ASCD Holds 64th Annual Conference, March 13–16, in Orlando, Fla.

Alexandria, VA (02/17/09)—Thousands of educators, including teachers, principals, superintendents, and school board members, will participate in capacity-building professional development in Orlando, Fla., March 13–16, 2009, at ASCD's 64th Annual Conference and Exhibit Show to help them improve learning and teaching in their own schools, districts, and communities.

"This year's conference theme, 'Learning Beyond Boundaries,' underscores that we must engage today's students in deep learning and encourage connections with other students the world over," said ASCD Executive Director Gene Carter. "It also means moving beyond mere accountability for improving test scores to taking responsibility for educating the whole child."

In keeping with this theme, ASCD's conference includes more than 50 technology sessions spanning topics from integrating wikis into elementary classrooms to experiencing a virtual training tool where teachers practice classroom management with computer-simulated students.

For the first time, ASCD is collaborating with the Partnership for 21st Century Skills to offer interactive sessions where participants delve into how they can help learners develop their creativity and critical-thinking skills. ASCD is also partnering with the National Urban Alliance to offer sessions that promote higher student achievement in urban districts. The three-day conference will feature more than 500 sessions on a variety of topics, including brain-based education, formative assessment, coaching and mentoring, professional learning communities, education advocacy, and worldwide education.

"Schools and districts across the country are struggling with tight budgets that have forced them to reduce per-pupil spending, make do with fewer teachers and support staff, and rely on older textbooks," said Carter. "Effective, capacity-building professional development like ASCD's Annual Conference is critical during the current recession so that educators can maximize student learning in spite of such cutbacks."

In addition to attending sessions, educators can explore the conference's Exhibit Hall, which includes instructional tools, technology offerings, and displays of new classroom products for every grade level and subject. The ASCD Center in the Exhibit Hall will offer free demonstrations of ASCD's new product, PD In Focus™, an interactive, Web-based professional learning platform with searchable, streaming video content organized into four themed channels (Best Practices in Action, Differentiated Instruction, English Language Learners, and Literacy Strategies).

General Session Speakers

• Greg Mortenson, executive director of Central Asia Institute and author of the New York Times bestseller Three Cups of Tea, will talk about his work to promote community-based education and literacy programs in remote regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Through his perspective on the region's culture, history, and geopolitics, he will describe his efforts to promote peace one school—and one child—at a time.
• Eileen Collins, former astronaut and the first female commander of a U.S. space shuttle, will talk about successful leadership, including working with others, dealing with mistakes, and creative management. She'll draw on personal lessons from her early years in the U.S. Air Force to her experience as commander of a NASA space shuttle mission.
• Sir Ken Robinson, an advisor to governments in Europe, Asia, and the United States, will propose a broader definition of academic ability that emphasizes creativity. He'll answer questions such as "Why do so many adults think they’re not creative?" and "How can creativity be developed?"

Other Major Speakers

• Goldie Hawn, actress and founder of the Hawn Foundation, and Judy Willis, a board-certified neurologist and middle school teacher in Santa Barbara, California, will describe the benefits of learning "mindfulness" in the classroom; provide updates on the neuroscience of emotion and learning; and discuss the influence of stress on thinking and learning.
• Yvette Jackson, executive director of the National Urban Alliance, will discuss how to reverse underachievement by teaching with students' strengths in mind, instead of focusing on deficits. She'll help participants learn how to develop students' cognitive skills, reflective thinking, and intellectual performance using a framework of culture, language, and cognition.
• Richard Ingersoll, professor at the University of Pennsylvania, will share the facts and myths about the mathematics and science teacher shortage based on his analysis of nationally representative data on the demand, supply, and turnover of teachers.

Conference speakers are available for on-site or follow-up interviews, which can be arranged by ASCD's communications staff. More information about individual sessions and presenters is available online. Members of the media can register to attend the conference by completing the Media Registration Form.

Contact Information

• Barbara Michelman, communications director, at 1-703-575-5764 or by e-mail.
• Melissa McCabe, communications specialist, at 1-703-575-5637 or by e-mail.

Founded in 1943, ASCD, a nonprofit association, is one of the largest professional development organizations for educator leaders. It provides education information services; offers cutting-edge professional development for effective learning, teaching, and leadership; and supports activities to provide educational equity for all students. ASCD's membership of more than 175,000 includes principals, teachers, superintendents, professors of education, and other educators from 119 countries. The Association also has nearly 60 affiliates throughout the world.

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