ABC Summer PL: Full Schedule

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

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9:45am PDT

From Kindergarten to CAST: A Schoolwide Strategy for 5th Grade Science Success LIMITED

Friday August 8, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am PDT

How do we ensure every elementary grade level contributes meaningfully to 5th-grade CAST success? In this hands-on session, participants will experience how phenomena-based instruction and intentional SEP development across K–5 prepare students for CAST’s complex performance tasks. We’ll kick things off with a phenomena-driven lesson hook, modeling how real-world events engage students and spark inquiry. Then, we’ll analyze released CAST questions to highlight how the test emphasizes Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs) over Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCIs)—requiring students to model, investigate, explain, and argue from evidence. Next, we’ll dig into the four most common SEPs found on CAST: developing and using Models. planning and carrying Out investigations, constructing explanations, engaging in argument from evidence, participants will collaborate to uncover grade-level NGSS skills that lay the foundation for these practices—discovering how observation, pattern recognition, questioning, and basic data collection in early grades support higher-order reasoning later on, and finally, teachers will analyze sample CAST questions, identify the thinking demands, and reflect on how their instruction supports 5th grade readiness. Walk away with a vertical alignment handout, a CAST sample question guide, and evidence-based teaching strategies to bring rigorous, inclusive Tier 1 science instruction to life across all grade levels.

Speakers

Carolyn Westdal

Teacher, ABCUSD

Carolyn Westdal is a 5th grade teacher at Melbourne Elementary School. She previously taught high school Physics and served as Science Department Chair, Engineering Club Moderator, and Grade Level Coordinator at Verbum Dei High School in South Central Los Angeles, where she focused... Read More →

John Zawacki

Teacher, ABCUSD

John Zawacki has been a passionate science educator for 28 years, dedicated to making science meaningful and accessible for all students. In recent years, they have focused on supporting teachers in integrating effective ELD strategies into science instruction. Currently, they are... Read More →

Friday August 8, 2025 9:45am - 11:00am PDT
106

K-5

11:30am PDT

Level Up Learning: Engaging Students with Brisk AI Tools LIMITED

Friday August 8, 2025 11:30am - 12:45pm PDT

106

Ready to level up your teaching and captivate your students? Join this dynamic, hands-on workshop exploring the exciting capabilities of Brisk AI! Designed for educators of all levels, this session will move beyond theory and dive straight into practical application. Discover how to harness Brisk's intuitive tools to create engaging and effective resources that will truly resonate with your learners. In this interactive session, you'll learn step-by-step how to design and build real-world tools you can implement immediately in your classroom. From crafting personalized learning activities and generating differentiated content to developing innovative assessment methods and streamlining teacher workflows, we'll explore Brisk's diverse features. You'll leave with tangible creations and the confidence to integrate AI seamlessly into your teaching practice, ultimately fostering deeper student engagement and enhancing learning outcomes. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the power of AI firsthand and transform your approach to education!

Speakers

Leila Klyde

Teacher, ABCUSD

Leila Klyde brings 11 years of experience at Nixon Academy, building upon her earlier work teaching elementary grades within LAUSD. Her academic foundation includes a BA in History from UCLA, a teaching credential from Cal State Los Angeles, and a recently completed MS in Educational... Read More →

Friday August 8, 2025 11:30am - 12:45pm PDT
106

Elementary