OIE's 2018 Annual Education Innovation Conference

09/27/2018 08:15 AM - 09:30 AM
Keynote Opening Keynote
Stephen Spaloss
City Year
Keynote

Welcome message from OIE's Director Denise Airola and City Year's Stephen Spaloss 

09/27/2018 09:45 AM - 10:30 AM
45 Minute Session Project-Based Learning Sounds Great But What About Classroom Management?
John Spencer
Spencerauthor.com
45 Minute Session

Project-based learning is a student-centered framework that boosts creative thinking and authentic learning. But how do you actually manage a PBL classroom? What are the challenges that come with this newfound student ownership? How do you keep group members accountable during collaborative projects? How do you help students manage their own projects and grow into self-directed learners? In this session, we'll explore how to design structures that encourage students to self-manage and self-regulate in a PBL classroom. We'll also explore how the structures within design thinking can facilitate this type of classroom management.

09/27/2018 09:45 AM - 10:30 AM
45 Minute Session The Real P.B.L. (Passion Based Learning)
Buddy Berry
Eminence Independent
45 Minute Session

This session helps you learn what makes students want to come to class and instructional engagement soar! Learn invaluable ways to make your instruction come to life by putting more passion and play in your day. This session will revolve around the Google Concept of 20% time while sharing tons of real life examples. Leave challenged, inspired, and ready to roll!

09/27/2018 09:45 AM - 10:30 AM
Mentor Mentor Session - Industry partnerships & Career and Technical Education
J. Eric Wilson
Noble Impact
Mentor Mentor Session

Industry partnerships, Career and Technical Education, Culture, Innovation

09/27/2018 09:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Workshop A Michigan School District’s Pathway Toward Personal Mastery (CBE).
Mike Burde
Kenowa Hills Public Schools
Workshop

The purpose of this session is to share the story of our district and the path we have taken in the beginning stages of  implementing Competency Based Education. The district began by reflecting on what we were doing well and what needed to be changed.  Staff members also participated in a book study with “Delivering on the Promise”. We discovered the why behind a paradigm shift in education and through collaboration as a district we decided that our district was ready for a change and goals were set.  


In April of 2013, the district voted with 81.2% to move forward with Competency Based Education, looking to give the students at Kenowa Hills a more rewarding educational experience.  We began implementing structures to support teachers and staff through collaboration and professional development. The district worked closely with Re-Inventing Schools and then Knowledge Works to begin implementing a multi-level system and a five year plan. During the 2013-2014 school year, teachers and staff worked to create a safe and orderly environment. District, building, and classroom standard operating procedures (SOPs), missions statements, and codes of conducts were established with clarity and consistency.  Next, came the work of establishing a guaranteed and viable curriculum. During the 2015-2016 school year, we looked at an effective instructional framework including the model Gradual Release of Responsibility (GRR). We continued the process with instructional coaching and began utilizing classroom learning labs.
  
Teachers and staff were trained in Instructional Design and Delivery and received help from instructional coaches. Standards-based reporting was fully implemented for the 2016-2017 school year. Teachers, students and parents had access to Empower, a Learning Management System based on the Common Core State Standards.  This past year the district continued processes from previous levels and worked to ensure we continued on the path for student success. We continued working with instructional coaches and collaborating with teachers and staff. Moving forward, Kenowa will continue to plan, check and adjust our system of Competency Based Education.  

Our story is not over.  As a district we are continuing to check and adjust as we plan based on the needs of our staff, students and families.  We are excited to share where we have been and where we are going.

09/27/2018 09:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Workshop Moving to Personalization: What to Embrace and What to Abandon
Jim Rickabaugh
Institute for Personalized Learning, a division of CESA #1
Workshop Mentor Session

Real change requires more than committing to learning new things, adopting new behaviors, and adding new tasks. Significant, lasting change that leads to better results requires letting go of what adds to our loads, holds us back, and fails to add value. This interactive session will explore what we need to embrace in a learner centered, personalized environment and what we need to abandon to create time, free up energy, and refocus our priorities.

09/27/2018 09:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Workshop The WHAT WHY and HOW of changing public education to be student centered
Don Siviski
Learner Centered Education
Workshop Mentor Session

The "essential question" is, How do we maximize the educational opportunity of every child in the community" ? Understanding "what" we need to consider, "why" our journey is so important and "how" we need to proceed are essential elements that need to be fully embraced in order to engage every learner, implement new practices and ensure community-based support. This session will provide insights about culture change and engage the audience in deep personal reflections and professional conversation.

09/27/2018 09:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Workshop Personal Competencies and Metacognition: Levers for Equity
Jonathan Vander Els
V and S School Solutions
Workshop

A critical tenet of a competency-based system is the separation of academics and behaviors. Academic content knowledge, skills and dispositions are all critically important for success in today's world. But how have we helped students further develop the personal competencies that will best prepare them for success in their career, college and life? Jonathan Vander Els has led this effort in New Hampshire and will provide opportunities for participants to learn more about the work being done in this area, specifically how a focus on metacognition (a learner's ability to think about their thinking), has been a lever for learning for ALL students. Participants will also be able to reflect on their own practices and develop practical, actionable "next steps" for deepening these opportunities for their own students.

09/27/2018 09:45 AM - 10:30 AM
45 Minute Session Changing Lives Through the Power of Learning: One Learners Pursuit
Johnna Noll
Norris School District
45 Minute Session Mentor Session

In the Norris School District, we believe in “Changing Lives Through the Power of Learning”. Learn about the six core elements of the Norris macrocosm and how they support each learner's personal pursuit for learning. This begins with the development a robust learner profile used to co-design personal plans and pathways across a multidimensional competency framework. Participants will discover how each person in the learning network supports learners in achieving their goals.

09/27/2018 09:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Workshop D.I.Y: Designing and Implementing Learner Profiles
Kate Sommerville
Institute for Personalized Learning, a division of CESA #1
Workshop

Are you an innovative teacher looking to make transformational change in your classroom by bringing personalized learning practices to life with your learners? This session will provide you and/or your team time to design and create your own learning solutions that can be used with your students. Learn more about the what and why behind learner profiles and take time to explore examples and create a template to use in your classroom next week!

09/27/2018 09:45 AM - 10:30 AM
Mentor Mentor Session - Paving a Policy Path for Innovation
Karla Phillips
Foundation for Excellence in Education
Mentor Mentor Session

Policymakers continue to be supportive of expanding opportunities for innovation and providing the flexibility necessary. The proliferation of innovative, personalized, and mastery-based models demonstrates that there are no prohibitive policy barriers but there are still numerous policies that serve as disincentives to change or obstacles schools need to navigate to ensure efficient implementation and scaling of practices and programs. Learn from other state’s lessons and brainstorm solutions for some of the most vexing policy issues innovative educators encounter.

09/27/2018 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Mentor Mentor Session - Charter approval process, starting a high school
Trish Flanagan
Future School
Mentor Mentor Session

Charter approval process, starting a high school, investment, team building


09/27/2018 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
45 Minute Session The Twenty Levers of Change Needed for Modern Learning
Robert Dillon
School District of University City
45 Minute Session

The Twenty are a set of change levers that teachers and leaders need to consider for modern learning success. Each lever plays a role in how school success in guiding the shifts necessary for joyful, engaging learning for all students. Join this conversation and leave with ideas and resources to proceed into the wild, wild country of change.

09/27/2018 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
45 Minute Session Communicating Personalized Learning to Families and Stakeholders: Terminology and Tips
Karla Phillips
Foundation for Excellence in Education
45 Minute Session

Interest in and momentum for personalized learning is building but making the shift is no small feat. Consistent and effective communication and engagement with all stakeholders is crucial for a successful transition.  State and school leaders must be prepared with thoughtful messages and strategies to gain buy-in and overcome myths and negative messages. Results of national message testing will be presented and include real-life examples. Participants will have the opportunity to craft their own unique vision and practice answering tough questions.

09/27/2018 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Mentor Mentor Session - Leadership Session
Buddy Berry
Eminence Independent
Mentor Mentor Session

Join Dr. Buddy Berry in this focused mentor session. This mentor session will be tailored to building and/or district leadership.  

09/27/2018 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
45 Minute Session From PreK to Teaching: Leveraging National Service for School Improvement
Melina Kiper
City Year
45 Minute Session

Representatives from JumpStart, City Year, and TNTP AmeriCorps discuss the role national service programs, particularly AmeriCorps, have served our country’s most critical needs, including in innovative school improvement efforts from preK through programs that support our educators. Participants will explore how AmeriCorps members play a vital role in helping communities design and implement locally determined, results-driven, evidence-based, cost-effective solutions to local problems, including improving education. This session will explore roles that national service programs, particularly AmeriCorps, play in providing additional human capital to support student and school success as teachers, tutors, extracurricular providers, and in other roles; contribute to the educator pipeline; and dramatically reduce the educational disparities that leave too many students without the educational foundation they need for success in life.

09/27/2018 11:45 AM - 01:45 PM
Keynote Lunch Keynote
Derek Wenmoth
CORE education
Keynote

Lunch will be provided and Derek Wenmoth will be the guest speaker. 

09/27/2018 02:00 PM - 03:45 PM
Workshop Using Technology to Create Visible Learning
Harry Dickens
Edgenuity
Workshop

How do students show their learning to you to show you what they know? What tools do you use to differentiate learning in your classroom. 

In this session we will explore tools and thoroughly created Hyperdocs.  We will explore lesson templates that include the 5 E's as well as the Explore, Explain and Apply models.  We will use tools that can be added to the Chrome Browser as extension or apps with many of them connecting to Google Classroom.   

09/27/2018 02:00 PM - 02:45 PM
Mentor Mentor Session - Transformational Leadership
Jim Rickabaugh
Institute for Personalized Learning, a division of CESA #1
Mentor Mentor Session

Transformational Leadership

09/27/2018 02:00 PM - 03:45 PM
Workshop Assessment in a CBL System: Fostering Structures to Determine Competency
Jonathan Vander Els
V and S School Solutions
Workshop

Oftentimes, when we think of the word "Assessment" we think of testing. Assessment in a competency-based system is FOR learning, not just OF learning. In this session, participants will learn how changes in assessment practices were the catalyst for significantly higher levels of learning for students at Memorial School, and a vehicle and entry point for deepening many of the necessary components of a CBL system. Jonathan Vander Els was the principal of Memorial School, a nationally recognized school in New Hampshire that made this transition to competency education, and he will share practical, doable, ways that schools can begin, or deepen their competency journey through assessment practices by implementing the collaborative structures necessary to support this critical work.

09/27/2018 02:00 PM - 03:45 PM
Workshop City Year and how they affect school climate
Sarah Roberson
City Year
Workshop

Through positive school climate activities and near-peer activities, Student Success Coaches build strong relationships with students. They encourage students to come to school more often and make attending school an enjoyable experience that students can look forward to each day. Participants of this workshop will experience the delivery of student engagement practices, such as attendance initiatives, where students receive formal attendance coaching at least weekly via a Check-in, Check-out goal-setting protocol, and formal behavior coaching through a City Year-developed leadership development curriculum. The workshop will also include a panel discussion with AmeriCorps team members including an Impact Manager, Student Success Coach, a student and a teacher.

09/27/2018 02:00 PM - 02:45 PM
45 Minute Session National Geographic’s Geo-Inquiry Process in Action!
Carley Lovorn
National Geographic Society
45 Minute Session Mentor Session

Geo-Inquiry is a new integrated, project-based process that connects real-world challenges and National Geographic Explorers to the classroom. The Geo-Inquiry Process incorporates the attitudes and skills of an Explorer: curious, responsible, and empowered to make a difference in the world. In this highly interactive session educators will learn new strategies to help students develop critical thinking skills, ask geographic questions, collect information,  visualize and analyze data, create a compelling story, and ultimately become advocates for change in their local communities.


The Geo-Inquiry Process is designed to inspire educators to teach students about the world in innovative, experiential and authentic ways. National Geographic offers Geo-Inquiry guides, student workbooks, professional learning opportunities, and online courses for educators free of charge.  Throughout the session the work of real-world Explorers in the field who apply the Geo-Inquiry Process will be highlighted. These case studies highlight how the process has helped solve real problems and effect change at the global level.


09/27/2018 02:00 PM - 02:45 PM
45 Minute Session Designing the Student of the Future….Today!
Buddy Berry
Eminence Independent
45 Minute Session

This session takes a deep dive into the glue that holds personalized learning together. Come hear real examples on how to transform your learning outcomes with dynamic, specific suggestions. Highlights include an overview of Graduate/ Learner Profiles, Exemplars, and Innovative Learning Outcomes. Participants will be taken on a guided journey of how to weave Next Practice with Best Practice to create the classroom of future!

09/27/2018 02:00 PM - 02:45 PM
Mentor Mentor Session - Student centered education, the change process, transformational leadership
Don Siviski
Learner Centered Education
Mentor Mentor Session

Student centered education, the change process, transformational leadership

09/27/2018 02:00 PM - 03:45 PM
Workshop Leading Learning Space Design
Robert Dillon
School District of University City
Workshop Mentor Session

Reducing barriers and increasing the chances of success for teaching and learning lie at the heart of modern leadership. Both of these items can be realized with a focus on designing learning spaces that are in sync with effective pedagogy and proper infusion of technology. This session outlines practical ways that leaders can shift their schools from the outside of the building to entryways and offices to hallways and classrooms that will provide an opportunity for joy and engagement to flourish.

09/27/2018 02:00 PM - 02:45 PM
45 Minute Session Teaching as a Team Sport
Blaine Sanders
Holt Middle School/Fayetteville Public Schools
45 Minute Session Mentor Session

While traveling to New Zealand on A Global Learning Journey, Fayetteville teacher Blaine Sanders was inspired by the concept of teaching as a team sport.  Upon returning to Arkansas, his team attempted to break away from the traditional 1-to-28 classroom setting, to more flexible, team-based teaching.  This session intends to share the journey and Blaine and his team, and hopes to inspire you to jump into The Learning Pit and see how teaching and learning can change for the better when we literally work together.


09/27/2018 02:00 PM - 03:45 PM
Workshop WHY, HOW, WHAT: Designing a Framework of Innovation
Johnna Noll
Norris School District
Workshop Mentor Session

The Norris School District believes learning occurs at all levels for systematic change, so all staff engage weekly in design of our innovative framework starting with the WHY, HOW and WHAT to make our vision come alive. Participants will delve into one of six core elements of our macrocosm and learn how we continually engage staff in the design to gain perspective from different lenses and then transfer, apply, share and commit to developing responsive enduring practices that are the fiber of our work.

09/27/2018 02:00 PM - 03:45 PM
Workshop Learning and Leading with Habits of Mind
Carol Hill
Thinking Collaborative
Workshop

How do we do the “smart” thing when we don’t know what to do? ... and how do we teach students to do the same?

This interactive session builds participants' understanding of the 16 Habits of Mind and also builds participants' capacity to practice 16 Habits of Mind.  Habits of mind are dispositions that are skillfully and mindfully employed by characteristically intelligent, successful people when they are confronted with problems, the solution to which are not immediately apparent. Habits of Mind training supports administrators and teachers personally and professionally as they think about how to make decisions.  It also supports adults in supporting student self-directedness. In addition, Habits of Mind are the 21st Century thinking skills students need to support their being successful with the rigor of the college and career readiness.  Come to this session to become a better learner and leader of innovative educational practices.

09/27/2018 03:00 PM - 03:45 PM
45 Minute Session Project-Based Learning Sounds Great But What About Classroom Management?
John Spencer
Spencerauthor.com
45 Minute Session

Project-based learning is a student-centered framework that boosts creative thinking and authentic learning. But how do you actually manage a PBL classroom? What are the challenges that come with this newfound student ownership? How do you keep group members accountable during collaborative projects? How do you help students manage their own projects and grow into self-directed learners? In this session, we'll explore how to design structures that encourage students to self-manage and self-regulate in a PBL classroom. We'll also explore how the structures within design thinking can facilitate this type of classroom management. 

09/27/2018 03:00 PM - 03:45 PM
45 Minute Session BREAKOUT EDU
Taylor Philhower
Greenfield-Central Schools (Indiana)
45 Minute Session

Join in the fun! Experience a BREAKOUT EDU crafted specially for the 2018 OIE Innovation Summit! 

There is a new trend in the entertainment world: escape rooms. Basically, a group is locked in a room, and they are asked to work together to solve a series of clues to escape. We can offer that same fun, with an educational twist, to our kids! Breakout EDU offers numerous educational, content-based Breakout games for K-12. This session will run participants through a Breakout session and share helpful tips to implement this activity in your classroom.

This is appropriate for all grade levels.  (Ignore selection below...once selected below the grade levels were not able to be deselected.)

09/27/2018 03:00 PM - 03:45 PM
Mentor Mentor Session- Success and Equity for Student-Focused Learning Systems
Susan Patrick
iNACOL
Mentor

Mentor session with Susan Patrick

09/27/2018 03:00 PM - 03:45 PM
Mentor Mentor Session - Personalized Learning or Graduate Profiles
Buddy Berry
Eminence Independent
Mentor Mentor Session

Join Dr. Buddy Berry in this mentor session and discuss Personalized Learning or Graduate Profiles

09/27/2018 03:00 PM - 03:45 PM
45 Minute Session Making Personalized Learning Work for You
Jim Rickabaugh
Institute for Personalized Learning, a division of CESA #1
45 Minute Session Mentor Session

Many educators struggle in the transition from an instruction-driven to a learning driven approach because so much feels new. It is not always easy to find strategies to make the work feel manageable. While these feelings are natural, there are processes we can employ to create space, increase efficiency and preserve energy. This interactive session will feature quick, easy to implement approaches you can adapt with your learners. Participants will also share their challenges and successes.   

09/27/2018 04:00 PM - 04:45 PM
45 Minute Session Helping Schools Transform Student-Focused Plans into Reality
Gerard Newsom
Arch Ford ESC
45 Minute Session Mentor Session

How can schools across the state transform into student-focused environments now that flexibility has become the norm?
This session is for leadership teams implementing their vision for student-centered change and looking for what’s next or leadership teams looking for a process to restructure the learning environment. To honor the partnership between ADE & the local ESC’s, Team Digital continues to provide guidance to strategically honor this commitment to Arkansas' students. 
 
By using the blended learning approach, our mission is to provide education, guidance, resources, and support during the planning, implementation, and evaluation of digital learning environments.
 
Team Digital, Arkansas’ own guiding curators for student-focused change. 

09/27/2018 04:00 PM - 04:45 PM
45 Minute Session Sometimes you can't unsee what you have seen....5 take-aways from A Learning Journey in New Zealand
Matt Morningstar
Holt Middle School
45 Minute Session

After visiting seven schools in Auckland, NZ we were simply compelled at what we saw each day! This session will highlight 5 take-aways: personalized learning with student agency, collaboration redefined, cultural awareness, learning spaces, and graduate student learner outcomes. 

09/27/2018 04:00 PM - 04:45 PM
45 Minute Session Making the Most of Student Feedback
John Spencer
Spencerauthor.com
45 Minute Session

What does assessment look like in a student-centered, project-based classroom? How do we use feedback in a way that increases student agency for all learners? In this session, we explore authentic strategies to improve student self-assessment and peer-assessment in a way that boosts metacognition. Participants will also receive a free assessment toolkit that they can use to develop new assessment strategies with their students. 

09/27/2018 04:00 PM - 04:45 PM
45 Minute Session The Real P.B.L. (Passion Based Learning)
Buddy Berry
Eminence Independent
45 Minute Session

This session helps you learn what makes students want to come to class and instructional engagement soar! Learn invaluable ways to make your instruction come to life by putting more passion and play in your day. This session will revolve around the Google Concept of 20% time while sharing tons of real life examples. Leave challenged, inspired, and ready to roll!

09/27/2018 04:00 PM - 04:45 PM
45 Minute Session Creating Collaborative Citizens
Abigail Farrell
J. O. Kelly Middle School/ Springdale
45 Minute Session

Engage with your peers during 45 minutes of activities that can be used all school year long with any age level to build trust, explore common interests, and increase communication skills. Building trusting relationships in the classroom helps open students to learning and enhances receptiveness to their teacher’s words. By planing time throughout the year for trust building activities you will increase students’ confidence to contribute and openness to other perspectives and situations. We will engage in activities developed by the EAST Initiative. The EAST Initiative is an educational non-profit that supports EAST programs across the nation. Students use professional-grade technology to solve problems in their communities. EAST programs strive to develop student-directed learning experiences for each student. Each activity presented in this session is useful in increasing student independence and choice which is essential of a student-directed learning environment.  


09/27/2018 04:00 PM - 04:45 PM
45 Minute Session Do School Your Way!
DENISE HOY
ALLPS School of Innovation/Fayetteville Schools
45 Minute Session

Come explore the ALLPS School of Innovation is improving students attendance, behavior, and grades with this idea of letting students choose how they want to attend and finish school. If you can dream it, then it is happening at ALLPS. Participants will receive a snip-it of all the programs and practices that allow students to graduate every day, sometimes two years early! 

09/28/2018 08:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Keynote Keynote
Susan Patrick
iNACOL
Keynote

Friday morning opening Keynote with Susan Patrick

09/28/2018 09:45 AM - 10:30 AM
45 Minute Session A Learning Journey: What we learned in New Zealand
George Philhower
Western Wayne School
45 Minute Session

A team of educators from NW Arkansas traveled to New Zealand in October of 2017.  This experience changed how they see teaching and learning.  In this panel discussion you will learn from and connect with members of this team to learn about what they saw and learned. 

09/28/2018 09:45 AM - 10:30 AM
45 Minute Session The K1 Flex Classroom of Lakeside Primary School
whitney ritter
Lakeside Primary School
45 Minute Session Mentor Session

After receiving a seat waiver from the Department of Education, in the spring of 2017, Lakeside Primary School has worked to create a classroom that meets the needs of students who are ready to contribute to the changing world.  Our class offers a flexible daily schedule with an emphasis on Friday community involvement.  


The students have learned to serve our community this year which is exciting, but they have also learned how important the skills that they work on in the classroom are if they want to contribute to our community in a meaningful way.  I use google classroom to deliver project based learning for the students.  This has allowed for them to dive deeper on skills that interest them and to provide support for skills that they need extra support in.  Using Google Classroom has also allowed for the students to have experiences that a traditional school calendar would not allow.  They are able to take their work with them wherever they go and continue their classroom routines independently.   The results have been phenomenal.  15/15 of the students are reading past grade level and 14/15 exceeded the NWEA MAP goal for the 17/18 school year.  We have not taken our NWEA Math MAP test yet.  I have found that by allowing families to have controlled freedom over the curriculum that the school work has become more meaningful and applicable for life.  

This is our first year to offer the program and through its popularity we have a demand of 150+ students requesting more information for the 18/19 school year.  Our class motto is that we work to  get better not finished and I plan to follow this motto as the program unfolds....I know every year will continue to get better as we create stronger partnerships with parents and the community. This program is special and I am very proud of it.  Most of all it is easy to replicate.  It is a beautiful thing and I am very thankful that I get to be a part of it.  I look forward to the day that more and more students get to receive their public education in a way that fits our changing world and utilizes technology as the tool that it can be when used correctly.  I would love the opportunity to discuss this in more detail and to help other schools brainstorm ways to apply this technique to fit their student and community needs.  

09/28/2018 09:45 AM - 10:30 AM
45 Minute Session Rethinking School Design
John Unger
Decatur Middle School
45 Minute Session Mentor Session

The presenters will walk the participants through an actual example of a school redesign from a rural Arkansas middle school.  In the first part of the session, presenters will examine multiple pieces of an innovation plans and describe the steps necessary to implement changes.  During the second part of the session, teams will be giving the opportunity to research elements and begin designing their own innovation plan.

09/28/2018 09:45 AM - 10:30 AM
Mentor Mentor Session - Leadership, Research, Development
Dr. Megan Slocum
Fayetteville School District
Mentor Mentor Session

Leadership, Research, Development

09/28/2018 09:45 AM - 10:30 AM
45 Minute Session Culture Eats Curriculum for Breakfast
J. Eric Wilson
Noble Impact
45 Minute Session Mentor Session

Every organization in the world, from Baseline Elementary School in Little Rock, AR, to Google in Mountain View, CA, is investing in innovation. The best research in behavior science, coupled with Noble Impact’s experience working with schools around the state, proves that culture is the first step toward innovation. Attendees will receive an overview of research-based strategies along with tactical tools to begin using immediately in growing a culture of trust and collaboration in their school.


09/28/2018 09:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Workshop Finding Your Guiding Star to Transform the Learning Landscape
Kate Sommerville
Institute for Personalized Learning, a division of CESA #1
Workshop

Rewrite the stars as we create a constellation design that will develop powerful learners and bring personalized learning to life! This session will create intentional connections between practices that shift the role of the learner to take control of their learning experience. Dive into examples of personalized learning in practice. Participants will explore ways to change the learner’s experience and begin an action plan to use with educators and learners in their learning environment.

09/28/2018 09:45 AM - 10:30 AM
Mentor Mentor Session - Leading Change and Innovation
Jon Laffoon
Star City School District
Mentor Mentor Session

Jon Laffoon is the Superintendent at Star City School District in Arkansas. He has captured the true meaning of innovation in education, always being an advocate for the student. This session is a predecessor to creating innovative change. Learn from an experienced educational leader on what will make innovation "stick".  Jon will create a roadmap for change with concrete steps for leading successful innovation and sharing his experiences in a culture of change. 




09/28/2018 09:45 AM - 10:30 AM
45 Minute Session Personalized Learning for K-2 Students
Sierra Warner
Pea Ridge Primary
45 Minute Session

The "why" behind personalized learning in grades k-2:

  • To meet all learners’ needs

  • Offer opportunities to remediate and enrich student instructional needs

  • Decrease in student discipline issues

  • Increase in student responsibility leading to increased student engagement

  • More intentional, shortened class periods

  • Authentic data-driven instruction

Come join us to find out how we personalize learning for each of our students!

09/28/2018 09:45 AM - 11:30 AM
45 Minute Session Student Voice Can Build a School
Trish Flanagan
Future School
45 Minute Session Mentor Session


Join the founder of a new, public charter high school for a lively reflection on how we are building a school centered on student voice. Whether you're interested in starting a new initiative (or school) or just want to learn about our student-centered philosophy in action, you'll leave with new ideas, contacts and strategies!


Who should attend our workshop? Students, fired up educators, skeptics, idealists, realists, number crunchers, pioneers… YOU!


When we started down the road of opening a high school, we asked a lot of questions and tried to find the ‘experts’. We listened and took notes. We talked to teachers and politicians. We talked to businesses and big wigs. We talked to chancellors and priests; moms and baristas. And of course, as it turned out, the best advice we received was from the experts; our future students and their families.


Our team has been successful in launching a school and building enrollment largely due to our laser focus on students and community. With many established traditions in our town, we knew our school would only take off if the community owned it. So, our team is working to erase the line between school and community, which is turning out to be a win-win for our town. Teenagers are building professional networks via internships while also serving their community. Employers and parents are beginning to see students as partners. And, even amidst the political challenges of charter/traditional school relationships, we are working to create access to real world learning and student centered schools for students beyond our walls.


During our workshop, we will get out of our seats, talk to new people and find out what went into getting Future School off the ground and focused on student voice. We’ll explore lessons we learned like: you still need tardy passes (we think), school lunch might actually require a full time director, transportation is a BIG deal, restorative justice makes the most sense, kids have the best ideas, parents are the secret sauce, invite the education commissioner to everything, bring food and laughs, adopt a school pet, swallow prejudice, building a school is never finished, kids still need notebooks, no public school can operate without a fax machine and… anything is possible!


09/28/2018 09:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Workshop A Michigan School District’s Pathway Toward Personal Mastery (CBE).
Mike Burde
Kenowa Hills Public Schools
Workshop

 

The purpose of this session is to share the story of our district and the path we have taken in the beginning stages of  implementing Competency Based Education. The district began by reflecting on what we were doing well and what needed to be changed.  Staff members also participated in a book study with “Delivering on the Promise”. We discovered the why behind a paradigm shift in education and through collaboration as a district we decided that our district was ready for a change and goals were set.  

 

In April of 2013, the district voted with 81.2% to move forward with Competency Based Education, looking to give the students at Kenowa Hills a more rewarding educational experience.  We began implementing structures to support teachers and staff through collaboration and professional development. The district worked closely with Re-Inventing Schools and then Knowledge Works to begin implementing a multi-level system and a five year plan.

 

During the 2013-2014 school year, teachers and staff worked to create a safe and orderly environment. District, building, and classroom standard operating procedures (SOPs), missions statements, and codes of conducts were established with clarity and consistency.  Next, came the work of establishing a guaranteed and viable curriculum. During the 2015-2016 school year, we looked at an effective instructional framework including the model Gradual Release of Responsibility (GRR). We continued the process with instructional coaching and began utilizing classroom learning labs.  Teachers and staff were trained in Instructional Design and Delivery and received help from instructional coaches. Standards-based reporting was fully implemented for the 2016-2017 school year. Teachers, students and parents had access to Empower, a Learning Management System based on the Common Core State Standards.  This past year the district continued processes from previous levels and worked to ensure we continued on the path for student success. We continued working with instructional coaches and collaborating with teachers and staff. Moving forward, Kenowa will continue to plan, check and adjust our system of Competency Based Education.

 

Our story is not over.  As a district we are continuing to check and adjust as we plan based on the needs of our staff, students and families.  We are excited to share where we have been and where we are going.

 

 


09/28/2018 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
45 Minute Session Why are you doing this?
Kelli Langan
OIE
45 Minute Session

Anytime a new process is initiated, there has to be a fundamental reason why the change was made. Are you looking to increase graduation rates? Increase performance on the state test? or Maybe decrease the number of discipline infractions received by students. Regardless of the purpose of implementation, how are you determining if your efforts are really making a difference? Having an evaluation of your program will enable you to see what elements, if any, are being impacted. And are the impacts those that were expected? Having a formal evaluation will help your decisions to stay on track with what you are doing, or that you may need to readdress your efforts in the event that you are not having the desired effect you want. Evaluations are important and useful when used as intended. 

09/28/2018 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
45 Minute Session Making Personalized Learning Work for You
Jim Rickabaugh
Institute for Personalized Learning, a division of CESA #1
45 Minute Session Mentor Session

Many educators struggle in the transition from an instruction-driven to a learning driven approach because so much feels new. It is not always easy to find strategies to make the work feel manageable. While these feelings are natural, there are processes we can employ to create space, increase efficiency and preserve energy. This interactive session will feature quick, easy to implement approaches you can adapt with your learners. Participants will also share their challenges and successes.   

09/28/2018 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Mentor Mentor Session
Derek Wenmoth
CORE education
Mentor

Mentor Session with Derek Wenmoth

09/28/2018 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
Mentor Mentor Session - Learner Agency, Design Thinking
Johnna Noll
Norris School District
Mentor Mentor Session

Learner Agency, Design Thinking

09/28/2018 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
45 Minute Session Siloam Springs HS Journey Towards Personalized Learning
Jerrie Price
Siloam Springs High School
45 Minute Session

For the past 3 years, Siloam Springs High School has been on a journey to create a personalized learning environment in the core content areas. Hear school leader, teacher, and student perspectives on using timely, targeted responses to student learning to drive instruction. Come away with practical ideas of how to use technology, effective/high yield teaching strategies, and student mentoring to personalize the learning environment at your school.

09/28/2018 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
45 Minute Session Innovate... but how?!
Dr. Annette Freeman
Gene George Elementary
45 Minute Session

During this session, participants learn about methods for moving a school to more innovative practices. A teacher and a school principal will share how they began the transformation. Successes and mistakes made will be shared! Learn about vision/mission development, building trust, student agency, learner qualities, design thinking resources, and ideas for sharing school-wide progress. 



09/28/2018 10:45 AM - 11:30 AM
45 Minute Session Title: Personalized and Customized Learning Through CTE
Rick Neal
Pea Ridge
45 Minute Session

Innovative leadership transformed Individualized learning in Pea Ridge Schools, combining a progressive learning facility with business and educator partnerships resulting in unique, relevant curriculum and skill building.  The development and support of local businesses and community leaders enhance powerful learning in Culinary Arts and Modern Agriculture, highly desirable careers and links with the University of Arkansas Agricultural Science Program. ForwARd Arkansas provides ongoing expertise to develop leadership and increase collaboration with partners. 

 

09/28/2018 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
45 Minute Session Creating a Culture of Change
Jon Laffoon
Star City School District
45 Minute Session Mentor Session

Jon Laffoon is the Superintendent at Star City School District in Arkansas. He has captured the true meaning of innovation in education, always being an advocate for the student. This session is a predecessor to creating innovative change. Learn from an experienced educational leader on what will make innovation "stick".  Jon will create a roadmap for change with concrete steps for leading successful innovation and sharing his experiences in a culture of change. 



09/28/2018 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
45 Minute Session What Have We Done?! Organizing a Discovery Learner Mindset
Dr. Megan Slocum
Fayetteville School District
45 Minute Session Mentor Session

Educational leaders who are working to enhance and inform student learning must ensure that all partnerships are developed and informed along the way.  What are the best methods to inform the larger community?  How do school board members and community members better understand the implementation of a different learning model for students?  What specific tools can be used to help explain the development of research to improve instructional methods.

09/28/2018 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
Mentor Mentor Session - Learning and Leading with Habits of Mind
Carol Hill
Thinking Collaborative
Mentor

Habits of mind are dispositions that are skillfully and mindfully employed by characteristically intelligent, successful people when they are confronted with problems, the solution to which are not immediately apparent. Habits of Mind training supports administrators and teachers personally and professionally as they think about how to make decisions.  It also supports adults in supporting student self-directedness. In addition, Habits of Mind are the 21st Century thinking skills students need to support their being successful with the rigor of the college and career readiness.  

09/28/2018 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
45 Minute Session OC Information Session by North Little Rock School District
Karli Saracini
North Little Rock Schools
45 Minute Session

·         Extending the impact of the your best teachers

·         Allowing students to learn at their own pace

·         Discovering new strengths among students and staff

·         Richer data and honest conversations centered around it

·         Increased collaboration

·         Mentoring for students

·         Student-centered, teacher impacted

If the above list seems like a dream to you, it is time to realize it can be a reality. Opportunity Culture Schools is a collective leadership model that has transformed the way districts are approaching learning and impacting students. Arkansas has joined forces with Public Impact to bring Opportunity Culture to life in our state. This session will allow participants to hear about the journey of one Arkansas school, North Little Rock Middle School, and how Opportunity Culture has taken them from a traditional school model to a student-centered, holistic model that is truly reaching each child. Meeting a student where they are in the journey is critical to their success. With Opportunity Culture, schools are able to design learning experiences for each individual student that are supported by greater teacher interaction and collaboration.  This can be done at any school, so come learn from our experiences and see how you can begin to take your school to new heights!

09/28/2018 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
45 Minute Session Moving from Cultural Awareness to Cultural Responsiveness
Sandra Hurst
Educator Support and Development- ADE
45 Minute Session

In general, schools have done a very good job becoming aware of their students, staff, and stakeholders. While this is a wonderful start, we are seeing now that, when dealing with issues of equity and access, the idea of responsiveness is paramount. While being aware of students is of course important, we know that the very best schools are finding ways to be responsive to the individual needs of their students. To accomplish this lofty goal, schools must look into deep culture and how they can use that knowledge to harness the best in all students and thus design programming that truly teaches all. Our goal in this interactive session is to provide you with that foundational knowledge in regards to cultural responsiveness. Moreover, you will be provided with a toolkit of ideas, resources, and activities that you can actually take back with you as you embark of the journey and delve into becoming more responsive to the students you encounter each day.

09/28/2018 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
45 Minute Session Excellence for English Learners
Mary Bridgforth
Springdale Schools
45 Minute Session

How do we ensure success for English Learners?  See how Springdale schools has sustained a system of support for their 9,000+ ELs while improving educational outcomes for every student.  Participants will consider how the law and research guide EL service programming.  Resources will be shared for district, school and classroom leaders, including how ELs are identified, the role of ELD instruction and instructional supports for ELs.

09/28/2018 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
45 Minute Session Experiencing educational growth through empowerment of teachers and students.
Tyler McBride
Lincoln Middle School
45 Minute Session

When you know your "why" but don't know your "how". Your answer can be found in your own building!  Join us as we take you on our growth journey. We will share our struggles and celebrations as we have transformed the culture of our building.  Teachers and students will share out about their personalized educational experiences, struggles, and adaptations. Ask questions to our panel of teachers and students that will help further the understanding of the successes, and some failures that helped us develop a unique understanding of personalized learning and standards based grading.

09/28/2018 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
45 Minute Session Supporting system's change and innovation through Organizational Development
Clint Jones
Arkansas Leadership Academy
45 Minute Session

The Arkansas Leadership Leadership Academy's Organizational Development Program provides support for system-wide improvement through building leadership capacity at all levels. The work begins with an initial needs assessment involving the organizations leadership and other relevant stakeholders to determine current reality in the organization. The data gathered through this assessment is used to narrow and prioritize areas of focus and establish short and long term goals for student and adult learning. Customized strategic plans are designed using the Arkansas Leadership Academy's Leadership Performance Strands and Skills. Support for partnering organizations is provided back on site in a differentiated manner by a performance coach. The performance coach uses the strategic plan to guide the organization through the process of systems-wide improvement. This session will provide participants with an understanding of how to use a theory of action to guide the school improvement process and how to capture and triangulate multiple methods of data to measure both current reality and progress toward their mission of becoming a school of innovation. 

09/28/2018 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
45 Minute Session A Learning Journey: Innovation in NW Arkansas
George Philhower
Western Wayne Schools
45 Minute Session

A team of educators from NW Arkansas traveled to New Zealand in October of 2017.  This experience changed how they see teaching and learning.  In this session you will hear about the innovative steps these educators are taking to create learner-centered, future-focused learning environments in their schools.