L+T | Directors’ Cuts Workshop Series
Lisa and Tatiana, co-directors of Classroom Matters, are passionate about education. They hire the best tutors and educators to help support students. But what about the parents and caretakers? They need support, too!
The Directors’ Cuts Workshop Series is designed to educate parents and caretakers so they can be better allies for their students. Consider them part of your village in your kids' growth.
All DC workshops will be online unless otherwise noted. All workshops are offered throughout the year. We also provide workshops to groups, schools, and organizations upon request.
Questions? Interested in a workshop not offered? Need support but unsure where to start? Please contact Teresa. We look forwarding to supporting you!
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Any workshops that are under-enrolled may be cancelled and alternative options (or refunds) will be provided. Registration closes 3 days prior to the start of each workshop. Click here for our cancellation policy.
ADHD
ADHD is one of the most common neurological differences diagnosed in kids, yet parents often don't know about its defining features and how they show up at home. Some common misconceptions about ADHD often lead to a lack of understanding about the impact our words and behavior have on our students. This workshop is designed to provide parents with the latest research and information, delivered in accessible and digestible language, to further understanding and foster compassion.
FOR: PARENTS/GUARDIANS
COST: Suggested fee of $90 but pay what you can
Feel like parenting your kid with ADHD is like living "Groundhog Day" every day? Does your daily agenda include reminding your kid to do all the things eleventeen times? Are you worried your kid will never have the skills they need to leave the nest?
ADHD presents its own unique set of issues around parenting. We're here to help you develop a toolbox to:
Create connections
Foster accountability
Understand more
Stop the fights
(Minimum enrollment of 5; maximum enrollment of 50)
registration closed
Saturday, July 20, 2024
5:00 - 6:30pm PST
LOCATION:
Online via Zoom
Executive Functions
Executive functions are a set of cognitive and behavioral skills located in the prefrontal cortex of our brains, which include planning, working memory, and inhibitory control. In short, content area is the “what” of learning at school and in life, and executive function is the “how.” It’s how we get things done!
Parents/guardians attend with their student(s) for a shared experience and shared language; learn all about executive function and how it impacts student learning; leave with tools and strategies to implement at home.
FOR: PARENTS/GUARDIANS
COST: Suggested fee of $25 but pay what you can
What is executive function? You may have heard of it. You may even have Googled it.
The term "executive function" has been a mainstay of the special education lexicon for decades. However, neurotypical students have executive function deficits as well. Your children may struggle with focus, retention, and impulse control. How does executive function impact learning? How does it impact your home life and your relationship with your kids?
Families will leave with a better understanding of themselves and each other.
(Minimum enrollment of 5; maximum enrollment of 50)
spots available!
Monday, January 13, 2025
6:30 - 8:00pm PST
LOCATION:
Online via Zoom
IEPs + 504 Plans
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legal document designed to ensure public schools meet a child's unique learning needs when they have a learning difference. Students who need extra support are entitled to an IEP, but understanding and navigating the process can be stressful. Let us help you advocate for your student!
A 504 Plan helps provide accommodations for your student to support their learning. Covered under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, a 504 Plan is designed to prevent discrimination and protect the rights of students who are differently abled.
FOR: PARENTS/GUARDIANS
COST: Suggested fee of $90 but pay what you can
IEP? 504 Plans? Feeling Dazed and Confused? You’re Not Alone!
Are you struggling to understand assessments and what they mean for your child's education? What is the difference between an IEP and a 504 Plan? Is your kiddo going to be pulled out of the classroom all the time? What does Least Restrictive Environment mean? WHAT DOES ANY OF IT MEAN?
It's confusing and sometimes demoralizing, but Tatiana and Lisa can help you access and navigate all the acronyms and all the laws so you can make sure your student gets the support and services they're entitled to.
(Minimum enrollment of 5; maximum enrollment of 50)
registration closed
Saturday, July 27, 2024
5:00 - 6:30pm PST
LOCATION:
Online via Zoom
Instructors: Tatiana + Lisa, Co-Directors of Classroom Matters
TATIANA GUERREIRO RAMOS is the resident MLD - Master of Learning Differences - and helps families access and navigate the special education system through her advocacy at IEP and 504 plan meetings. Tatiana also co-leads workshops with Lisa, oversees CM’s enrichment program, and provides frazzled parents of ADHD and 2E kids the guidance they need in order to understand and support their students. In her advocacy, Tatiana has been described as an "unholy cross between Mother Teresa and a bull in a china shop." Her singular focus for kids with LDs is to get them the support, services, and accommodations that will help them access curriculum and become engaged students. Tatiana has three children with ADHD and discovered her own ADHD as an adult.
LISA MILLER has a background in secondary education and has been co-directing Classroom Matters for 20+ years. She specializes in developing and teaching executive function curriculum to students, families, and other educators. Besides co-leading workshops with Tatiana, she is also co-author of CM's executive function workbook, Mastering Executive Function. Lisa has two young adult children with ADHD, both in college.
..:: Testimonials ::..
“The presentation was very helpful and so interactive that my twin boys were surprised when it ended - said it felt like it had just started. Now THAT’s a compliment - especially from my boys. Thanks for the checklists and timetables - super awesome resources.”
“Thank you so much for the wonderful presentation! It was so valuable for the parent community who joined us today. And we look forward to continued collaboration to support ALL students and their families.”
“Hi Lisa and Tatiana,
Just a note of thanks for yesterday. I have participated in EF workshops before (not Classroom Matters) and yours was by far the best and most helpful :). Looking forward to receiving the slides and sharing with my kids.”
“Hi Tatiana, it was so fun and helpful to hear you and Lisa last night! Hopefully no one could lip read me and Chris telling the kids to pay attention repeatedly.
I loved the two minute family discussion segments and we had some good conversations. It was unclear what the impact on the kids was, but Willem brought his backpack upstairs after the session to prepare himself for the morning and Josephine made the attached (morning routine checklist).
Very much appreciated the advice to parents about what a stressful time this is and what a long process developing executive function is. When we were late yet again this morning despite our very best efforts, I told the kids to remember that twisty curvy line from failure to success.
So grateful to have your expertise in this community and see such a beautiful and friendly face on the Zoom.”
“This was truly a life changing workshop for me and my family. Now that we have some great tools, I know we can help our daughter more with her ADHD. I have so much gratitude for the amazing tutors at Classroom Matters and all the resources they offer to parents. It takes a village to raise a child and this organization is an integral part of ours.”
“Tatiana, you and Chara are the best. Thank you, specifically, for your empathy, kindness and depth of knowledge about kids’ special learning needs and the often complicated IEP world.
I recently recommended you to another parent who is at her wits’ end regarding school and her young son who needs academic support. It reminded me of the time I reached out to you at Chara’s suggestion because I was totally overwhelmed. Even though it’s been over two years since you worked with our family as an advocate during his IEP renewal, I will never forget the immense relief I felt knowing we had you in our corner. Aside from making sure our son had the support he needed in 4th grade, you helped me personally by making me feel I wasn’t alone (or crazy) in all of this.”
“The (executive function) workshop was helpful for me, and my teen said it was helpful too. Well done!”
“Thank you so much for sharing! It was a great and fun workshop.”
“Thank you for an excellent workshop! Somehow you got my very resistant teenage son to kind of enjoy the evening and to get a couple things out of it that he’s actually used on his own since then. Amazing. Nothing short of a miracle. Thank you so much. He really needed this. We really needed this.”
CANCELLATION POLICY + FEES
If you must cancel your registration, a refund (minus processing fees) will be provided if cancellation is made at least 4 weeks before the start of the class. Cancellation inside 4 weeks will be applied as a credit towards other Classroom Matters services. If the credits are applied to another workshop, a $10 change fee will apply. For all late registrations (after it has closed), a $20 fee will apply. Any cancellations that are within 4 days (96 hours) of the start of the workshop will incur a 50% cancellation fee. Please email teresa@classroommatters.com or call (510) 540-4850 for any cancellation inquiries.