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

Small school districts face unique challenges, from budget constraints to staffing shortages, yet they also have the flexibility to innovate and lead with impact. This session will explore key strategies for small district leaders to navigate legal, financial, and operational hurdles while leveraging their strengths to create thriving learning environments. Attendees will gain practical insights on advocacy, collaboration, and resource optimization to ensure long-term success for their schools and communities.

Learn how to cultivate confident, strategic thinkers by exploring the types of Strategic Thinking assessed on the CAASPP. We’ll uncover the gaps in traditional curriculums and demonstrate how to use data to determine precisely why students miss questions.

This session will be most relevant to you if the following points apply:

1. >30% of your students are at Level 2 (Nearly Met) and Level 3 (Met) on the CAASPP.
   (If >70% of your students are at Level 1, Strategic Thinking In Math might be too soon.)
2. You are struggling to find CAASPP-aligned resources (core, supplemental, assessments) that go beyond DOK1 or 2.

We’ll cover the importance of establishing a shared, universal language that enhances vertical articulation across grade levels, fostering cohesive, district-wide learning experiences that support long-term student success.

Additional resources:
- Strategic Thinking In Math - CAASPP Improvement
- ESSA Level 4 Study (WestEd)
- ESSA Level 3 Study (LXD Research)