ACSA Mid-State Conference 2025 - Forging the Path to Future Success

 Addressing bias-based beliefs is crucial for creating a more equitable and inclusive environment. School districts often struggle with addressing educator bias during professional development due to multiple complexities. Bakersfield City School District will share how their technique with restorative practices and the RIR (recognize, interrupt, and repair) protocol have created conditions to address educational equity. Addressing implicit bias can be achieved without calling it out in teacher training. This session will provide participants with tools to self-reflect on their practices and foster open dialogue. Creating a safe space where these conversations can take place supports communication with others using empathy and respect. Participants will learn techniques to foster a more inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued. Join us as we explore the effective method to recognize and identify communication breakdowns, interrupt/intervene appropriately, and repair them by co-creating safe spaces that allow everyone to connect and grow.

Data proven strategies to greatly increasing student attendance and chronic absenteeism.  How our school in a low income/high crime area with high mobility and historically low attendance is making big gains in getting kids to school.

To ensure that equity becomes a priority in your school, a cross-section of the impacted population must be involved in the conversation surrounding equity. Using the equitable practice of shared decision-making is a way to guarantee true voice. "Now that you have a seat at the table, eat!" is designed to show all stakeholders best practices for participating in this structure with the purpose of prioritizing equity in your school and or district. The discussion and activities in this session will center around things like how and when to advocate, active listening, and most importantly, communicating your message effectively, and to ensure everyone's voice is heard. By the end of this session, participants will have some things to take back to their schools and start the work.

Learn about the “door slammers” and “door openers” of feeling heard; when and how to use empathic listening; and how to use reflective conversations to help the members on your team feel heard, appreciated, and empowered.