Born, raised, and educated in Sacramento, Kevin Bracy, AKA Coach Greatness, is a motivational entertainer, executive producer, speaking coach, and the author of "Scared Great: How to Steer Your Fear Towards Greatness," as well as his youth book, “Greatness Leaves Clues.” Over his 26-year career, Kevin has been privileged to speak to millions of people across America. For the past 10 years, he has been actively changing the culture and climate of California school campuses with his R.E.A.C.H. One Alliance program.
As Sacramento's top anti-bullying speaker, character coach, and the voice of KDEE's motivational segment, "Minute To Win It!” he has made it his mission to “dream globally, but focus locally.” These days he invests his time with his family, his fitness, mentoring for the future, and speaking several times a week to audiences ages 4 to 94, encouraging them all to be the greatest version of themselves and to positively reach out to one other person in kindness every day.
Inspired by Dr. Amy Berry's work in Reimagining Student Engagement: From Disrupting to Driving, this presentation will introduce the Continuum, discuss why it's a valuable resource for schools, and provide practical guidance on implementing it in classrooms.
CCLA Literacy Coordinator, Santa Clara County Office of Education
Brittney O’Brien is the Literacy and Language Coordinator at the Santa Clara County Office of Education, leading professional learning initiatives for the California Collaborative for Learning Acceleration (CCLA). Previously, she was a STEAM Teacher on Special Assignment with Mountain... Read More →
Science Coordinator, Santa Clara County Office of Education
Tara Sikorski, Science Coordinator at the Santa Clara County Office of Education, is an equity-focused science educator and leader who is passionate about supporting students, teachers, administrators, and the wider school community to bring about a shared vision that, through an... Read More →
Thursday January 16, 2025 10:45am - 12:15pm PST
TBA
In this three part session, we will focus on systems for learning and the role of leaders in moving their schools from remediation to acceleration. Part of this change requires that leaders build and maintain their credibility and recognize the multigenerational workforce. When leaders create a strong sense of belonging in their organizations and provide wise feedback, educators grow and develop. Leaders also must be acutely aware of the evidence and learn to translate that evidence into action. Thus, this session focuses on the instructional leadership moves that build confidence and competence in the workforce.
Douglas Fisher, Ph.D., is professor and chair of educational leadership at San Diego State University. Doug is a credentialed teacher and administrator in California. He has published over 250 books, chapters, and articles focused on school improvement and was elected into the Reading... Read More →
This session will delve into how artificial intelligence (AI) can accelerate literacy development across all content areas. Participants will discover how AI can be used to support learning acceleration by focusing on building knowledge bridges—helping students connect prior knowledge with new concepts—rather than merely filling gaps. Educators will explore AI tools that enhance productivity and instructional design, enabling more effective planning and delivery. Additionally, the session will highlight strategies for engaging students in meaningful and responsible AI use, empowering them to develop stronger literacy skills in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Administrator, ELA & ELD, Riverside County Office of Education
Dr. Christalle Hart is an experienced educator with 16 years in the field, having served in roles ranging from elementary teacher to high school administrator, district administrator for digital learning and STEM, and county administrator for literacy and language. Driven by a passion... Read More →
Administrator, Instructional Services: Literacy/ELA/ELD, Riverside County Office of Education
Many moons ago, and with very little experience, Dr. Ivy Ewell-Eldridge was hired as a first-grade teacher in Los Angeles directly following the completion of her undergraduate studies (God bless those who were in her first class!). In the ensuing 27 years, she served students, families... Read More →
Thursday January 16, 2025 10:45am - 12:15pm PST
TBA
In this dynamic 90-minute session, secondary teachers and administrators will explore targeted strategies to accelerate literacy and content knowledge for multilingual learners. As literacy demands intensify across subjects in middle and high school, it is critical that educators equip multilingual learners with the tools they need to thrive in content-rich classrooms. Participants will delve into research-based approaches for using small group instruction to boost reading comprehension, academic vocabulary, and language acquisition across all content areas.
Through interactive discussions and real-world examples, we will highlight how to design small group lessons that integrate literacy instruction with subject-specific learning. You will leave with practical strategies for building language proficiency while simultaneously helping students master complex texts in subjects like science, social studies, and literature. This session will equip educators with tools to support multilingual learners in navigating the linguistic and academic demands of secondary education, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed and excel.
Professor, Department of Educational Leadership, SDSU
Nancy Frey is a professor of literacy in educational leadership at San Diego State University where she focuses on policies and practices in literacy and school leadership. Staying true to her belief that it is critical to remain deeply embedded in the life of a school, she also teaches... Read More →
This session focuses on practical strategies for implementing learning acceleration. Participants will explore grade-specific major work, learning progressions, and critical understandings to ensure students have access to grade level content. By utilizing tools such as Student Achievement Partners’ Coherence Map, educators will identify key concepts to adjust lesson sequences in support of learning acceleration. This session is ideal for educators seeking to enhance student outcomes through targeted, strategic instruction.
Coordinator, C&I, Placer County Office of Education
Kim Gerould, M.Ed Curriculum and Instruction, is a Coordinator, C & I at the Placer County Office of Education. She works with districts, schools, and educators to support their literacy and English language development efforts. Her 25+ years of experience as a teacher and site administrator... Read More →
STEM Coordinator, Placer County Office of Education
Heidi Espindola, M.Ed. / B.S. Math & Physics, STEM Coordinator at the Placer County Office of Education. She works with districts, schools, and teachers to build capacity and improve STEM service to ALL students through improvement /implementation science, UDL, and a diverse professional... Read More →
Thursday January 16, 2025 10:45am - 12:15pm PST
TBA
In this three part session, we will focus on systems for learning and the role of leaders in moving their schools from remediation to acceleration. Part of this change requires that leaders build and maintain their credibility and recognize the multigenerational workforce. When leaders create a strong sense of belonging in their organizations and provide wise feedback, educators grow and develop. Leaders also must be acutely aware of the evidence and learn to translate that evidence into action. Thus, this session focuses on the instructional leadership moves that build confidence and competence in the workforce.
Douglas Fisher, Ph.D., is professor and chair of educational leadership at San Diego State University. Doug is a credentialed teacher and administrator in California. He has published over 250 books, chapters, and articles focused on school improvement and was elected into the Reading... Read More →
Collaborative conversations are an essential strategy in K-12 instruction, significantly enhancing student engagement and comprehension across all content areas. By facilitating meaningful discussions, students are encouraged to actively think, articulate, and refine their ideas, which fosters deeper critical thinking and collaborative learning. Conversations enable students to explore diverse viewpoints, question assumptions, and clarify misunderstandings, leading to a more thorough understanding of the subject matter. In content areas like math, science, history, and literature, discussions help students connect abstract concepts to real-world situations, enhancing retention and application of knowledge. These interactions also promote language development, social skills, and emotional intelligence, creating an inclusive and dynamic learning environment. By making learning more interactive, and providing effective scaffolds & structures, classroom conversations play a critical role in accelerating both academic achievement and social-emotional growth, making them an indispensable part of effective instruction.
Administrator, Instructional Services: Literacy/ELA/ELD, Riverside County Office of Education
Many moons ago, and with very little experience, Dr. Ivy Ewell-Eldridge was hired as a first-grade teacher in Los Angeles directly following the completion of her undergraduate studies (God bless those who were in her first class!). In the ensuing 27 years, she served students, families... Read More →
Administrator, Instructional Services: Literacy/ELA/ELD, Riverside County Office of Education
Dr. Christalle Hart is an experienced educator with 16 years in the field, having served in roles ranging from elementary teacher to high school administrator, district administrator for digital learning and STEM, and county administrator for literacy and language. Driven by a passion... Read More →
In this interactive 90-minute session, we will explore practical strategies for boosting literacy achievement among multilingual learners through small group instruction. Tailored for elementary teachers and administrators, this session focuses on how to effectively differentiate literacy instruction in diverse classrooms while accelerating language development. Participants will gain insights into creating heterogeneous groups that foster collaboration and language acquisition, while addressing key literacy skills such as phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Through case studies, hands-on activities, and real classroom examples, you will learn how to design small group lessons that simultaneously build content knowledge and language proficiency. We will also discuss how to leverage multilingual learners’ home languages and cultures as assets in literacy development. By the end of the session, educators will walk away with ready-to-use strategies, formative assessments, and tools to adapt lessons to meet the varied needs of their multilingual learners—empowering all students to achieve literacy success.
Professor, Department of Educational Leadership, SDSU
Nancy Frey is a professor of literacy in educational leadership at San Diego State University where she focuses on policies and practices in literacy and school leadership. Staying true to her belief that it is critical to remain deeply embedded in the life of a school, she also teaches... Read More →
This session focuses on accelerating student learning by quickly identifying their strengths and needs in number sense and prior content knowledge. Participants will explore a number sense screener to gain insights into students’ needs and utilize diagnostic tools, such as content interviews, to reveal students' strengths and prior knowledge. The session will emphasize practical strategies for bridging students’ prior knowledge into current learning in both Tier 1 and Tier 2 instructional settings. Teachers will leave with actionable tools to support learning acceleration in mathematics.
Math Staff Development and Curriculum Specialist, Tulare County Office of Education
Joseph has served the educational community in both Southern and Central California as a teacher, coach, and curriculum specialist. He is driven by a passion for empowering students to become sense makers of mathematics and for building capacity and a strong sense of efficacy in all... Read More →
Providing multiple routes for demonstrating mathematical understanding—through varied representations and problem-solving approaches—students can experience an inclusive environment that cater to different needs and assets. This flexibility accelerates learning, allowing all students to express their mathematical competencies meaningfully.
STEM Coordinator, Placer County Office of Education
Heidi Espindola, M.Ed. / B.S. Math & Physics, STEM Coordinator at the Placer County Office of Education. She works with districts, schools, and teachers to build capacity and improve STEM service to ALL students through improvement /implementation science, UDL, and a diverse professional... Read More →
In this engaging 90-minute session, K-12 teachers and administrators will learn how to use scaffolding as a powerful tool to accelerate learning for all students. Scaffolding isn’t just about simplifying tasks—it’s about providing strategic support that enables students to develop independence and mastery over complex skills and content. Participants will explore how to design scaffolded lessons that progressively build students' understanding and proficiency, no matter their grade level or subject area.
Through hands-on examples, participants will see how scaffolding can be applied across literacy, math, science, and other content areas to close learning gaps and promote deeper understanding. We will also examine how scaffolding supports learners by using front-end, distributed, and back-end scaffolds and gradually fading them as students gain confidence. By the end of the session, educators will leave with a toolkit of scaffolding techniques that can be immediately integrated into classroom instruction, ensuring that every student is empowered.
Professor, Department of Educational Leadership, SDSU
Nancy Frey is a professor of literacy in educational leadership at San Diego State University where she focuses on policies and practices in literacy and school leadership. Staying true to her belief that it is critical to remain deeply embedded in the life of a school, she also teaches... Read More →
In this three part session, we will focus on systems for learning and the role of leaders in moving their schools from remediation to acceleration. Part of this change requires that leaders build and maintain their credibility and recognize the multigenerational workforce. When leaders create a strong sense of belonging in their organizations and provide wise feedback, educators grow and develop. Leaders also must be acutely aware of the evidence and learn to translate that evidence into action. Thus, this session focuses on the instructional leadership moves that build confidence and competence in the workforce.
Douglas Fisher, Ph.D., is professor and chair of educational leadership at San Diego State University. Doug is a credentialed teacher and administrator in California. He has published over 250 books, chapters, and articles focused on school improvement and was elected into the Reading... Read More →
This session will explore key strategies for building foundational language and literacy skills in transitional kindergarten classrooms. Participants will gain practical tools for fostering phonological awareness, letter recognition, and print knowledge through play-based learning and interactive read-alouds. We’ll also discuss how to create a language-rich, print-filled environment that supports multilingual learners and ensures every student is set up for future academic success. Join us for an engaging discussion aimed at empowering educators to shape young minds for a bright future.
Veronica Cervantes is a Coordinator at the Imperial County Office of Education. With over two decades of experience in education, her passion lies in early literacy. Veronica is a reading and literacy leadership specialist, with a profound commitment to nurturing young minds. Her... Read More →
Maricela M. Buenrostro is an experienced educational leader specializing in foundational literacy skills and English language learners. She has served in roles such as Principal, Vice Principal, and Director of Student Services/Curriculum & Instruction, focusing on curriculum development... Read More →
Come and join an immersive professional learning session where you'll experience firsthand the power of open, rich mathematics tasks to engage all students! Through interactive activities and dynamic discussions, you’ll see what deep mathematical thinking looks like, feels like, and sounds like in the classroom. Walk away with practical, inclusive strategies to accelerate learning for your students, fostering collaboration, critical thinking and mathematical discourse.
This session is designed for educators and leaders dedicated to transforming mathematics instruction for multilingual students. As we prepare students for a rapidly changing world, it’s crucial to foster mathematical thinking and reasoning, particularly for those developing both language and math skills. Through innovative teaching practices that promote mathematical discourse, participants will explore strategies and reasoning routines that create supportive environments, empowering students to engage critically with mathematical concepts.
Math Administrator, Riverside County Office of Education
With a Master's in Educational Leadership, I've dedicated 23 years to shaping a world that prizes curiosity and meaningful discourse. My diverse roles, from middle school math teacher to Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, have afforded me a comprehensive perspective... Read More →
Unlock the potential of your students with evidence-based strategies to accelerate reading comprehension. This session will explore techniques and innovative tools designed to enhance understanding and retention in reading. Join us to discover
ELA/ELD Staff Development & Curriculum Specialist, Tulare County Office of Education
Ryann currently serves as the ELA/ELD Staff Development & Curriculum Specialist for Tulare County Office of Education, leveraging expertise in enhancing literacy instruction and English language acquisition. With a Master’s degree in Teaching and advanced training in GLAD, SEAL... Read More →
ELA/ELD Staff Development & Curriculum Specialist, Tulare County Office of Education
Jenean Bray serves teachers and administrators as a TCOE ELA/ELD Curriculum Specialist, facilitating professional learning in building instruction that strengthens the knowledge, confidence, and skills of all students by following continuous improvement methods with evidence-based... Read More →
This session explores the implementation of Learning Acceleration, a strategic approach that shifts from traditional remediation to focus on leveraging students' strengths and essential skills. Participants will learn how to integrate this mindset into their site plan through real-world examples, empathy interviews, and observation tools. The session offers practical tools for identifying staff and student strengths, establishing baselines, and using data to guide instructional changes for continuous improvement and equitable learning.
CCLA Grant Math Coordinator, Contra Costa County Office of Education
With 20+ years in education, Christen Northrop continues her work as TK-12 Mathematics Coordinator at CCCOE, collaborating with statewide teams for the California Collaborative for Learning Acceleration Grant. Her passion has led her to roles as teacher, coach, & administrator. She... Read More →
Explore how the California Collaborative for Learning Acceleration (CCLA) project addresses the diverse needs of learners through enhanced foundational reading instruction, offering actionable strategies to transform teaching practices and accelerate reading development for all students.
Program Manager, Literacy Initiative, Placer County Office of Education
Peyton Rowlett is the Program Manager, Literacy Initiative where she leads efforts to enhance literacy instruction and foster educational equity. Peyton’s role involves facilitating professional learning opportunities to support effective literacy instruction and partnering with... Read More →
Coordinator, C&I, Placer County Office of Education
Kim Gerould, M.Ed Curriculum and Instruction, is a Coordinator, C & I at the Placer County Office of Education. She works with districts, schools, and educators to support their literacy and English language development efforts. Her 25+ years of experience as a teacher and site administrator... Read More →
This session will explore innovative strategies for accelerating mathematics learning by leveraging a walk-through tool specifically aligned with key recommendations of best practices for assisting students struggling with Mathematics.
Coordinator of Professional Learning and Leadership Support, Imperial County Office of Education
Kristin Wells, Coordinator at Imperial County Office of Education has been an educator in California for 20 years. Kristin has facilitated trainings in the areas of continuous improvement, English Language Roadmap, English Language Development, PBIS, NGSS, computer science/digital... Read More →
Coordinator of Professional Learning and Leadership Support, Imperial County Office of Education
Ana Murphy has been in education for more than 14 years supporting equitable education and access for all students. In her current role, as a Mathematics Coordinator for Imperial County Office of Education, she strives to empower teachers and support local education agencies through... Read More →
This session explores how Universal Design for Learning (UDL) can create inclusive and accessible math classrooms. Educators will learn practical strategies to engage diverse learners through flexible instruction, using multiple means of representation, engagement, and assessment.
