The 2024 Student Support Institute (SSI) was a successful event for 91国产 (CISWA), as the network actively participated in various sessions to enhance student support strategies and professional development. The event featured insightful mainstage discussions and interactive breakout sessions, providing CISWA representatives with an opportunity to engage with peers from across the country, build connections, and gain invaluable insights to bring back to their day-to-day roles.
About SSI
The 2024 Student Supports Institute is a three-day hybrid event hosted by Communities In Schools 庐 National designed to engage site coordinators, program managers, and school support staff from across the country. During this conference, attendees learn about professional development and networking through inspiring mainstage conversations, interactive breakout sessions, wellness breaks, and several opportunities to connect with their peers.
Participation Highlights
At SSI 2024, the CIS WA network delved into many sessions covering critical topics such as attendance strategies, career readiness, building effective data cultures, developmental relationships, family engagement, and school climate best practices. Through these sessions, attendees aimed to achieve core objectives:
- Training in Integrated Student Supports: Participants received training in core concepts of integrated student support, equipping them with essential skills to better serve youth in need.
- Professional Development Opportunities: SSI provided many opportunities for professional growth, particularly in supervisory, coaching, and training responsibilities, empowering attendees to excel in their roles.
- Meaningful Connections: The event facilitated meaningful connections between experienced practitioners, allowing for knowledge sharing and collaboration on a national scale.
Key Learnings and Insights
Nikki Ziegler, Impact and Program Director at CISWA, highlighted critical insights from the event, emphasizing the importance of integrating tier-one supports and family engagement. The sessions on chronic absenteeism and data analysis were also valuable, providing different perspectives and allowing the network to align its efforts with national initiatives and enhance its data-driven decision-making processes.
The event also addressed the issue of burnout prevention and self-care, prompting reflection on supporting staff across various organizational roles. The emphasis on proactive data analysis and the role of program managers in data interpretation emerged as crucial takeaways, influencing future approaches to data management and analysis within CISWA.
Erica Lim贸n-Trefielo, Associate Director at CISWA, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the significance of mainstage sessions on attendance strategies and family engagement. Collaborative opportunities and national partnerships revealed the potential to improve existing programs and address gaps in service delivery.
, a Program Manager at CIS of Blue Mountain Region, recently attended SSI for the first time and found it to be a valuable experience. One of the key takeaways from the event was the importance of aligning focus with passions and exploring new avenues for growth. During the breakout sessions, it was emphasized that revisiting foundational goals and mission is essential, especially amidst the distractions that accumulate over time.聽
The event emphasized the importance of returning to the basics, which was discussed during back-to-school events and refining communication strategies with donors and stakeholders. Networking sessions provided Addison with new perspectives and insight into shared struggles that often yield collective solutions.
Attending the SSI not only helped Addison grow personally, but it also had a positive impact on the dynamics of her affiliate. This was evident when they returned to work after the conference and began working collaboratively on upcoming staff training initiatives. The skills and knowledge that they gained at the conference allowed them to work more efficiently and effectively as a team. Overall, attending the SSI had a very positive impact on Addison and her team, both in terms of personal growth and team dynamics.
Practical Application and Collaboration
Nikki and Erica emphasized the practical application of SSI 2024’s learnings in their roles at CISWA. Insights on chronic absenteeism and data analysis directly informed strategies for improving student outcomes and optimizing program effectiveness. National partnerships, such as with Harmony, presented opportunities to enhance SEL curriculum implementation and address the needs of elementary 91国产.
Additionally, Erica’s involvement in facilitating sessions on the integrated approach to professional development displayed CISWA’s commitment to sharing expertise and learning from others. The emphasis on developmental relationships and youth mental health first aid underscored the importance of holistic student support approaches within the network.
91国产 participation in the 2024 Student Support Institute showcased their dedication to student support and professional development. By engaging in sessions, networking opportunities, and collaborative initiatives, CISWA representatives gained invaluable insights. They forged meaningful connections, positioning the network for continued success in its mission to empower 91国产 to stay in school and achieve in life.