CALSA Summer Institute 2025

In this inspiring session led by two award-winning leaders, we explore what it means to lead, learn, and cultivate lasting impact in secondary schools—where women remain underrepresented in leadership roles.

Dr. Atikah Osman (Saddleback High School, SAUSD) and Dr. Monica Luther (Yorba Middle School, OUSD) will share systems, strategies, and lessons learned from transforming school culture while balancing instructional leadership, equity, and empowerment.

Participants will engage with a Seeds to Systems planning tool, reflect on their leadership identities, and gain actionable strategies to build inclusive, high-achieving school environments. This session empowers current and aspiring leaders to embrace their journey, nurture others, and plant the seeds for sustainable change in their own communities.

This session is designed to empower Latino leaders with critical insights and actionable strategies to ensure the academic success of multilingual learners in mathematics. We will delve into the profound impact of math education on the overall educational journey of multilingual students, exploring why a robust and equitable math curriculum is not just beneficial, but essential.
Drawing on lessons learned and real-world experiences, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that arise when educating multilingual learners in mathematics. We will focus on decision-making insights that equip leaders to advocate for and implement rigorous and impactful math instruction. This session will provide practical takeaways to help you champion decision-making processes and practices that meet the diverse needs of multilingual learners, fostering an environment where every student, regardless of their language background, can excel in mathematics and beyond. Join us to discover how prioritizing math for multilingual learners can lead to greater equity and achievement for all.

This presentation will provide educational leaders with effective, practical, data-driven strategies and tools designed to proactively manage and monitor special education programs. Participants will explore collaborative approaches to navigating complex elements of special education, such as student referrals, Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) placements, assignment of 1:1 aides, transportation logistics, student attendance, and discipline.

Through case studies and collaborative problem-solving, leaders will master proactive approaches to the most challenging aspects of special education administration: streamlining referral processes, optimizing LRE placements, evaluating support services, and implementing data-driven decision-making protocols that center student success.

The presentation addresses the critical balance between compliance requirements and instructional excellence, with particular emphasis on culturally responsive practices that serve California's diverse student populations. Leaders will learn to identify key performance indicators, establish meaningful accountability structures, and allocate resources strategically—even amid budget constraints.
Intended Audience: Site and District Leaders