Dan Sackheim is statewide program lead for the California Department of Education for several types of public schools and programs for at-risk/at-promise students including community day schools, continuation education and opportunity education, and preventive and restorative approaches to behavior and attendance challenges. He serves on related state boards, interagency workgroups, and boards of professional organizations including the California Association of Supervisors of Child Welfare and Attendance, California Continuation Education Association Plus (which includes community day schools and opportunity education), and the California Career Resource Network. He is a strong supporter of inviting, expecting and listening to the direct wise input of youth. He is a former elementary school teacher and served as policy analyst and legislative representative for several state education agencies. He is a Freedom Writer Teacher.