Qualities of Effective Principals

March 13, 2009

Orlando, Fla.

The impact of principals is considered second only to that of teachers in facilitating student learning. But what exactly do effective principals do to contribute to school improvement and student success? And how do effective principals not only do their work well, but also do the right work. Building on the framework of the ASCD book Qualities of Effective Principals, this interactive Institute takes you through a variety of simulations and activities to answer these questions and reveal the qualities of effective principals. Whether you're a building-level administrator, or you supervise them, this is the place to explore

• How principals influence student achievement;
• What are the distinguishing qualities of effective principals; and
• How to assess principal effectiveness.

 Preventing Early Learning Failure: The Early Learning Success Initiative

March 13, 2009

Orlando, Fla.

Children who do poorly in the early grades are much more likely to struggle throughout school, drop out, choose risky behaviors, and fail to become successful lifelong learners. But you can learn how to intervene early and get students on a path toward success. This one-day Institute describes a preK to grade 3 comprehensive model of early learning success and gives you a comprehensive view of all the issues, including

• Home factors that affect school success;
• How children fall behind;
• How to organize instruction so that more children can succeed; and
• Proven school programs for early learning success.

 Building Background Knowledge for Academic Achievement

March 13, 2009

Orlando, Fla.

Ensure that students have the academic background knowledge they need to succeed in school by mastering the art and science of vocabulary instruction. Based on the ASCD best-selling book Building Background Knowledge for Academic Achievement by Robert J. Marzano, this one-day Pre-Conference Institute introduces you to the most effective research-based strategies for learning and teaching vocabulary to promote academic achievement for all students. Understand why teaching specific terms in a specific way is probably the strongest action a teacher can take to improve achievement. And explore the research and best practices for teaching academic language. Participants will learn

• Defining characteristics of effective vocabulary instruction;
• A six-step process for direct instruction in vocabulary;
• The role of a vocabulary notebook; and
• Ideas for establishing a systemwide approach for vocabulary development.

You will leave this Institute with a set of practical strategies to incorporate into your instruction and ideas to establish a systemwide approach for vocabulary development.

 The Strategic Teacher: How to Select the Right Research-Based Strategy for Every Lesson

March 13, 2009

Orlando, Fla.

Based on 35 years of research on effective instruction and 30 years of experience in helping schools differentiate teaching and learning, ASCD's book The Strategic Teacher provides you with a repertoire of reliable and flexible strategies you can use to meet today’s standards and reach the different learners in their classroom. Now, here’s an Institute that explains and models the Strategic Teaching framework so you can apply it in your own school and classroom. The author-presenter guides you through what you need to know to take your teaching to a higher level of practice. Participants will learn

• What effective strategies look like and the differences among them.
• Why teachers need a repertoire of research-based strategies.
• How to select strategies and implement them in the classroom.

Discover four styles of instruction and four research-based strategies proven to raise achievement and meet the needs of different styles of learners.

 Classroom Instruction That Works with English Language Learners

March 13, 2009

Orlando, Fla.

At last, the research-based teaching strategies from ASCD' best-selling book Classroom Instruction That Works are applied to teaching English language learners to help you boost the achievement levels of these students to new heights. Find out how nine types of instructional strategies that maximize learning can be applied to ELL students in every grade level. And learn how to apply the strategies through the five stages of second language acquisition. This one-day Pre-Conference Institute covers ELL applications for setting objectives, providing feedback, cues and questions, nonlinguistic representations, and summarizing.

 The Art and Science of Teaching

March 13, 2009

Orlando, Fla.

Drawing from the ASCD best-selling books Classroom Instruction That Works, Classroom Management That Works, and What Works in Schools, acclaimed author Robert Marzano provides you with a comprehensive framework for teaching. Discover 10 critical areas of instructional practice that lead to higher student achievement. Learn specific strategies for each of the 10 areas. Explore how to implement the instructional framework through teacher leadership and institutionalization of effective instruction.

 Formative Assessment Tools for Teachers Using ASPIRE

March 13, 2009

Orlando, Fla.

Whether you are a district-level, school-based, or classroom learning leader, this one-day Pre-Conference Institute provides practical strategies to identify and then effectively address what each student knows and can do and how they learn. Learn about the ASPIRE Assessment System^TM and how it helps teachers use formative classroom assessments to determine students learning needs and adjust instruction to improve learning. Explore tools to transform existing assessment practices into structures that both inform instruction and curricular decisions. And discover the process of creating instructionally sensitive items and how these items can elevate teaching and learning in your school.

 Renewal Coaching

March 13, 2009

Orlando, Fla.

Drawing from a comprehensive 40-year analysis of research and the landmark work of best-selling authors Marshall Goldsmith and Daniel Goleman, this Institute introduces you to Renewal Coaching and its benefits, including

• Improved levels of employee satisfaction, lower turnover, and greater resilience;
• Assessment instruments that lead to specific actions;
• Collaborative models that rely on a network approach to improved effectiveness;
• A change sequence involving information, experimentation, feedback, and support; and
• Ways to use acquired wisdom to achieve meaningful work.

 Practical Lessons for Aspiring Leaders and Superintendents

March 13, 2009

Olrando, Fla.

Whether you're an aspiring leader, experienced administrator, or superintendent, here's an opportunity to discover time tested and proven models of success. Learn how strong leaders build enduring relationships that inspire individuals and transform them into dynamic teams. And focus on specific areas that are essential to effective leadership, including

• Self-evaluation and reflection;
• Managing time and resources;
• Inspiring and motivating people to lead and follow; and
• Vision and strategic planning.

 Taking Action on Adolescent Literacy: An Implementation Plan for School Leaders

March 13, 2009

Orlando, Fla.

Discover how school and district leaders can implement a comprehensive and coordinated literacy plan for middle and high school students. The presenter will introduce you to a leadership model for improving adolescent literacy and explain

• What to include in a successful schoolwide literacy improvement effort;
• How to develop a literacy action plan;
• How to assess school and district literacy strengths and areas to work on;
• What roles and functions are essential to a literacy leadership team; and
• Which action steps help focus attention on systemic literacy improvement.

 Unlocking the Potential for Success: Reversing Underachievement of Urban Students

March 13, 2009

Orlando, Fla.

It's true that the potential of underachieving urban students is often neglected due to a focus on remediation. But you can discover the strategies that elicit and nurture the skills, confidence, and positive behaviors that urban students need. This one-day Pre-Conference Institute explores learning experiences and instructional practices that integrate culture, language, and cognition to transform basic curriculum into one that engages urban students. Learn the keys of literacy success and how to address these keys through the interconnectedness of culture, language, and cognition.

 Hiring the Best: What Works and What Doesn't in Teacher Selection

March 13, 2009

Orlando, Fla.

Now you can always be assured of hiring the best new teachers. Based on ASCD's best-selling book The Teacher Quality Index, this one-day Pre-Conference Institute provides you with tips and tools you can immediately use to

• Identify strengths and weaknesses of your teacher selection process.
• Understand the relationship between interviewing and qualities of effective teacher research.
• Recognize the difference between legal and impermissible interview inquiries.
• Discover ways to maximize the teacher interview process.

 Thinking Outside the Homework Box: Fresh Perspectives on an Old Practice

March 13, 2009

Orlando, Fla.

Discover why many traditional homework practices are antiquated, and learn how educators are revamping homework to support standards-based, differentiated learning. Using examples from elementary, middle, and high schools, this Pre-Conference Institute helps you think creatively about homework practices and topics related to homework, including

• Connections to best learning practices;
• Use of time, grouping, differentiation, and student input; and
• The role of homework in standards-based learning.

 Supervisory Practices That Honor Diverse Teaching Styles

March 13, 2009

Orlando, Fla.

If you ever coach or supervise teachers, attend this Institute to learn how to help teachers meet today's performance standards, while also respecting and nurturing the unique talents that each teacher brings to the classroom. Whether you're a mentor, peer coach, principal, or university supervisor, here's your opportunity to

• Recognize and appreciate the value of four basic styles of teaching.
• Improve your communication about teaching.
• Help teachers build on their strengths, while exploring ways to differentiate instruction and supervision.

 The Art of School Leadership

March 13, 2009

Orlando. Fla.

If you're a school leader, here's your opportunity to step back and focus on the ways that principals can make a positive difference for students and teachers. Tapping into more than 30 years of experience, an expert on school leadership shares what works (and why) for school leaders, including

• Components of faculty collegiality;
• Strategies for attaining a culture of collegiality;
• The role of professional development;
• Strategies for developing and monitoring individual, group, and schoolwide goals; and
• Plans to increase your professional power base.

 The Best of Middle School: What Works

March 13, 2009

Orlando, Fla.

Although there's no secret to what constitutes exemplary middle grades education, creating that type of education for young adolescents is wrought with challenges to the way educators conceptualize, organize, and execute middle grades schooling. Attend this one-day Pre-Conference Institute to discover how to overcome those challenges and make the rhetoric of middle school a reality. An acknowledged expert helps you take a multilayered look at the critical questions about middle schools and gives you powerful perspectives and practices that work.

 Legislative Simulation

March 13, 2009 (8:30-11:30 a.m.)

Orlando, Fla.

Ever wonder what it's like to be a member of a legislature? Sign up for this special event to participate in a simulation that will help you be a better advocate for children. As you assume the role of a first-term member of the 110th U.S. Congress, you will encounter legislative issues, staffing selections, constituent concerns, and more. This simulation will be a fun group activity. Registration is free, but space is limited.