Resources

Defining and Enacting Anti-Racist Teaching: Lessons from Ethnic Studies Classrooms

Presented by Miguel Zavala, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Urban Learning, Cal State Los Angeles on September 27, 2022.

Research points to significant academic gains by students who enroll in high school Ethnic Studies courses, but what do such culturally responsive, anti-racist, and empowering spaces look like? This workshop provided an overview of anti-racist teaching practices in the context of Ethnic Studies courses. Implications for curricular and pedagogical redesign as well as the preparation of Ethnic Studies teachers were drawn out.

Building Systems of Care: A Guide to School-Based Mental Health Teams

Presented by Josh Godinez, Board Chair, California Association of School Counselors, Dr. Jeannine Topalian, President, California Association of School Psychologists and Paul Brazzel, President, California Association of School Social Workers on April 26, 2022

These presenters hosted an informative and engaging webinar which highlighted the complimentary roles and responsibilities of school counselors, school psychologists and social workers in meeting the needs of California's students. Attendees were given this rare opportunity to engage with leaders of all three organizations in one setting where they defined the strategic and collaborative approach to supporting California's schools.

Creating a Culture of Care Through Trauma Sensitive Practices

Presented by Dr. Caroline Lopez-Perry, CSULB and Addison Duane, Wayne State University on March 11, 2022.

This webinar provided an overview of trauma and its effects on youth in school. Attendees learned about the intersection of trauma-informed, anti-racism, and equity work in schools and left with practical tools and strategies for building caring relationships and trauma sensitive classrooms

Supporting the Whole Child: Safeguarding Student Mental and Behavioral Health

Presented by Dr. Caroline Lopez-Perry, CSULB and Rachel Andrews, Redondo Union High School on February 7, 2022.

Attendees gained insight on various mental health disorders and psychosocial/emotional issues that affect students in K-12 settings. Educators learned how to recognize mental health warning signs and left with actionable strategies to remove the stigma associated with mental health issues and support students and their families.

State of Student Wellness Report 2022

Student mental health is highly connected to student success and well-being. This survey examines how the COVID-19 pandemic and the shift between in-person, online and hybrid models of learning has impacted students.

State of Student Wellness 2021

Prepared in partnership with the California Association of School Counselors, the American Civil Liberty Union of Southern California and the CSU Center to Close the Opportunity Gap

Student mental health is highly connected to student success and well-being. The purpose of the State of Student Wellness survey was to examine how the COVID-19 pandemic and the shift between in-person, online and hybrid models of learning has impacted students. Furthermore, we were interested in understanding the types of wellness supports students had received during the pandemic, their current needs and their thoughts regarding the return to in-person instruction. Two surveys were administered in April 2020 and April 2021 and represent responses from over 1,200 students from 25 counties and 50 school districts from across California.  Main findings from the survey indicate students have experienced a host of mental health issues, including but not limited to an increase in social anxiety, panic attacks, body image issues, depressive symptoms, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.

Actions Anti-Racist Educators Must Take in Their Classrooms This School Year - Part 2

Presented by Marlene Carter, UCLA Writing Project on October 27, 2021

This webinar series provided attendees practical tools to create an environment that shows value for people of all races and cultures.  Attendees explored anti-racist actions teachers in all subjects must take in their classrooms and schools to support their students.  Discussion centered around culturally relevant and sustaining strategies that support student academic success as well as curricular choices and school policies that may need changing.

Actions Anti-Racist Educators Must Take in Their Classrooms This School Year - Part 1

Presented by Marlene Carter, UCLA Writing Project on October 13, 2021

This webinar series provided attendees practical tools to create an environment that shows value for people of all races and cultures.  Attendees explored anti-racist actions teachers in all subjects must take in their classrooms and schools to support their students.  Discussion centered around culturally relevant and sustaining strategies that support student academic success as well as curricular choices and school policies that may need changing.

COVID 19 Challenges and Pressing Needs Facing Teachers Report

Take a peek at our final and official spring 2021 educator survey report prepared by Dr. Corinne Martinez, Dr. Diana Porras, and Analía Cabral!  

In this report, authors examine the challenges respondents encountered during the abrupt transition to remote learning, the urgent needs they are currently facing as they transition again, and their access to critical resources at this time. Authors draw on results to discuss how school leaders could better support teachers and what respondents feel still needs to be understood about their new reality. The results reveal strong calls for educators to be included in the decision-making processes that impact school policies and practices. There is also consistent agreement across grade levels and school types that students’ emotional well-being must be supported as school communities return to in-person or hybrid instruction.  Moreover, survey results suggest teachers need access to meaningful professional development to support the academic and mental health needs of students.

How can Teachers, School Counselors, & Administrators support educational outcomes for students in foster care during extraordinary times?

Webinar presented by Dr. Brent Duckor, Dr. Lorri Capizzi from San Jose State University and the CSU Guardian Scholars: Briana Anguiano, Michael Bries, Hannah Davidson, and Jennifer Tai on June 15, 2021

Learn from a panel of CSU Guardian Scholars (former foster youth) about beneficial supports they found valuable in transitioning from high school to post-secondary education. This webinar included student insights about relevant supports that make a difference for both classroom and school based outcomes.