2024 Status Report
Universal Transitional Kindergarten Leadership Initiative
“ Leaders for equity in early learning work in partnership with communities and families to ensure rich, inclusive, and joyous early learning environments where all students—especially those who are systemically marginalized and historically underserved—can thrive. District, site, and teacher leaders for equity deepen their capacity to transform education along the P–3 continuum so that children and families can access a developmentally, culturally, and linguistically responsive early learning experience.”
From the Directors
California’s next bold step
Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK) is California’s next bold step to increase access to high-quality and inclusive learning for all 4-year-olds. We know that ensuring rich, inclusive, and joyous early learning environments for all early learners, particularly for traditionally underrepresented students, requires a doubling down on equity-focused leadership.
Putting this into practice is our shared purpose. That’s why 21CSLA (21st Century California School Leadership Academy) is leading a statewide UTK Leadership Initiative to prepare leaders to lead for equity in rolling out California’s groundbreaking TK for all 4-year-olds.
Through a three-level professional learning approach and a Leadership Certificate, we integrate essential knowledge, strategies, and perspectives of early childhood practitioners and scholars to collectively envision and advance equitable schooling for our youngest learners.
By learning, improving, and growing together, we can and will transform schools into the places our students deserve.
Warmly, Rebecca Cheung 21CSLA STATE CENTER DIRECTOR
Aija Simmons UTK LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE DIRECTOR
UTK Professional Learning Modules
California’s Bold Pre-K Policy Aims
Envisioning Equitable Classrooms in Action
Supporting, Integrating, and Aligning Equitable TK Classrooms
Transforming systems for California’s youngest learners
The UTK Professional Learning Modules elevate equity-centered early learning leadership to support teacher leaders, site leaders, and central office leaders in implementing high-quality Universal Transitional Kindergarten across the state. Each research-based UTK module offers six hours of professional learning content on various topics focused on advancing equity in UTK.
Offered in collaboration with the seven Regional Academies, the modules provide leaders with valuable understanding of the pressing issues in implementing Universal Transitional Kindergarten, while surfacing equity leadership considerations.
Leaders further reflect on their local contexts, outlining action steps to support the bold vision and equity aims to transform systems for California’s youngest learners, particularly those who are historically marginalized.
REGIONAL TRAINER CERTIFICATION
UTK Regional Trainer Certification
Ongoing reflection and continuous improvement
The 21CSLA Universal Transitional Kindergarten Initiative provides ongoing support to each Regional Academy as learning modules are released through a “Trainer-of-Trainers” model with a diverse cadre of certified UTK Regional Trainers. To date, over 55 active trainers continue to convene and build capacity by attending a monthly Regional Trainer Community of Practice and engaging in Trainer Inquiry Cycles. The statewide community of practice provides a space of ongoing reflection and continuous improvement to support UTK Regional Trainers as they lead powerful, equity-focused professional learning offerings across the state.
“ Reflecting on our personal experiences and equity concepts is crucial for creating inclusive educational practices that cater to everyone.”
—21CSLA UTK REGIONAL TRAINER
“ The UTK Leadership Certificate Program is essential for elementary school administrators. It has empowered me to effectively support TK–3rd-grade teachers in adopting innovative strategies and collaborating constructively with families. This comprehensive approach ensures our younger students feel safe, supported, and valued.”
—LUISA PARKINSON, DEAN OF STUDENT ENGAGEMENT, BUENA VISTA ELEMENTARY
UTK Leadership Certificate
A comprehensive equity-forward curriculum
To prepare the future administrative workforce, 21CSLA has joined forces with UC Berkeley School of Education and UC Berkeley Extension to create the Universal Transitional Kindergarten Leadership Certificate.
This two-course professional certificate program focuses on promoting equity and inclusion in P–3 instructional leadership. It is offered in a live virtual format and fully subsidized by 21CSLA for those in the process of earning their administrative credential (PASC/CASC or Holder of Certificate of Eligibility).
The program provides a comprehensive equity-forward curriculum covering crucial areas such as purposeful play, policy integration, family engagement, and social-emotional learning. Most importantly, it networks leaders across California who are implementing the UTK policy.
COURSES
• Leaders Designing Equitable Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Classrooms in Action
• Equity Centered Leadership Practices to Support, Integrate, and Align Transitional Kindergarten (TK)
* Piloting and launch phases through September 2024
Engagement by the Numbers
Professional Learning Opportunities Offered UTK Leadership Certificates Earned
21CSLA UTK Trainers Certified Leaders Served throughout the State
21CSLA UTK Statewide
SHASTA—NORCAL ELC
Butte, Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lassen, Modoc, Plumas, Shasta, Siskiyou, Tehama, Trinity
SONOMA—NORTH BAY / NORTH COAST
Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Sonoma
PLACER / SACRAMENTO
Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, Colusa, El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Sierra, Sutter, Tuolumne, Yolo, Yuba
21CSLA STATE CENTER
Headquartered at UC Berkeley School of Education and led in partnership with UCLA School of Education & Information Studies and California Subject Matter Project
ALAMEDA—BAY AREA
Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano
TULARE—MID-STATE
Inyo, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, Stanislaus, Tulare
KERN—VALCO
Fresno, Kern, Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura
RIVERSIDE / SAN DIEGO—SOCAL
Imperial, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego
Copyright © 2024 UC Regents. Photos: Allison Shelley/All4Ed, Anshul Jain, Bryan Gibel, ChameleonsEye, Cultivate Learning at the University of Washington, fizkes, iStock, jacoblund, Keegan Houser, Monkey Business Images, Pickadook, Prostock-studio, Rawpixel, SDI Productions, Shutterstock, Teddy, Unsplash. This presentation is for educational purposes only and may contain material as allowed by the United States copyright fair use doctrine.
Shasta Placer / Sacramento Sonoma Alameda
Tulare Kern
Riverside / San Diego
21CSLA State Center
Thank
California
California
California
21cslacenter.berkeley.edu
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