Quick look: The 2026 California MTSS Professional Learning Institute, set for July 14 through July 16 in Anaheim, will bring educators together to explore strategies for addressing chronic absenteeism, student well-being, AI in education and more.
As schools continue to navigate chronic absenteeism, changing student needs, rapid advances in artificial intelligence and growing pressure to make every initiative connect, educators from across California will gather in Anaheim this summer to share and learn strategies aimed at addressing these challenges.
The Orange County Department of Education and the Butte County Office of Education will host the ninth annual California Multi-Tiered System of Support Professional Learning Institute from July 14 through July 16 at the Anaheim Marriott and Anaheim Sheraton Park Hotel.
This year’s theme, “From Innovation to Transformation: Empowering Every Learner,” reflects a shift from promising ideas to sustained, systemwide change. The institute is designed for district and site leaders, MTSS teams, classroom educators, school counselors, instructional coaches, county office staff and community partners looking for ways to strengthen academic, behavioral and social-emotional supports for students.
California MTSS is a framework that helps schools align instruction, assessment, behavior and student support into one coherent system. At a time when educators are working to connect multiple initiatives and respond to a wide range of student needs, the conference aims to support more coordinated, effective systems at the school and district level.
Sessions focus on pressing issues facing schools
Sessions throughout the three-day institute will address some of the most pressing topics in education, including chronic absenteeism, school attendance, multilingual learner support, inclusive practices, mental health and wellness, family engagement, restorative practices and the use of AI in schools. Organizers say the goal is to give attendees strategies they can put to work immediately when they return to their campuses and districts.
The keynote lineup includes Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, California’s first surgeon general and a pediatrician known for her work on childhood adversity and its impact on long-term health and learning. Her research has helped shape statewide and national conversations around student well-being and the role schools play in supporting whole-child development.
Jimmy Casas, a nationally recognized speaker, former principal and author, focuses on leadership, school culture and educator effectiveness. His work emphasizes building strong relationships, supporting staff and creating school environments where both students and educators can succeed.
Brad Waid, an educator and technology leader, will address innovation and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in education. His work centers on helping schools navigate emerging technologies while maintaining a focus on student engagement and meaningful learning experiences.
Registration options offer flexibility for attendees
Registration is open now. Early bird conference registration is available through May 31 for $599. The standard conference rate, from June 1 through July 16, is $650.
The institute will also feature a third-day Innovation Lab, a hands-on learning experience where participants can put California MTSS strategies into action through “make, take and replicate” activities.
For those unable to attend the full conference, a day-three-only registration option is available for $125, offering a focused opportunity to engage with key concepts and strategies.
To register or learn more, visit the conference website. For questions, contact camtsspli@ocde.us.