What Student Aspirations and Brain Research Tell Us about Learning and Teaching Today
Dr. Willard Daggett, President, International Center for Leadership in Education; Dr. Paul Nussbaum, Adjunct Associate Professor of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine; and Dr. Russell Quaglia, President and Founder, Quaglia Institute for Student Aspirations
Student aspirations surveys and cutting-edge brain research have a great deal to tell us about teaching and learning. This PreConference will explain what every educator should know about the basics of the brain and how schools can use this knowledge to become brain-friendly environments that support and nurture high aspirations for all students. The PreConference will also feature an in-depth analysis of the national results from the My Voice Student Aspirations Survey and provide strategies on how the Rigor/Relevance Framework can be used to optimize brain-based learning and foster student engagement.
Handouts Dr. Daggett PP Dr. Nussbaum PP
Introduction to the Rigor/Relevance Framework™ and Relationship Model
Helen M. Branigan, Senior Consultant, International Center for Leadership in Education
Schools must develop a culture of excellence that challenges every student to achieve high standards. This workshop will introduce the Rigor/Relevance Framework™ and the Relationship Model and describe the behaviors, activities, and school structures that support learning and the personalization of rigor and relevance. The Rigor/Relevance Framework gives educators a basis to analyze assessments, plan curriculum, differentiate instruction, and select the most effective teaching strategies. When students see the relevance of what they are learning, they are more motivated to learn. Students also need strong relationships that support learning; the Relationship Model provides a means of quantifying those relationships.
Beyond the Basics: Putting Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships into Practice
Dr. Richard Jones, Senior Consultant, International Center for Leadership in Education, and Dr. Kathy Weigel, Principal, Atlantic Community High School
This session will focus on the process of implementing rigor, relevance, and relationships in schools. Participants will learn what works from successful schools and what obstacles to anticipate and overcome, as well as share ideas for enhancing instructional leadership and practice. Teachers will gain advanced skills for making learning more rigorous and relevant, which they can implement easily in the classroom. Leaders will develop their skills to build a culture of rigor, relevance, and relationships.
Rap, Rhythm & Rhyme – Rebuilding the Writing Foundation in Elementary Schools
Erik Cork, President, International Write Now
Informative, entertaining and fast-paced, this PreConference will help participants empower their students to organize their thoughts systematically and communicate them effectively on paper. A nationally recognized writing consultant, Erik Cork uses music, rap, and audience participation to deliver a host of lively learning strategies and techniques. He will demonstrate how to keep students motivated, actively involved, and eagerly engaged, while electrifying and demystifying the writing process.
Reading in the Content Area — With a Focus on Document, Technological, and Quantitative Literacy
Lin Kuzmich and Terri Sessoms, Senior Consultants, International Center for Leadership in Education
This PreConference will focus on how to boost student achievement through literacy strategies that teachers can implement immediately without sacrificing content or becoming reading teachers. Teachers will discover how to support their subject area while building student skills in vocabulary, comprehension, and analysis. This PreConference will also share a framework for addressing “Literacy to Do” skills that address document, technological and quantitative literacy. These DTQ strategies address non-prose skills needed for math, science, electronic media, and other graphical and visual materials.
Handout Part I Handout Part II PowerPoint
Building Science, Technology, Engineering & Math Skills in Grades 6-12
Dr. Sam Houston, President and CEO, North Carolina Science, Mathematics and Technology Education Center; and NASA representative
Using the comprehensive resources and expertise of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), this PreConference will provide strategies for implementing a highly effective program in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The PreConference will include instructional delivery systems, models for curriculum integration, and resources for classroom activities for grades 6-12. In addition to demonstrating the use of the Rigor/Relevance Framework for instruction, the workshop will provide participants with a roadmap for developing a STEM program in their schools/districts.
Handouts PowerPoint (Coming)