Closing the Gap in Chronic Absenteeism for Our Black Scholars

What does anti-racism and MTSS look like in the context of reducing chronic absenteeism? Come and learn about how Green Dot Public Schools California has reduced chronic absence by developing a multi-tiered system of support, anchored in 2 core areas: data and communication. We will be sharing specific tools and resources, along with the perspective of a school leader, leading the work.

When/Where:
,
102B, Long Beach Convention Center

Topic:
Strategic Leadership - Data driven leadership

Format:
Breakout Session

Presented by

Leilani Abulon
Chief Academic Officer
Green Dot Public Schools California

Leilani is in her 22nd year with Green Dot Public Schools California and currently serves as the Chief Programs Officer. Prior to that she served in the roles of Vice President of Curriculum and Programs and Area Superintendent. Leilani began her career with Green Dot as a founding teacher at Animo Inglewood. She served the Inglewood community for 11 years, as a teacher, AP and principal before taking on the role of Area Superintendent in 2013. Leilani earned her Masters of Education from LMU in 2005 and her BA in Political Science from UCLA in 2002.

Melissa Pena
Director of Student Services
Green Dot Public Schools California

Melissa Peña is the Director of Student Services for Green Dot Public Schools California where she co-leads work to reduce chronic absenteeism and leads programming to support students experiencing homelessness and youth in foster care. Prior to Green Dot, Melissa served as Managing Director of Career and Training at The Door, a youth development agency in NYC. Melissa also led diversity recruitment efforts at Teach For America. She started her career as a teacher in Newark, New Jersey. She holds an Ed.M from Harvard's Graduate School of Education and a B.A. in Sociology from UC Santa Barbara.