CALSA's Summer Institute 2026

This session will describe a strategic framework for reducing chronic absenteeism, which resulted in a 31% reduction in chronic absenteeism at the elementary level of a Central Valley school district within 18 months. Utilized in a second Central Valley School district, chronic absenteeism was reduced in the 2025-26 school year to 7%. These districts implemented a proactive, data-driven approach that combines actionable attendance data, early warning indicators, and targeted intervention strategies designed to identify and address barriers to student attendance.
This session will also highlight how districts can leverage real-time attendance data systems such as Ed-Link, to identify students at risk for chronic absenteeism and deploy timely interventions. Data dashboards allow school teams to monitor attendance patterns, identify trends, and implement targeted recovery strategies before absenteeism becomes entrenched.
Participants will also explore flexible attendance recovery strategies that districts can implement to support students in recovering lost instructional time, including:

• One-Day Independent Study (IS)
  
  
  
• Short-Term Independent Study
  
  
  
• Attendance recovery opportunities through before- and after-school programs
  
  
  
• Saturday academies designed to provide additional instructional time and engagement
  
  

At a time when schools nationwide are grappling with unprecedented challenges, including intensified chronic absence and widening achievement gaps, many states are looking to community schools as an approach to improve student learning and well-being. California has responded with an historic $4.1 billion investment to transform schools into community hubs that support students and families through the California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP).


Additionally, the Governor has proposed one billion dollars in ongoing funding for Community Schools. 


This session will provide an overview of LPI's report—Community Schools Impact on Student Outcomes: Evidence From California as well as discussion with policy experts regarding the proposed investments and rollout. 


In just their first full year of implementation, schools in the study that were either newly implementing or expanding community school approaches showed consistently positive impacts on student outcomes across multiple areas:
Improved Test Scores
Reduced Chronic Absence
Reduced Suspension Rates
Largest Gains Among Historically Underserved Students

This interactive session, My Name. My Identity, empowers educators to recognize, honor, and celebrate the significance of each student’s name and identity as a cornerstone of an inclusive classroom. A student’s name is deeply connected to culture, family, history, and personal identity. When educators intentionally create space to honor this, they foster a learning environment where students feel seen, heard, and respected.


Participants will explore practical, culturally responsive strategies that elevate student voice and build belonging. Through activities such as name storytelling, identity mapping, and reflective writing, educators will learn how to integrate identity-centered practices into daily instruction. The session will also model ways to establish classroom norms that promote respect for diverse identities, including correct name pronunciation, inclusive language, and opportunities for students to share their personal narratives.


In addition, this module highlights the importance of connecting classroom practices to family and community. Educators will consider ways to invite families to share the meaning and history behind students’ names, strengthening partnerships and creating a more holistic understanding of each learner.


By the end of the session, participants will leave with ready-to-use strategies and tools that support social-emotional learning, increase student engagement, and promote equity. Ultimately, this session equips educators to cultivate classroom environments where every student’s identity is valued as an asset, laying the foundation for academic success and a strong sense of belonging.