2013 Title I Conference: Full Schedule

3:30pm EST

Taking Inventory: Title I Student Dropout, Retention, Promotion, and On-Time Graduation

New findings have emerged on the intractable problem of on-time graduation from an analysis of data that includes a collection containing details about every course that Texas students attempted in high school—semester-by-semester. Included in the course data is information that reveals whether the student received credit for the course, and if not, why they failed to do so. The highly innovative research followed a cohort of Title I first-time ninth-graders through their four years of high school to investigate their course completion and identify barriers to earning course credits compared to non-Title I students. Participants can expect to see where along the high school pipeline we can address the academic needs of Title I students to significantly increase on-time graduation. They can also expect to learn what recommendations they need to champion—as education reform leaders—to break through the gridlock keeping Title I students from academic success to on-time graduation.

Speakers

Omar Lopez

Dr. Omar S. López is an Assistant Professor at Texas State University. A noted public speaker, he is a transdisciplinary scholar who draws from the fields of science, engineering, education, and business to solve some of the thorniest problems confronting society's most vulnerable... Read More →

Monday January 21, 2013 3:30pm - 5:00pm EST
Delta Ballroom C

Leadership

Topic Area Assessment, At-Risk, Cultural Diversity, Dropout Prevention, ELL, Grad Rate, Professional Development, RtI, School Improvement, Secondary Education
Session Type Notable Ideas

8:15am EST

At Risk – Students in The Middle

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While others talk about what should be done to prepare students for college, (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is doing it. For more than 30 years, the AVID College Readiness System has had great success in helping thousands of students, primarily underserved, reach their potential and achieve their dreams of attending college. AVID is a catalyst for systemic cultural changes within a school: transforming beliefs and attitudes about college readiness for ALL students. This session includes research-proven strategies, methods and materials that can be used schoowide and districtwide to accelerate all students, but especially low-income, minority, and first-generation college students. Participants will learn how inquiry-based, collaborative professional learning is a necessary foundation for instructional practices that promote college readiness.

Speakers

Denise Rupert

Denise supervises the quality implementation and support services for AVID schools in the Mid-Atlantic States. She has worked in Title I schools developing programming and professional development for staff. As a strand writer, she works with the AVID National Demonstration Validation... Read More →

Tuesday January 22, 2013 8:15am - 9:45am EST
Presidential D

Leadership

Topic Area At-Risk, College Readiness, Professional Development
Session Type Proven Strategies

10:00am EST

Common Core Standards Look-fors Guide Teacher-Led Classroom Walkthroughs

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The implementation of the Common Core State Standards means educators need to have a deeper conceptual understanding of the English Language Arts, Mathematics and fluency with student-centered teaching practices. With the implementation of the Standards, it is vitally important for school administrators and staff interested in engaging their faculty on the Standards to use an embedded form of professional development known as “teacher-led classroom walkthroughs.” The idea for this session is to show how to engage teachers in continuous and sustained learning about their practices related to the Common Core Standards in a setting in which they actually work. Most important is to focus on how to create a teacher-led walk-through model that gives opportunities for teachers to observe and be observed followed by them sharing through those observations reflective discussions on how to change and improve their Common Core curricula and teaching practices.

Speakers

Donald Kachur

Dr. Donald Kachur is Professor Emeritus of Education from the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Illinois State University, Normal, IL. He was the lead author of the book (2010) titled, "Classroom Walkthroughs to Improve Teaching and Learning."

Tuesday January 22, 2013 10:00am - 11:30am EST
Governors' A

Instruction

Topic Area Professional Development
Session Type Book Club

10:00am EST

The Critical Words Your Students Must Master to be Successful with the Common Core Standards

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Delineate, Integrate, Point of View…Researchers estimate 85% of achievement tests are based on the vocabulary of the standards. Led by ASCD author, Marilee Sprenger, learn the critical words in the Common Core Standards and how to teach them in ways to make them part of your students’ long-term memories and an automatic part of your students’ vocabulary. They will use these Tier Two words at home, at school, and in their careers. Build self-confidence and extend their knowledge base.

Speakers

Marilee Sprenger

Marilee Sprenger is considered an expert in education on all matters related to the brain and learning. Using research and a sense of humor, Marilee leaves her audiences with immediately implemented practical technique. She is an adjunct professor at Aurora University and the author... Read More →

Tuesday January 22, 2013 10:00am - 11:30am EST
Delta Ballroom B

Instruction

Topic Area At-Risk, Common Core, Neuroscience, Professional Development
Session Type Notable Ideas

4:00pm EST

Family Engagement: One More Compliance Box or A Real Strategy for Student Success?

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Everyone loves family engagement. But far fewer people believe that quality family engagement can lead to increased student learning. In this session, we will talk first about how we define and think about "family engagement” in our schools and districts. And we’ll tackle the research: What kinds of family engagement programs work? What kinds don’t? We’ll then talk about districts that successfully engage low-income parents in academics (with success defined as improved student outcomes) and how they do that. Last, we’ll cover some promising practices from nonprofits that have proven to better involve families in their children’s schools.

Speakers

Tyler Whitmire

Tuesday January 22, 2013 4:00pm - 5:00pm EST
Delta Ballroom B

Instruction

Topic Area Early Childhood, Effective Leaders, Effective Programs, Professional Development
Session Type Proven Strategies

8:30am EST

Transforming and Monitoring Instruction: Access to Quality Instruction for all Students in K5 Math

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Through coordinated efforts of a regional ESA and 16 elementary schools, teams of teachers and educational professionals transformed mathematics instruction. Key to the transformation was job-embedded professional development designed to enhance the mathematical content of participants and challenge them to strengthen instruction. The PD received included math academies that stretched mathematical content knowledge and provided time to connect and apply new knowledge for student learning. Presenters will share how PLC structures were developed to guide participants in collecting, interpreting and monitoring student progress through the use of data. Data provided information for students to receive individualized instruction with embedded supports. Through the collaboration of GRREC, Western Kentucky University, Whizz Education, Inc., and Carnegie Learning, student achievement in mathematics increased. The data and implementation from two Title I schools will be highlighted.

Speakers

Sandra Baker

Sandra Baker is the Associate Director of Learning Support for GRREC. She provides support to 36 school districts in the areas of curriculum, assessment, and instruction. Ms. Baker is a frequent conference speaker and facilitator of PD for teachers and educational leaders, statewide... Read More →

Kasey Bratcher

Kasey enjoyed 8 years teaching mathematics and has spent the last 5 years delivering Professional Development for K-12 teachers. She is currently a Manager of School Partnerships with Carnegie Learning and continues to deliver PD focusing on student centered classroom with 21st century... Read More →

Kevin Judd

Kevin Judd serves as a Vice President for Whizz Education. Mr. Judd taught mathematics for 12 years before spending 5 years as a math specialist and curriculum administrator in the public school system. He holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Policy Studies from the University... Read More →

Patti Whetstone

Dr. Whetstone is a Research Associate at Educational Testing and Evaluation at University of Kansas. Her experiences as Diagnostician, State Dir. of Special Ed. and Professor provide knowledge regarding data for improvement. At WKU, Dr. Whetstone worked with staff in design of research... Read More →

Wednesday January 23, 2013 8:30am - 9:30am EST
Delta Ballroom B

Instruction

Topic Area Elementary, Math, Professional Development, Program Coord
Session Type Proven Strategies

10:00am EST

Using Data to Improve Learning for All Students

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Schools can become much more efficient and innovative learning organizations when they use data effectively. The ability to thoroughly answer five essential questions that lead to aligning instruction and practices to the needs of the learner will likely get student learning increases in every grade level, subject area and with every student group. Participants will learn these five essential questions, what data must be used to answer these questions, how to solve a problem with data, and how to create and lead a plan that will positively transform leading, teaching and learning school-wide.

Speakers

Victoria Bernhardt

Executive Director of the Education for the Future Initiative, whose mission is to build the capacity of learning organizations at all levels to gather, utilize and use data to improve student achievement. She has also authored or co-authored several books on such topics as: Response... Read More →

Wednesday January 23, 2013 10:00am - 11:30am EST
Delta Ballroom B

Instruction

Topic Area Assessment, Effective Leaders, Effective Programs, Professional Development, Science, Using Data
Session Type Proven Strategies

10:30am EST

I Have All of This Technology In My School - Now What???

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Title I schools would benefit from the effective use of technology to differentiate and accelerate learning. School leaders (administrators, coaches, teacher leaders) should model best practices to support this goal. Too often there is a disconnect between technology tools (blogs, wikis, hardware solutions, etc.) and how they can be leveraged to produce the desired results in the classroom. Many times, technology solutions are purchased without a systematic plan for implementation. Participants will learn best practices that can be used to promote, support and model technology integration techniques to shape experiences that will advance teacher learning, creativity, and innovation. Participants will discover the importance of inspiring change that maximizes the use of digital-age resources to support instructional practices. At the conclusion of the session, participants will leave with digital resources and access to a learning community to support implementation.

Speakers

Dr Nicole Micheau

Executive Director Federal Programs, Duval County Public Schools

Dr. Nicole Micheau has over 20 years’ experience in one of the largest school districts in the United States including district-wide project management, school improvement, finance, grant writing, compliance, and professional development. She has provided leadership and support... Read More →

Wednesday January 23, 2013 10:30am - 11:45am EST
Governors' B

Leadership

Topic Area Professional Development, Technology
Session Type Proven Strategies

2:00pm EST

Leading 21st Century Learning

An interactive and engaging presentation on the skills students now need to be successful in learning, work and life in the 21st Century, and how more and more schools across the country are taking the lead in transforming their schools to ensure real success for all children.

Speakers

Bernie Trilling

Consultant, PMIEF

Wednesday January 23, 2013 2:00pm - 3:30pm EST
Delta Ballroom B

Instruction

Topic Area Differentiated Instruction, Effective Programs, Professional Development, Science, Technology
Session Type Notable Ideas

2:15pm EST

Building Teacher Capacity for Success: School Improvement That Works!

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In this era of high stakes teacher and leader evaluation, common core state standards, the upcoming new student assessments and other changes impacting Title I Schools, developing school-based teacher leaders who are experts in curriculum, instruction, assessment and professional learning is the key to sustainable school improvement. What are the professional development practices and policies that support teacher leaders as they strive to impact student learning through their leadership role with their colleagues? How can the research-based Continuum of Self Reflection framework guide the work of teacher leaders and administrators as they support teachers? What is the leader's role in ensuring that local capacity is built and sustained ? What leadership tools have proven to be useful in supporting school improvement efforts? In this session, participants will examine these questions and apply their learning to the realities of the districts and schools they serve.

Speakers

Ann Cunningham-Morris

Ann has been a district instructional administrator, principal in seven states. She has been an educational consultant throughout the world and has written articles for professional publications. Ann completed BS, M.Ed degrees, Certificate of Advanced Studies, and Executive Leadership... Read More →

Wednesday January 23, 2013 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
Governors' B

Leadership

Topic Area Professional Development, School Improvement
Session Type Proven Strategies

2:15pm EST

Turning High-Poverty Schools Into High-Performing Schools: 12 Strategies That Make The Difference

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This session focuses on a research-based framework for leadership and learning in high poverty schools. Recent case studies from high-performing/high-poverty (HP / HP) schools provide compelling insight into what it takes to make a dramatic turnaround. This session will highlight 12 specific strategies that provide an essential foundation for success in any underperforming school. Practical study and planning tools will be provided to guide improvement in a participants own school or district. Through better understanding of how HP / HP schools achieve success with underachieving students who live in poverty, participants will acquire specific strategies and identify action steps to best support these students

Speakers

Kathleen Budge

Kathleen is the coordinator of the Leadership Development Program and assistant professor in the Curriculum Studies Department at Boise State University. Kathleen has worked as a district curriculum director, an elementary principal, and an elementary and special education teacher... Read More →

William Parrett

Director Emeritus, Center for School Improvement and Policy Studies (Boise State University)

William H. Parrett has received international recognition for his work in school improvement related to children and adolescents who live in poverty. He has co-authored eleven books, the past three being best-sellers. As Director Emeritus of the Center for School Improvement & Policy... Read More →

Wednesday January 23, 2013 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
Delta Ballroom C

Leadership

Topic Area Assessment, At-Risk, Common Core, Cultural Diversity, Dropout Prevention, Effective Programs, Elementary, Family Engagement, Professional Development, School Improvement, Technology, Using Data
Session Type Notable Ideas

3:45pm EST

NC's Demonstration Program: A Pre-Kindergarten/Kindergarten Professional Development Initiative

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The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction offers the Demonstration Site Program, which provides opportunities for visits to inclusive preschool and kindergarten classroom where effective practices are observable. The Demonstration classrooms serve preschool and kindergarten children and families that reflect cultural, linguistic, and ability diversity. Information about this Professional Development initiative will be shared, including a feature presentation by a Kindergarten Demonstration Teacher in a Title I Reward School.

Speakers

Carla Garrett

Carla Garrett is the Title I Preschool Consultant in NC and has twenty years of experience in early childhood education. Along with Title I, Carla works with NC's Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Demonstration Programs. Prior to joining the state department, she worked as a school... Read More →

Marylee Sease

Marylee Sease is a NC Kindergarten Demonstration Teacher and has twenty four years of experience. She has served in various teacher leader roles and was chosen to participate as one of NC's Power of Kindergarten Teachers. Marylee is also a clinical faculty member at Western Carolina... Read More →

Wednesday January 23, 2013 3:45pm - 4:45pm EST
Governors' B

Leadership

Topic Area Early Childhood, Effective Leaders, Effective Programs, Grad Rate, Professional Development, School Improvement
Session Type Notable Ideas

4:00pm EST

Brain Rules: Plug In-Turn On - Practical Classroom Applications for the Latest Brain Research

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Most Brain research has been learned in the past decade, so many educators have had little exposure for how best to 'prime the pump' to increase learning. Kids in poverty deal with more unique challenges in school and this session will talk directly to how to overcome them through understanding and implementing simple strategies. The 6 'Brain Rules' deal with 1) Stress and its impact on learning, cognition and memory 2) Crucial Role of the Reticular Activating System in engaging students at the start of lessons 3) Differences in Males/Females and effective teaching methods 4) Importance of emotions in how the brain responds to the instructor, material, effort, motivation etc 5) How the brain stores info and the importance of differentiated learning 6) Power of Hope and how it impacts more positive choices, belief in a different future and the ability to control ones destiny. This material is taught in a Fast paced, fun way which includes humor, video clips, stories and discussion

Speakers

Tara Brown

President, Learner's Edge Consulting

Tara Brown is an award-winning educator, author and intern'l speaker. Known as ‘The Connection Coach’, Tara believes strongly that a major key to Title 1 youth success is the ability to connect and build effective relationships in the classroom/school. Her trademark humor/passion... Read More →

Wednesday January 23, 2013 4:00pm - 5:00pm EST
Delta Ballroom B

Instruction

Topic Area At-Risk, Dropout Prevention, Elementary, Grad Rate, Neuroscience, Professional Development, Secondary Education
Session Type Proven Strategies

8:30am EST

Frank Talk About Increasing Black Male Achievement

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Developing systemic and sustainable increases in Black male achievement continues to be elusive. There are no proven programs, researched-based or otherwise, to draw upon. The strategies required oftentimes prove too complex and unpalatable for many school leaders or classroom teachers. This session engages participants in the questions that must be asked, data that must be gathered, partnerships that must be established, and strategies that must be implemented to ensure systemic and sustainable increases in Black male achievement as outlined in the book, "Empowering African-American Males: A Guide to Increasing Black Male Achievement."

Participants learn how to shape peer culture, build partnerships, involve parents, reach out to the community, build on young men's dreams and aspirations, and develop an asset-based focus that forges relationships and taps into the intrinsic motivation to succeed.

Speakers

Mychal Wynn

CEO of Foundation for Ensuring Access and Equity. 2nd Vice President for the National Council on Educating Black Children. Consultant to schools and school districts through the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Author of 26 books. 25 years of teaching and consulting expe... Read More →

Thursday January 24, 2013 8:30am - 10:00am EST
Delta Ballroom C

Instruction

Topic Area At-Risk, College Readiness, Cultural Diversity, Differentiated Instruction, Dropout Prevention, Effective Programs, Elementary, Family Engagement, Professional Development, Program Coord, Reading & Writing, RtI, School Improvement, Secondary Education
Session Type Book Club