The Schedule

Networking and Breakfast

Welcome!

Traci LaLiberte (CASCW Executive Director), Dean Michael Rodriquez (U of M CEHD Dean), Kelsey Dawson Walton (Be@School Division Manager), Mary Moriarty (Hennepin County Attorney)

Introductions and Program Partnership

Who are CASCW and Be@School?

Minnesota State Commissioners

Willie Jett (MDE) and Tikki Brown (DYCF)

Advocating for School Attendance at the Minnesota Legislature

Matt Shaver (EdAllies), Jim Davnie (MN Alliance for Youth)

A key focus of the 2024 legislative session was the attendance crisis impacting students throughout the state. Jim Davnie and Matt Shaver will discuss the collective effort to raise the alarm at the state level and catalyzing legislative action for short, medium, and long term progress in addressing chronic absenteeism in Minnesota schools.

Shifting Policy and Practice to Better Address Educational Concerns and Support Families

Hannah Burton (Institute to Transform Child Protection)

Various alternative responses are currently being implemented across the state to help improve school attendance by looking more broadly at the whole family. We'll discuss the Parents & Children Excel (PACE) program, a policy proposal that aims to bring Minnesota law up to speed with current practice, and the importance of moving both policy and practice toward prevention services as a state. 

Attending to Ease: Finding Respite in the Work Day

Marjorie Grevious (Temple Within Founder)

Working with youth and families in cycles of crisis and chaos can sometimes create an internal sense of frenzy and imbalance. This energy can linger and upset our own sense of balance and clarity. Discover how to cultivate moments of respite and ease in your work day.

The Power of Partnership

Be@School and Child Protection

A detailed look at the current practices being utilized between Hennepin County's Be@School program and Child Protection. This is a crucial partnership helping best serve Minnesota's largest reported, truancy and educational neglect population.

Lived Expertise Panel

Connections to Independence (C2i)

Hear from youth with lived experience as they discuss their academic experiences and engagement.

Step Into Your Greatness 

Tracy Byrd (2024 Minnesota Teacher of the Year)

Students need to believe that they're able to do difficult things, that they possess the ability to navigate tough times, and that they can be successful. This presentation offers stories and possible approaches for students who might not necessarily see themselves as prosperous in the classroom.