Using the Rigor/Relevance Framework® for Effective Instruction*
Jim Miles, Senior Consultant, International Center for Leadership in Education                    Handout  PPT
José Ortiz, Senior Associate, International Center for Leadership in Education (Español)     Handout  PPT

Using the International Center’s Rigor/Relevance Framework increases the level of academic rigor and makes classroom instruction more relevant and engaging for students. The Framework gives teachers a basis to analyze tests, plan curriculum, differentiate instruction, and select the most effective instructional strategies. Participants will learn techniques to introduce the Framework in their schools and classrooms.
* This PreConference will also be conducted in Spanish.

Differentiated Instruction
Lin Kuzmich, Senior Consultant, International Center for Leadership in Education   Handout  PPT

Introducing and practicing differentiated instruction in any classroom will help teachers become better facilitators of learning for all students. This PreConference will focus on how teachers can differentiate for content, product, and processes and share techniques to manage the differentiated classroom. Key differentiation strategies that are easy, rigorous, relevant, and powerful for all learners will be provided. Participants will receive training and practice in differentiated instruction and learn how to guide students down a goal-driven path to achievement.

Boosting Achievement Through Literacy Strategies
Nicole Hochholzer, Literary Specialist, Kaukauna High School, Wisconsin    Handout

Literacy training assists teachers in preparing students for the academic challenges they face today and for the demanding workplace that lies ahead. This PreConference will introduce strategies and techniques for teaching reading and writing in the content areas. The training is designed to help improve academic performance in all subjects and increase reading comprehension levels for all students.

Essential Skills of the Adaptive and Situational Leader
Ray McNulty, President, International Center for Leadership in Education    Handout    Recruit, Train, and Retain
Sue Szachowicz, Principal, Brockton High School, Massachusetts

The principles of instructional leadership are the focus of this PreConference. Participants will learn how to develop the capacity to lead instructional change through a well-defined curriculum and effective instructional strategies, quality professional development plans aligned to goals and actions, and implementing approaches and programs with fidelity so that managing change in the school is productive and ongoing.

Understanding and Implementing Response to Intervention (RtI)    

Pat Drake, Special Education Consultant, Wayne RESA, Michigan              Handout   PPT
Mark Draper, Regional Administrator, Iowa Department of Education

This PreConference on the various elements of a successful Response to Intervention system will provide an overview on the importance of viewing RtI from a systems viewpoint. This includes having a strong intervention team, building powerful Tier 1 strategies, having effective Tier 2 strategies, particularly in literacy and math, developing highly individualized Tier 3 interventions, conducting progress monitoring efficiently, and using data to drive intervention decisions. Participants will leave with clear strategies to implement a successful RtI system.

Creating a Quadrant D School Using Bodybrain-Compatible Strategies
Susan Kovalik, Founder, The Center for Effective Learning      Handout   PPT

This PreConference will detail the Highly Effective Teaching (HET) strategies needed to develop a Quadrant D school. The HET model provides a blueprint for putting the Rigor/Relevance Framework into everyday practice. The PreConference will identify the interconnections among the biology of learning, effective instructional strategies, and a conceptual curriculum, all based on rigor, relevance, and relationships.