January 2024 Vol. 1

Zandra Jo Galvan named Superintendent of the Year by Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents

Finally being recognized’: San Diego Unified now pays its student trustees.

As a Central Valley foundation sunsets, it funds ‘cutting edge’ work for region’s multilingual students

Chronic absentees drop by 14% in Sonoma Valley school district

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Veterano Commentary

Educating For Our New Normal: How The End Of Illiteracy Can Begin Now

Dr. Roxane Fuentes

CALSA President

“Promoting a culture of equity, collaboration, and support

Equity lies at the heart of a positive work culture. It refers to the fair treatment of employees and ensuring that everyone has equal access to opportunities, resources, and

support. Embracing equity in the workplace can lead to enhanced diversity, inclusivity, and employee satisfaction. To promote equity.....”

Dr. Juan Santos

CALSA President Elect

“Picture this: you're standing atop a mountain, gazing at the vast landscape of opportunities before you. You have dreams, ambitions, and a burning desire to achieve greatness in your career. But how do you navigate the uncertain

terrain? How do you ensure that you make the right choices and avoid potential pitfalls along the way? The answer lies in professional mentorship.....”

Dr. Zandra Galvan

CALSA Past President

“When it comes to education rankings, California has room for improvement. Our state consistently ranks below the national average in various educational metrics. However, California's diverse student population offers tremendous potential

for growth and progress. Our schools cater to a melting pot of cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Inclusivity should be the bedrock of our education system, ensuring that every student has access to high-quality education, regardless of their zip code or socioeconomic status.....”

Martha Martinez

CALSA Co-Executive Director

“When we think of groundbreaking innovation in math education, the names that often come to mind are those of renowned mathematicians from various backgrounds. However, there is an untapped well of talent,

knowledge, and transformative ideas lying dormant within the Latina community. The future of math is Latina.....

Focus On Results

March 8-9, 2024

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Sonesta Hotel, Redondo Beach.

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Zandra Galvan named 2023

Superintendent of the Year

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CALSA Podcast

DECEMBER 8, 2023

DR. ROXANE FUENTES & ZANDRA JO GALVAN Episode 1 I CALSA PODCAST FULL EPISODE

The CALSA Podcast has you covered with major interviews with Latinx Leaders who move the needle. This week, we sit down with two CALSA State Presidents, Dr. Roxane Fuentes and Zandra Jo Galvan. The group talks about what has made them stay as Superintendents. We discuss how we’ve rebounded from the Pandemic and we give props to our mentors in education. All this and so much more! Tune in!

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Dr. Roxane Fuentes

CALSA

President

Superintendent

Berryessa School District

Region 1 https://www.berryessa.k12.ca.us/

The Power of Equity

Equity lies at the heart of a positive work culture. It refers to the fair treatment of employees and ensuring that everyone has equal access to opportunities, resources, and support. Embracing equity in the workplace can lead to enhanced diversity, inclusivity, and employee satisfaction.

To promote equity:

• Implement clear and fair policies and procedures: Having well-defined policies and procedures in place ensures that employees understand the rules and expectations. These policies should be communicated transparently and be consistently enforced.
  
• Offer opportunities for professional development and growth: Providing employees with the chance to enhance their skills and knowledge is vital for building equity. Implement training programs, workshops, and mentorship initiatives that are accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or position in the organization.
  
• Encourage regular feedback and open dialogue: Create a culture where feedback is actively sought and valued. This allows for constructive conversations that can lead to more equitable practices and outcomes. Regular check-ins with employees and opportunities for anonymous feedback can also be effective.
  

The Beauty of Collaboration

Collaboration brings people together, encourages teamwork, and boosts creativity. When employees collaborate with one another, it fosters an environment of trust, respect, and shared responsibility. Such a culture of collaboration can result in increased innovation, employee engagement, and better problem-solving abilities.

Martha Martinez

Co-Executive Director

CALSA

Retired Superintendent

Salinas City Elementary School District

Region 4 www.calsa.org

The future of Math is Latina

When we think of groundbreaking innovation in math education, the names that often come to mind are those of renowned mathematicians from various backgrounds. However, there is an untapped well of talent, knowledge, and transformative ideas lying dormant within the Latina community. The future of math is Latina, and through courageous leadership and culturally responsive initiatives, we have the opportunity to unlock this vast potential and create a truly inclusive and empowering educational environment for all students.

The underrepresentation of Latinas in STEM fields has had a significant impact on math education. Limited access to resources, stereotyping, and unconscious bias have all contributed to the marginalization of Latina students in the field of mathematics. However, despite these challenges, there are Latinas who have overcome adversity and made remarkable strides in the mathematical world. One story that deserves recognition is that of Dr. Yara Martinez, a Latina mathematician who has dedicated her career to inspiring and empowering young Latinas to pursue math.

Culturally responsive teaching methods are a vital piece of the puzzle when it comes to empowering Latina students in math education. By creating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment, educators can foster a sense of belonging and create space for Latina students to thrive. This includes addressing implicit biases and stereotypes that may hinder their progress and providing culturally relevant examples and applications that connect math to their lives and experiences.

One example of an innovative teaching method that has shown promise is the use of storytelling in math education. By incorporating traditional Latina stories and folklore into math lessons, educators can make the subject matter more accessible and relatable, creating a bridge between cultural identity and mathematical concepts.

As educators strive to provide culturally responsive math education, it is essential to recognize and address the cultural biases that have historically influenced the field. By challenging traditional notions of what math is and who excels in it, educators can create an environment that celebrates diversity and encourages all students, particularly Latina students, to embrace their mathematical abilities without hesitations or doubts.

While the impact of courageous Latina educators is undeniable, it is equally crucial to have diverse leadership within the field of math education. By having strong Latina role models as leaders, we can break stereotypes and drive educational policies that support the needs of Latina students. Additionally, diverse leadership also ensures that curriculum development and teaching methods encompass a wide range of perspectives and experiences, fostering an inclusive learning environment for all students.

Mentoring programs that pair aspiring Latina mathematicians and educators with established professionals can play a pivotal role in nurturing courageous leaders in math education. By providing guidance, support, and career opportunities, these programs empower Latinas to pursue their passion for mathematics and inspire future generations to follow in their footsteps.

By embracing the unique perspectives and talents found within the Latina community, we can create an inclusive educational environment that empowers all students, regardless of their background. Through diverse staffing, mentoring programs, and ongoing professional development, we can uplift and support Latina students as they embark on a journey of mathematical excellence. Together, let us pave the way for a future where every Latina student has the opportunity to excel and become a leader in the field of mathematics.

Dr. Zandra Galvan

Past President

CALSA

Superintendent

Greenfield Union School District

Region 4 https://www.greenfield.k12.ca.us

California Dreamin’

California's Education Landscape:Why California should lead the way in education funding

When it comes to education rankings, California has room for improvement. Our state consistently ranks below the national average in various educational metrics. However, California's diverse student population offers tremendous potential for growth and progress. Our schools cater to a melting pot of cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. Inclusivity should be the bedrock of our education system, ensuring that every student has access to high-quality education, regardless of their zip code or socioeconomic status.

Unfortunately, the lack of sufficient funding hampers our efforts to provide equitable education. It perpetuates disparities among schools, resulting in unequal access to resources and opportunities.

The Benefits of Increased Education Funding

Let's envision a future where all students have access to the resources they need to thrive. Increased education funding can make this vision a reality. Studies have consistently shown that adequate funding correlates with improved student performance and retention rates. More resources mean more qualified teachers, smaller class sizes, and better-equipped facilities.

Increased funding also enables schools to offer a wide range of extracurricular activities and specialized programs. From arts and music to science and technology, these opportunities enhance students' overall academic experience and provide avenues for personal growth. Furthermore, when we invest in education, we invest in the long-term economic vitality of our state.

Dr. Juan Santos

President Elect CALSA

Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources

Ventura County Office of Education

Region 4 https://vcoe.org

Be a Game Changer: Serve as a CALSA Mentor

Why mentorship matters: It’s time for our veterans to share best practices

Picture this: you're standing atop a mountain, gazing at the vast landscape of opportunities before you. You have dreams, ambitions, and a burning desire to achieve greatness in your career. But how do you navigate the uncertain terrain? How do you ensure that you make the right choices and avoid potential pitfalls along the way? The answer lies in professional mentorship.

Professional mentorship is a relationship built on trust, guidance, and wisdom. It is a bond between a mentor, someone with experience and expertise in your field, and a mentee, someone seeking guidance and support to grow both personally and professionally. The benefits of such mentorship are immeasurable, providing a solid foundation for your career trajectory and overall success.

Uncovering the Benefits of Professional Mentorship

At its core, professional mentorship is about personal development and self-awareness. It serves as a catalyst for growth by encouraging self-reflection and introspection. A mentor provides valuable insights into your strengths, areas for improvement, and helps you realize your full potential. With their guidance, you can navigate through challenges and transform roadblocks into stepping stones along your career path.

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