By the California State PTA Education Commission
From classroom technology to the policy decisions shaping our school districts, today’s education landscape moves fast—and families deserve clear, trusted information. At the California State PTA Convention in Fresno (May 1–3), this series of expert-led workshops brought together educators, advocates, and families to explore practical strategies for supporting students both inside and outside the classroom at the California State PTA Convention in Fresno on May 1-3. Whether it’s mastering data tools, understanding AI, or engaging with local school boards, active and informed adult participation remains the ultimate catalyst for student success!
Here is a recap of the key takeaways and highlights from these impactful sessions:
Policy and Governance: Driving Systemic Change
- Community Schools’ Positive Impact on Student Outcomes Efrain Mercado (Learning Policy Institute) highlighted the measurable success of California’s Community Schools Partnership Program. This statewide initiative is actively transforming student outcomes by strengthening school communities from the ground up. Attendees discussed how this targeted investment is successfully boosting test scores, reducing chronic absenteeism, and lowering suspension rates.
- The Power of Understanding Your School Board Briana Mullen (Education Justice Academy) demystified the role of school boards, calling them one of the most powerful yet overlooked pillars of local democracy. The workshop explored how these governing bodies shape education systems, influencing everything from daily classroom conditions to long-term district priorities.
Data and Assessment: Tools for Informed Advocacy
- Essential Guide to Education Information In a highly practical session, participants discovered trusted websites and digital tools for exploring data on individual campuses and in school districts. Through live demonstrations, parents and caregivers gained the confidence needed to independently use these platforms to ask informed questions and advocate for their children.
- What’s on the Test? A Hands-On Parent Workshop Led by Educational Testing Services, this hands-on workshop gave parents a peek behind the curtain of California’s state assessments (including CAASPP and ELPAC). Participants experienced a short practice test and gained an understanding of how tests are scored.
Classroom Excellence: Reading, Tech, and Beyond
- Strengthening Reading Skills with Targeted Instruction Licensed educational psychologist James Brannon offered a deep dive into school reading intervention systems. Parents learned how to recognize effective reading support, gauge whether a system is working well, and ask the right, targeted questions when a child is struggling.
- Responsible AI Use For Student Success Educator Ron Ippolito and tech veteran James McConihe teamed up to break down what Artificial Intelligence actually looks like in today’s schools. The session offered a clear overview of how this rapidly changing technology is being integrated into lessons and how teachers are guiding students to use it responsibly.
Postsecondary Horizons: Redefining Success
- Pathways to Success: Exploring Community Colleges & Careers Lori Swain (Fresno City College) provided a comprehensive guide to navigating community college after high school. The workshop emphasized that there is no one-size-fits-all definition of success, shedding light on California’s diverse postsecondary options that prioritize student balance, well-being, and lifelong learning.