2022 ACSA Superintendents' Symposium

Many of our students today carry unreasonable expectations, stress from home, trauma, loneliness, not to mention the deep impact that COVID-19 and social unrest have had on all of us. We know, and the research proves, the weight of these things are greatly impeding educational progress. There has never been a more critical time for Leadership to focus on Social Emotional Learning and the needs of our students and staff. We believe, “if you have a child’s heart, you have a child’s mind.” If teachers create a relational connection to students, or “Capture Kids’ Hearts®,” performance accelerates, and behaviors greatly improve because kids want to be in school. The same can be said of leadership and all staff who face challenges. When school culture is built on relationships that tend to social-emotional needs, it is proven that campuses, districts, and entire communities can be transformed.

Innovative ways LACOE has used funds to support staff and student mental health services. Federal and State funds in COE have been provided and require new innovative practices in Mental Health Services.

With the passage of Assembly Bill 101 and an Ethnic Studies graduation requirement now a reality, it is incumbent on anti-racist administrators to understand the origins, need, and fight for Ethnic Studies. This discussion will challenge attendees in activating a critical consciousness when implementing Ethnic Studies in their schools and districts. We will discuss strategies for implementation that keeps the guiding principles of Ethnic Studies at the center.

With the passage of Assembly Bill 101 and an Ethnic Studies graduation requirement now a reality, it is incumbent on anti-racist administrators to understand the origins, need, and fight for Ethnic Studies. This discussion will challenge attendees in activating a critical consciousness when implementing Ethnic Studies in their schools and districts. We will discuss strategies for implementation that keeps the guiding principles of Ethnic Studies at the center.