DECEMBER 2023
From the directors
Dear friends and colleagues,
The end of 2023 marks the first six months of 21CSLA Cohort 2 and offers us an opportunity for reflection. We have many new projects already up and running, including developing a statewide database that will be active in the new year, preparing to launch 21CSLA Professional Learning Lesson Study in all seven Regional Academies, and continuing the integration of digitally mediated learning into our professional learning offerings and events. Our expanded work has resulted in adding new RA and Center leaders as well as external partners. We realize how much these collaborative pursuits require relationships, trust, and a growth mindset. Thus, a focus on collective sensemaking, creating supportive structures, and community building has also been prioritized. Yes, even 21CSLA leaders need to know they’re not alone. Thank you for supporting California’s educational leaders in 2023 and beyond.
Warmly,
Dr. Rebecca Cheung Director, 21CSLA State Center
Dr. Jabari Mahiri Chair, 21CSLA Leadership Board
Dr. Kim Wallace Associate Director, 21CSLA State Center
|
|
State Center team members present at the UCEA Annual Convention 2023
Last month, 21CSLA State Center team members joined the Berkeley School of Education at the University Council for Education Administration’s Annual Convention. 21CSLA team member presentations at this year’s UCEA included COVID-19: Principals Navigate the Pandemic in Their Praxis; Four Approaches to Create a Synergistic Leadership Change: Resetting Educational Leadership for Equity; and Social Justice Leaders Who Make a Difference.
|
|
State Center participates in learning exchange on improving systems for students experiencing homelessness
In conjunction with UC Berkeley’s Center for Cities and Schools and the California Department of Education, the 21CSLA State Center supported an invitational Learning Exchange to lift up, share, and discuss current innovations across sectors and disciplines working to improve systems for students experiencing homelessness. Practitioners learned more about data and research advances, while researchers came to better understand the lived experience of these students, as well as explore the innovative strategies emerging from American Rescue Program – Homeless Children and Youth (ARP-HCY) funding and the work of practitioners and professionals on the ground. Learn more about the learning exchange, including examples of schools and districts engaging in innovative practices.
|
|
Join us for our next Research-Practice Webinar: Sidelining bias in schools
Our next webinar will feature Dr. Jason Okonofua on the topic of sidelining bias in schools, and will introduce an alternative approach to combating bias that begins with the presumption that people are inherently complex, with multiple, often contradictory, selves and goals. How then can we alter situations to bring out our better selves? Using both classic and contemporary examples, we show how sidelining bias has led to meaningful improvements in real-world outcomes, including reduced school suspensions. The webinar will take place on Thursday, February 1, 3:30–4:30 pm PST. All webinars are free and open to the public, but advance registration is required. Learn more and register for the webinar.
Did you miss our previous webinar on how teacher diversity supports diverse students and families in early childhood education? Watch the recording and see other resources on our website.
|
|
Principal critical resilience survey
Current school principals (or equivalent role) employed at California TK–12 schools are invited by 21CSLA and Berkeley Leadership Programs to participate in Part 4 of a study to understand how school principals cope with challenges. The goal of the study is to better understand the resiliency of school principals and what specifically erodes it and supports it. This will help us to bring about greater awareness to the high turnover rates currently affecting the profession and to inform leadership programs, employers, and policy makers with the results. Take the Principal Critical Resilience Survey.
|
|
New briefs on equity-centered coaching, educating for a diverse democracy, and early childhood education
School leaders play an essential role in creating more equitable schools, and equity-driven coaching can be a meaningful support for their work and development. In this brief, we examine current scholarship on leadership coaching and offer suggestions on how to design coaching that has the greatest impact. Read more in our new professional learning brief on equity-centered school leadership coaching.
In a diverse democracy, people from different communities and different ways of thinking must come together to address common problems and build a shared future. How do we do so, especially when the heightened political polarization in US politics have come to life in our public schools? Read more in the highlights from our webinar on educating for a diverse democracy, and watch the recording of the webinar.
While California is not the only state with an ambitious universal preschool policy, its Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK) policy is the most recent effort. How have other state level leaders prepared principals to implement universal preschool? What can California learn from these experiences? Read more in our new brief on preparing our principals for UTK.
|
|
|
Professional Learning Opportunities
|
|
|
Inquiry Now
An equity-centered, research-based professional learning series
TK–12 instructional leaders are invited to sign up for upcoming Inquiry Now professional learning opportunities.
Read more about Inquiry Now.
|
|
Equity-centered UTK trainings and courses
For site, teacher, and central office leaders
Join us for our upcoming UTK leadership professional learning opportunities throughout the state and online. Learn more about the 21CSLA UTK professional learning modules.
For candidates currently in a Preliminary or Clear ASC program, or who hold a Certificate of Eligibility
Spring registration is now open for the 21CSLA UTK Leadership Certificate. These free, online, synchronous courses are offered through UC Berkeley Extension. Receive 4 units credit along with a certificate upon completion of the two-course series. To learn more, visit our website or fill out our pre-enrollment form.
|
|
Welcoming new team members Theresa Bostic and Shell Perez
Theresa Bostic (she/her) has joined the 21CSLA State Center through her role as Project Specialist for the Universal Transitional Kindergarten Initiative. This is her first professional job since graduating from UC Santa Cruz last spring with a BA in both History and Sociology, as well as a minor in Black Studies. She is appreciative of having found a role within the Berkeley School of Education, as she believes she’ll be a part of a revolutionary shift in education while simultaneously holding the privilege to work alongside seasoned, wise, and passionate educators and professionals.
Shell Perez (she/they) joins the 21CSLA State Center as a Project Specialist II for the Research Expansion team. Shell received their BA in English Literature from UC Berkeley and MEd from UCLA’s Principal Leadership Institute. With a strong background in program coordination and a passion for fostering inclusive and accessible learning environments, Shell compassionately advocates for disability and marginalized gender rights authentically in all aspects of career and life.
|
|
More on 21CSLA and leading for equity
The 21st Century California School Leadership Academy provides professional learning opportunities and support to help California’s educational leaders create equitable learning environments to improve instruction and achievement outcomes for underserved students. Headquartered at the UC Berkeley School of Education, 21CSLA is led in partnership with the UCLA School of Education and Information Studies, California Subject Matter Project, and seven Regional Academies throughout the state.
Find us at 21cslacenter.berkeley.edu. Connect with us on Twitter @21CSLA, on Instagram @21CSLA, and on LinkedIn at 21st Century California School Leadership Academy. Not a subscriber to 21CSLA News? Join us.
|
|
|
|
