconnect, Oakland Unified School District leaders came together across departments to address these issues and focus on equity.

This interactive presentation will offer experiential learning on OUSD’s journey by highlighting the value of student-centered design, exploring student-led research strategies to address chronic absenteeism, and unpacking student well-being and relationship data.

Effective attendance management is a cornerstone of student achievement and school success. This workshop provides school leaders, attendance teams, and support staff with the tools and strategies necessary to enhance attendance protocols, reduce chronic absenteeism, and foster a culture of engagement and accountability.

Participants will learn how to streamline attendance tracking processes, develop clear and actionable policies, and leverage data to identify trends and intervene early. The session will include best practices for building strong communication channels with families, cultivating collaborative partnerships, and integrating technology to optimize efficiency.

Through interactive discussions and hands-on exercises, attendees will leave equipped to implement practical, scalable solutions that improve attendance rates and support student success.

The program has achieved a 75% increase in school-wide attendance and boosted family engagement through Parent Connect programs offered in English and Spanish, providing psychoeducation and community support. The grant has also enabled proactive support for incoming students at feeder middle schools and extended services to high school students and their siblings, even before enrollment. This program plays a pivotal role in restorative and preventive efforts to holistically support students and families.