Conference Program
Pre-Conference Schedule
Thursday, October 3, 2024
1:00pm-7:30pm
(Schedule is subject to change)
Time | UC Davis C-STEM Conference Center | ||
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1:00pm | Check-In | ||
1:15pm-1:25pm | Welcome - Ballroom ABC | ||
Ballroom A | Ballroom B | Ballroom C | |
Introductory C-STEM Professional Development for Teachers & Administrators | College and Career Readiness | Advanced C-STEM Professional Development for Teachers & Administrators | |
1:30pm-2:00pm | Introduction to Coding with Robotics and Linkbots By C-STEM Staff & Trainers
| UCD Undergraduate Admissions
| How to Drive Forward: Driving Robots the Mathematical Way. By C-STEM Staff & Trainers |
2:00pm-2:30pm | UCD College of Engineering Support Programs for Minority Students
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2:30pm-3:30pm | Telling Digital Stories Using Coding and Robotics
| Getting Ready for the New California Math Framework
| CSI Linkbot - Graph-Based Forensics with Robotics Sensors |
3:30pm-4:30pm | Introduction to Coding with Robotics and Linkbots (Repeat session) | Tour of Engineering Design Center and Nano-Micro Manufacturing Center | Introduction to Text-Based Coding with Robotics |
4:30pm-5:00pm | Quick Tour of C-STEM Lab & UCD Campus | ||
5:00m-5:30pm | Break | ||
5:30pm-7:30pm | Evening Networking Reception (Appetizers and Drinks Served) |
Conference Schedule
Friday, October 4, 2024
8:00am-4:00pm
(Schedule is subject to change)
Time | Event | Location |
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8:00am-8:30am | Registration and Coffee | UC Davis Conference Center Lobby |
8:30am-8:40am | Welcome & Introduction Dr. Harry Cheng, Professor and Director of UC Davis Center for Integrated Computing and STEM Education (C-STEM) | Ballroom A, B, C |
8:40am-8:50am | C-STEM Updates Dr. Harry Cheng, Professor and Director of UC Davis Center for Integrated Computing and STEM Education (C-STEM) | Ballroom A, B, C |
8:50am-9:10am | Keynote Speech by Dr. Joey Adame, Superintendent, Los Molinos USD Moderated by Dr. Barbara Nemko, Superintendent, Napa COE | Ballroom A, B, C |
9:10am-9:40am | Plenary Panel Session by Hacienda La Puente USD
Moderated by: Mary Nicely, Chief Deputy Superintendent, California Department of Education | Ballroom A, B, C |
9:40am-10:40am | Awards Presentation | Ballroom A, B, C |
10:40am-10:50am | Coffee Break | Conference Center Lobby |
10:50am-12:00pm | Breakout Session 1 1A. Hands-on: Getting Started with RoboBlocky for Absolute Beginners to Teach Math and CS with Robotics (Bring-Your-Own-Computer) 1B. Best Practices (ES): Integrating C-STEM K-12 Math with Robotics/CS Curriculum into Elementary School (for Administrators and Teachers with no C-STEM Experience) 1C. Hands-on Arduino: Introduction to Basic Electronics and Creative Problem Solving for Physical Computing (Bring-Your-Own-Computer) 1D. Competition & Programs: RoboPlay Challenge Competition to Showcase Students' Creativity, Problem-Solving, and Teamwork Skills 1E. Leadership & PD: School and District Wide Integration of C-STEM Math/CS/Engineering Design with Robotics Curriculum into K-12 Math Classroom Teaching | 1A-Ballroom A 1B-Conf Rm B 1C-Ballroom C 1D-Conf. Rm A 1E-Ballroom B
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12:00pm-12:40pm | Lunch | Ballrooms ABC |
12:45pm- 1:10pm | Luncheon Address: State of Education in 2024 by Mary Nicely, Chief Deputy Superintendent, California Department of Education Moderated by: Dr. Fred Uy, Director, Educator & Leadership Programs, California State University Chancellor's Office | Ballrooms ABC |
1:15pm-2:25pm | Breakout Session 2 2A. Hands-on: Engaging Students in Learning Math with Coding and Robotics (Bring-Your-Own-Computer) 2B. Best Practices (ES): Integrating C-STEM K-12 Math with Robotics/CS Curriculum into Elementary School (for Teachers with C-STEM Teaching Experience) 2C. Best Practices (MS/HS): Integrating C-STEM K-12 Math with Robotics/CS Curriculum into Middle/High Schools (for Teachers and Administrators with no C-STEM Experience) 2D. Competition & Programs: Expanded Learning - Afterschool and Summer Robotics and Robotics-Math Programs, Girls in Robotics Leadership (GIRL)/GIRL+ Camps 2E. Leadership & PD: Successful C-STEM Implementation - TOSAs, Principals, Coordinators, and Directors - Pillars of Student and Teacher Success | 2A-Ballroom A 2B-Conf Rm B 2C-Ballroom C 2D-Conf. Rm A 2E-Ballroom B
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2:25pm-2:35pm | Coffee Break | Conference Center Lobby |
2:35pm-3:45pm | Breakout Session 3 3A. Hands-on: CS with Music, Art, Language Arts, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), LMS (Bring-Your-Own-Computer) 3B. Best Practices: Integrating C-STEM with CS/CTE and Other, Including APCSP 3C. Best Practices (MS/HS): Best Practices in Integrating C-STEM Mathematics with Robotics Curriculum into Middle/High Schools (for Teachers with C-STEM Teaching Experience) 3D. Competition & Programs: Creating STEM Spaces - Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) Girls in a Robotics Leadership (GIRL) Project 3E. Leadership & PD: C-STEM PD, Joint UCD/UCR Extension CS Supplementary Teaching Credential Authorization Program, & CTC CS Supplementary Authorization Incentive Grant | 3A-Ballroom A 3B-Ballroom B 3C-Ballroom C 3D-Conf. Rm A 3E-Conf. RM B
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3:45pm-4:00pm | Networking and Raffle 5 Arduino Basic Kits 3 Arduino Starter Kits 2 Linkbot Super Kit All attendees will be entered in the raffle! *Must be present to win.* | Ballroom A, B, C |
Keynote and Plenary Speakers' Biographies
Keynotes
Equity and Access for Accelerated Student Learning & Achievement in CS/Math
Moderator: Dr. Barbara Nemko, Napa County Office of Education

Joey Adame serves as the Superintendent for Los Molinos Unified School District. Under his leadership, LMUSD has achieved numerous accomplishments in the areas of academic achievement and innovation.
Joey has over 25 years of experience in education administration, serving as assistant principal, principal for elementary, middle, and high schools, director, and superintendent. He is well-known for improving student academic achievement through implementation of sustainable system changes. His passion and commitment to providing all students with equitable access to innovative programs such as UC Davis C-STEM program has resulted in significant increases in student performance on state standardized tests. Under his leadership, Los Molinos USD received California Department of Education High School Gold Ribbon Award 2017 and Exemplary District Award for Career Technical Education 2019.
With his background in various industries, Joey understands the power and value of education. He holds a B.A. in Sociology, M.S. in School Counseling, M.A. in Education Leadership, and Doctorate in Educational Leadership.
District-wide Pathway Implementation for Student Success in College & Career
Moderator: Dr. Barbara Nemko, Napa County Office of Education

Dr. Fal Asrani is the Superintendent of Marysville Joint Unified School District, a TK-12 district that serves 11,000 students in grades TK-12 across 24 campuses. In her role, Dr. Asrani provides strong leadership within the school district and the larger Yuba County community. She leads the organization in developing, implementing, and providing programs and services to support every child and adult who attend the schools. Dr. Asrani has recently been recognized as one of the top 25 National Superintendents to watch by NSPRA.
Additionally, Dr. Asrani serves on the advisory board of the Avenue M. Medical Pathway at UC Davis, California Jobs First Capital Region Leadership Council, and the California K-16 Steering Committee. She earned her Doctorate in Urban Leadership at the University of Southern California and has dedicated over 30 years to teaching and leading districts in California public schools.
Plenary Panel
Transformative Learning in Math/CS/Robotics with C-STEM
Moderator: Mary Nicely, Chief Deputy Superintendent, California Department of Education
This plenary panel session will highlight the work of Hacienda La Puente Unified School District. The panelists will share their C-STEM journey and successes, as well as how the district school board, administrators, and teachers working together to transform STEAM education with coding and robotics through both academic and summer programs.

Christine Salazar, Board President of the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District (HLPUSD), is a dedicated leader with a deep connection to the community she serves. As a single mother and a proud graduate of the district, Christine understands firsthand the importance of providing students with equitable access to quality education. She has championed initiatives that expand educational opportunities, including a strong focus on CSTEM (Computer Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs. Under her leadership, the district has prioritized student well-being, innovation, and equity, ensuring every child is prepared for success. Christine’s leadership is defined by her commitment to collaboration, transparency, and educational excellence.

Nancy Loera, the Vice-President of the Board of Education for the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District, is an experienced educator with over 20 years of service. She has held multiple leadership roles throughout her career, showcasing her dedication to educational excellence and professional growth. Nancy holds advanced degrees in Early Childhood Development and Curriculum and Instruction, establishing herself as a leader and supporter of innovative educational practices. A passionate advocate for C-STEM, she recognizes its critical role in helping students excel in math by offering hands-on, practical applications that make complex concepts more accessible and engaging. Nancy remains committed to empowering students and enhancing their learning through forward-thinking programs.

Dr. Alfonso Jiménez has served as the Superintendent of the Hacienda La Puente USD since July 1, 2020. The District serves 15,642 TK-12 students, 536 preschool children, and 13,000 adult education learners. Dr. Jiménez is in his 29th year in education and in his 22nd year in administration, having served as assistant principal, principal, director, assistant superintendent, deputy superintendent, and superintendent.
Dr. Jiménez is a recognized innovative educational thought leader. Through his leadership, various new programs were launched in the district such as speech and debate for middle and high school students, Mt. San Antonio Workman Early College Academy Network (WeCAN), and the Youth Cinema Project film pathway from elementary to high school. An equity driven leader, Dr. Jiménez, was instrumental in the implementation of ethnic studies district-wide at all levels. He also led the expansion of New Pedagogies for Deep Learning (NPDL) by establishing it as the District’s learning framework. C-STEM, visual and performing arts, Conga Kids, robotics, and dual immersion programs also continue to thrive under his leadership. All these programs provide innovative and engaging learning experiences for students. Under his leadership, the district continues to earn various honors of excellence, including the 2023 District Honor Roll Award from the Educational Results Partnership organization for increasing student achievement consistently, a California Department of Education (CDE) Pivotal Practice Award in 2022, and California School Board’s Assocation (CSBA) Golden Bell Award for Project LEAD (Life Experiences about Democracy) in 2023. Additionally, four schools recently earned the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Award for student achievement, the most of any district in one year in the state and nation!
Dr. Jiménez is the 2022 UC Davis C-STEM Center Superintendent of the Year and a 2022 National School Public Relations Association Superintendent to Watch. He was recently named the 2023 CALSA Region 5 Superintendent of the Year. Dr. Jiménez holds a B.S in Physiology from California State University, Long Beach, M.S. in Administration from Pepperdine, and Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern California. Updates from Dr. Jiménez are found on X using @SuptDrJimenez.

Since 2023, Dr. Rosa Isiah has been the new Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services at Hacienda La Puente, bringing her extensive experience as a longtime educational leader who actively promotes equity, access, multilingual education, and a strong focus on closing opportunity gaps for historically marginalized communities to the District. Throughout her career, Isiah held numerous teaching and administrator positions, including Bilingual Resource Specialist, Assistant Principal, Coordinator and Principal. She joined the HLPUSD family after serving as the Elementary, Equity and Access Director at Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District.
Under her leadership, Norwalk-La Mirada Unified received a Golden Bell award, two California Distinguished School awards and nine Pivotal Practice awards for academic and district excellence. She also received the Loyola Marymount University 2019 Leader for Social Justice award, recognizing her for completing ongoing acts of community service, social justice and racial reconciliation. In addition to her academic successes, she has co-authored five books based on the whole child, equity, leadership and power of relationships. Isiah is also a board member of the Phi Delta Kappa International Board of Directors, and the Alliance for Excellent Education Future Ready Schools. When not fulfilling academic duties, Isiah said she often presents at social justice conferences and contributes her voice to blogs and podcasts.

Joanne Chan is the Coordinator of Education Services at Hacienda La Puente Unified School District. She has 25 years of professional experience in education, including 9 years in administration. Her expertise is in Educational Technology, Student Information Systems Data Analytics/Dashboard, State Assessments, District-wide Professional Development and Beginning Teachers and Administrators Induction Program, Preliminary and Clear Teacher and Administrative Credentialing and state and federal grants.
Joanne's primary responsibility is overseeing the Teacher Induction Program (TIP) and ACSA Clear Administrative Credential Program (CACP), providing high quality job-embedded mentoring system. She leads professional development for K-12 teachers in the Computing-STEM (C-STEM) program and supports them in the initiative to integrate Math/CS/Robotics in classrooms to provide students with strong foundation in Math and early exploration of CS/Robotics. Joanne evaluates program effectiveness and is dedicated to continuous program improvement. She successfully launched the C-STEM Summer Robotics Camp for over 700 students in grades K through 8 this summer and, due to high demand, will expand the program to serve more students. In 2022, she was recognized as UC Davis C-STEM Administrator of the Year.
Joanne obtained a BA in Communications with Business Administration from UCLA, an MA in Education Administration from CSU Los Angeles, and a School of Business Management Certificate from USC Rossier School of Education. She currently is a certified CA Association of School Business Officials (CASBO) Chief Business Officer. She currently serves as a member of ParentSquare Advisory Council and as Chair of the Citizen's Bond Oversight Committee in her son's district.

Imelda Cledera-Rodriguez has been a teacher for 29 years -19 years in private middle and high schools and 10 years at Hacienda La Puente USD. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and Master of Arts in Education. She is also an Adobe Certified Educator and 2024 UCD C-STEM Teacher of the Year. Currently, she is the English Language Program (ELP) Facilitator and New Pedagogies for Deep Learning (NPDL) Committee Head at Wedgeworth Elementary School, a back-to-back National Blue Ribbon School, as well as a member of the school's Leadership Team.
A creative, effective, and reflective educator, Imelda designs original and innovative teach strategies and lessons and shares them with her team. She carefully plans her lessons that fit the needs and interests of her students. She teaches with passion and flexibility, constantly reflecting upon her practices and continuing to grow professionally. When she first implemented C-STEM Program in her class four years ago, she noticed a significant improvement in the students’ attitude towards Math and marked improvement in their district interim and state assessments. Because of C-STEM, she learned to love teaching Math, and now her students often express that they love Math, too.

Kien To has been a teacher at the Hacienda La Puente USD for the past 25 years. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a minor in Statistical Analysis from the UC Riverside. He received his multiple teaching credential from CSU San Bernardino and is currently finishing his Master’s degree in Education and Educational Technology. Kien is passionate about preparing students for their future. He researched extensively and realized that “Coding” was essential in top careers in today’s technology-driven economy. Fortuitously, his district offered professional development in UC Davis Computing-STEM (C-STEM) Program and a chance to obtain a Computer Science Supplementary Teaching Credential. After two and a half years of hard work and dedication, Kien has completed all requirements to obtain the CS Supplementary Teaching credential and has been implementing C-STEM program in his classroom, integrating teaching of math with coding/robotics. He believes that strong foundation in math and coding/robotics will pave roadmaps for his students and prepare them for success in STEM majors and careers. He credits the UCD C-STEM program for equipping him with the knowledge and priceless skill sets to better teach and ensure future success of his students.
Luncheon Address
The State of Education in 2024
Moderator: Dr. Fred Uy, Director of Educator Preparation & Public School Programs, CSU Office of the Chancellor

Mary Nicely is the Chief Deputy Superintendent of the California Department of Education (CDE). Nicely previously served as Deputy Superintendent for the Information and Technology Branch and Senior Advisor to Thurmond, where she led the Superintendent’s Initiatives Office and focused on recruitment and retention of teachers of color, community schools, and educator housing and public/private partnerships with philanthropy and industry. Before joining the CDE, Nicely served as Chief of Staff and District Director to then-Assembly Member Thurmond, representing California’s 15th Assembly District. Prior to her legislative career, she was President and CEO of Nicely Done Solutions, Inc. a custom database development company headquartered in Berkeley, California founded in 1994. She also served as the Western US K–12 Service and Support Manager for seven of her 13 years at Apple. Nicely is a first generation Burmese American and holds a bachelor’s degree in political economy of industrial societies from the University of California, Berkeley, and a business administration degree from Monterey Peninsula Community College in Monterey.
Breakout Sessions
Each breakout session will address the conference theme of "Accelerating Student Achievement in Math, CS, & Engineering."
(Sessions are subject to changes)
SESSION TITLES AND DESCRIPTIONS | PARTICIPANT FOCUS |
SESSION 1 | |
1A. Hands-on: Getting Started with RoboBlocky for Absolute Beginners to Teach Math and CS with Robotics (Bring-Your-Own-Computer) New to C-STEM? Learn how C-STEM is bringing coding and robotics into classrooms and afterschool programs in ways that are engaging all students through hands-on activities and opportunities for personalized learning. RoboBlocky is a web-based drag-and-drop development environment for programming virtual and hardware robots. It is designed to guide absolute beginners through an introduction to solving real-world problems with math, coding, robotics, and logic. Explore thousands of pre-built activities including CCSS-aligned math activities, coding and robotics activities, and detailed projects to bring classroom learning to life. RoboBlocky also prepares students to program in C/C++, the most widely used conventional text-based programming language in industry and college, and it can run in any modern web-browser without installing additional software. Attendees will experience a hands-on introduction to free block-based programming and robotics. Attendees must bring their own personal computer. Windows and MacOSX users must pre-install Linkbot Labs software from https://roboblocky.com/download/. Chromebook users must pre-install the Linkbot IDE extension from https://roboblocky.com/download/. Requirements: Windows 10 or above, MacOSX 10.13 or above, Chromebook with Chrome OS v. 89 or above. Linkbots will be provided by the C-STEM Center. Facilitator: Jeff Hescox, Education Service Manager, UCD C-STEM Center Co-Facilitator: Robert Verdugo, Teacher, Marysville Joint USD | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
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1B. Best Practices (ES): Integrating C-STEM K-12 Math with Robotics/CS Curriculum into Elementary School (for Administrators and Teachers with no C-STEM Experience) C-STEM supports early learners in building confidence and understanding of abstract math concepts through applied hands-on robotics and programming activities. Experienced C-STEM Teachers will show how math, CS, and robotics are integrated at the elementary school level, focus on the first "baby" steps to take in teaching C-STEM and their know-how in successful C-STEM implementation. Come and learn from their experiences! Chair: Dr. Brenna Godsey, Principal, Orange USD Speakers: Roland Hosch, Teacher, Redlands USD Amy Carlson, Orange USD Diana Villanueva, Teacher, Alvord USD Hannah Lemos, Teacher, Los Molinos USD Imelda Rodriguez, Teacher, Hacienda La Puente USD | ![]() ![]()
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1C. Arduino: Introduction to Basic Electronics and Creative Problem Solving for Physical Computing (Bring-Your-Own-Computer) Join this hands-on session to get started using Arduino microcontrollers with RoboBlocky. This session will explore an introduction to Physical Computing with Arduino by combining the hands-on projects of physical computing with the simplicity of block-based programming. Discover the endless possibilities of physical computing and how to incorporate modern do-it-yourself electronics into your classroom teaching. Arduino can be integrated into Math, Computer Science, Engineering, and Robotics Courses, as well as afterschool programs and summer camps to facilitate a technologically advanced learning environment. Attendees must bring their own personal computer. Windows and MacOSX users must pre-install Linkbot Labs software from https://roboblocky.com/download/. Chromebook users must pre-install the Arduino Controller extension from https://roboblocky.com/download/. Requirements: Windows 10 or above, MacOSX 10.13 or above, Chromebook with Chrome OS v. 89 or above. Arduino Uno Starter Kit will be provided by the C-STEM Center. Facilitator: Vitaliy Orlov, Teacher, Redlands USD Co-Facilitator: Nikki Greminger, Teacher, Marysville Joint USD | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
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1D. Competition & Programs: RoboPlay Challenge Competition to Showcase Students' Creativity, Problem-Solving, and Teamwork Skills The RoboPlay Challenge Competition is a theme-based level playing field robotics competition for K-12 students. It is designed for students to showcase their real-world math problem solving skills in a competitive environment. Join this session to learn how you can organize your own RoboPlay Challenge Competition in your class, school or district with the support and guidance of UCD C-STEM Center. Find out why students, teachers, administrators, and community love RoboPlay Challenge Competitions! Chair: Gilbert Barraza, Principal, Hacienda La Puente USD Speakers: Greg Miller, C-STEM Resource Teacher, Orange USD Tiffany Lam, P21 Pathway Instructional Specialist, Orange USD Cordelia Lim, Teacher, New Haven USD Brittany Casey, TOSA, New Haven USD Josh Rowe, Principal, Los Molinos USD Ryan Bean, Senior K-12 Math & CS Specialist, Barobo | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
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1E. Leadership & PD: School and District Wide Integration of C-STEM Math/CS/Engineering Design with Robotics Curriculum into K-12 Math Classroom Teaching Join this session and learn how educational leaders implemented the C-STEM K-12 Math and CS Curriculum in their districts for accelerated and deeper learning of math and exploration of CS/Robotics. They will share administrative perspectives on getting started, including funding, recruitment of teachers, professional development, teacher support, and student progress and achievement in Math/CS/Robotics. In addition, best practices learned through experiences and success stories will be shared. Chair: Tiffany Benson, Superintendent, Travis USD Speakers: Beth Fisher, Principal, Orange County School of Computer Science Mikey McKelvey, Director, K-12 Instruction, New Haven USD Amy Stratton, Executive Director of Educational Services, Marysville Joint USD Randy Kolset, Coordinator Educational Technology, Orange USD Dr. Krista Fairley, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Alvord USD | ![]() |
SESSION 2 | |
2A. Hands-on: Engaging Students Learning Math with Coding and Robotics (Bring-Your-Own-Computer) The C-STEM CCSS-compliant Mathematics with Robotics curriculum employs hands-on computing and robotics activities to boost students’ interest and engagement in learning math (they learn while having fun!). Students make meaningful connections between abstract math concepts and real-life applications, develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The curriculum allows for personalized learning and exploration as well as collaborative learning and teamwork. Join this session for a hands-on exploration of C-STEM Math with Robotics curriculum for Grades K-12. Attendees must bring their own personal computer. Windows and MacOSX users must pre-install Linkbot Labs software from https://roboblocky.com/download/. Chromebook users must pre-install the Linkbot IDE extension from https://roboblocky.com/download/. Requirements: Windows 10 or above, MacOSX 10.13 or above, Chromebook with Chrome OS v. 89 or above. Facilitator: Jeff Hescox, Education Service Manager, UC Davis C-STEM Center | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
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2B. Best Practices (ES): Integrating C-STEM K-12 Math with Robotics/CS Curriculum into Elementary School (for Teachers with C-STEM Teaching Experience) The C-STEM Mathematics with Robotics curriculum has had proven success in increasing student engagement and learning at the elementary level. Hear how a panel of Elementary School teachers have incorporated C-STEM curriculum in their Elementary Math classes, and how it maps to the big ideas in the upcoming new state math framework. C-STEM supports early learners in building confidence and understanding of abstract math concepts through applied hands-on robotics and programming activities. By incorporating coding and robotics into early education, students gain valuable exposure to modern technologies, develop logic-based problem-solving skills, and apply creativity throughout their learning. In addition, the curriculum provides opportunities for integration with English Language Arts subjects, and text-to-speech and language translation features provide support for ELL students. Join this session to learn more about how the C-STEM Program can transform math education at the elementary level. Chair: Dr. Helene Cunningham, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, Assessment P-12, Hacienda La Puente USD Presenters: Cordelia Lim, New Haven USD Robin O'Brine, Teacher, Redlands USD Kayla Toft, Teacher, Teacher, Center Joint USD Imelda Rodriguez, Teacher, Hacienda La Puente USD | ![]() ![]()
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2C. Best Practices (MS/HS): Integrating C-STEM K-12 Math with Robotics/CS Curriculum into Middle/High Schools (for Administrators and Teachers with no C-STEM Experience) C-STEM Teachers will show how math, CS, and robotics are integrated at the middle and high school levels. C-STEM supports early learners in building confidence and understanding of abstract math concepts through applied hands-on robotics and programming activities. By incorporating coding and robotics into early education, students gain valuable exposure to modern technologies, develop logic-based problem-solving skills, and apply creativity throughout their learning. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to learn from experienced educators and take your school's STEM education to the next level. Chair: Dr. Christina E. Murdoch, Executive Director, Center for Applied Policy in Education (CAP-Ed) Presenters: Niki Greminger, Teacher, Marysville Joint USD Daphne Russell, Teacher, Alvord USD Alicia Wiggins, Teacher, Marysville Joint USD | ![]() ![]() ![]() |
2D. Competition & Programs: Expanded Learning - Afterschool and Summer Robotics and Robotics-Math Programs, and Girls in Robotics Leadership (GIRL)/GIRL+Camps Learn how to promote diversity and inclusion through the C-STEM Expanded Learning Programs by taking advantage of the existing C-STEM computing resources and robotics infrastructure. The C-STEM GIRL (Girls in Robotics Leadership) summer camps are focused on motivating middle school girls through peer mentoring to teach computing and STEM concepts through a fun and exciting robotics-based curriculum that culminates with the creation of a RoboPlay Video. GIRL+ camps are for high school students. C-STEM Afterschool and Summer Robotics Camps for Accelerated Math Learning are designed for schools and districts to host for their students locally. The camps focus on the cognitive and socio-emotional aspects of learning and bring fun back to learning. They empower K-12 students for accelerated and deeper math learning through robotics projects and the solution of real-world problems using math concepts, and at the same time provide students with recreational and teamwork opportunities with peer-mentoring. Join this session to learn how to bring these C-STEM Expanded Learning Programs to your schools, districts, and communities. Chair: Joanne Chan, Coordinator, Educational Services, Hacienda La Puente USD Presenters: Joanne Chan, Coordinator, Education Services, Hacienda La Puente USD Octavio Perez, Principal, Hacienda La Puente USD Kien To, Teacher, Hacienda La Puente USD Lilibeth Pinpin, Solano County Office of Education Constance Franklin, Teacher, Marysville Joint USD Crystal Richards, Teacher, Marysville Joint USD | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
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2E. Leadership & PD: Successful C-STEM Implementation: TOSAs, Principals, and Directors - the Pillars of Student & Teacher Success Successful implementation of C-STEM Program, like all else, requires a strong structure of support. TOSAs, Principals and Directors provide the administrative and instructional support that Teachers need to launch a new and innovative program in their classes. A panel of educators will share their roles and how they support their Teacher and Student for success in College and Career Readiness through the adoption of C-STEM Program.
Chair: Dr. Suzie Dollesin, FPM Review Lead, Educational Data Management Division, California Department of Education Presenters: Josh Rowe, Principal, Los Molinos USD Brittany Casey, Math/C-STEM TOSA, New Haven USD Joe Nguyen, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Travis USD Caitlin Arakawa, Program Specialist, STEAM & Innovation, San Bernardino City USD | ![]() |
SESSION 3 | |
3A. A. Hands-on: CS with Music, Art, Language Arts, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), LMS (Bring-Your-Own-Computer) The RoboBlocky Integrated Learning Environment offers even more than its innovative robotics-based math and CS curriculum. The curriculum provides opportunities for young students to enhance their reading skills, helping to meet the state goal of all students reading at an appropriate level by Grade 3. Students can learn language arts and express their creativity in music, art, and makerspace activities. This session shows how the C-STEM program integrates Art into STEAM education by giving students the opportunity to explore their artistic and creative talents using music and visual media. See how C-STEM’s curriculum and activity resources support the development of artistic talents through various channels including drawing, storytelling, playing and composing melodies, learning math with a piano, and image processing. Explore how quickly and easily reconfigurable and modular Linkbot systems can be assembled by easily snapping parts together to accomplish various tasks and solve challenges. With a robotics-based STEAM makerspace, students will discover new ways to solve problems by designing, building, and testing their own robotics systems. Attendees must bring their own personal computer. Windows and MacOSX users must pre-install Linkbot Labs software from https://roboblocky.com/download/. Chromebook users must pre-install the Linkbot IDE extension from https://roboblocky.com/download/. Requirements: Windows 10 or above, MacOSX 10.13 or above, Chromebook with Chrome OS v. 89 or above. Linkbots and accessories will be provided by the C-STEM Center. Facilitator: Daphne Russell, Teacher, Alvord USD |
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3B. Best Practices (MS/HS): Integrating C-STEM with CS/CTE and Other, Including AP Computer Science The C-STEM Mathematics with Robotics curriculum - including 20 UCOP A-G Approved C-STEM courses - has had proven success in increasing student engagement and learning at the secondary level. Learn how the presenters have incorporated the C-STEM curriculum in their math classes, and how it maps to the big ideas in the upcoming new state math framework - as well as providing students with opportunities to explore CS Standards Compliant C-STEM K-12 CS/STEAM with Robotics curriculum. Learn how experienced C-STEM Teachers integrate Math, CS, CTE/Robotics/Engineering, and science courses. Chair: Rita Moore, Science Instructional Coach, Marysville Joint USD Presenters: Natalie Debritz, Teacher, Travis USD Katelin Chiarella, Teacher, New Haven USD Rita Moore, Science Instructional Coach, Marysville Joint USD Vitaliy Orlov, Teacher, Redlands USD Robert Verdugo, Teacher, Marysville Joint USD | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
3C. Best Practices (MS/HS): Best Practices in Integrating C-STEM Mathematics with Robotics Curriculum into Middle/High Schools (for Teachers with C-STEM Teaching Experience) Teachers will showcase their lessons and projects that engaged and excited their students the most, leading to deeper learning of math concepts, high levels of problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork, resulting in student ownership of learning and projects. By joining this session, you'll discover how the C-STEM teachers can revolutionize math education at the middle and high school level. Chair: Amy Stratton, Executive Director of Educational Services Presenters: Tim Keyes, Teacher, Twin Rivers USD Josh Furtado, Teacher, Marysville Joint USD Bee Vue, Teacher, Marysville Joint USD Noah Rosen, Teacher, Redlands USD | ![]() ![]() ![]()
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3D. Competition & Programs: Creating STEM Spaces - Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) Girls in a Robotics Leadership (GIRL) Project The NSF-funded $2.4M Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) Girls in a Robotics Leadership (GIRL) Project aims to address the significant challenges of inclusion and equity for Black/African American middle school and high school girls in STEM education. More than 2,000 Black girls are to be nurtured through this project to lead in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in their schools, communities and careers. Come join the session and learn about the Ujima Project and its impact. Chair: Marcella Grant, Ujima GIRL Program Manager, UC Davis C-STEM Center Speakers: Lindsay Lopez-Wisely, Director of Educational Services, Secondary Support, Antioch USD Amirah Johnson, Ujima, Antioch USD Krischiawn Epps, Ujima Coach, Antelope Valley Community College Aryonna Epps, Ujima Coach, Antelope Valley Community College | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
3E. Leadership & PD: C-STEM PD, Joint UCD/UCR CS Supplementary Teaching Credential Authorization Program, & CTC CS Supplementary Authorization Incentive Grant UC Davis C-STEM has over a decade of experience in providing professional development for K-12 teachers, including those without any prior coding experience, on computer science (CS) and integrating CS into STEAM education. UC Riverside Extension has been a leader in offering CTC-approved credential programs and educator professional development certificates. They have offered the Computer Science Supplementary Authorization Credential Program since 2018. In partnership with UC Riverside Extension, C-STEM Professional Development is now centered around the California Computer Science Supplementary Teaching Credential Authorization for educators across California. Join this session to learn about C-STEM K-12 CS curriculum, the sequence of courses being offered, how to earn the credential, and how school districts can assist teachers in doing so.
Chair: Dr. Suzie Dollesin, FPM Review Lead, Educational Data Management Division, California Department of Education Speakers: Jeff Hescox, Education Service Manager, UCD C-STEM Diana Villanueva, Teacher, Alvord USD Janelle Mijares, Credential Analyst, UC Riverside Extension | ![]()
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