From AI to Engagement: Visions In Education Leads Sessions at 2026 CCIS Conference
Visions In Education leadership and staff presented four educational workshops at this year’s California Consortium for Independent Study (CCIS) conference. CCIS supports independent study leaders with resources, training, and advocacy that directly benefits students in an independent learning environment.
In the spirit of getting 1% better every day, our team attends the CCIS conference not only to learn, but to lead. This year’s presentations were especially impactful as we continue to expand our services, supports, and student reach. Explore each presentation below!
Director of Instruction Sarah McFarland presented “Got AI? Smart Moves for Teaching and Learning in IS”. This session was hands-on and high-energy, showcasing how Visions In Education is using AI to support teachers and engage students in independent study. Participants had fun creating a podcast, building an AI Dream Team, interviewing Leonardo da Vinci, and designing a choose-your-own-adventure story while walking away with practical, classroom-ready AI strategies they could use right away.
University Prep Early College Principal Christina McKinnis presented two powerful sessions: “Beyond the MOU: Executing Successful Dual Enrollment Systems” and “Executing Curiosity”.
In “Beyond the MOU”, Christina moved the conversation past compliance and agreements to focus on the systems, structures, and mindsets required to make dual enrollment work for high school students. She shared practical strategies for building sustainable college partnerships, aligning instruction and supports, and ensuring equity and access, grounded in real examples from Visions In Education’s dual enrollment program.
In “Executing Curiosity”, Christina challenged school leaders to reflect on how curiosity shows, or gets shut down, in leadership and organizational culture. Through relatable scenarios and reflective prompts, participants explored how leading with curiosity can strengthen relationships, improve decision-making, and create conditions where educators and students feel empowered to learn, grow, and take risks.
Professional Learning & Innovation Manager Victoria Soria and her team, Curriculum Coordinators Kaylee Song and Kristen Manchester, and PLI Teachers on Special Assignment April Ashton and Ashley McDonald presented “Comprehensive Systems: Curriculum, Instruction and Educator Support”. This was a two part series that had participants engage in a problem of practice relevant to their setting around curricular review and educator support.
During Part I, our Curriculum Coordinators articulated the various curricular review processes we engage in at Visions each year for new curricular options and current curriculum implementation phases and supports. Participant discourse underscored the monumental work Visions staff have engaged in to increase student access to guaranteed and viable curricula in grades TK-12 and alignment to standards.
During Part II, our PLI TOSAs discussed the impact of Visions’ professional learning practices and coaching supports that take place across academies and departments. Being able to support our families and educators through workshops, Canvas courses and instructional coaching sessions solidifies Visions’ dedication to ensuring our family partners and educators have what they need to support each student well and is a testament to the dedicated partnership of our educators and leaders.
Thank you to our Visionaries for exemplifying our core values and showcasing the insights and practices that set Visions In Education apart.
