Join WestEd at the 2026 BOOST Conference, April 28–May 1, 2026, at the Palm Springs Convention Center in Palm Springs, California.
BOOST is an all-inclusive convening supporting global educators and youth development professionals working with children, youth, families, and communities during in-school and out-of-school hours.
Who Should Attend
- Superintendents and district administrators
- Principals and teachers
- School counselors
- Program directors, managers, and site coordinators
WestEd Presentations
April 30, 2026
The Compass Care Program: A Wraparound Approach Helping Families and Schools Address Chronic Absenteeism
Time and Location: 3:45–5:15 p.m., Smoketree A–C
Moderator: Rebeca Cerna (WestEd)
Panelists: Jaz Ponce (Seneca Family of Agencies) and Jonathan Nakamoto (WestEd)
Compass Care is a family-centered wraparound program using strengths-based practices to address barriers to student attendance. The workshop begins with an overview of the program by a Wellness Coach, followed by WestEd’s review of preliminary positive findings from an evaluation of Compass Care and a summary of how to evaluate chronic absenteeism programs. Finally, WestEd will contextualize how Compass Care fits in with other California initiatives and approaches to improving school climate.
May 1, 2026
Findings From the California Department of Education’s 2023 and 2025 Legislative Reports on Expanded Learning Programs
Time and Location: 9:15–11:15 a.m., Room: Chino A/B
Presenters: Jonathan Nakamoto (WestEd) and Shannon McCullough (WestEd)
The California Department of Education reported to the legislature on its Expanded Learning Programs in 2023 and 2025. Using data from 2020–21 and 2022–23, this workshop provides an overview of the type and quality of these programs and the characteristics of the students participating in them. The workshop reviews the programs’ positive impact on school-day attendance, mathematics achievement, English language proficiency, and college and career readiness.
Don’t miss these important sessions—add them to your BOOST Conference calendar!
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