ACSA continues to strategically strive to be a bold and authoritative advocate for students and education leaders . Most recently , Asian American leaders of diverse ancestry came together to engage in rich conversation that fostered empowerment , fellowship and collaboration .

The Asian / Pacific Islander Leaders Network met with ACSA Member Services Director Margarita Cuizon and Diversity and Equal Access Executive Nicole Anderson to brainstorm ideas about how ACSA can support the group ’ s expansion . The discussion included ideas on how to empower the voices of Asian leaders , as well as how to support their career aspirations . In particular , the group discussed current and desired conditions for Asian leaders and students .

ACSA is committed to playing a major role in serving its diverse membership with intentional efforts to address their needs through networking events . These events are designed to bring members from diverse backgrounds together who share similar experiences , both personally and professionally .

See NETWORK , page 6

ACSA is honoring 20 Administrator of the Year Award recipients this year , and each is being profiled in EdCal leading up to the formal awards gala at the 2016 Leadership Summit in San Diego , Nov . 10-12 .

This week , we get to know confidential employee and retired honorees Traci Fullerton and Rick Light . These leaders represent excellence and commitment to California ’ s public education students and to their profession .

Traci Fullerton : Confidential Employee of the Year

ACSA ’ s 2016 Confidential Employee of the Year is Region 11 ’ s Traci Fullerton , administrative assistant to the superintendent at Central Union School District in Lemoore .

Fullerton is considered an integral part of the district administrative team . As a participant in the superintendent ’ s cabinet she regularly researches board policies and legal guidance .

“ Traci is my right-hand person ,” said Central Superintendent Tom Addington . “ She is an invaluable support for me and is always ‘ ahead of the game .’”

She ’ s been in the position for four years , and has also provided support in transition to the Central Human Resources Department . She said that ’ s been a big challenge , but considers it a success that she has been able to support

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Traci Fullerton in many ways is the face of Central USD , providing support to staff and parents .

both departments .

Fullerton is ambitious and works diligently to remain current on all district procedures , policies and any new laws , so that she can continue to provide support to the Central staff and parents . She understands the impact of recent state actions , such as improved funding , Common Core standards , and the Local Control and Accountability Plan .

“ The impact for me has been to make sure I am aware of how it affects our district , so I can be able to communicate information to parents and staff ,” she said .

In reflecting on the theme of the upcoming 2016 Leadership Summit , “ Inspire . Lead . Achieve ,” Fullerton said she hopes she inspires others by being there for them when needed .

“ I am a big supporter of teamwork and working together , and I would hope that my co-workers see that on a daily basis ,” she said . “ I want everyone to be successful , and I feel that is my priority

See HONORS , page 4

ACSA network leaders are moving forward with a bold agenda for California ’ s Asian American educators and the students they serve .

ACSA ’ s Governmental Relations team is committed to advocating for the interests of students and the educators who support them . One of the ways this is accomplished is by sponsoring legislation to promote changes or improvements to current laws affecting public education .

At the start of each legislative session the opportunity arises for ACSA members to put forth legislative proposals . As we near the start of a new session , you are encouraged to share your ideas .

“ To improve the quality of education for our students , it ’ s essential that we hear from the experts who are in our school sites each and every day ,” says ACSA ’ s Policy and Governmental Relations Director Edgar Zazueta . “ Your perspectives in identifying gaps and opportunities are invaluable to guiding the GR team ’ s advocacy efforts .”

To propose legislation , complete the request for proposals online . Provide as much information as possible , but do not worry if you do not have every detail . All proposals will be given full consideration for inclusion in ACSA ’ s legislative agenda for the 2017-18 session .

The deadline for submissions is Sept . 30 . Submit proposals online at www . acsa . org / legproposals .

This effort is part of an ongoing commitment to engage ACSA members in the legislative process as a means of creating meaningful change . Be on the lookout for further opportunities .

Her life has been one of intense struggle , but ACSA ’ s Region 10 Every Student Succeeding Award recipient Maria de Los Angeles Mendez is a resilient young woman .

“ She just has wonderful perseverance ,” said Ginger Russo , secretary at Central Coast High in Monterey . “ She knows she ’ s going to do it . Whatever obstacles have come her way , she ’ s not afraid to figure out that pathway for her to get to what it is that what she wants to do .”

Maria was born in Mexico and arrived in the United States when she was 6 years old . “ It was a struggle for me that my first language was Spanish ,” she said . “ It was hard . It was tough because you ’ re the child who doesn ’ t know English , who doesn ’ t understand anything . But I learned .”

Testing survey . ACSA and the statewide working group Promoting Authentic College , Career and Civic Readiness Assessment Systems ( PACCCRAS ) invite principals and other school leaders to take a quick , anonymous survey to inform stakeholders , educators and policymakers about the range of assessments used in schools in addition to state-mandated standardized tests . Find out more and take the survey at http :// eepurl . com / cbt2gb .

CAASPP news . Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced Aug . 24 that California students made significant progress in the second year of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress ( CAASPP ) online tests , with the percentage of students meeting or exceeding standards increasing at every grade and in every student group . Visit www . cde . ca . gov for details . “ The higher test scores show that the dedication , hard work , and patience of California ’ s teachers , parents , school employees and administrators are paying off ,” Torlakson said .

Write now . The deadline is Oct . 10 to submit articles for the January / February 2017 issue of Leadership magazine , which focuses on “ Quality instruction for success .” Ideas for content include teacher shortage issues , pipeline for instructional leadership , accountability for college and career readiness , connecting with student interests , background and culture , evaluations that work and capitalizing on women ’ s leadership skills . Find the full list of 2016-17 themes at www . acsa . org / publications .

Fire relief . Members and partners have been helping ACSA raise relief funds to aid communities impacted by California wildfires . Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for , respond to and help people recover from these disasters . Donate at www . redcross . org / cm / acsa-pub .

She is known for her shy personality . But seeing that as a weakness would be a mistake . In fact , educators at Central Coast High rave about Maria as a student .

“ Her personality is just very sweet . She does all her work and is really polite ,” said teacher Dawn Dufresne . “ She ’ s the student every teacher dreams about having in their class .”

At the age of 16 , Maria learned she was pregnant . She considered dropping out of Seaside High after the birth of her daughter , Ashley , but a counselor recommended

See MENDEZ , page 2