Lunch Bites CA STEAM Symposium

In this episode, Karen Vang shares how STEAM intersects with Early Education, various Early Learning practices which are transferable at all grade levels, and how hands-on, project-based learning includes a lot of intangibles that are hard to measure, but you can determine impact on student learning.

Karen Vang is the Program Manager at the Center for District Innovation And Leadership in Early Education (DIAL EE). Before joining DIAL EE, Karen was responsible for managing early literacy assessments in Oakland, CA, for over 1000 children, conducting data analysis for continuous program improvement, and coordinating professional development across multiple agencies at the Kenneth Rainin Foundation. She initially began her career in early childcare as a student assistant with infants and toddlers, and has also worked as a literacy tutor in a Transitional Kindergarten classroom. Karen holds a BA from the University of California, Berkeley.

Make sure to visit: DIALEE

For more information about the California STEAM Symposium visit: steamcalifornia.org

Anita Miller, Advisor for Chevron Education and Corporate Programs, and Jesse Lovejoy, Director of 49ers EDU and 49ers Museum, provide an honest look behind the scenes at how successful partnerships begin, what the growing pains are, and ideas for how everyone, from classroom teachers to district leadership, can develop partnerships to positively impact their students’ lives.

Make sure to visit the Chevron STEM Zone  and 49ers EDU.

For more information about the California STEAM Symposium visit: steamcalifornia.org

Michael Funk, Director of the Expanded Learning Division at the California Department of Education, encourages every educator to seize the moment with the Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO) Grants. He encourages looking for community solutions to support student growth this summer and beyond while also providing tangible examples for Local Education Agencies and Expanded Learning Partners.

Resources Mentioned:


Free Event: 5/5/21, 9am-3pm PT - A Whole Child Approach to the AB86 Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO) Grant Convening

California Collaborative for Educational Excellence

California AfterSchool Network

Expanded Learning Opportunities Grants Frequently Asked Questions

AB-86 COVID-19 relief and school reopening, reporting, and public health requirements

COVID-19 Relief Funding Summary Sheet from CDE

Jessica Sawko, Associate Director of the California STEM Network, and Juanita Chan, STEM and College and Careers Pathway Coordinator for Rialto Unified School District, join us. We discuss rethinking inclusive practices for a post-distance learning world, and they give tips for advocating for science no matter your role in education.

Our guests also talk about the challenge with measuring potential learning loss and the need for assessments to provide data points to inform the LCAP process occurring now in districts. Both guests also share tools to assist educators in advocating for Science.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

CA4NGSS: Science Advocacy CommunicationsToolkit - Curated core messages, slide presentations, and other communication toolkits

Opportunity for Successful Science Implementation in a Post-Pandemic Climate - Guidance for using the LCAP to Mitigate Science Learning Loss

Note: This was recorded while the state was still in negotiations with the U.S. Department of Education regarding the State Board approved plan for assessment for the 2020/2021. For the latest information on science and other state testing requirements for 2020/2021, please visit CDE’s website.

“I am optimistic.  We went through a really hard time this last year and I am optimistic that we are going to rebuild better and that this is an opportunity for us to really think about what is best for kids, families, and teachers. People are really understanding the benefits are starting early and I’m really hopeful that this will turn into action.”

We welcome Patricia Lozano, Executive Director of Early Edge California, to explore the recently released report, Building A Coherent P-12 Education System In California and reflect on the report’s kick-off webinar. She shares about her journey from Colombia to California. She also lends her expertise to highlight family engagement strategies and the benefits of supporting our multilingual students and families.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:


Executive Summary - Building A Coherent P-12 Education System In California

Full Report - Building A Coherent P-12 Education System In California

Webinar Recording - Improving A Child’s Education Journey: A Conversation About K-12 Policy & Early Learning in California

We explore the recently released Guide To Arts Education In Public Education that was developed by the California State PTA and Create/CA. The guide was created in response to the updated California Arts Standards developed by the California Department of Education. While designed for parents, this guide has many useful resources for educators at every grade level and is also available in both English and Spanish. Learn more about the power of the arts, how to become an Arts Equity District, and the various ways this arts guide can be utilized in your education community by listening today.

Resources Mentioned:

Parents’ Guide To Arts Education In Public Education

Creative Industries Career Map

The Declaration of the Rights of All Students to Equity in Arts Learning

How to become an Arts Equity District

California Arts Standards