Overview

2024-25 Academy Registration Will Be Available Here by June 1, 2024

2023-24 Academy Program

ACSA is Your Career Partner

The Association of California School Administrators provides a full range of academies, in 10 leadership specializations, to meet your needs as a school administrator, confidential employee or classified manager.

Because ACSA represents all members of the district management team, we can help you build the administrative and leadership skills needed in your current job, while preparing you to take advantage of career advancement opportunities.

ACSA's job-specific academies provide a solid foundation of training in the application of leadership and management fundamentals for administrators who are new or aspiring to advanced leadership positions. The academies are seen as the "fast track" to your career as a superintendent, principal, business manager, curriculum and instruction or personnel administrator, special education or pupil services director, confidential employee or classified manager.

In the ACSA academy program, in every leadership specialization, effective professional learning plays a vital role in expanding participants' capacity for equity- minded leadership. We invite you to take advantage of these exceptional high-quality professional learning opportunities as ACSA continues to innovate to better meet your needs.

ACSA's Aspirations for You

ACSA Academy Program participation distinguishes you as an educational leader who intentionally seeks to expand your professional learning, skills and networking with a statewide community of learners. ACSA holds the following aspirations for your maximum benefit from, and contribution, to the Academy program:

  • Engage consistently, meaningfully and actively throughout the Academy.
  • Actualize your Academy commitment through responsibility, accountability, motivation and grit.
  • Share and apply what you are learning in the Academy with colleagues in your job and organization.
  • Expand your curiosity for learning, your compassion for yourself and others, and your professional network.
  • Earn your Academy Certificate of Completion at the end of the Academy year.

Academy Commitments

As you consider registering for an Academy, please think carefully about the commitment you would need to make regarding each of the following:

  • Academy meeting dates. Calendar and prioritize meeting dates.
  • Academy program design. Honor the investment of Academy directors and presenters to plan, coordinate and deliver an in-depth Academy experience.
  • Academy norms. Support and contribute to the culture and atmosphere for professional learning and networking.
  • Community of learners. Make learning meaningful for yourself and fellow participants, and look forward to the benefit, impact and possibility of every Academy weekend.

ACSA is grateful and honored to be an integral part of your professional learning, networking, and career advancement.


Registration and Cancellation Information:

Enrollment is limited to the first 30 registrants.

To avoid registration cancellation, an appropriate form of payment must be received no later than three weeks before the scheduled Academy start date. Registrants may re-register with appropriate form of payment.

Cancellations must be in writing a minimum of 15 days prior to the program date to be eligible for a refund. A service fee is charged for all cancellations. The following scale will be used for all cancellation requests. NOTE: Each cancellation notice received will be reviewed on an individual basis.

30 days prior - Full refund less $75 service fee
15 days prior - 50% refund
14 days or less - No refund


2023-2024 Academy Catalog

2023-2024 Academies At-A-Glance


Not an ACSA member yet? Complete the online membership application form to trigger the ACAD23 ($2/day) promotional rate* (*based upon eligibility)!

Join now!

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of academy participation?
Academies offer a number of distinctive professional learning benefits including:

  • Sustained, job-embedded professional learning that is supported by extensive materials and resources, and extended professional networking.
  • ACSA Academy Certificate of Completion: highly respected statewide for premier professional development for school administrators.
  • Academy hours may be used toward satisfying professional development requirements for the clear administrative services credential (see additional credentialing information on page 7 of the 2022-23 Academy catalog).

Note: Academies are not an independent clear administrative services credential pathway.

What are ACSA's aspirations for you?
Your participation in the ACSA Academy Program distinguishes you as an educational leader who intentionally seeks to grow in your professional knowledge, skills and connections. As a community of learners, Academy participants engage in professional learning and networking with fellow educational leaders statewide. ACSA holds the following aspirations for your maximum benefit from and contribution to the Academy program:

  • Engage consistently, meaningfully, actively throughout the Academy.
  • Actualize Academy commitment through responsibility, accountability, motivation and grit.
  • Share and applying what you are learning in the Academy with colleagues in your job and organization.
  • Expand your curiosity for learning, your compassion for yourself and others, and your professional network.
  • Earn your Academy Certificate of Completion at the end of the Academy Year.

What are your Academy commitments as a participant?
As you consider registering for an Academy, please think carefully about the commitment you would need to make regarding each of the following:

  • Academy meeting dates. Calendar and prioritize meeting dates, including those on selected holiday weekends, to attend all Academy sessions as scheduled.
  • Academy program design. Honor the investment of the Academy directors and presenters to plan, coordinate and delivery an in-depth Academy experience that is articulated, consistent within each leadership specialization, and rich in practical resources and networking.
  • Academy norms. Support and contribute to the culture and atmosphere for professional learning and networking.
  • Community of learners. Make learning meaningful for your yourself and fellow participants, and engage with presenters.
    • Attend to being prepared, being prompt and providing feedback for every Academy sessions.
    • Anticipate and look forward to the benefit, impact and possibility of every Academy weekend.

ACSA is grateful and honored to be an integral part of your professional learning, networking and career advancement.

What time do the Academy sessions meet?
Academy Weekends include 10 hours of professional learning and networking. Generally, you can expect an Academy weekend to convene on Fridays from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Please note that meeting times may vary slightly for individual academy cohorts.

How many Academy specializations are there?
Academies range in duration from 70 to 100 hours and offer 10 hours of professional learning on each of seven to ten academy weekends (see individual academy descriptions for additional details).


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What Academy program formats are offered?
The academy program will continue to expand opportunities statewide for enhancing job-embedded professional learning by offering multiple program formats:

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What is ACSA's Equity lens in the Academy program?
At ACSA, we believe that every child deserves access and opportunity to quality teaching and learning every day, regardless of his or her ZIP code or family income. Socioeconomic conditions, race, gender, ethnic background, and other factors should not be barriers for educational attainment.

ACSA’s mission statement is fundamental to our approach in being the driving force for an equitable, world-class education system, and the development of educational leaders in achieving equity. We believe that school leaders must be intentional and deliberate in disrupting inequities that continue to perpetuate the disparities among student groups. Additional information is available at www.acsa.org/equity.


How do I register?

NEW THIS YEAR: Each participant must login to their ACSA member account to begin the registration process. Pre-registration is required for all ACSA academies. Space is limited, so early registration is a must.

To register for an ACSA academy, choose the tab with the Academy specialization that you would like to attend and click on Register Now. You will be directed to the Academy Summary, please review then click to Register. You will be prompted to log into your ACSA member account or create a non-member account. You may register with a credit card or purchase order ($50 processing fee applies to each individual Academy registration) or you may pay in three consecutive monthly installments using a credit card!

How many cohorts can I register for?
Participants may register for one Academy cohort per year.

What are the registration fees for the hybrid Academy cohorts?
The ACSA member registration fee is an additional $100/person for hybrid program formats offered within each leadership specialization.

Will I be notified that my registration has been received?
ACSA will email you confirmation of registration and enrollment upon receipt of your completed registration which needs to include one of the following: Payment in full; payment of the first of three installments; or provision of a valid Purchase Order number.

Please note: To avoid registration cancellation, an appropriate form of payment must be received no later than three weeks before the scheduled Academy start date. Registrants may re-register with appropriate form of payment. All academy materials and resources will be made available during the academy.

What if I decide to attend at the last minute?

Please go to www.acsa.org/academies to register for Academy cohorts with space still available.

What if I have to cancel at the last minute?
Cancellations must be in writing a minimum of 15 days prior to the program date to be eligible for a refund. A service fee is charged for all cancellations. The following scale will be used for all cancellation requests. NOTE: Each cancellation notice received will be reviewed on an individual basis.

  • 30 days prior...................Full refund less $75 service fee
  • 15 days prior...................50% refund
  • 14 days or less................No refund

How are Academy scholarships available?
ACSA academy scholarship funding is available for regular ACSA members who have a commitment to educational quality, student achievement, and professional growth, and who can demonstrate a financial need. Please see the Scholarships tab for more information.

What if a cohort is cancelled?
Sometimes, due to insufficient enrollment or other circumstances, ACSA must cancel an academy. Should that occur, we will transfer each registrant’s registration to another academy of his/her choice or immediately process a full refund.

Which academy should I attend?
The chart below lists which academies should be attended by administrators in specific job categories — as well as by administrators who aspire to attain a position in a job category other than their own. Use the chart and the academy calendar to plan professional learning for your career development for the upcoming school year.

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Scholarships

Academy Scholarships

ACSA offers academy scholarship funding for members with financial need to attend job-specific academies. Academy scholarships are awarded exclusively for academy participation.

Who is eligible?

Regular ACSA members who have a commitment to educational quality, student achievement and professional growth, who can demonstrate a financial need, and who have not previously been awarded an Academy scholarship.

What is the scholarship amount?

Eight $500 scholarships and one $1,000 scholarship (for Superintendents only) will be awarded to recipients selected by the Academy Scholarships Selection Committee.

What is the deadline?

Applications and related materials must be submitted directly to state ACSA through the 2023-24 Academy Scholarship Application link by Monday, July 10, 2023. Recipients will be notified in writing by July 28, 2023. Please email Trish Elmore with any questions.

Be sure to read additional Academy scholarship details on page 25 of the
2023-24 Academy Catalog.

2023-24 Academy Scholarship Application

Deadline to apply: Monday, July 10, 2023


Region Scholarships

We encourage members to check with your local region for the availability of professional development scholarships.

Classified Educational Leaders

Classified Educational Leaders Academy

Intended Audience
Classified leaders and confidential employees in Human Resources, Business Services, Maintenance & Operations, Curriculum & Instruction, Student Services,
Transportation, Food Services, and Educational Technology

The ACSA Classified Educational Leaders Academy addresses building the capacity of classified educational leaders, at all levels and areas of responsibility, through a consistent academy focus on leadership and communication. Presentations and discussion sessions are led by experienced practitioners who incorporate practical examples of effective leadership and management techniques. The academy focuses on building the practical skills and understanding of organizational principles required for today’s classified educational leaders within the context of local control accountability planning and the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF).

Specific themes include:

Organizational Culture and Building Positive Relationships.

Communication and Teambuilding.

  • Supervision, Evaluation and Discipline.
  • Labor Relations and Understanding the Bargaining Agreement.
  • School Business Functions and Fiscal Management.
  • Supporting Educational Programs.
  • Legal Issues.
  • Risk Management and Safety.
  • Using Technology for Operational Excellence and Managing Change.
  • Career Advancement and Attaining Career Goal.
The course syllabus and materials provided to each participant are an exceptional resource for ongoing reference.


2023-2024 Meeting format

Participants experience 35 hours of professional learning over five weekend sessions in an In-Person meeting format for 7 hours per Academy weekend.

The academy meets on Saturdays, 8:30a.m.-3:30p.m.
*Please note that Saturday hours may vary.


Register with Credit Card, Purchase Order or 3 Month Installment Payment Plan

  1. Payment will be due in full with a credit card or
  2. A valid purchase order must be received to complete registration. Purchase order numbers alone are not sufficient as payment. A $50 processing fee applies to each individual Academy registration or
  3. Under extenuating circumstances, you can setup a 3 month installment payment plan and pay in three consecutive monthly installments using a credit card.

Registration Closed

Classified Educational Leaders Academy, Fresno*
In-Person Format
Fresno USD, Center for Professional Development, Room 116
1833 E St., Fresno, CA 93706
Directors - Malati Gopal & Annarita Howell

Dates:
  • September 16, 2023
  • October 14, 2023
  • December 2, 2023
  • January 20, 2024
  • March 2, 2024

*Private Academy - Open to Fresno USD employees only

Co-Administrators

Co-Administrators Academy

The Co-Administrators Academy is no longer available.

Intended Audience
New and aspiring co-administrators including vice principals, assistant principals, deans and other site-based entry-level administrative positions

The ACSA Co-Administrators Academy, for new or aspiring co-administrators, is designed to build the capacity of the next generation of co-administrators for being effective in their roles and supporting the principal in the school setting. Co-administrators face constantly changing circumstances daily. The academy focuses on foundational skills and knowledge necessary for expanding flexibility and adaptability, embracing lifelong learning, and being responsive to, and building relationships with, students, staff, parents and the school community.

Presentations and interactive sessions are presented by experienced school administrators from a variety of departments involved in school and district operations who will provide a wealth of practical strategies, tools and resources.

Participants will learn leadership and management skills essential for co-administrators at the elementary, middle grades and high school levels within the context of local control accountability planning and the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF).

For CTC-approved Clear Administrative Services Credential programs, and with prior approval of the credentialing program leadership, academy hours may be used toward completing annual required professional development requirements.

Specific themes include:

  • Navigating the Role of the Co-Administrator.
  • Understanding Your School Site.
  • Communication.
  • Equity and Ethics.
  • Human Resources.
  • Instructional Leadership.
  • Assignment Monitoring to Advance Effective School Culture.
  • Student Support, Discipline and Attendance.
  • Social Emotional Learning.
  • Special Education.
  • School Finance and Budgeting.
  • 21st Century Learning & Digital Readiness.

The course syllabus and materials provided to participants are excellent resources for ongoing reference and career planning.


2023-24 meeting format


Participants experience 70 hours of professional learning over seven extended Academy weekends in a Virtual/Online format for 10 hours per weekend.

To accommodate the frequent demand upon assistant/vice principals to attend school activities on Fridays, Academy weekends for this cohort will convene from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays and Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
*Please note that Saturday hours may vary.

Curriculum &
Instructional Leaders

Curriculum & Instructional Leaders Academy

Intended Audience
Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents of Instruction; Project Directors, Curriculum Directors, Intervention Specialists; Site Administrators; District and County Office Administrators including those aspiring to central office curriculum and instructional leadership; School Board Members

The ACSA Curriculum and Instructional Leaders Academy introduces participants to a variety of strategies for developing effective instructional practices based on current student learning and assessment theories. Presentations and discussion sessions are conducted by an experienced faculty of current practitioners.

This academy enables new or aspiring curriculum and instructional leaders to experience and begin to develop fundamental skills needed to address standard-based reforms including assessment, curriculum, and monitoring and evaluation of instructional programs for their schools and districts within the context of local control accountability planning and the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF).

For CTC-approved Clear Administrative Services Credential programs, and with prior approval of the credentialing program leadership, academy hours may be used toward completing annual required professional development requirements.

Specific themes include:

  • Quality instruction for all.
  • Meeting diverse student needs.
  • Leading system change and transition.
  • State and federal mandates and accountability.
  • Personalizing learning in standards-based systems.
  • Instructional materials selection (traditional, online, electronic, open-source).
  • Meeting student needs with coordinated funding (Local Control and Accountability Plan – LCAP).
  • Implementation of the California State Standards for ELA, ELD, Math, History-Social Science, and Next Generation Science.
  • Student assessments: formative and summative (Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium – SBAC).
  • Literacy in core content areas.

Academy sessions are particularly useful for educators managing changes that lead to the successful implementation of standards, assessment and accountability. The extensive course syllabus and materials each participant receives are exceptional resources for ongoing reference.

2023-2024 Meeting formats

Participants experience 80 hours of professional learning over eight extended Academy weekends in a Virtual/Online meeting format for 10 hours per weekend.

The academy meets on Fridays, 5:00-8:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.*
*Please note that Saturday hours may vary.

Register with Credit Card, Purchase Order or 3 Month Installment Payment Plan

  1. Payment will be due in full with a credit card or
  2. A valid purchase order must be received to complete registration. Purchase order numbers alone are not sufficient as payment. A $50 processing fee applies to each individual Academy registration or
  3. Under extenuating circumstances, you can setup a 3 month installment payment plan and pay in three consecutive monthly installments using a credit card

Registration Closed

C & I Leaders - Costa Mesa
Virtual/Online format
Director: Darlene Messinger

Dates:
  • September 15-16, 2023
  • October 20-21, 2023
  • November 17-18, 2023
  • December 15-16, 2023
  • January 19-20, 2024
  • February 23-24, 2024
  • March 15-16, 2024
  • April 12-13, 2024

C & I Leaders - Salinas
Virtual/Online format

Director - Beverly Eidmann

Dates:
  • September 8-9, 2023
  • October 13-14, 2023
  • December 1-2, 2023
  • January 19-20, 2024
  • February 23-24, 2024
  • March 15-16, 2024
  • April 12-13, 2024
  • April 26-27, 2024

Equity
Administrators

Equity Administrators Academy

Intended Audience
District and site administrators including Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, Equity Administrators; County Office Administrators; those responsible for LCAP implementation, interested in educational equity, and in closing achievement gaps in their schools and districts; School Board Members

The ACSA Equity Administrators Academy is designed to build leadership capacity and oversight for the development and advancement of systemic strategies. The Academy focuses on understanding policies and academic strategies that close the achievement gap through efforts to implement promising and proven strategies in the district.

Participants learn how to conduct internal review and evaluation of existing resources and programs established to support underserved students. The academy helps participants learn how to build and embed continuous improvement processes in their own local context to support LCAP implementation. The academy is designed for administrators or individuals responsible for leading and coordinating reform efforts focused on addressing achievement gaps and implementing equitable practices to effectively address diverse student needs. Practical tools and tips are incorporated in every session.

The academy focuses on intentional and strategic efforts to provide relevant support that can be applied effectively to serve all marginalized groups. The academy is excellent preparation for administrators who are leading equity and for those pursuing equity leadership positions within districts and counties offices of education that have resulted from LCFF/LCAP initiatives. All students and student groups fall under the scope of this work: English Learners, socioeconomically disadvantaged pupils, foster youth, homeless youth, students with disabilities, racial/ethnic groups.

For CTC-approved Clear Administrative Services Credential programs, and with prior approval of the credentialing program leadership, academy hours may be used toward completing annual required professional development requirements.

Specific themes include:
  • Building cultural proficiency to advance educational equity.
  • Leading and designing for equity in complex systems for setting goals and planning actions in LCAPs (Local Control and Accountability Plan) and SPSAs (Single Plan for Student Achievement).
  • Using data as an equity engine to set goals, plan actions, and leverage resources to meet those goals to improve student outcomes.
  • Creating a strategic plan and vision for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
  • Developing continuous improvement systems for aligning local, state and federal priorities, and for allocating and leveraging resources.
  • Engaging family and community partners for Equity and Excellence.

2023-2024 Meeting format

Participants experience 70 hours of professional learning over seven extended Academy weekends in a Virtual/Online meeting format for 10 hours per weekend.

The academy meets on Fridays, 5:00-8:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.*
*Please note that Saturday hours may vary.

Register with Credit Card, Purchase Order or 3 Month Installment Payment Plan

  1. Payment will be due in full with a credit card or
  2. A valid purchase order must be received to complete registration. Purchase order numbers alone are not sufficient as payment. A $50 processing fee applies to each individual Academy registration or
  3. Under extenuating circumstances, you can setup a 3 month installment payment plan and pay in three consecutive monthly installments using a credit card

Registration Closed


Equity Administrators - San Bernardino
Virtual/Online format
Director - Cherina Betters

Dates:
  • September 8-9, 2023
  • October 6-7, 2023
  • November 17-18, 2023
  • December 8-9, 2023
  • January 5-6, 2024
  • February 2-3, 2024
  • March 1-2, 2024

Personnel
Administrators

Personnel Administrators Academy


Intended Audience
Superintendents; Assistant Superintendents and Directors of Human Resources; district and county office personnel administrators and managers; certificated and classified personnel staff; Site Administrators

The ACSA Personnel Administrators Academy offers thorough training for new or aspiring personnel managers, human resource directors, and personnel staff. The comprehensive curriculum also gives superintendents and other top-level district administrators an excellent legal and operational foundation for managing employees. Presentations and discussion sessions are presented by experienced personnel administrators from throughout California. Participants develop the fundamental skills required for effective school personnel management and discover the resources needed to succeed on the job within the context of local control accountability planning and the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF).

For CTC-approved Clear Administrative Services Credential programs, and with prior approval of the credentialing program leadership, academy hours may be used toward completing annual required professional development requirements.


Specific themes include:

Personnel Department Organization
  • Role of the personnel manager.
  • Organizing the certificated/classified personnel office.
  • Technology in human resource management.
  • Job description/reclassification/compensation.
Employee Management
  • Evaluating employees.
  • Staffing needs and recruitment.
  • Employee counseling techniques.
  • Employer-employee relations.
  • Budget, salary, benefits.
Legal Aspects
  • Due process.
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO).
  • State and federal laws and regulations.
  • Layoff and termination.
Staff Development
  • Troubleshooting special personnel problems.
  • Professional advancement opportunities.
  • Induction, orientation.

2023-2024 Meeting formats

Participants experience 70 hours of professional learning over seven extended Academy weekends in a Virtual/Online or Hybrid meeting format for 10 hours per weekend.

The academy meets on Fridays, 5:00p.m. - 8:30p.m., and Saturdays, 8:30am-3:30pm*
*Please note that Saturday hours may vary.

Register with Credit Card, Purchase Order or 3 Month Installment Payment Plan

  1. Payment will be due in full with a credit card or
  2. A valid purchase order must be received to complete registration. Purchase order numbers alone are not sufficient as payment. A $50 processing fee applies to each individual Academy registration or
  3. Under extenuating circumstances, you can setup a 3 month installment payment plan and pay in three consecutive monthly installments using a credit card

Registration Closed


Personnel Administrators - Azusa
Hybrid format
Azusa USD, Board Room, 546 S. Citrus Avenue, Azusa, CA 91702
Director - Corey James

Dates:
  • September 22-23, 2023
  • October 13-14, 2023
  • November 17-18, 2023
  • January 12-13, 2024
  • February 2-3, 2024
  • March 1-2, 2024
  • March 22-23, 2024

NOTE: All Fridays will convene online and all Saturdays will convene in-person.


Personnel Administrators - Danville

Hybrid Format
San Ramon Valley USD, Board Room, 699 Old Orchard Dr., Danville, CA 94526
Director - Sherri Beetz

Dates:
  • September 8-9, 2023
  • October 6-7, 2023
  • December 8-9, 2023
  • January 12-13, 2024
  • February 9-10, 2024
  • March 22-23, 2024
  • April 12-13, 2024

NOTE: All Fridays will convene online and all Saturdays will convene in-person.


Personnel Administrators - Irvine
Virtual/Online format
Directors - Susan Kemp & Eamonn O'Donovan

Dates:

  • September 8-9, 2023
  • October 6-7, 2023
  • October 20-21, 2023
  • December 8-9, 2023
  • January 5-6, 2024
  • February 2-3, 2024
  • March 15-16, 2024

Personnel Administrators - Ontario
Virtual/Online format
Directors - Michael Lin & Sam Buenrostro

Dates:
  • October 6-7, 2023
  • November 17-18, 2023
  • December 8-9, 2023
  • January 12-13, 2024
  • February 23-24, 2024
  • March 8-9, 2024
  • April 12-13, 2024

Personnel Administrators – Rancho Cordova
Hybrid format
Folsom Cordova USD, Board Room, 1965 Birkmont Dr., Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
Director - Donald Ogden

Dates:
  • September 8-9, 2023
  • October 6-7, 2023
  • November 17-18, 2023
  • December 1-2, 2023
  • February 2-3, 2024
  • March 1-2, 2024
  • April 5-6, 2024

NOTE: All Fridays will convene online and all Saturdays will convene in-person.


Personnel Administrators - Roseville
Virtual/Online format
Director - Colleen Slattery

Dates:
  • September 8-9, 2023
  • October 6-7, 2023
  • October 27-28, 2023
  • December 8-9, 2023
  • January 19-20, 2024
  • February 2-3, 2024
  • March 1-2, 2024


Personnel Administrators - Salinas
Hybrid Format
Monterey County Office of Education, 901 Blanco Circle, Salinas, CA 93912
Directors - Leigh Butler & Cindy Altemeyer

Dates:

  • September 22-23, 2023
  • October 20-21, 2023
  • November 17-18, 2023
  • December 8-9, 2023
  • January 12-13, 2024
  • February 16-17, 2024
  • March 8-9, 2024

NOTE: All Fridays will convene online and all Saturdays will convene in-person.

Personnel Administrators - San Diego
Virtual/Online format
Director - Cindy Frazee

Dates:
  • September 22-23, 2023
  • October 20-21, 2023
  • November 17-18, 2023
  • December 8-9, 2023
  • January 12-13, 2024
  • February 9-10, 2024
  • March 15-16, 2024

Personnel Administrators - Stockton
Virtual/Online format

Director - Christina Torres-Peters

Dates:
  • September 8-9, 2023
  • October 20-21, 2023
  • November 17-18, 2023
  • December 8-9, 2023
  • January 12-13, 2024
  • February 23-24, 2024
  • March 22-23, 2024

Principals

Principals Academy

Intended Audience
New and aspiring Principals; Assistant and Vice Principals; Academic Coaches and new district or county office administrators responsible for supporting principals

The ACSA Principals Academy, for new or aspiring principals, is designed to build the capacity of the next generation of principals to become transformational leaders who can identify critical paradigm shifts, create a guiding and unifying vision through inspiration, and execute essential change with site staff. Presentations and interactive sessions are presented by experienced school administrators from a variety of departments involved in school and district operations, and experienced practicing school principals.

The intensive academy focus is on developing and refining applied leadership and management skills required of principals at the elementary, middle grades and high school levels within the context of local control accountability planning and the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF).

For CTC-approved Clear Administrative Services Credential programs, and with prior approval of the credentialing program leadership, academy hours may be used toward completing annual required professional development requirements.


Specific themes include:

  • Principal leadership.
  • Leading the implementation of the California State Standards.
  • High quality instruction.
  • Learning assessments.
  • Change and growth.
  • Leadership in challenging times.
  • School climate and culture.
  • Social Emotional Learning.
  • Finance.
  • Personnel/school law.
  • Communication.

The extensive course syllabus and materials provided to participants are exceptional resources for ongoing reference and career planning.


2023-2024 Meeting format

Participants experience 80 hours of professional learning over seven extended Academy weekends in a Virtual/Online meeting format for 10 hours per weekend.

The academy meets on Fridays, 5:00p.m.- 8:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.*
*Please note that Saturday hours may vary.

Register with Credit Card, Purchase Order or 3 Month Installment Payment Plan

  1. Payment will be due in full with a credit card or
  2. A valid purchase order must be received to complete registration. Purchase order numbers alone are not sufficient as payment. A $50 processing fee applies to each individual Academy registration.
  3. Under extenuating circumstances, you can set up a 3 month installment payment plan and pay in three consecutive monthly installments using a credit card

Registration Closed


Principals - Rancho Cucamonga
Virtual/Online format
Director - Charles "Derrick" Lawson

Dates:
  • September 8-9, 2023
  • September 22-23, 2023
  • October 13-14, 2023
  • November 17-18, 2023
  • December 15-16, 2023
  • January 12-13, 2024
  • February 2-3, 2024
  • March 1-2, 2024

Principals - Sacramento
Virtual/Online format
Directors - Julie Braun Martin & Karen Sakata

Dates:
  • September 15-16, 2023
  • October 6-7, 2023
  • November 17-18, 2023
  • December 8-9, 2023
  • January 19-20, 2024
  • February 23-24, 2024
  • March 15-16, 2024
  • April 5-6, 2024

Pupil
Services

Pupil Services Academy

Intended Audience
Assistant/Associate Superintendents of Student Services; (general and Special Education) district administrators including coordinators and directors responsible for child welfare and attendance; district and county office pupil services administrators; site administrators; school counselors; school psychologists; those
aspiring to pupil services leadership; school board members.

The ACSA Pupil Services Academy covers a variety of topics pupil services
administrators must know and understand to be successful at all levels and areas of responsibility. The academy is designed with a consistent focus on equity, leadership, communication, prevention, and intervention. Sessions include best practices and strategies and resources for methods of implementation. Within the context of local control accountability planning and the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), the academy integrates the principles of:
  • organization and cultural environment,
  • dynamics of strategic issues management,
  • ethical and reflective leadership,
  • analysis and development of public policy, and
  • management of information systems and human and fiscal resources

For CTC-approved Clear Administrative Services Credential programs, and with prior approval of the credentialing program leadership, academy hours may be used toward completing annual required professional development requirements.

Specific themes include:

  • Enrollment Processes.
  • Equity and Due Process.
  • Leadership in Interagency Coordination and Community Outreach.
  • Accountability and Evaluation.
  • School Attendance and School Attendance Review Board (SARB).
  • Alternatives to Discipline and Behavior Issues
  • Safe Schools
  • Suspension and Expulsion.
  • School Placements, Transfers, and Appeals.
  • Student Records, Confidentiality, and Custody Issues.
  • Home and Hospital Instruction.
  • Section 504 Issues.
  • Early Intervening: Pre-Referral through Referral Process.
  • Advocacy for Students.
  • Legal Updates: State and Federal Laws Affecting.
  • Registration Pupil Services.

2023-2024 Meeting format

Participants experience 70 hours of professional learning over seven extended Academy weekends in a Virtual/Online or Hybrid meeting format for 10 hours per weekend.

The academy meets on Fridays, 5:00p.m. - 8:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 8:30a.m. - 3:30 p.m.*
*Please note that Saturday hours may vary.

Register with Credit Card, Purchase Order or 3 Month Instalment Plan

  1. Payment will be due in full with a credit card or
  2. A valid purchase order must be received to complete registration. Purchase order numbers alone are not sufficient as payment. A $50 processing fee applies to each individual Academy registration.
  3. Under extenuating circumstances, you can set up a 3 month installment payment plan and pay in three consecutive monthly installments using a credit card

Registration Closed

Pupil Services - Upland
Hybrid format
Upland USD, Board Room, 390 North Euclid Avenue, Upland, CA 91786
Directors - Sherman Garnett & Donald English

Dates:
  • September 15-16, 2023
  • October 13-14, 2023
  • December 8-9, 2023
  • January 12-13, 2024
  • February 23-24, 2024
  • March 15-16, 2024
  • April 19-20, 2024

Note: All Fridays will convene online and all Saturdays will convene in-person.


Pupil Services - Walnut Creek
Virtual/Online format
Director - Steven France

Dates:
  • September 8-9. 2023
  • October 20-21, 2023
  • December 15-16, 2023
  • January 19-20, 2024
  • February 9-10, 2024
  • March 8-9, 2024
  • April 12-13, 2024

School
Business

School Business Academy

Intended Audience
Superintendents and Cabinet members; newly appointed and aspiring Chief Business Officials; Educational Services and Human Resources administrators, Principals, and other district staff seeking an in-depth introduction to school business operations; School Board Members

The ACSA School Business Academy provides a comprehensive, concentrated curriculum tailored to the unique demands of business management in the education setting.

The academy is the only source of specialized training in all facets of school business operations available to new or aspiring school business administrators. Presentations and discussion sessions are led by seasoned professionals who use practical examples of effective business management techniques. The School Business Academy focuses on building the practical skills and understanding of organizational principles required for today’s administrators within the context of local control accountability planning and the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF).

This Academy is not part of a certification pathway. Administrators seeking Chief Business Official certification are encouraged to complete the Business Executives Leadership Program, in its entirety, with the California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO).

For CTC-approved Clear Administrative Services Credential programs, and with prior approval of the credentialing program leadership, academy hours may be used toward completing annual required professional development requirements.

Specific themes include:

Leadership, Organization and Personnel Relationships in Business Services
  • Selection, training and supervision of staff.
  • Superintendent, CBO, board relations.
  • Strategic planning.
  • Legislation and advocacy.
  • Leadership and relationships.
  • Collective bargaining.
  • Collaboration and internal controls between business services and human resources departments.
  • Communications within school business department.
Budget Preparation and Control
  • Legal provisions and restrictions.
  • Estimating attendance, enrollments, income and expenditures.
  • Budget, calendar planning and development.
  • Development of the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP).
  • Managing school district budgets including site-based and curriculum-driven budgets with an equity lens.
  • Fiscal oversight.
School Finance, Accounting and Auditing
  • Standard account code structures.
  • History of school finance.
  • Financing alternatives.
  • Understanding the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF).
  • Special Education funding, programs and efficiency.
  • Purpose of auditing.
  • Attendance accounting.
  • Associated Student Body (ASB)/Booster group accounting.
Business Operations
  • Facilities planning, and financing.
  • Purchasing and contracts.
  • Pupil transportation.
  • Food services.
  • Technology and information management.
  • Risk management.
  • Maintenance and operations.

2023-2024 Meeting format

Participants experience 100 hours of professional learning over seven extended Academy weekends in a Virtual/Online meeting format for 10 hours per weekend.

The academy meets on Fridays, 4:00-8:00 p.m., and Saturdays, 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.*
*Please note that Saturday hours may vary.

Register with Credit Card, Purchase Order or 3 Month Installment Payment Plan

  1. Payment will be due in full with a credit card or
  2. A valid purchase order must be received to complete registration. Purchase order numbers alone are not sufficient as payment. A $50 processing fee applies to each individual Academy registration.
  3. Under extenuating circumstances, you can set up a 3 month installment payment plan and pay in three consecutive monthly installments using a credit card

Registration Closed

School Business - Riverside
Virtual/Online format
Director - Candace Reines

Dates:
  • September 8-9, 2023
  • September 22-23, 2023
  • October 13-14, 2023
  • November 17-18, 2023
  • December 8-9, 2023
  • January 26-27, 2024
  • February 9-10, 2024
  • March 1-2, 2024
  • March 15-16, 2024
  • April 12-13, 2024

Special
Education

Special Education Academy

Intended Audience
Assistant Superintendents and Directors of Special Education or Student Services; program coordinators, intervention specialists; county office, charter, district and site administrators responsible for special education at the school, district or SELPA levels; aspiring special education administrators; those seeking to improve their knowledge and skills in service to students

The ACSA Special Education Academy provides current and relevant training for successful administrators at all levels and areas of responsibility related to special education programs and services. Participants are provided essential information and resources through a consistent academy focus through the lenses of equity, leadership, communication, prevention and intervention, partner involvement, and fiscal responsibility. The academy integrates:

  • principles of organization and cultural environment,
  • dynamics of strategic issues management,
  • ethical and reflective leadership,
  • analysis of public policy, and
  • management of information systems, and human and fiscal resources

in consideration of the larger implications of funding and accountability relevant to special education, and to local control accountability planning and the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF).

The academy highlights legal and practical implementation features related to special education topics and themes, and provides a firm foundation for working within the educational services realms of general education and special education at the site and district level.

For CTC-approved Clear Administrative Services Credential programs, and with prior approval of the credentialing program leadership, academy hours may be used toward completing annual required professional development requirements.

Specific themes include:

  • Historical and statewide perspective of special education.
  • Section 504 and ADA regulations and requirements.
  • Multi-Tiered System of Supports and Universal Design for Learning for all students.
  • Assessment and procedural safeguards for ensuring a quality IEP.
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution.
  • Mediation and Due Process hearings.
  • Disciplinary protections for students with disablilities
  • Curriculum, instruction and California State Standards for special education students.
  • State and Federal laws affecting special education.
  • Disproportionality and Significant Disproportionality.
  • Emerging multilingual and multicultural learners.
  • Advocacy for students with disabilities.
  • Current issues facing special education, including legal hot topics.
  • Funding and budget development.
  • Human resources, credentialing and staffing, and evaluation of special education programs.
  • Educational reform inclusive of special education.
  • Expansion of early learning programs.
  • State and Federal accountability and evaluation.
  • Special education transitions.

2023-2024 Meeting Formats

Participants experience 70 hours of professional learning over seven extended Academy weekends in a Virtual/Online or Hybrid meeting format for 10 hours per weekend.

The academy meets on Fridays, 5:00-8:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.*
*Please note that Saturday hours may vary.

Register with Credit Card, Purchase Order or 3 Month Installment Plan

  1. Payment will be due in full with a credit card or
  2. A valid purchase order must be received to complete registration. Purchase order numbers alone are not sufficient as payment. A $50 processing fee applies to each individual Academy registration.
  3. Under extenuating circumstances, you can set up a 3 month installment payment plan and pay in three consecutive monthly installments using a credit card

Registration Closed

Special Education - Arcadia
Hybrid format
Arcadia USD, Staff Development Room, 150 S. 3rd Ave., Arcadia, CA 91006
Directors - Jennifer Yales & Katherine Mahoney

Dates:
  • September 8-9, 2023
  • October 6-7, 2023
  • November 17-18, 2023
  • December 8-9, 2023
  • January 19-20, 2024
  • February 23-24, 2024
  • March 15-16, 2024

*Note: All Fridays will convene online and all Saturdays will convene in-person.


Special Education – Redwood City
Virtual/Online format
Director – Mary Yung

Dates:
  • September 22-23, 2023
  • October 13-14, 2023
  • November 17-18, 2023
  • December 8-9, 2023
  • January 19-20, 2024
  • February 9-10, 2024
  • March 22-23, 2024

Special Education – Riverside
Virtual/Online format
Director – Barbara Sorter

Dates:
  • September 8-9, 2023
  • October 13-14, 2023
  • December 1-2, 2023
  • January 5-6, 2024
  • February 23-24, 2024
  • March 15-16, 2024
  • April 19-20, 2024

Superintendents

Superintendents Academy

Intended Audience
New Superintendents and Superintendent/Principals; Assistant Superintendents and Cabinet Members; principals responsible for district operations; district and county office administrators including those aspiring to the superintendency

The ACSA Superintendents Academy offers an excellent, intensive forum for new or aspiring superintendents to develop the fundamental skills needed to effectively lead a California school district within the context of local control accountability planning and the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF). Presentations and discussion sessions are conducted by an experienced faculty of superintendents who blend leadership and management theory with practical applications and examples.

For CTC-approved Clear Administrative Services Credential programs, and with prior approval of the credentialing program leadership, academy hours may be used toward completing annual required professional development requirements.

Specific themes include:

The Superintendency
  • Leadership role of superintendents.
  • Managing the change process.
  • Ethical and reflective leadership.
  • Challenges facing new superintendents.
  • Keys to personal advancement.
  • Equity-minded leadership.
District Management
  • School district organization.
  • Management skills.
  • Community partnerships.
  • Developing a positive district climate.
  • Strategic planning.
Human Relations
  • Instructional/management team building.
  • Shared decision making and restructuring.
  • Board/superintendent relations.
  • Negotiations and collective bargaining.
  • Personnel management, evaluation and employee relations.
Instructional Leadership
  • Staff development.
  • Improving and evaluating instructional programs.
  • Instructional materials selection, censorship and critical curriculum issues.
  • Educational technology uses in management and instruction.
Policies and Procedures
  • Superintendent contracts.
  • California law and the superintendency.
  • School finance and budgeting.
  • Implementing the Ed Code and other state regulations.

The ACSA Superintendents Academy is widely regarded as the “fast track” into the superintendency. The academy helps participants avoid pitfalls, learn practical tips from seasoned superintendents, and build a resource network of colleagues. The extensive course syllabus and materials provided to each participant are exceptional resources for ongoing reference.


2023-2024 Meeting format

Participants experience 70 hours of professional learning over seven extended Academy weekends in a Virtual/Online or Hybrid meeting format for 10 hours per weekend.

The academy meets on Fridays, 5:00-8:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.*
*Please note that Saturday hours may vary.


More learning opportunities like this:

ACSA offers two premier professional learning programs for Superintendents. Please click here to review a side by side comparison of both programs.

New Superintendents Seminar Series

Register with Credit Card, Purchase Order or 3 Month Installment Payment Plan

  1. Payment will be due in full with a credit card or
  2. A valid purchase order must be received to complete registration. Purchase order numbers alone are not sufficient as payment. A $50 processing fee applies to each individual Academy registration.
  3. Under extenuating circumstances, you can set up a 3 month installment payment plan and pay in three consecutive monthly installments using a credit card

Registration Closed

Superintendents – Sacramento
Virtual/Online format
Director – David Garcia

Dates:
  • September 15-16, 2023
  • October 13-14, 2023
  • November 17-18, 2023
  • January 12-13, 2024
  • February 9-10, 2024
  • March 15-16, 2024
  • April 12-13, 2024

Superintendents – San Fernando
Virtual/Online format
Director – Michele Bowers

Dates:
  • September 29-30, 2023
  • October 13-14, 2023
  • December 8-9, 2023
  • January 12-13, 2024
  • February 9-10, 2024
  • March 8-9, 2024
  • April 12-13, 2024


Superintendents – Tustin
Hybrid format
Legacy Magnet Academy, Room 2-125, 15500 Legacy Rd, Tustin, CA 92782
Director – Greg Franklin

Dates:
  • September 15-16, 2023
  • October 20-21, 2023
  • December 8-9, 2023
  • January 19-20, 2024
  • February 23-24, 2024
  • March 22-23, 2024
  • April 26-27, 2024

Note: All Fridays will convene online and all Saturdays will convene in-person.

ACSA wishes to acknowledge Lozano Smith for their support of the Superintendents Academies.

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Academies