The Resources and Technical Assistance Center (RTAC) for expanded learning programs at the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) provides quality technical assistance to After School Education and Safety (ASES) programs, 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) elementary- and middle-school programs, and 21st CCLC After School Safety and Enrichment for Teens (ASSETs) programs in San Diego County.
All those acronyms basically mean our RTAC team is here to help you maximize student success through the quality, expanded learning services you provide to children, families, and the community.
Here's a little more about us: RTAC provides technical assistance to support program implementation and capacity building for expanded learning programs.
We support quality programs that implement evidence- and research-based, and standards-aligned programming.
We serve as a liaison between districts and the California Department of Education (CDE).
Check out this great video by Expanding Student Success, which features California students and educators highlighting the benefits of before- and after-school programs!
ASES Community of Practice Opportunity
Come join our ASES Communities of Practice (CoP)! This is your opportunity to build relationships within and across districts to support students in expanded learning programs. The agenda is driven by the participants, so it truly meets the needs of those who attend. Below is a photo from our last CoP, where staff shared some team building activities. You are guaranteed to leave every meeting with new tools and resources that you can utilize right away! Click here for dates and registration information. Access code: ASES16
UPCOMING PROFESSIONAL LEARNING EVENTS
The Resources and Technical Assistance Center at the San Diego County Office of Education provides a variety of professional learning for expanded learning program leaders and staff members. Click on the date below to register for one of the upcoming events. Contact Shelby Arnett with any questions or if you need help registering.
Celebrating Diversity: Creating an Inclusive Educational Environment
Learn techniques for reaching and engaging students of diverse cultures, socioeconomic conditions, and abilities. Dr. Gale Gorke will share strategies for creating a safe, caring educational environment that encourages interaction. Come prepared to participate in high-energy activities that encourage team building, communication, problem solving, and conflict resolution.
9 a.m. to noon Feb. 3 at the San Diego County Office of Education main campus, Annex B
Self-Regulation -- Behavior/Active Supervision
Explore the forces behind misbehavior and learn practical ways to create opportunities that teach children to make better choices for themselves and help us handle misbehavior in a positive and constructive way.
9 a.m. to noon Feb. 10 at the San Diego County Office of Education main campus, Annex B
Building Teams -- SEL is the Key!
Learn the strategies and techniques necessary through social-emotional learning (SEL) to build effective teams that communicate well and get things done. Also, participate in activities that help staff build the necessary skills to help them be effective team members.
9 a.m. to noon March 10 at the San Diego County Office of Education main campus, JRRTC Communication Labs 1 and 3
STEMpower Conference
Increase STEM learning opportunities in your expanded learning programs, experience hands-on STEM projects you can use with your students the next day, and learn about new resources and best practices at this one-day event. Hear from Dr. Kimberly Scott, a White House Champion of Change for STEM Access, and professor and founder of Arizona State University's Center for Gender Equity in Science and Technology.
7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 18 at the San Diego County Office of Education main campus
According to Dr. Andria J. Fletcher, in A Guide to Developing Exemplary Practices in Afterschool Programs, one of the most distinguishing characteristics of high-quality, sustainable after-school programs is a powerful vision that brings people with different experiences and interests together for a common purpose and drives them toward excellence.
Whether you're starting to develop your program or it's been in existence for some time, you have an incredible opportunity to create the future you imagine!
The most compelling visions are far-reaching, exciting, and easily understood. They capture our hearts and ignite our passions. They inspire us to do our best by telling us what we really stand for, what we're trying to do, and why it matters. They paint a clear picture of what could be, set a process in motion for making it happen, and create a sense of urgency and excitement about getting there. They're rooted in reality and focused on the future. They add value and meaning to everything everyone does!
Revised ASES FAQs Posted
CDE's Expanded Learning Division (EXLD) has posted frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the elementary- and middle-school ASES programs.
Look for similar FAQs for ASSETs programs to be released soon. If you have any questions, please contact the EXLD office at expandedlearning@cde.ca.gov or 916-319-0732.
The World of 7 Billion student video contest can help you bring technology and creativity into your high school and middle school classes. The contest challenges students to create a short (60 seconds or less) video illustrating the connection between world population growth and one of three global challenges: climate change, ocean health, or rapid urbanization. Students can win up to $1,000 and their teachers will receive free curriculum resources.
The contest deadline is Feb. 23. Full contest guidelines, resources for research, past winners, and more can be found here.
Didn't make this year's CDE Expanded Learning Programs 2016 Grantee Orientation? Not to worry, you can catch a CDE grantee orientation at the BOOST Conference -- Preconference Academy on April 18 from 1 to 5 p.m.
Also, there are five orientations around our great state in 2017, and the California Action Network (CAN) has compiled the orientation resources here. CAN's CDE-EXLD Grantee Orientation Resource webpage has the history of after-school programs, attendance calculators, resources on quality standards, and so much more.
The Best Out-of-School Time Conference (BOOST) will be held April 18 to 21 in Palm Springs. Registration is now open for the largest, most recognized and comprehensive global convening for after-school, expanded learning, and out-of-school time professionals. Register by March 24 to avoid onsite registration costs.
The California School-Age Consortium (CalSAC) is excited to offer free trainings on social-emotional learning developed in partnership with the Expanded Learning 360°/365 collaborative. The Social-Emotional Learning and Character Development training series is designed to provide participants with the foundational knowledge on the important role out-of-school time programs play in helping young people develop social-emotional and character skills, as well as their relationship to the Quality Standards for Expanded Learning in California. The Leadership for Social-Emotional and Character Development training series is designed to equip those in leadership positions to create environments for adult staff members to thrive as they support youth in social-emotional learning and character development. Access additional CalSAC Trainings here.
Do you have new staff members who need a quick lesson on the guidance for expanded learning programs or a returning staff member who needs a refresher? Click on the links below to access the RTAC-developed webinars:
The California After School Resource Center (CASRC) maintains a lending library of reviewed curriculum. Visit the CASRC website, browse the lending library, check out curriculum and resources, and have it delivered to and from your program for free! In addition to their lending library, CASRC offers over 50 web-based professional development sessions on health, nutrition, physical activity; academic support; STEM; supporting English learners; and more. Online training modules are meant for expanded learning frontline staff and coordinators. They are interactive, offer easy-to-apply strategies, provide connections to useful resources, take 30 minutes to complete, and give the option to take a five-question assessment to earn a certificate.
If you have any questions or comments about the RTAC News, please contact Liza Flowers.
Get up-to-the-minute information about what's happening at SDCOE and in our districts across the county.
