Leadership Center Newsletter
JANUARY 2024
OCTOBER 2024
The Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) Leadership Center is delighted to share our monthly newsletter. Our mission in this newsletter is to keep you engaged and informed. In addition, we will spotlight exemplary leaders from various sectors across the county.
At the RCOE Leadership Center, we understand the value of continuous growth and development in leadership. We are dedicated to supporting your journey toward becoming a more effective and impactful leader. Should you have any questions on customized supports to meet your leadership needs, please do not hesitate to reach out.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude for being a part of this leadership community and look forward to navigating the path forward alongside you in the 2024-2025 school year.
Visit www.rcoe.us/leadership-center to learn more about the RCOE Leadership Center.
LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT
DR. EDWIN GOMEZ, RIVERSIDE COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, ANNOUNCES FOSTER YOUTH SUCCESS INITIATIVE
Statistics showing educational performance, attendance, suspension, and post-secondary success by foster students, consistently fall below the outcomes from almost every other student group in Riverside County and throughout California and the United States.
As a response, Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez, has announced the new Foster Youth Success Initiative to address these challenges and help foster students move from surviving to striving to thriving.
From individual student support tools and foster parent resources to educator training tools and bridging programs to higher education, the Foster Youth Success Initiative fosters collaboration between schools, communities, and government agencies, and aims to ensure that students receive the essential services and support they need to be successful.
“When all the data points are revealing that outcomes for foster youth are lower in almost every measurable category—from academics and attendance to graduation and social-emotional wellness—we have an obligation as educators to ask ourselves whether we are doing everything we can to support our foster students,” said Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez. “This new initiative is an outgrowth of our Equity & Inclusive Practices Initiative that is re-shaping mindsets and removing barriers that stand in the way of student success. I look forward to working with educators, civic leaders, community organizations, and government agencies to pave the way for a brighter future for foster youth in Riverside County.”
Data points showcasing the need for the Foster Youth Success Initiative include:
- Nearly 30,000 foster youth are enrolled in public schools in California—2,934 in Riverside County. (Dataquest, California Department of Education)
- Approximately 60% of California foster youth graduate from high school, compared with 86% of non-foster youth, according to the California Department of Education (CDE) Foster Youth Data and Statistics. They are also more likely to drop out, be chronically absent, be suspended, and switch schools frequently.
- Foster youth enrolled at college within a year of high school graduation nearly 20% less often than non-foster youth, (DataQuest, California Department of Education).
- Less than 4% of foster youth in California complete a four-year degree, according to the California Youth Transitions to Adulthood Study from 2021.
Initiative launch efforts include the creation of a dedicated Foster Youth Success website, communications materials, foster youth panel discussions, documentary film screenings about foster youth, and intra-divisional collaboration within RCOE to identify strategic direction and partnerships.
Initiative activities to improve outcomes for foster youth include seven areas of focus:
- Academic Support
- Support for Families
- Social and Emotional Support
- Interagency Communication and Collaboration
- District Support and Capacity Building
- Stability and Continuity
- Transition Planning
The Foster Youth Success Initiative will also supplement and expand RCOE’s existing Foster Youth Services Coordinating Program that provides direct support to school districts and foster youth in Riverside County as funded by a grant from the California Department of Education.
As the fifth initiative announced by Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez, the Foster Youth Success Initiative joins four other initiatives that were launched in the fall of 2020, including the Equity & Inclusive Practices Initiative, Literacy by 5th Grade Initiative, Mental Health Initiative, and the Financial Literacy Initiative. More information on all five initiatives is available on the Superintendent's Initiatives web page.
For community members or educators interested in being more involved in the Foster Youth Success Initiative, or any of the RCOE initiatives, please contact Dr. Jason Jones at jjones@rcoe.us or (951) 826-6054.
The Leadership Academy is a dynamic educational environment of forward-thinking, systems conscientious professionals integrating learning with practical application for results. As leaders navigate the path forward, these academies underpin the support, calibration, and expertise needed by new and experienced administrators to create enduring success in schools and districts.
Trust & Inspire
The Riverside County Office of Education is pleased to invite you to our upcoming Trust & Inspire Workshop, a three-part series designed to empower educational leaders like you. Participants will deepen their understanding of how to shift from command and control to Trust and Inspire leadership.
Through engaging discussions and practical exercises, attendees will learn how to internalize and embody fundamental beliefs of leadership and critical stewardship to further enhance their ability to foster trust, inspire their teams, and drive excellence in their organizations.
Part 1: Cultivating Trust and Inspiration in Leadership
Part 2: The Three Stewardships of a Trust and Inspire Leader
Part 3: Trust and Inspire Series Culmination and Celebration
In addition, each participant will receive two group coaching sessions with Dr. Candace Singh to directly impact the sustainability of the practices being shared at the workshop.
Workshops and Coaching will be led by Dr. Candace Singh.
Dr. Candy Singh has dedicated 34 years to PK-12 and higher education, currently serving as Clinical Professor of Leadership, Superintendent in Residence, and Director of the Center for Educational Leadership at the University of La Verne (ULV). Prior to her retirement from PK-12, she spent over 11 years as a school district superintendent, receiving the California 2022 Exemplary Woman in Education Award from the Association of CA School Administrators (ACSA). A first-generation college graduate, Candy holds a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, a Master's degree in Educational Administration, and a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership. Her research focuses on leadership practices that enhance employee effectiveness and job satisfaction.
Thursday, Nov 21, 2024, 03:30 PM
4280 Brockton Avenue, Riverside, CA, USA
FIRST 100 DAYS
Congratulations on your new role as a leader to your school site!
You certainly have an exciting journey ahead of you. The first 100 days are indeed crucial for setting the tone and vision for your leadership.
The Riverside County Office of Education Leadership Center is excited to provide support for this important window of time. This four part series is designed to help you navigate the key aspects of your role, from preparing and assessing, building community, instructional leadership, and solidifying your vision.
Time will be spent learning, networking, and developing goals to directly support your context.
Register to participate in this unique experience designed for those in new positions just like you.
All participants will receive individualized coaching between each session.
Who should attend: Site Leaders (New to Site or Role)
Monday, Dec 2, 2024, 03:30 PM
Riverside County Office of Education Conference Center, Brockton Avenue, Riverside, CA, USA
The Whole Story: Women in Leadership Academy
What stories do you share with others? Do your stories align with your aspirations, goals, and dreams? Are you actively shaping your own story?
Join a transformative movement where the story is the catalyst, balance is the goal, and thriving in wholeness is the ultimate victory. This academy will focus on women in leadership focused on developing their story which empowers them to tell their unique story through conflict, context, and conclusion.
These sessions will not only aid you in crafting your leadership narrative but also provide a platform to connect with other women across the industry, facilitating discussion on values, balance, health, and ultimately, wholeness.
Who Should Attend: Women in leadership positions across various sectors, including business, education, public services, and non-profit organizations are encouraged to attend.
Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024, 04:00 PM
Riverside County Office of Education, 13th Street, Riverside, CA, USA
Planting the Seeds of Change: PK-3 Leadership
As California schools continue to implement universal Pre-Kindergarten and rigorous foundational and developmentally appropriate practices through 3rd grade, the pivotal role of leadership becomes increasingly indispensable in ensuring academic success across all levels.
The Riverside County Office of Education's Early Education Programs and Leadership Center will share valuable practices aimed at fostering alignment from Pre-Kindergarten through 3rd grade, concurrently addressing the nuances of effectively managing complex organizational change.
In this academy series from two experienced leaders in preschool and elementary education, you will learn more about:
- Newly adopted California Preschool Learning Foundations
- Using data to support PK-3 alignment of your instructional program
- Next steps to navigate 2025-2026
- Leadership strategies for navigating complex change
- Opportunities for engagement and networking with fellow elementary site leaders
Who Should Attend: Elementary Site Leaders and Early Education District Leaders
Tuesday, Jan 14, 2025, 03:30 PM
3939 13th Street, Riverside, CA 92501 USA
Journey to Leadership
Have you been exploring how to further your impact in education? Has this exploration led you to thinking about completing an Administrative Credentialing Program?
In partnership with the School of Education Center for Administrator Preparation, the Riverside County Office of Education Leadership Center is offering the Journey to Leadership, an academy that will guide a cohort of driven educational leaders exploring next steps in their career.
Topics include:
- Guiding the Future: Unveiling the Essence of Educational Leadership
- Leadership Paths: A Day in the Life of Site Leaders
- Navigating the Landscape of Leadership: Essential Insights from Certificated Teacher to Administrator- Your Next Step: Securing a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential
Who Should Attend: Educators interested in a professional path towards Site Leadership. This Academy is intended for those who have not yet started a credentialing program.
Tuesday, Jan 21, 2025, 04:00 PM
Riverside County Office of Education Conference Center, Brockton Avenue, Riverside, California, USA
A gathering of leaders to discuss, collaborate, and be inspired by other leaders who are navigating the path forward and setting improved direction in the organizational proficiency and well-being. These conferences will build your capacity as a leader in whatever type of role you serve.
The Whole Story: WEAVING A TAPESTRY OF STRENGTH
This Executive Women's Leadership Convention is a vibrant platform for women in leadership, dedicated to empowering them to embrace their narratives while balancing the complexities of identity, professional roles, personal dimensions, and community wholeness.
Join others in this dynamic experience where our stories are woven together, creating a stronger, more resilient fabric than any of us could achieve alone.
Let’s come together to celebrate and strengthen our unique narratives, building a more connected and resilient future as a community of women leaders.
EARLY BIRD CLOSES DECEMBER 20TH
Monday, Feb 24, 2025, 08:30 AM
4280 Brockton Avenue, Riverside, CA, USA
“Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are able to become.” - John Wooden
The Riverside County Office of Education Leadership Center offers opportunities for leaders to improve self-awareness, communication, and relationships. With a foundational understanding of your own emotional intelligences, time will be spent in co-creating a personalized plan to ensure growth in yourself as a leader.
The Riverside County Office of Education Leadership Coaches
Our esteemed coaches are equipped with advanced degrees in Administration, Leadership and Counseling, along with TK-12 site, district, and county level experience. Additionally, our coaches have a deep understanding of current leadership frameworks and research, which enables them to provide high-quality coaching services.
Contact Dr. Emily M. Devor, Administrator, RCOE Leadership Center at edevor@rcoe.us or
(951) 826-6107.
Connection: “...the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.” - Brené Brown
Come together as a leadership community to network, learn, and connect with each other during Office Hours.
Office Hours is time set aside for you to discuss issues that are relevant to leadership today. It may include research from current readings, new legislation, and/or trouble shooting an existing issue.
Monthly Office Hours: 30 - 45 minutes with specific topics followed by open discussions
Who Should Attend: Anyone in a role of leadership.
Date and Time
11:00 AM.
October 30, 2024
January 29, 2025
March 26, 2025
May 28, 2025
YOU MADE IT TO THE END - THANK YOU FOR ENGAGING IN THIS NEWSLETTER!
If there are any changes to the roles of School Site Leadership in your district, please let the Leadership Center know by emailing Dr. Emily M. Devor at edevor@rcoe.us. We want to make sure everyone receives the communications of how the Riverside County Office of Education Leadership Center is supporting growth of all site leaders in Riverside County.