WestEd researchers will be presenting with experts from the California Department of Education and county offices of education at the Annual California Educational Research Association (CERA) Conference scheduled for November 6–8, 2024, in Burlingame, California.
The conference theme this year is Uplifting Research Through People, Purpose, & Practice.
WestEd’s experts will present on a range of topics, including:
- California Department of Education’s Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant
- Conducting Comprehensive Systemic Instructional Reviews
- Promising Practices for Differentiated Assistance to School Districts
CERA (the California Educational Research Association) is a nonprofit organization that focuses on education research and data analysis to inform instructional decisions. Its annual conference brings together data leaders from across California to share ideas and improve practices.
Add WestEd’s presentations to your conference calendar, and visit the WestEd exhibit table to meet staff, pick up recent publications, and learn about WestEd career opportunities.
Follow WestEd on LinkedIn and on Facebook to share your insights from the conference!
WestEd Presentations
Wednesday, November 6
Session: Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) Grant: Resources to Advance Literacy Skills Using Evidence-Based Practices
Time: 2:45 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Location: Salon I
Presenters: Erika St. Andre (California Department of Education) and Ryan Huynh (WestEd)
The Professional Learning Support Division at the California Department of Education (CDE) and WestEd evaluators will discuss resources developed for the Comprehensive Literacy State Development (CLSD) Grant. This five-year grant advances literacy using evidence-based practices for children across California. The CDE, with the State Literacy Team, created a comprehensive State Literacy Plan and a resource repository, including a Local Literacy Planning Toolkit, to support regional implementation. Presenters will explain how these resources support the CLSD goal to enhance statewide literacy infrastructure, and how participants can access instructional resources, use a literacy planning template, and monitor progress with data.
Thursday, November 7
Session: Conducting a Comprehensive Systemic Instructional Review: Lessons Learned
Time: 10:30 A.M. – 11:45 A.M.
Location: Salon J
Presenters: Erica Boas (WestEd), Kelsey Krausen (WestEd), Juwen Lam (Alameda County Office of Education), Lisa Davies (Hayward Unified School District), and Isiah Iniguez (WestEd)
This session presents insights from a comprehensive Systemic Instructional Review (SIR) conducted in partnership with WestEd, Alameda County Office of Education, and Hayward Unified School District. Key lessons include strategies for cultivating trusting partnerships, navigating logistical challenges in data collection, and developing actionable, evidence-based recommendations. The presenters will discuss their mixed-methods approach to analyzing district systems through an equity lens, highlighting the importance of collaboration, data integration, and centering underserved voices. Participants will gain practical tools for conducting equity-focused systemic reviews that drive sustainable improvement in educational quality and equity.
Friday, November 8
Session: Promising Practices for Differentiated Assistance: Learning From California County Offices of Education
Time: 8:30 A.M. – 9:45 A.M.
Location: Salon C/D
Presenter: Ruthie Caparas (WestEd), Lisa Lemus (Tulare County Office of Education), and Cari Carlson (Tulare County Office of Education)
County offices of education (COEs) are the primary entities providing Differentiated Assistance (DA) to school districts to build their capacity to address disparities in student group performance and achieve sustainable improvement. Since the launch of DA in 2017/18, many COEs have adapted and enhanced their processes for supporting districts. This session will share findings from a recent study on the key elements that COE and district leaders consider central to effective DA. Additionally, the session will feature one COE’s detailed illustrations of the specific DA strategies and practices that contributed to systemic improvement and positive outcomes within their DA-eligible districts.