Spring 2026 EXL Academy Details & Resources
Day 1: Thursday, 4/2
Topic: The Science Behind the Quality Standards for Expanded Learning
Description: This session grounds participants in the core principles of Youth Development (YD) and how they show up in high-quality Expanded Learning programs. Participants will explore developmentally appropriate practices, asset-based approaches, and the conditions that support belonging, voice, and growth—laying the foundation for academic success, engagement, and positive school climate.
Moderator:
- Michael Funk, Director, Expanded Learning Division, California Department of Education
Presenters/Panelists:
- Dr. Horatio Blackman, Vice President, K-12 Policy, Education Reform Now
- Dr. Deborah Moroney, Vice President, American Institutes for Research® (AIR)
- Dr. Sandi Simpkins, Professor, School of Education, UC Irvine
This 2-hour workshop included a presentation on the topic and opportunities for participant engagement.
Resources
- Workshop Recording via YouTube
- Presentation Slides PDF
Day 2: Tuesday, 4/7
Topic: Data, Compliance, and Alignment: Navigating CALPADS & PASE for Expanded Learning
Description: This workshop provides timely updates from the California Department of Education CALPADS and School Fiscal Services teams related to Expanded Learning. Participants will gain clarity on reporting requirements, timelines, and common challenges, with an emphasis on alignment between program implementation, data reporting, and fiscal accountability.
Presenters:
- Lindsey Castillo, ASES and 21st CCLC Program Consultant, Expanded Learning Division, California Department of Education
- Lien Chew, Education Fiscal Services Consultant, School Fiscal Services, California Department of Education
- Paula Mishima, Educational Data Management Division, California Department of Education
- Shawna Shepley, Administrator, School Fiscal Services, California Department of Education
- Liberty Van Natten, Director, Educational Data Management Division, California Department of Education
This 2-hour workshop included a presentation on the topic, along with opportunities for participant engagement.
Resources
- Workshop Recording via YouTube
- Presentation Slides PDF
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Presentation Resources:
- CALPADS email: CALPADS@cde.ca.gov
- For fiscal questions related to apportionments or funding, contact the School Fiscal Services Division: PASE@cde.ca.gov
- For questions about attendance recovery, instructional time, and attendance accounting, contact the School Fiscal Services Division: ATTENDANCEACCOUNTING@cde.ca.gov
- For inquiries regarding audits and audit resolution, contact the School Fiscal Services Division: CAAR@cde.ca.gov
- Stay informed by joining CDE’s listserv: PASE: join-pase-contacts@mlist.cde.ca.gov (send a blank e-mail)
- Principal Apportionment: https://www.cde.ca.gov
- Principal Apportionment Payment Schedule: https://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/aa/pa/papayschedule
- Funding Details: https://cde.ca.gov/fg/aa/pa/elop.asp
- ELO-P Audit Finding Calculator: elopauditpenaltycalc23.xlsx
- Education Audit Appeals Panel Audit Guide: https://eaap.ca.gov
- Q & A during the workshop was helpful, and for folks watching this in April, we encourage you to attend our Spring ExL Office Hours for questions you might have – on May 8 & 22, 2026.
Day 3: Wednesday, 4/8
Topic: Making ELO-P Work for Your District: Collaboration Between Program, Finance, & Leadership
Description: ELO-P works best when it is an essential component of a district’s vision to support students and families. Hear from a school district superintendent and school business officials about how they align budgets, staffing, and partnerships to build high-quality, impactful programs for students and the broader district community.
Moderator:
- Michael Funk, Director, Expanded Learning Division, California Department of Education
Presenters/Panelists:
- Jeffrey Dixon, Assistant Superintendent, Chief Business Official, Newport-Mesa Unified School District
- Paula Ford, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services, Jurupa Unified School District
- Socorro Shiels, Assistant Superintendent, Achievement, Innovation, & Continuous Improvement, Newport-Mesa Unified School District
- Dr. Wes Smith, Superintendent, Newport-Mesa Unified School District
This 2-hour workshop included a presentation on the topic, along with opportunities for participant engagement.
Resources
- Workshop Recording via YouTube
- Presentation Slides PDF