Conference Sessions
Strands
Friday, February 20
Session A 9:30 AM–10:45 AM
Session AB 9:30 AM–12:15 PM
Session B 11:00 AM–12:15 PM
Session C 2:15 PM–3:30 PM
Saturday, February 21
Session D 9:30–10:45 AM
Session DE 9:30 AM–12:00 PM
Session E 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Session DE
DE4
The Role of Structures in Student Achievement
Mike Neubig, President, Capture Educational Consulting Services, OH
This presentation focuses on creating school day structures that provide flexible blocks of time for personalized programs, while maintaining the positive elements of the existing structures. We will demonstrate a research-based scheduling system that is proven to enhance the school environment and improve student achievement, specifically at the all-important ninth grade level. Participants will be asked to design schedules that they believe may be useful in their own teaching settings.
Strand: Smaller Learning Communities & Small School System Redesign
DE6
Reshaping District Support to Mirror High School Transformation: Atlanta's Story
Katie Whitney Luers, Senior Program Advisor, Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, OR; Kelly Walton, Project Administrator-Portfolio/Design, High School Transform Office, Atlanta Public Schools, GA
A district practitioner shares how Atlanta has reshaped district support for high school transformation to mirror the practices they ask of schools. From a "comprehensive" style of siloed initiatives, imposed on schools and monitored with lengthy paperwork, Atlanta is moving toward a flexible "interdisciplinary" mode suited to small schools and SLCs. Participants will leave with ideas for increasing coherence across initiatives, as well as hands-on experience with tools from Atlanta's transformation.
Strand: Smaller Learning Communities & Small School System Redesign, NEW SESSION
DE7
The Next Step: A Protective Factor Framework for Student Well-Being and Resiliency
Tim Burns, Educator/Author, Educare, NM
This workshop focuses on how best to utilize the Significant Six protective factors shown by research to bring about positive social, health, and academic outcomes for students at all levels of education. Using this research as a starting point and conceptual framework, we will explore and employ a set of mental models, tools, and activities designed to reduce risk factors while enhancing positive school climate. The framework has been successfully used in many school settings where the presenting problems were such seemingly intractable issues as chronic student disciplinary problems, lack of respect, high dropout rates, bullying, alcohol and drug abuse, and low staff morale.
Strand: Support for Teaching & Learning, NEW SESSION and KEYNOTE
DE8
Differentiated Coaching
David Holden, Instructional Coach/Co-Founder AAIS (American Alliance for Innovative Schools, Inc.), Mar Vista High School, Sweetwater Union High School District, CA
This session is for teacher-leaders and instructional coaches who would like guidance on how to identify and overcome the many challenges instructional coaches face on a day-to-day basis. In addition, participants will learn how to most effectively work with reluctant/resistant staff members. Participants will review video and engage in scenario-based activities to develop strategies to become more effective with their peers. Attendees will receive suggested coaching guidelines, sample forms, and conversation protocols.
Strands: Support for Teaching & Learning