Join us at the 2024 California Multi-Tiered System of Support Professional Learning Institute in Anaheim, in partnership with ASAPconnect and the California Department of Education, Expanded Learning Division! Throughout the conference, we will be hosting a pre-conference and multiple workshops.

This event brings together classroom educators, administrators, school counselors, school psychologists, school-based mental health clinicians, district leaders, county offices of education leaders, higher education faculty, and community-based organizations to support the creation of inclusive and equitable learning environments.

We hope you can join us! 

July 16, 2024

Pre-Conference: Expanded Learning: An Essential Part of MTSS Implementation

8:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Presenters: Michael Funk, Director, Expanded Learning Division, California Department of Education

Description: Building on a foundation of physical, social, and emotional wellness, Expanded Learning is part of a continuum of support for the whole child, their families, and their communities. This session will examine Expanded Learning as an intentional strategy to create conditions for thriving and provide relevant support for children and families. Participants will learn about California’s unprecedented Expanded Learning investment, essential elements of Expanded Learning programs, how Expanded Learning programs can be leveraged as part of a larger MTSS strategy at the site, district, or county level, and how California’s System of Support for Expanded Learning (SSEL) can be integrated with the MTSS System of Engagement.

Using Expanded Learning to Support Student Wellness and Enhance Positive School Climate

2:20 PM – 3:35 PM

Presenters:

• Fred Buggs, Education Program Consultant, Expanded Learning Division, California Department of Education
• Melea Meyer, Senior Specialist, ASAPconnect and Co-Founder, Shanél Valley Academy 
• Diego Arancibia, Executive Director, ASAPconnect

Description: The research is clear and consistent: High-quality Expanded Learning programs create the conditions for long-term success and wellness for children and youth. These are opportunities to develop identity, build skills, and gain the support of trusted adults. The Quality Standards for Expanded Learning in California outline the foundations for high-quality programs as rich with protective factors that promote positive physical, social, emotional, and academic outcomes. Participants will learn how high-quality Expanded Learning programs create safe and supportive environments that can promote wellness while increasing attendance and academic achievement.

July 17, 2024

Strengthening Coherence Across Initiatives: A Whole-Child Lens

8:30 AM – 9:45 AM

Presenters:

• Katie Brackenridge, Whole-Child Consultant, Glen Price Group
• Jeff Davis, Executive Director, California AfterSchool Network
• Michael Funk, Director, Expanded Learning Division, California Department of Education

Description: The number of education initiatives in California can be overwhelming. In this session, participants will discover a new tool that illustrates the whole-child practices that are embedded in Community Schools, MTSS, PBIS, SEL, and Expanded Learning. We’ll use Expanded Learning as an example to show how these practices create coherence across initiatives in pursuit of students’ learning and thriving. With the California Department of Education’s Expanded Learning Division, the Arizona State University’s Center for Whole Child Education, and the Santa Ana Unified School District, we’ll explore what it looks like when Expanded Learning works in concert with other initiatives to realize a shared vision for whole-child education.

Expanded Learning: One Comprehensive Strategy to Support Students & Families

8:30 AM – 9:45 AM

Presenters:

• Joshua D.S. Brady, Education Administrator, Expanded Learning Division, California Department of Education
• Tiffany Gipson, Director, Equity & Quality, California AfterSchool Network
• Julie Sesser, Senior Director, ASAPconnect

Description: California’s Expanded Learning programs create conditions for children and youth to thrive. Participants will learn how to leverage Expanded Learning programs to support California’s bold vision for transforming schools. This includes understanding how a high-quality Expanded Learning program already provides the infrastructure to include access to universal pre-kindergarten, school meals, and increased access to mental health, physical health, and culturally competent educators, High-quality programs are a proven prevention strategy that makes opportunities possible so that each child in California can thrive from cradle to career.

July 18, 2024

Expanded Learning Nuts and Bolts

8:30 AM – 9:45 AM

Presenters:

• Jen Taylor, Education Programs Consultant, Expanded Learning Division, California Department of Education
• Sterling Williams, Education Programs Consultant, Expanded Learning Division, California Department of Education
• Julie Sesser, Senior Director, ASAPconnect

Description: Participants will learn how to leverage three unique Expanded Learning funding sources (including ELO Program funding) to implement one holistic program for students and families. Participants will engage in dialogue with members of the System of Support for Expanded Learning to discuss current questions and promising practices in the design and implementation of Expanded Learning programs.