CALSA Summer Institute 2025

CalKIDS: The first step to college is like a seed or simillita for students to begin their college going journey. CalKIDS is a California state program that helps children and families save for college or career training after high school. With this program students take the first step in preparing for their future.

Eligible low-income public school students are awarded CalKIDS college savings account with an initial seed deposit in it of up to $1,500.

Enrollment is automatic, and families are not required to contribute.

We will review the following points and provide an opportunity for questions at the end:

• CalKIDS Overview
• Determining eligibility
• Financial awards available
• Claiming a CalKIDS account
• Steps to request a distribution of funds
• Ways to Collaborate with the CalKIDS Program to share at your District/School
• Live Q&A

This workshop will guide members in developing a new CALSA Chapter within their region. Participants will receive a step-by-step process on starting the chapter and stories from the Inland Empire Chapter’s journey. Attendees will walk away with the following steps and be connected with their regional director to get the process started.

As Latino Superintendents, we have a responsibility not only to create pathways for the next generation of leaders, but also to stand up and defend the core values of public education under threat.

With the return of President Trump’s influence over national policy, we are already seeing renewed attacks on public education:

Slashing of school funding

Attacks on free speech and open dialogue

Bans and rollbacks of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives

Anti-LGBTQ legislation targeting our students and communities
Our session would explore:

Organizing as a community of Superintendents to actively push back against anti-public education policies and defend the rights of our students, families, and educators.

The goal is to start a conversation—and a movement—among CALSA members about how we support advancement and organize for action when our values are under attack

This session will highlight the Riverside County Office of Education School of Education’s commitment to developing future leaders through the Diverse Education Leaders Pipeline Initiative (DELPI)—an equity-focused grant program that expands access to high-quality leadership preparation for aspiring administrators who reflect the diverse students and communities they serve.

Participants will gain insight into how DELPI "plants seeds" of sustainable change by investing in preparation, coaching, and community partnerships. The session will feature key program components, outcomes data, and stories from the field to illustrate the impact of this innovative model. Attendees will leave with concrete ideas and resources for designing or refining leadership pipelines that advance both excellence and equity.

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