2023 Session List

Session Description:

How do you know what to look for in an effective mathematics classroom? Join us as we experience a rich mathematical activity and consider how these kinds of activities supports the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics effective teaching practices. You will walk away from this session with "look fors" for both teaching practices and student engagement. In addition during this session you will hear how the ESD 105 Math Department can support your school or district. Come and join our math party!

Session Outcomes:

1 Teaching Practices and Shifts in Classroom Practice Look Fors

2. Mathematical Practices and Student Look Fors-

3. How your ESD 105 Math Regional Coordinator can support your school or district.

Session Description:

We want students to feel success in mathematics! This starts with building fluency for math facts that leads to fluency in all operations. In this presentation participants will experience how students best learn math facts and retain those facts through five fundamental researched ideas and how you can support these ideas in the classroom through visualizations, games/activities, and assessments. Participants will also experience how strategies used to master basic facts can be scaled up to support computational fluency with the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Join us for an interactive session looking at math fact acquisition that sticks!

Session Outcomes:

1. Five fundamentals to look for in programs to support math fact fluency acquisition and retention.

2. A progression of math fact strategies for addition/subtraction and multiplication and division.

3. Resources such as assessment and games to support development of fact fluency.

Session Description:

By understanding the barriers that students may be faced with, schools can proactively address effective programming that will insure compliance. This session will explore the gaps that exist between IDEA and ADA whence the student exits the public school system.

Session Outcomes:

Participants will have the opportunity to explore systemic issues that prevent successful post-school outcomes and strategize ways to overcome it.

Session Description: 

Join us to gain valuable insights into the unique needs of novice professionals and learn key elements of a high-quality induction program. Engage in interactive discussions and activities to generate ideas on leveraging existing resources to develop a robust system of support that nurtures novice professionals to thrive in their roles.

Session Outcomes:

By the end of the workshop, you will have a clear understanding of the unique needs of novice professionals and the elements of a high-quality induction program. You will have the opportunity to identify growth areas and develop a list of possible actionable steps that will foster a strong system of support for novice teachers, nurses and counselors.

Session Description: 

The vetted and licensed Classroom Observational Toolkit created by AESD with OSPI, AWSP, and WASA review, can provide administrators with inclusionary practices criteria for classroom walk-throughs, peer-to-peer observations, and/or can be used by PLC or BLT groups. As we support the development of a culture of observation, data use, and continuous improvement in our buildings, schools will have options in selecting the tools, resources, and processes that support their needs as well as strategic plans at the district level. Each participant will have access to the complete Classroom Observational Toolkit and the LRE Self-Assessment Toolkit for their building/district.

Session Outcomes:

Each participant will have access to the complete Classroom Observational Toolkit and the LRE Self-Assessment Toolkit for their building/district.

Session Description:

Participants will explore the MANY “briefs” created to support busy educators as they implement the new vision for K-12 science education. The tools offer short, two- to four-page briefs on specific aspects of science education with research and practice-based ideas and actionable advice for teachers. Each STEM Teaching Tool features a sidebar on "Why it Matters” to tie the brief to lived educator experiences, a section on how the brief relates to issues of equity, reflection questions to consider, and recommended actions teachers can take. The tools are currently focused on implementing the vision in the NRC Framework and the resulting Next Generation Science Standards, which emphasize supporting students’ learning of concepts by engaging them in science and engineering practices.

Session Outcomes:

1. Explore artifacts and resources to support Science/STEM educators

2. Access to fully developed PD session resources designed to support educators (developed through the ACESSE Project)

3. PDF copies of the stem teaching tools and tools for teachers to guide classroom conversations to support students’ science learning

Session Description:

Together we would like to showcase the Migrant Academic Services offered to districts in Math, Science, and ELA. We want to give a general overview of how we can support districts at all levels, with high quality professional development at little to no cost (with a migrant grant).

Session Outcomes:

Participants will gain a better understanding as to how the ESD can help districts meet their migrant grant goals in the areas of ELA and Math.

Session Description:

We will cover the two essential components for equitable language acquisition (LA) services. We will also help districts gain a better understanding of how ESD 105's LA services can help districts meet OSPI's English language development requirements.

Session Outcomes:

1. Participants will get an update on Washington State's civil rights requirements for multilingual learners.

2. Participants will understand how ESD 105 can support language acquisition efforts in their districts.

Session Description:

This training will focus on sharing alternative ideas for supporting students with autism in the de-escalation process. When a student exhibits maladaptive behavior that is seen as aggressive, dangerous, or refractory to other interventions, the principal, case manager or another administrator is called to the situation. In these instances, it is essential to remember that behavior is a means of communication, and not necessarily an overt desire to inflame or harm others. This session will look at specific strategies school administrators should consider when intervening during a crisis in the classroom.

Session Outcomes:

Audience members will gain an understanding of emotional regulation as it relates to challenging behaviors that occur within a school environment. They will also learn more about how visual supports/picture cues, decreased vocal volume, decreased verbal instruction and decreased external stimuli can help to alleviate student agitation and lead to recovery.

Session Description:

Our world is becoming increasingly reliant on technology and preparing our students to effectively use technology is important. How do we as educators provide students the opportunities to “keep up” with technological trends and become prepared for the technological world in which they’ll live and work? How can we provide equitable opportunities for students to learn about Computer Science (CS)? In this session, you'll learn how integrating CS into existing content areas can provide equitable opportunities for students. We’ll explore how computational thinking (an interrelated set of skills and practices for solving complex problems) can be used to introduce CS in disciplines and help prepare students to participate in a computational world. Participants will also hear how educators within our region are integrating CS into their classrooms. This session will include hands-on activities!

Session Outcomes:

1) Learn how CS can be integrated into existing content areas

2) Hear how educators in our region are integrating CS into their curriculum

3) Enjoy hands-on activities

Session Description:

Technology may at times be considered as a substitute for teaching and learning rather than a tool to be used to support teaching and learning. Are there ways in which technology was used prior to the pandemic and during the pandemic that you’d rather not see again? Are there ways in which technology was used effectively that you’d like to see continue? What technologies are “working” for teaching and learning? What "new" technologies have become available this year? Where does Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative AI (like ChatGPT) fit into the classroom? How do we use technology as an *effective* tool for teaching and learning? In this session, we’ll identify what is working and why, and current technological tools that can be used to support teaching and learning. Also introduced will be adaptive technologies for use within classrooms.

Session Outcomes:

1. Knowledge of current trends and applications of technologies for the classroom

2. Knowledge of adaptive technologies for the classroom

Session Description:

Participants will use The National P-3 Framework that serves as a tool to plan, implement and evaluate current P-3 approaches. They will engage in self assessment work that will help reflect on the current use of these P-3 best practices. Topics of discussion will include the following three of eight buckets within the P-3 Framework; Cross-Sector Work, Data-Driven Improvement and Instructional tools. The three topics of focus will address disconnected practices within the early learning system (preschool through third grade). In turn, this will help your district build a foundation for a high quality inclusive Transition to Kindergarten program.

Session Outcomes:

Districts will walk away with resources curated by OSPI and ESD 105 that will guide district leadership with exploring/planning, implementing and scaling up current P-3 systems alignment. (OSPI and ESDs are in the process of creating these resources that will be used for coordinated support)

Session Description:

Career & Technical Education (CTE) provides students with rigorous, industry-specific training that results in a clear pathway to prosperous work and future growth. CTE is also a recognized Graduation Pathway in Washington, opening alternatives for students to choose an authentic route to high school graduation that aligns with their personal goals and ambitions - work, apprenticeships, technical, community college, and universities are all viable options. Unfortunately, students living in more than 60% of rural school districts in South Central Washington are disadvantaged in their access to CTE programs and meaningful career exploration. Join us for an interactive session to learn how the South Central STEM Network is supporting CTE, Career Pathway Development, and creating Career Connected Learning opportunities from Elementary through Post-Secondary.

Session Outcomes:

1. Learn how the South Central STEM Network supports CTE directors in our region by developing CTE Graduation Pathways, connections to Internships, Apprenticeships, and other Career Connected Learning opportunities.

2. Explore data related to CTE Graduation Pathways at school districts in the ESD 105 region and across the state and learn how the South Central STEM Network is bridging the gap and building connections to Industry.

3. Hear from the student(s) who have participated in Career Connected Learning opportunities.

Session Description:

Enhance your understanding of the Science of Reading and Structured Literacy through our workshop led by a LETRS certified facilitator. Designed for administrators, this workshop emphasizes three key areas for improving student literacy: understanding priority reading skills, supporting teachers with evidence-based practices, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement in literacy instruction. By engaging in this learning, you will gain valuable knowledge and strategies to strengthen your leadership in promoting effective literacy instruction in your district and school.

Session Outcomes:

1. identify the priority skills needed for effective literacy instruction. 

2. learn about available resources that can assist you in providing paraeducators and teachers with ongoing, job-embedded support and feedback to enhance their practice. 

3. understand how to cultivate a culture of continuous improvement within professional learning communities.

Session Description:

This is an offering in partnership with community coalitions to inform school and district administrators policy changes and how referral for Student Assistance Program Services as an intervention before suspension can help districts comply with exclusionary discipline laws.

Session Outcomes:

Administrators will gain an understanding of the law regarding exclusionary discipline, they will be exposed to a variety of options for referral for intervention that they can implement in their buildings and districts, and they will be informed of resources available in their communities for assistance in aligning their district and building policy and procedure with the current Washington State law.

Session Description:

This session walks all participants through applying a framework to identify ten different elements of culture in a professional's own life, intersectionality, and proximity to power of different cultural identifiers including race, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, disability, age and faith practice.

Session Outcomes:

Attendees will develop an understanding of the many different intersectional identities that make up a person's culture, explore their identities in the context of access to power and privilege, and develop an understanding for how they consciously or unconsciously communicate their culture and values to those around them.Back to School! Strategies you can use NOW to Reduce Chronic Absenteeism.

Session Description:

Part ONE - Plan on attending the first part of a back-to-back series about engagement/re-engagement.  Together we will interact with proven, practical strategies that remove barriers and engage students. Schools have experienced up to a 30% reduction in chronic attendance in the first year using these strategies. If you are an educational leader, principal, or superintendent who is looking for effective strategies to reduce chronic absenteeism in your schools, you must plan to attend both of these sessions! We will share practical insights and strategies that are based on proven experience that have worked. Through this session, you will discover the importance of restorative practices and student voice, clear steps and procedures, attendance huddles, and student check-ins as key interventions for improving attendance. You will experience an interactive simulation experiencing how teams can analyze and implement interventions to help remove barriers for your students and families and get kids back to school! You will leave the session prepared for part two, developing materials you can help guide and implement in your schools TODAY. Plan on the first of a two-part interactive session taking your school's attendance to the next level.

Session Outcomes:

1. Hands-on practice with Attendance Huddles and interventions

2. A guide to Implementing Student Attendance Interventions

3. A Template for Identifying and structuring your Attendance Team and Intervention Steps

Session Description:

The second part of a back-to-back series about engagement/re-engagement. Together we will plan out proven, practical strategies that remove barriers and engage students. Schools have experienced up to a 30% reduction in chronic attendance in the first year using these strategies. If you are an educational leader, principal, or superintendent looking for effective strategies to reduce chronic absenteeism in your schools, you want to attend both of these sessions! We will practice implementing restorative practices and student voice, engaging families, clear steps and procedures, attendance huddles, and student check-ins as key interventions for improving attendance. Individuals and teams will analyze and plan interventions to help remove barriers for your students and families and get kids back to school! You will leave the session with materials you can help guide and implement in your schools TODAY. Plan on attending the second part of these interactive sessions taking your school's attendance to the next level.

Session Outcomes:

1. Hands-on practice with Attendance Huddles and interventions

2. A guide to Implementing Student Attendance Interventions

3. A Template for Identifying and structuring your Attendance Team and Intervention Steps

Session Description:

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is an evidence-based approach to education that provides targeted, comprehensive support to students based on their individual needs. However, implementing MTSS district-wide requires building capacity for effective implementation. The District Capacity Assessment (DCA) and Implementation Drivers (ID) framework, developed by the National Implementation Research Network, offer a comprehensive approach to assessing and building district capacity for MTSS implementation.

Understanding the DCA and ID framework is essential for anyone interested in building district capacity for MTSS success. The DCA provides a clear picture of the district's readiness for MTSS implementation by assessing seven core components of infrastructure that support MTSS implementation. The ID framework offers a roadmap to implement MTSS effectively, identifying the critical components required for successful implementation. By identifying the most relevant implementation drivers for MTSS implementation, districts can create a plan to address areas of need and maximize student success.

Building district capacity for successful MTSS implementation is essential for promoting equity and improving education outcomes for all students. By utilizing the DCA and ID framework, districts can effectively support teachers, promote collaboration, and maximize the success of MTSS. This session provides valuable insights and practical strategies for building district capacity for MTSS implementation, making it a must for anyone interested in improving education outcomes for all students.

Session Outcomes:

Learn to build district capacity for successful MTSS implementation with the Implementation Drivers (ID) framework and District Capacity Assessment (DCA). Identify relevant drivers and plan to address areas of need. Maximize district-wide MTSS success with practical strategies. Essential for building district capacity for MTSS.

Session Description: 

Participants will develop an understanding of the components of an effective Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) for staff. In this session, we will explore how to intentionally create selection criteria to ensure the right individuals are hired to support your school and district's MTSS. We will delve into training structures that empower staff to implement MTSS practices effectively. Participants will also learn how to develop a comprehensive coaching service plan to support staff in their implementation efforts. Furthermore, we will discuss the connection between MTSS and the District Capacity Assessment (DCA 21-27), enabling participants to align their support strategies with district-wide goals. 

Session Outcomes: 

• Participants will be able to understand the key components of an effective CoS system for staff, including the selection criteria, training structures, and coaching service plan.

• Participants will be able to recognize and establish the connection between the CoS system and the District Capacity Assessment (DCA 21-27), enabling them to align their support strategies with district-wide goals and initiatives.

Session Description: 

Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of developing a data-driven continuum of support using evidence-based practices. Learn how to effectively analyze and utilize data to create a continuum of support that meets the diverse needs of students. Discover the practical application of NIRN's Hexagon Tool in selecting and deselecting interventions and supports based on data-driven decision-making. By the end of this session, participants will have the knowledge and skills to develop a robust continuum of support using evidence-based practices and leverage the Hexagon Tool for informed intervention selection.

Session Outcomes:

• Participants will understand how to develop a data-driven continuum of support with evidence-based practices. 

• Participants will be able to understand the Hexagon Tool and its practical application to select and deselect interventions and supports.

Session Description:

Research tells us that youth who access academic and non-academic enrichment activities are highly dependent upon family income. Students of our highest-income families spend almost seven times more on enrichment than those students who are not in the same economic situation, and this spending creates an opportunity gap. So how can schools help bridge this gap? ESD 105 has been working diligently with a local district to focus energy on answering that question. Leveraging after-school time through high-quality programs, students participate in activities and enrich academic experiences otherwise not readily available to them with the goal of providing lasting developmental benefits. This session will support finding solutions that any district can obtain by leaning into the Wallace Foundations' research and the work ESD 105 is doing in partnership with Yakima School District

Session Outcomes:

Participants will leave with examples of actual program plans.

Session Description:

Washington State has one of the country's most generous financial aid programs in the nation, yet the state continuously ranks 48th-49th in financial aid completions. In this session, participants will learn about the services the South Central Washington STEM Network provides to support districts in meeting the Financial Aid Advising Day (FAAD) requirements and meeting the 60% financial aid completion goal set by the state. In addition, learn about some of the innovative strategies being piloted in high schools across the region.

Session Outcomes:

1. 4 Best Practices in Financial Aid (WSAC Financial Aid Completion Portal, Know the Data, etc)-A closer look at successful districts who are meeting completion goals.

2. Efforts in our region to meet the 60% completion rate goal set by the state

3. Innovative efforts by the South Central Washington STEM Network in partnership with local school districts. For example, parent engagement and our Financial Aid Influencers Program in three local high schools.

Session Description:

“Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.” - James Baldwin. We strive to teach good SEL skills to our students but how are we supporting our staff in modeling SEL skills on our campuses each day? This session will help district and building leaders learn more about adult SEL, how to promote it in their staff, and how adult SEL impacts the effectiveness of student SEL skills.

Session Outcomes:

1. How SEL can be modeled by district staff. 

2. How to teach SEL skills to adults. 

3. How to "sell" the importance of adult SEL across the district.

Session Description:

Districts are responding to increasingly complex and threatening behavior which directly impacts the culture and safety of everyone. The Salem-Keizer Cascade model of behavioral threat assessment provides a framework for communication around critical incidents, improves structure, and works with your Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) to avoid overlap of interventions. Behavioral threat assessment provides a tool that can reduce potential liability and implements a system that is equitable, encourages reintegration and is separate from the discipline process.

Session Outcomes:

Behavioral Threat Assessment provides structure when addressing chaotic behavior, implements a framework for communication that improves the sense of psychological safety and minimizes overlap through coordination of resources.

Session Description:

The relatively new field of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) is a powerful addition to supporting students and educators. Schools are a pathway for change and they are uniquely positioned to offer early support and interventions. In this session we will learn how implementing IECMHC in your building can significantly improve your education team's experience as a teacher. Recent studies show that IECMHC reduces the very real problems of educator burnout, low morale and high staff turn over. IECMHC has a powerful and long reach with students that can be felt across their educational experience. We will explore the connection between IECMHC on student attendance and achievement. Many disorders can be prevented before they begin by providing access to developmentally appropriate, high-quality early care and support. While early childhood is a time of special vulnerability it is also a window of rare opportunity to promote psychological health.

Session Outcomes:

1. Participants will walk away with a grounding framework for understanding infant and childhood mental health and its place in a school setting.

2. Participants will receive an outline and specific resources for building a systemic and compassionate IECMHC team in their district or building.

Session Description: 

This session aims to provide school staff and administration with a comprehensive understanding of the role of school social workers and equip them with strategies to effectively support and collaborate with these essential professionals.

Participants will explore the various domains of school social work practice, gaining insights into the diverse challenges students may face and the positive impact school social workers can have on their well-being. The session will delve into legal and ethical considerations in school social work, ensuring participants understand the boundaries and guidelines within which these professionals operate.

Join us in this training session to gain valuable insights and practical strategies that will empower you to maximize the potential of school social workers.

Session outcomes: 

1. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the responsibilities, functions, and importance of school social workers in the educational setting. 

2. Explore the various domains of school social work practice: Participants will become familiar with the different areas in which school social workers provide support, including individual counseling, group interventions, crisis response, family engagement, and community partnerships.

3.  Explore legal and ethical considerations in school social work: Participants will gain an understanding of the legal and ethical guidelines that govern the practice of school social workers, including confidentiality, informed consent, and mandated reporting

Session Description:

When the CTE director comes back from the CTE conference the same questions seem to arise. How do we add more CTE courses to the schedule to increase CTE FTE? Yes, CTE funding is a funding enhancement to Basic Education but is “running up” the CTE FTE really accomplishing your district goals. Is your district really generating the CTE revenue you are thinking? We will take a look at how CTE is funded and whether or not the decision to “run up” the CTE FTE is really a good one for the district.

Session Outcomes:

1. How CTE is funded by the State
2. An understanding of how CTE fund affects District funding

Session Description:

In 1975, 65 districts failed their levies prompting the 1977 legislature to pass the Basic Education Act and the Levy Lid Act. Over the past 46 years the legislature has made numerous changes to the levy laws including the introduction of levy equalization in 1989. The actions of the last 46 years still shape levy laws today. We will explore the history of levies and levy equalization and how the current laws affect your district today.

Session Outcomes:

An understanding that levies and levy equalization are every changing and that legislative advocacy is needed every year

Session Description:

ESD105 school districts are facing significant challenges in attracting and retaining teachers and school staff such as bus drivers, paraprofessionals, nurses, and mental health professionals. Innovative strategies such as CTE Teacher Academies, Youth Apprenticeships, and Teacher Residencies are emerging in our region as options to address educator workforce shortage. For professions like teaching, where people of color are vastly underrepresented, these strategies are especially important. A clear pathway from high school to teaching enables achievement of high academic standards, leadership, options for high skill, high wage employment preparation, and advanced and continuing education. The session will focus on best practices in early outreach with high school academies, recruitment strategies, and paraeducator recruitment efforts with post-secondary partnerships.

Session Outcomes:

Participants will explore effective articulation agreements with College Programs and CTE Frameworks, efforts in High School Teacher Academy students in completing Fundamental Course of Study (FCS) before graduation, and recruitment resources for District Administrators and Building Administrators.

Session Description:

In this interactive "Think Tank" type session, participants will be engaged in a deep dive of the new student growth goal rubrics for Washington State. Participants will connect current work and initiatives with the rubrics, and leave with opportunities to embed this work in meaningful, impactful ways within their school system. Participants will also leave with a copy of Dr. Adeyemi Stembridge's book Culturally Responsive Education in the Classroom - An Equity Framework for Pedagogy.

Session Outcomes:

Copies of the Rubrics, a copy of Adeyemi Stembridge's book, connections for future work and resources to continue the work throughout the school year

Session Description:

As educators, we know that students will struggle with behavior in our school settings and that identifying proactive and effective interventions is key to reducing challenging behavior in schools.  The Federal government mandates the use of evidence-based practices for interventions with students and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is one of these evidence-based practices.  Despite this knowledge, many school systems do not implement ABA strategies and interventions systematically as described and recommended in the literature.  The lack of knowledge and experience using ABA principles and strategies often leads to the misuse or inconsistent implementation of student programming, resulting in ineffective interventions (Max & Lambright, 2022). Let's explore how to evaluate the effectiveness of ABA interventions, specifically the fidelity and implementation of Behavior Support Plans (BSP) within school buildings. We cannot expect our students' behavior to change, if we do not change our own.

Max C, Lambright N. Board certified behavior analysts and school fidelity of Applied Behavior Analysis services: qualitative findings. Int J Dev Disabil. 2021 May 24;68(6):913-923.

Session Outcomes:

1. The rationale of using ABA interventions in the school setting

2. How can we measure if we are doing it "right"?

3. Strategies to increase fidelity and implementation of Behavior Support Plans (BSP) to support student success

Session Description:

Engaging with the media can seem like a chore... scary even. Although educational leaders play an integral role in representing their schools and district, there's very little training during teacher and admin preparation programs on how to effectively engage with the media. It's only natural that this lack of training can make you feel anxious and overwhelmed during even the most benign interactions with reporters. You will leave this session with tips to help you thrive (not just survive) media interviews and a list of ideas for partnering with the media to share your school's story.

Session Outcomes:

1. A list of ideas for partnering with the media to tell your school's story.
2. Tactics for engaging with members of our media
3. Strategies for making the most of an interview with a reporter

Session Description:

When a crisis strikes, the calls start coming in.... They come from parents, from staff, from

community members and, of course, the media. When you have effective crisis communication plans in place, your job will seem easier and your anxiety lessened. Join our ESD 105 SSOCC and public relations and marketing teams to learn how you can build systems for crisis communication that reach your stakeholders with the information they need and want before, during and after a crisis happens.

Session Outcomes:

1. Strategies to help prepare your staff, students and families for how and when to expect communication during a crisis

2. Ideas for streamlining emergency notifications

3. Tactics for the continuous evaluation and improvement of crisis communication systems and protocols

Session Description:

Communication is the key to engaging stakeholders and as a building administrator you are the Principal Communicator of your school. Even though you probably know how important timely communication is, unfortunately, website updates, school newsletters and principal blogs are the first to go when the pile of principal to-do's is stacking up and something has to give. What are parents looking for? Where do they look? And, how can you create quick systems to ensure consistency in your approach? Leave this session with small things you can do (or better yet... delegate someone else to do) that make a BIG impact in engaging your families.

Session Outcomes:

1. Learn strategies for quickly and consistently engaging with students, staff and families.

2. Establish a better understanding of what types of information parents need and where they will look first for this information.

Session Description:

Often, with the best of intentions, we invest in a robust communication tool like ParentSquare and then after we launch it out to our families, we get stuck using only the basic features. This session is designed for current ParentSquare users to get a refresher course on advanced system features and how they can be used to streamline staff and family communication.

Session Outcomes:

Participants will explore advanced features of ParentSquare and share ideas for engagement with other ParentSquare users.

Session Description:

Thinking of starting a school or district social media page? Maybe you already created one and then you forgot about it and now it’s just collecting digital dust….This course is designed for administrators who are new to using social media to engage with their staff and families. This course will focus on the basics.... which platforms are available, who they reach and how they can be used to keep your families informed, engaged and inspired.

Session Outcomes:

Participants will learn which privacy and engagement settings should be selected, how and when to engage with community members on posts, what makes a good vs. a bad post, and be introduced to special features that can be used to reach families.

Session Description:

It’s common for projects to be launched without proper planning or a framework for viewing the workflow and communicating with the project team.  The result is time delays, cost increases and perhaps abandonment of the project itself.

This session focuses on the basics of project management:

• Articulation of a project life cycle

• Examination of project management methodologies

• Identification of meeting structures and artifacts to incorporate

• Examination of electronic platforms that support the project team

Session Outcomes:

Attendees will gain an understanding of how the incorporation of project management structures and platforms can increase the efficiency of a project team, help keep projects on-track and on-budget and improve communication between project team members and stakeholders

Session Description:  

One of the components of Improvement Science is getting clear about the problem you are trying to solve.  Oftentimes as educational leaders we rush to solutions rather than getting clear on our problem.  This session will dive into how you investigate a "gap" that exists in your system or school so you can get really clear on the actual problem that needs to be addressed.  

Session Outcomes:

1. Participants will leave with strategies and tools for investigating a problem in their system.  

2. Participants will learn how to consolidate that problem and then some next steps for what to do with that new found information.

Session Description:  

Rapid tests of change, done in a small scale through the Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) process, allows teams of improvers to see if their change is actually an improvement to the system.  This interactive session dives into the process for running PDSA's as part of your improvement journey.

Session Outcomes:

1. Participants will leave with strategies and tools for running a Plan, Do, Study, Act process with their team.

2. Participants will learn about how teams can use this PDSA in the overall improvement process.

Session Description:  

This session is designed for those who are new to the principal role or aspiring assistant principals looking to become a principal.  The job of the principal has become increasingly difficult over the past several years.  There are often mixed messages about what a new principal should focus on.  This session explores a simple formula and tangible actions that a new building principal can take to get them off on the right foot to making a good first impression.  

Session Outcomes:

1. Participants will learn steps to take in improving their chances at having a successful first year.

2. Participants will also learn from each other about lived experiences working with new principals…the good, the bad and the ugly. 

Session Description: 

This session will provide an action plan to organize your equity work in your district. Participants will experience a preview of what the work can look like, a comprehensive framework for engaging in equity work, and structures to apply the work to your system. You will get time to consider how to apply this back to your district with the presenter and collaborators from across the region. We will also integrate how you can systematize this work through the lens of student voice (along with community and teacher voice) and organizational theory. 

Session Outcomes:

• Experience what powerful and human-centered equity training can look like

• Review and consider application of a framework for organizing and considering equity work in your district

• Consider how equity can be central to the structure and improvement plans of your district

• Co-plan and ideate how you will move equity work forward in your district