Spring 2026 EXL Academy
Spring 2026 Expanded Learning Academy
April 1, 2, 7 & 8, 2026
Registration is OPEN for the Spring 2025 ExL Academy!
The California AfterSchool Network, in partnership with the California Department of Education’s Expanded Learning Division, is excited to co-host the Spring 2026 Expanded Learning (ExL) Academy!
The Spring ExL Academies are a multi-day, virtual learning series designed to support district, school, and community partner practitioners in the design and ongoing implementation of California’s Expanded Learning programs (ASES, 21st CCLC, and ELO-P). These Academy workshops prioritize practical application, peer learning, and collaboration—they are intentionally designed as interactive learning spaces rather than traditional webinars.
Outline of Workshops:
- April 1: Partnering with Expanded Learning to Support Student Academic Success
- April 2: The Science Behind the Quality Standards for Expanded Learning
- April 7: Data, Compliance, and Alignment: Navigating CALPADS & PASE for Expanded Learning
- April 8: Making ELO-P Work for Your District: Collaboration Between Program, Finance, & Leadership
Registration and details are listed below.
Spring 2026 EXL Academy Registration & Details
Day 1: Wednesday, 4/1
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Topic: Partnering with Expanded Learning to Support Student Academic Success
Description: Details coming soon!
Field Spotlight Presenter: Details coming soon!
This 2-hour workshop included a presentation on the topic and opportunities for participants to engage.
Registration Link
Day 2: Thursday, 4/2
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
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.
Presenters:
- Michael Funk, Director, Expanded Learning Division, California Department of Education
- Deborah Moroney, Vice President, American Institutes for Research® (AIR)
- Dr. Horatio Blackman, Vice President for Education Policy, Advocacy, and Engagement, National Urban League
- Sandi Simkins, Professor, School of Education, UC Irvine
Field Spotlight Presenter: Coming Soon!
This 2-hour workshop included a presentation on the topic and opportunities for participants to engage.
Registration Link
Day 3: Tuesday, 4/7
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
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, PASE, California Department of Education
- Shawna Shepley, PASE, California Department of Education
- Paula Mishima, Educational Data Management Division, California Department of Education
- Liberty Van Natten, Director, Educational Data Management Division, California Department of Education
Field Spotlight Presenter: Coming Soon!
This 2-hour workshop included a presentation on the topic and opportunities for participants to engage.
Registration Link
Day 4: Wednesday, 4/8
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
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.
Presenters:
- Michael Funk, Director, Expanded Learning Division, California Department of Education
- Dr. Wes Smith, Superintendent, Newport Mesa Unified School District
- Tina Douglas, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services, La Mesa-Springs Valley Schools
- Paula Ford, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services, Jurupa Unified School District
Field Spotlight Presenter: Coming soon!
This 2-hour workshop included a presentation on the topic and opportunities for participants to engage.
Registration Link
Click Here to Access Past ELO-P Convening Resources!
This page should redirect to: https://www.afterschoolnetwork.org/ca-elo-convenings
Learn About the System of Support for Expanded Learning
The California Department of Education Expanded Learning Division (CDE EXLD) formed a statewide, comprehensive System of Support for Expanded Learning (SSEL). The SSEL provides field-based, comprehensive Technical Assistance (TA) focused on meeting program requirements and enhancing capacity to establish and maintain high-quality California Expanded Learning opportunities. The SSEL offers a diverse range of tools and resources to aid in this process.