Annual Conference Saturday Focus Session Information
Reporting Progress not Grades
Mary S. Childress
Standards based units of study and learning activities are the norm in our classrooms but are you struggling with how to “grade” students to reflect their understanding of the standards presented? This workshop will help participants to begin to break the paradigm of traditional grading and move toward a system of assessing students by virtue of their understanding of “essential” standards. Come discuss, reflect and learn. Templates of standards based report cards will be available and participants will leave the workshop with a clear picture of how to construct a new report card and the pitfalls to avoid!
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The Millennial World: Engaging Millennial Learners/
Managing Millennial Professionals
Presenter: Rose Colby
The learning style of the millennial generation is quite different from previous generations. Meeting the needs of this group of 21st century learners requires special attention to instructional strategies. This session is designed to for the participant to learn not only about the unique need of this generation but to also look at the generational influences of teachers. For administrators, the challenge of coaching teachers to meet the instructional needs of millennial students is coupled with managing millennial professionals in a multigenerational workplace. Intergenerational tensions and management strategies will be explored.
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Everyone’s Invited:
Interactive Strategies That Engage Our Students
Presenter: Jill Spencer
Interactive strategies engage students and entice them to want to know more! Come discover ways to develop confidence and competence in your students as they study your subject. We’ll explore the power of prior knowledge, try out interactive reading strategies, practice ways to help students rehearse for success and much more.
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G.A.S. For Your Engines! Games, Activities, and
Strategies to Keep You Powered
Presenter: Eunice Taylor
Come get energized and take back practical instructional ideas and strategies that will engage your learners, strengthen their achievement and add enjoyment to your day! It’s not as hard as you think. The games, activities and strategies will be applied to all content areas. Bring a favorite one to share!
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How Do You Keep Kids at Risk Engaged in School?
Do Something Different!
Presenter: Mary Callen
Over the past five years, Maranacook Middle and High schools have created alternative supports and programs for their students at risk of dropping out. Come to this session to find out what we have learned about keeping some of the most challenging students engaged in school, particularly as they transition from middle to high school!
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Title: Young Adolescents: Know ‘em, Love ‘em, Teach ‘em
Presenters: Judith Baenen, Jack Berckemeyer and Debbie Silver
The fourth edition of This We Believe reiterates that one of the keys to a successful middle grades program is “Educators (who) value young adolescents and are prepared to teach them” In this session,three of NMSA’s best-known consultants, Judith Baenen, Jack Berckemeyer and Debbie Silver, team up to share information on characteristics of young adolescents and the best ways to reach them in the everyday classroom.
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Heterogeneous Grouping and Differentiated Instruction:
Making Math Work at the Middle Level
Presenter: Deborah LaChance
How do we teach our curriculum, prepare for standardized tests and at the same time differentiate instruction? Come to this session for new ideas and discussion on teaching in the middle level math classroom.
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Leadership: Moving Schools Forward
Presenter: Lyn Healy
We’ve studied the change research; we’ve read everything written on leadership! So what actually happens when you get your hands into the muddy messes and work to bring actual change to your school? Come prepared to assess your own leadership style. We’ll work together on some case studies, to share our expertise and will develop a written plan to address a school specific situation.
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Formative Assessment: Checking for Understanding
Presenter: Mary Jean Fawcett
This workshop is designed to help educators save time and focus student learning. Participants will review the research on the value of formative assessment and examine examples of current classroom assessment strategies used to check students’ understanding before and after instruction to determine what students have really learned. See how the use of use of formative assessment strategies can guide your instruction and improve student achievement.
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Leadership is About So Much More than Being the Principal
Presenter: Timothy Farmer & Paul Peri
The challenges of leadership are daunting and stretch the skills of even the strongest among us. At this workshop, those brave souls currently serving in a middle school leadership capacity, as well as those who aspire to such a position, will take away insights, resources, and tools to help manage the challenges of leadership. Some of the topics addressed will include: a celebration of best programmatic and curricular practices at the middle level, supervision and evaluation of high quality instruction designed for middle school students, interviewing tips and strategies, technology tools to assist in 21st century leadership, school culture and climate, and the benefits of participating in job-alike groups and other professional affiliations. This workshop is open to everyone interested in middle school leadership and district leadership's support of middle school practices. The delivery mode of this workshop will include a mix of activator activities, small and large group discussion, and direct instruction by the facilitators.
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Personalization of Learning
Presenter: Patricia Clem
Date and Time: Friday, April 9th 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Personal connections are necessary for successful middle level learning. Creating personalization of student learning through an advisory supports students’ affective and academic needs. Topics of this session include the goals, structure and evaluation of an advisory program. We will also discuss successful advisory activities which enhance school climate.
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(Topic) Scheduling
Presenter: Paul Freeman
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