Summer Learning Institute 2025

The Power of Talking Circles in Supporting Student Attendance Fusion Charter School proposes a dynamic workshop at the upcoming PSC Summer Learning Conference, focusing on the transformative practice of talking circles. Our session will highlight how this traditional method fosters open communication and deepens connections among educators, enabling us to collaboratively address challenges such as student attendance. Participants will engage in a guided roleplay of a talking circle, specifically aimed at brainstorming strategies to support students with poor attendance. This interactive format not only promotes active listening but also empowers educators to share insights and develop collective solutions. By the end of the session, attendees will understand the structure and benefits of talking circles, and they will leave equipped with practical tools to implement this approach in their own classrooms. Join us to explore how talking circles can enhance our support for all students and strengthen our school community!

This session, led by Dr. David Diehl, Director of Student and Community Services at Selma Unified School District, delves into the complexities of drug abuse in schools. Drawing from Dr. Diehl's extensive background in both law enforcement and education, participants will gain insights into various categories of drugs, understand the signs and symptoms of drug use, and explore practical intervention strategies. The session will focus on building a tiered approach to prevention and treatment, highlighting the importance of ongoing education for students, staff, and families. Attendees will leave with resources and tools to foster a safer and more informed school environment.

Restorative Justice Practices, behavioral data, Peer Mentoring Program (westies), student attendance, PBIS.

Dr. David Diehl is the Director of Student and Community Services for the Selma Unified School District. Prior to entering education, he spent 24 years in law enforcement, retiring as a police sergeant. His Doctoral research was inspired by the 21 students he lost to gang related homicides while a teacher in a detention facility in Central California. He has worked extensively with system involved youth in court schools, community day schools, and other alternative educational settings. He is a proponent of data informed interventions prior to 6th grade, along with with providing educators with increased awareness into the lives of street socialized students from marginalized communities. He believes this approach can improve student engagement, increase resilience, and impede future incarceration.  

Learning Objectives: Define and understand bioecological factors that marginalized youth encounter and its effect on their educational experience. Understand how teachers' pedagogical philosophies may enhance or reduce student disengagement. Understand the significance of developing positive relationships with at-promise youth, and how these interactions can increase student engagement and connectedness. Factors that may impact and disengage marginalized students Developing relationships with Street Socialized Youth Impact of caring relationships on the educational trajectory Intervention Strategies THIS SESSION WILL PROVIDE INSIGHT INTO STREET SOCIALIZED YOUTH AND WHY RELATIONSHIPS CAN DEFLECT THEIR TRAJECTORY INTO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. THROUGH HIS EXPERIENCE WORKING IN COURT AND ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS, ALONG WITH EXTENSIVE RESEARCH AND INTERVIEWS OF THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF INCARCERATED MALES ABOUT THEIR EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE, HE WILL SHARE WHY INCREASED AWARENESS INTO THE LIVES OF STREET SOCIALIZED STUDENTS FROM MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES CAN IMPROVE STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND RELATIONSHIPS, REDUCE THE DROPOUT RATE, AND IMPEDE FUTURE INCARCERATION. ATTENDEES WILL UNDERSTAND THE SIGNIFICANCE OF DEVELOPING POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH AT-PROMISE YOUTH, AND HOW THESE INTERACTIONS CAN BENEFIT THEM THROUGHOUT THEIR EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE.

Join David Koppurd for an in-depth presentation on the Model School Attendance Review Board (SARB) process that earned recognition for excellence at the state level. Drawing from over a decade of work with students and families, David will share a practical and replicable framework that blends accountability with empathy to re-engage students in their educational journey.
This session will explore how a proactive SARB can serve as a bridge between schools, families, and community resources—focusing on solutions that address the root causes of chronic absenteeism. David will walk participants through key components of the model, including:

• Early identification and intervention strategies
• Culturally responsive outreach to families
• Collaboration with mental health, juvenile justice, and community-based partners
• Data systems that support consistent monitoring and follow-through
• Legal steps as a last resort—not the first

Attendees will leave with tools and strategies to transform their own SARB process into one that’s student-centered, trauma-informed, and effective. Whether you're new to SARB or seeking to refine your current model, this session offers powerful insights into creating sustainable systems of support for our most at-risk students.
Target Audience: Administrators, Student Services Staff, SARB Members, Counselors, District Leaders