2024 ACSA Women in School Leadership Forum

Start your conference day on a refreshing note with our Morning Wellness Walk! Explore the striking beauty and leisurely charm of Omni La Costa’s expansive property. Within this tranquil walk you will discover lush gardens and beautiful manicured grounds under the Southern California sunshine.

This walk is approximately 1 mile - comfortable shoes are encouraged!

We will meet in the hotel lobby at 6am.

Chronic Absenteeism is a major issue, both nationally and in California specifically. In California, chronic absenteeism rates, or the percentage of students missing 10% of school days, was 25% (a decade ago it was 12%). Student attendance is often the first and clearest indicator of engagement and readiness to learn. Lack of student attendance also has major financial consequences for school districts.
Now more than ever, schools and districts need proven strategies to reduce student absenteeism - and to quickly address attendance issues before they become chronic.
In this session, we will talk about:

• Take a proactive approach to uncovering and addressing non-academic barriers to learning improved academic performance, reduces absenteeism, increased graduation rates, fewer disciplinary actions, and—most importantly— happier students.
• Use an early warning system alert so teams can respond based on chronic absenteeism, failing grades, suspension, and other factors to identify at-risk students in need of more intensive supports
• Strengthen MTSS plans and interventions with whole child data.
• Communicating with families and communities to reverse common misconceptions about absenteeism

Research proves that by intentionally practicing gratitude, we can dramatically improve our disposition, bringing us more joy and better health. It also makes a huge difference in relationships and leads to more successful learning experiences. In this session, Lainie Rowell shares how educators can use small gratitude practices to make a big difference with kids, peers, and the world. We can use gratitude to shift from barely surviving to actually thriving and flourishing.

Join this interactive and engaging session to discover and discuss:

• How we can empower kids to be grateful for learning which leads to engagement and improved performance 
• Ways we can practice gratitude with our peers to help us cope with stress, regulate our emotions, and nurture relationships 
• How gratitude promotes prosocial behavior in our learning communities and the world

Discover the impact of your personal tendencies, attributes, and priorities on your leadership effectiveness. This engaging session will guide you through an exploration of how your work-related behaviors either propel you toward success or hold you back. You will learn how Everything DiSC the Work of Leaders was instrumental in transforming a district leadership team. You will learn how this powerful tool helped foster a deeper personal and collective insight into the team’s attributes, enhancing interpersonal dynamics within the organization and elevating the overall District performance.

Key Audience Takeaways:    

1. Self-awareness and leadership impact.
2. The importance of utilizing tools like DiSC to help you understand your personality style and how to interact with others effectively.
3. Enhancement of Team Dynamics and Performance

Join me on an introspective journey as we explore the art of unwinding without reaching for the wine glass. This session is more than a discussion; it's a how-to guide to reshaping the beliefs and behaviors that hold us back from living fully aligned with our values. Together, we'll delve into the transformative power of mindset work to create lasting change without willpower.

You're not just a leader in education; you're a beacon for the future, guiding not just students but colleagues and communities. Yet, I acknowledge the weight you carry and the temptation to find solace in the fleeting comfort of a cocktail. Together, we'll confront this reality head-on, bringing to light how stress and societal norms have subtly installed this "coping" mechanism into our lives.

As we peel back the layers, we will question the societal norms that have led us to equate relaxation with intoxication. Let's uncover the transformative potential of alternative strategies to manage stress and truly nourish our well-being. It's time to embrace practices that empower us, nurturing resilience and authentic leadership that resonates with and uplifts everyone around us.

Participants will be able to:

• Identify specific limiting beliefs about stress management and coping mechanisms that hold them back in their professional and personal lives;
• Reframe identified limiting beliefs into empowering beliefs that support healthy behaviors and align with personal values and professional integrity; and
• List alternative stress-reduction techniques and habits that do not involve alcohol and explore how these can be integrated into daily routines for enhanced well-being.

This session, "Balancing Workload Mastery," focuses on empowering participants with practical strategies to achieve peak efficiency through the strategic use of checklists, scripts, and standard operating procedures. Attendees will learn to prioritize tasks, streamline communication, and standardize processes to manage their workload and effectively enhance productivity.

Key Audience Takeaways:

1. Enhanced Productivity: Participants will gain valuable insights into optimizing their workflow by utilizing checklists, scripts, and standard operating procedures to prioritize tasks and streamline communication, leading to increased productivity.
2. Improved Time Management: Attendees will learn practical tips and strategies for better time management, such as breaking down tasks into manageable steps, customizing communication scripts for efficiency, and establishing standard operating procedures for consistent workflow.
3. Empowerment Through Tools: By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with tangible tools and actionable techniques to confidently balance their workload, handle inquiries effectively, and proactively address challenges before they escalate, empowering them to excel in their leadership roles.

Leadership through Lyrics is an immersive multimedia experience of reflective practice. This session will provide the attendees with the opportunity to reflect on areas for improvement and take responsibility for change and growth. Through the lyrics and music of Alecia Moore (better known as P!NK) this experience will motivate you to bring your best self to your leadership position every day. Additionally, you will leave energized and committed to balancing your professional and personal responsibilities.

Key Audience Takeaways:    

1. You will increase your confidence to take on that next-level position
2. You will understand that we are all on the continuum of personal and professional improvement
3. You will learn skills to build on your leadership profile

Join us for an inspiring and insightful presentation that explores the remarkable journeys of women who have broken through barriers and risen to positions of leadership. This session will delve into the challenges they have faced, the strategies they have employed, and the triumphs they have achieved along the way. Discover how these trailblazing women lead with courage, innovation, and resilience, and learn valuable lessons on how to harness your own potential for bold leadership. Whether you are an aspiring leader or looking to support and empower women in leadership roles, this presentation offers actionable insights and inspiration to drive meaningful change.

Key Audience Takeaways:    

1. Championing gender equality and empowering women in leadership roles, we can can create more balanced and resilient organizations and communities
2. Women bring diverse perspectives and unique approaches to problem solving, driving progress and inspiring future generations
3. The value of networking and mentorship as it pertains to your overall leadership and professional growth

Join FranklinCovey and inspiring female district leaders from several ACSA regions throughout California for an engaging discussion on leadership through a woman's lens. This event will provide valuable insights, foster meaningful connections, and celebrate the unique perspectives and contributions of women in leadership roles. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from and be inspired by some of the most influential female leaders in the education sector.

Key Audience Takeaways:    

1. Innovative Leadership Approaches: Discover how women are leading the charge in the world of educational leadership and transforming success in education.
2. Empowerment and Mentorship: Learn about the importance of mentorship and support in empowering the next generation of female leaders.
3. Diverse Perspectives in Leadership: Gain insights into the unique perspectives and experiences women bring to leadership roles, and how these contribute to more inclusive and dynamic leadership environments.