Click here to download the 2023 ASBSD- SASD Convention Breakout Session descriptions.
Learning
Development of an Interactive Data Dashboard to Drive Instruction
Presenter: Tea Area Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Nebelsick Lowery, Director of Curriculum & Assessment Elizabeth Herrboldt, Director of Technology Chris Friedrich, Frontier Elementary Principal Barb Hansen, Venture Elementary Principal Jay Swatek & Legacy Elementary Principal Samantha Walder
Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. in Rooms 8-9-10
The Tea Area School District is in its third year of using improvement science as the catalyst for academic growth. The session will focus on development of an interactive data dashboard using student achievement on the state assessment, NWEA, end of topic assessments, and classroom formative assessments. The session will also examine the use of the dashboard for student review, lesson planning, and grade level team planning.
Bite Sized Professional Learning
Presenter: Watertown Middle School Principal Todd L. Brist, Ed.D.
Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. in Rooms 13-14
Engaging as lifelong learners through continuous, professional learning is an important task for all educators—but when and how? By providing professional development in accessible, differentiated, and job embedded ways school leaders can engage their staff in relevant and impactful professional growth. Join this session to learn about how images, videos, articles, book studies, badging, and other tools can be used to improve professional learning in your school.
Black Hills Online Learning Community: Online Learning Options for Public School Students. Let’s Work Together!
Presenter: TIE Coordinator Black Hills Online Learning Community Connie Godfrey
Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to 4:50 p.m. in Room 3
Let’s partner to offer quality, aligned, DOE approved courses to your students. Learn about our full or part-time enrollment options, large course catalog, and how teamwork can expand possibilities for students in your district.
Shape the Future: CTE
Presenter: SD DOE State CTE Director Laura Scheibe
Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. in Rooms 13-14
Come learn about the benefits a robust career and technical education (CTE) program can have for your school community while lending your voice to the future of CTE in South Dakota. This session is ideal for school board members and administrators alike looking for ways to engage students in planning their future career paths. You can also shape what the next five years of programming looks like as the DOE writes the five-year state plan.
Responsive Practices for All Learners Pathway Experience
Presenter: TIE Learning Specialist Dr. Scott Simpson & Learning Specialist Sharla Steever
Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. in Room 2
Since 2012, progress has been made toward addressing the needs of learners through Indigenous Essential Understandings, Responsive Practices for all learners, and the development of educator intercultural agility through the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI). This organically grown model is now a systematic approach for schools and districts we call The Champion Pathway. Dr. Scott Simpson and Sharla Steever will share this model, stories, and some related data. They will also invite participants to become involved in this Professional Learning opportunity.
Unlocking the Potential of Instructional Walkthroughs: A Collaborative Approach by Instructors and Practitioners
Presenter: University of South Dakota Assistant Professor Dr. Erin Lehmann, Assistant Professor of Practice Dr. David Swank and Visiting Instructor Dr. Vassa Grichko and Sioux Falls School District Director of Middle School Curriculum, & K12 Instructional Technology Dr. Demi Moon
Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. in Room 2
In this session, instructors and practitioners will showcase their collaborative efforts in identifying and establishing the critical elements of effective teaching and learning. An instructional walkthrough tool was used by school leaders and university candidates in a principal preparation program to formatively assess instruction. Join us as we share the results of this experience, best practices, and explore new possibilities to enhance teaching and learning in schools.
Leadership
Leveraging Strategic Direction to Create Intentional Focus
Presenter: Douglas Superintendent Kevin Case
Thursday, 10:30 to 11:20 a.m. in Room 3
Over the past 12 months, Douglas School District had engaged all stakeholders to develop a strategic direction to help guide the district and create intentional focus for the next 24 – 36 months. The strategic direction is a result of incorporating stakeholder values and beliefs into the strategic direction process. Participants will gain an understanding of the processes we used along with examples of how it provides focus for our district.
Avoiding Headaches of Managing Scholarship Funds and School Foundations
Presenter: South Dakota Community Foundation Development Director Jeff Veltkamp & Community Development Coordinator Patrick Gallagher
Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. in Room 1
The South Dakota Community Foundation manages hundreds of school foundation and scholarship funds for schools, organizations, and individual donors. For industry-low fees, SDCF relieves busy school staff of administrative headaches, such as receiving and receipting charitable donations, supporting the grantmaking and/or scholarship selection process and sending checks to recipients’ schools, managing investments, and IRS reporting. Learn from SDCF staff and fund holders how the partnership can work for your school.
Coffee Talk on Special Eduation
Presenter: McLaughlin School District Director of Special Services Rhonda Frederick, Ed. D. & Douglas School District Director of Special Services Monica Walktman, Ed. S.
Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. in Room 3
Special education looks different across the state due to the varying size of schools, and professional responsibilities among staff and administrators. This table talk is for special education administrators and other administrators with special education duties and responsibilities. Some of the conversations will revolve around:
• What are the role and responsibilities of the special education director in your district?
• How has COVID impacted mental health concerns in your district?
• How are you dealing with teacher shortages in special education?
• What incentives do you offer for both teachers and paraprofessionals?
• What strategies are you trying when working with children with behavior challenges?
These are just some probing questions that will be a basis for the table talk.
Using Board Goals as a Springboard for Growth
Presenter: Huron School Board President Garret Bischoff, Superintendent Dr. Kraig Steinhoff, Director of Curriculum/Instruction/Assessment Linda Pietz, High School Principal Mike Radke, Middle School Principal Laura Willemssen, Elementary Principal Kari Hinker, Elementary Principal Heather Rozell & Elementary Principal Peggy Heinz
Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. in Rooms 8-9-10
The Huron School Board and full Administrative Team participate in an annual improvement cycle as part of their strategic plan. In this session, you will learn about the goal setting process, communication of board goals, board administrator work session, monthly board presentations, and a goal review work session. This work leads to a strong bond from teachers to administrators to board members to the public, all focused on improving learning for students.
Are Public Preschools in the Near Future? What are the Benefits or Value of Providing Quality Early Childhood Education to our Public Schools?
Presenter: Northern State University Professor Emeritus Dr. Gayle Bortnem & South Dakota Public Broadcasting Director of Education Dr. Marcy Drew
Thursday, 3:00 to 3:50 p.m. in Room 3
This session will give information to explain why early childhood has become a growing national trend and implemented in over 43 states. Does your community have the resources and understanding for what it takes to provide these services? What are the implications for your school culture and values? Would this be a way to ensure that all students succeed?
What is Happening to Our District’s Property Values? The State of Property Values.
Presenters: ASBSD CFO & Protective Trust Director Holly Nagel and Gallagher Representative Ryan Doyle
Thursday, 3:00 to 3:50 p.m. in Rooms 6-7
In this presentation we will discuss what is happening with property valuations, how the marketplace got this way and what we can expect for the future.
Community Conversations that Work
Presenter: Sioux Falls Superintendent Dr. Jane Stavem
Thursday, 3:00 to 3:50 p.m. in Rooms 8-9-10
Take your community engagement strategy to the next level and learn about an effective model for productive conversations with any school community. We’ll also go the next step and see a sample methodology for using the information in an easy to use format that allows for visible actions and impact over time.
Strategic Plan Alignment within Finance & Growth Management
Presenter: Tea Area Business Manager Christine Esping, Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Nebelsick Lowery & School Board Members
Thursday, 3:00 to 3:50 p.m. in Rooms 13-14
This session will share how the Tea Area School District created a Strategic Plan, set Board goals measured through a scorecard, and operationalized the strategic plan. The Business Manager and Superintendent will share the team’s collaborative development of 5-Year General Fund and 5-Year Capital Outlay plans. The session will provide an outline and allow for questions and answers with district administration and board members.
Lessons from the Bottom of the Sea: Leadership Through the Lens of the Titanic Sinking
Presenter: ASBSD Executive Director Dr. Douglas R. Wermedal
Thursday, 4:00 to 4:50 p.m. in Rooms 8-9-10
It was on fire! Far below its opulent upper decks, Titanic was on fire. Captain Smith received word Sunday morning that the fire was finally extinguished, and he looked forward to a trouble-free trip the remainder of the way. We know how that worked out. The presenter a (very) amateur historian of the Titanic disaster will present some common-sense leadership lessons couched in the Titanic tragedy as a cautionary tale for K-12 leadership to avoid.
South Dakota School Administrator Stress
Presenter: Northern State University Assistant Professor of Education Dr. Nicole Schutter, Assistant Professor of Counselor Education Dr. Christopher Puglisi & Assistant Professor of Education Dr. Monte Meyerink
Thursday, 4:00 to 4:50 p.m. in Rooms 13-14
With the growing emphasis of overall well-being of students, few studies have focused on those who are charged with the well-being of those students: school administrators. Throughout this session, we will explore factors relating to stress experienced by South Dakota school administrators. An overview of a recent research study within the state will be provided, and the research team will share plans for future research in this area.
Building Better: Tools for Supporting Paraprofessionals
Presenter: Black Hills Special Services Learning Specialist Kylie Steever
Friday, 9:00 to 9:50 a.m. in Room 3
Paraprofessionals are essential to our school systems, yet on-going training and support for them can be challenging. In this interactive workshop we will discuss how to provide support for paraprofessionals within their daily duties as well as provide resources that can be implemented both in and out of the classroom. Topics that will be discussed include roles and responsibilities, fostering collaboration between paraprofessionals and teachers, and providing adequate training for paraprofessionals.
How School Boards Can Support Dual-Role Superintendents
Presenter: University of South Dakota Director of District Level Internships Dr. Jerry Rasmussen & Centerville School District Superintendent & Elementary Principal Eric Knight
Friday, 9:00 to 9:50 a.m. in Rooms 8-9-10
This breakout session aims to inform school board members and other administrators of the responsibilities, expectations, and challenges dual-role school administrators have. In many districts one leader is fulfilling the superintendent role along with another administrator role (principal, athletic director, special education director, etc…). It is important for school boards to support and foster appropriate levels of expectations so dual-role administrators can succeed and have longevity. Dual-role administrators that are not supported are experiencing burnout and creating school leadership turnover.
The Power of “Stay Interviews” in the Custer School District – Why Do Teachers Stay and Leave CSD?
Presenter: Custer School District Superintendent Mark Naugle
Friday, 10:00 to 10:50 a.m. in Rooms 8-9-10
Many businesses have exit interviews. The Custer School District turned that idea around by conducting “Stay Interviews” with all teachers. Superintendent Naugle met with all teachers in the district to discuss what staff liked and didn’t like about teaching there, what areas they would like to grow, what would make them leave the district, and what they needed for administrative support and other questions. Naugle will review the results and how the district hopes to improve from the interviews.
Legal
Working and Disciplining Students with Disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
Presenter: Bennett Law Attorney Michele Bennett & Lynn, Jackson, Schultz & Lebrun Law Office Attorney Sam Kerr
Thursday, 10:30 to 11:20 a.m. in Rooms 11-12
This presentation will focus on the IDEA and Section 504 and a school district’s responsibilities under that law and associated regulations with emphasis on the disciplinary provisions of the IDEA and Section 504.
Entering a “Readstricted” Zone
Presenter: ASBSD Director of Policy & Legal Services Jessica Filler
Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. in Rooms 11 & 12
Schools are experiencing an increased demand from parents, the community and through state legislation to limit or remove certain materials from school libraries. This session will focus on the current status of the book ban quandary, board policy, best practices and how to handle complaints.
Risk Management Breakout Session
Presenter: ASBSD CFO & Protective Trust Director Holly Nagel & Gallagher Associates
Thursday, 3:00 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. in Rooms 6-7
Covering Risk Management Topics
Do You and Your School Board Know, Respect and Follow the Open Meetings Law?
Presenter: Kaufman Law Office Attorney Gerry Kaufman, Churchill, Manolis, Freeman & Burns Law Office, L.L.C. Attorneys Rodney Freeman, Jr., & Henry Rubish & Lynn, Jackson, Schultz & Lebrun Law Office Attorney Sam Kerr
Thursday, 3:00 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. in Rooms 11-12
Every School Board Member, Superintendent and Business Manager needs to know and respect the Open Meeting Laws. Failure to know, respect and follow the Open Meetings Laws can lead to significant negative consequences for the Board, Board Members, District, Superintendent and/or Business Manager. School attorneys will discuss compliance with the Open Meetings Laws and give examples of cases in which the Open Meetings Commission found violations (or no violation) of the Open Meetings Laws.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA): an Update
Presenter: Churchill, Manolis, Freeman & Burns Law Office, L.L.C. Attorneys Rodney Freeman, Jr.
Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to 4:50 p.m. in Rooms 11-12
Over the years, FERPA continues to evolve. This session will provide and address several new developments and refresh attendee’s attention to FERPA’s original intent and protections.
Title IX Again: Attorney Panel Regarding New Regulations
Presenter: KSB School Law Attorney Tyler Coverdale, Churchill, Manolis, Freeman, Kludt & Burns LLP Attorney Rodney Freeman, ASBSD Director of Policy & Legal Services Jessica Filler, Lynn, Jackson, Schultz, and Lebrun Attorney Sam Kerr & Kaufman Law Office Attorney Gerry Kaufman
Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. in Rooms 11-12
School attorneys from across the state will discuss the new Title IX regulations that are anticipated to be implemented in October 2023 by the Biden Administration and what actions schools should take to ensure compliance. This session will also include athletics regulations, transgender issues and the importance of board policy as related to Title IX.
Time Out: School Discipline and Students with Disabilities
Presenter: Ratwik, Roszak & Maloney, P.A. Attorney Christian R. Shafer
Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. in Room 3
From counting suspension days to manifestation determinations and involvement of law enforcement, the school discipline process looks and works a lot differently when students with disabilities are involved. In this presentation, an experienced school attorney will dive into real world school discipline situations, addressing the most common (and some of the less common, but still significant) questions about imposing school discipline on students with disabilities.
Pain in the “App”: The Intersection of the Law with Social Media
Presenter: KSB School Law Attorneys Tyler Coverdale & Sara Hento
Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. in Rooms 11-12
Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, and…the IDEA? Education in 2023 requires an increased focus on technology. However, the various obligations under the law do not fit neatly within the practical situations that arise when students with disabilities are involved in bullying, sexting, and inappropriate behavior online. This presentation will discuss the legal and practical implications when student discipline law, free speech, and special education intersect with student usage of social media.
My child, my decision? The Extent and Limitations of Parental Rights to Direct a Child’s Education
Presenter: KSB School Law Attorneys Tyler Coverdale & Sara Hento
Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. in Rooms 11-12
“They are my child and you have to do as I wish.” This is a common source of disagreement between parents and educators. When is the statement true? This session will cover the commonly seen issues involving parental rights, including IEP placements, schools limiting parental communication to staff, alternative education, and curriculum control.
Training
Expanding Cyber Education & Career Pathways
Presenter: Dakota State University Dean of the Governors Cyber Academy Fenecia Homan
Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. in Room 2
The Governors Cyber Academy at Dakota State University is launching in Fall 2023. Come learn about how the Cyber Academy will expand awareness of and access to cyber education and career pathways for students throughout the state. We will highlight key components and share how your district can get involved.
Developing Teacher Leaders
Presenter: Watertown Middle School Principal Todd L. Brist, Ed.D. & Watertown Intermediate School Principal Jennifer Bollinger, Ed.D.
Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. in Rooms 13-14
Teachers play a vital role in the success of our schools and their leadership can be harnessed to create positive change. Through interactive discussions and practical examples, attendees will learn about the various forms of teacher leadership and the skills and qualities that make an effective teacher leader. We will also explore strategies for cultivating an environment for teacher leadership in schools, including identifying and developing teacher leaders, and providing ongoing support and recognition.
Too Many Emails!: Using AI to Increase Administrative Efficiency
Presenter: TIE Learning Specialists Andrew Ley & Brady Licht
Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. in Room 2
This presentation explores the problem of work overload and how AI can increase your administrative efficiency. Attendees will learn about and interact with various AI tools and techniques such as ChatGPT, Power Automate, and others. These tools can be used to save time with emails, grant writing, progress reports, and slide decks for presentations. We will conclude with a preview of upcoming AI tools and integrations for Outlook, Teams, and Bing.
Ten Free (OK, Cheap) Ideas to Make Your School Safer
Presenter: West Central High School Principal Andrew Barron & Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officer Neville Smith
Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. in Rooms 6-7
In this session, a principal and an SRO explain some of the low-cost ways they have improved safety in their district. The ideas are practical, easy-to-implement, and cheap. From doors to donuts, these ideas are all about building and maintaining safety that everyone can buy into.
Regulating Classroom Emotions: Using Calm Kits
Presenter: Black Hills Special Services SD SFEC Learning Specialist Julie King
Thursday, 3:00 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. in Room 2
Calm Kits give children breaks as needed to relieve anxiety, stress, anger and other unwanted emotions. They help children process senses and their emotions in real time; while providing the foundational blocks for regulating emotions they will use throughout their life. In this session, see examples of what can be in a Calk Kit and how to navigate using them in your classroom as a tool to support students in learning and regulation.
Resources to Support the Well-Being of School Aged Youth
Presenter: SD DOE Office of Special Education Rebecca Cain
Thursday, 4:00 p.m. to 4:50 p.m. in Rooms 6-7
Did you know that there is an entire array of resources available through state agencies to support schools and educators to address the well-being of students? This session will be a panel discussing these resources including the promotion of mental health awareness to reduce stigma and provide tools for staff and students to identify and refer youth in need; training opportunities for students, educators and families; school safety tools; and treatment services.
ChatGPT: The Demise of Academic Integrity or the Next Steppingstone to Improving Critical Thinking?
Presenter: Meade 46-1 School Board Member Justin Jutting
Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. in Room 2
AI Chatbots have become all the rage as of lately. What impacts will they have on your district in regards to students, staff, and administrations? This informative and interactive session will discuss some of the pros and cons to AI Chatbots and some of the common platforms that are currently being utilized.
Kids These Days: A Game Plan for Reconnecting With Those We Teach, Lead, and Love
Presenter: Madison Central Middle School Principal Dr. Cotton Koch
Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. in Rooms 6-7
The session will be an introduction to the book titled Kids These Days by Dr. Judy Carrington. If you are a person who believes you have never met a “bad kid” or you believe that kids don’t seek attention, they seek connections, then this session might be worth your time. We will learn that students need to dysregulate (lid flipping) in order to learn how to regulate. We will learn a little about the brain and how trauma and grief create barriers in learning. If all goes well, you leave with a book study idea and then the conference was a success!
The South Dakota School Safety Center: Resources and Training Opportunities to Keep Your School Safe
Presenter: SD DPS Office of Homeland Security School Safety Director Brett Garland & School Safety Specialist Sara Kettwig
Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. in Rooms 6-7
The South Dakota School Safety Center provides an update on the abundant resources and opportunities designed to keep schools safe, including evidence-based resources in behavioral threat assessment, school infrastructure security, and programs aimed at helping children in crisis, heal and thrive. The School Safety Center’s fastest growing program, Handle With Care, furthers the School Safety Center’s holistic approach in keeping schools safe, while promoting school-community partnerships to help children exposed to trauma.
Remembering Your Why & Building Resiliency
Presenter: ASBSD CFO & Protective Trust Director Holly Nagel and Well365 CEO Trisha Dohn and Mental Health Coach Anna Woodford
Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. in Rooms 13-14
Remember when you first walked the floors of your new career and you felt so much passion. Remember your excitement when you were able to see your purpose and your value at work. Then the years passed, stress built, and in the hustle and bustle of getting the job done you are left feeling empty, second guessing your calling, and burnt out! In this presentation, we will discuss the reasons behind losing your why and refocusing and energizing our minds and spirit to understand our WHY and how we can begin to live our why, our purpose, our values at work, at home and in our community. We will also talk about resiliency and how we can better adapt during difficult times. From identifying strengths to having a better understanding of those around us, we can reflect and practice resilient behaviors.
The South Dakota School Safety Center and Safe2Say South Dakota: Keeping South Dakota Schools Safe with the Preeminent Anonymous Tip Reporting Platform for Schools.
Presenter: SD DPS Office of Homeland Security School Safety Director Brett Garland & School Safety Liaison Hannah Jensen
Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. in Rooms 6-7
The South Dakota School Safety Center provides the premier prevention-based reporting system to South Dakota schools. Safe2Say South Dakota helps keep schools safe by educating and engaging students on what to watch for and what to report, while equipping them with the resources to confidentially report concerns. Introduced last fall, learn how Safe2Say South Dakota has already had a major impact on saving lives and keeping schools safe.
Alphabet Soup for Administrators & Educators
Presenter: Tea Area School Board Member & CSTA-South Dakota & SDAMLE University Representative Tara Johanneson, Georgia Morse Middle School Principal & SDAMLE President Dr. Kyley Cumbow & Watertown Middle School Principal & SDAMLE Board Member & Past President Dr. Todd Brist
Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. in Rooms 8-9-10
CSTA-SD, SDAMLE, SDSTA, SDSTE, SHAPE, SDCTE, SDCTM, etc… It might look like alphabet soup, but not everything is as it seems. All these acronyms represent a non-profit organization led by educational leaders and industry professionals who provide networking, resources and professional development at little or no cost to SD educators. This session’s goal is to raise administrator’s awareness of these programs and help them connect their staff with these enriching and robust educational support systems.
Social Media for Schools
Presenter: Sioux Falls School District Community Relations Coordinator DeeAnn Konrad
Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:50 a.m. in Rooms 13-14
Parents and community members are talking about your schools on social media. Should you join the conversation? Of course! Learn how to proactively tell your school’s story, how to manage negative comments, and “win” at the keyboard! If you’re not telling your school’s story – someone else will and it might not be the message you are hoping to convey!
Sponsored
The A to Z of Building a New School
Presenter: CO-OP Architecture Principal Architect Tom Hurlbert and Senior School Planning Consultant Tom Oster
Thursday, 10:30 to 11:20 a.m. in Room 1
Many school districts face building and facility needs, and sometimes a new school is the best solution. This session will take you through the process of building a new school, from the initial needs assessment, facilities review and financial analysis to the exciting challenges of building community support, designing the school and overseeing construction.
Building Athletic Facilities using Mammoth & Cooperative Purchasing
Presenters: Mammoth Sports Construction Director of Business Development Derik Budig and Equalis Group Midwest Region Director Zach Heidmann
Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. in Rooms 6-7
Mammoth Sports Construction and Equalis Group will highlight how we can help your school district achieve procurement goals while saving time, saving money and staying legal. The Public Sector procurement process is riddled with nuances and regulatory considerations established to safeguard how taxpayer dollars are spent. It is often overwhelming and confusing as purchasers navigate guidelines, but it doesn’t have to be.
Yankton Early Childhood Development Center: Serving a Community’s Youngest Learners
Presenters: Yankton Superintendent Dr. Wayne Kindle, Yankton’s Webster Elementary Principal Melanie Ryken, Koch Hazard Architects Principal Keith Thompson, Wold Arichtects & Engineers Architect Valerie Peterson and McGough Construction General Manager Clark Hagen
Thursday, 3 to 3:50 p.m. in Room 1
Learn about the community-driven process, design intent, and construction methods being leveraged to bring this new-to-SD model for early childhood education from concept to reality. When complete, the ECDC will house Preschool, Junior-K and Kindergarten classes and special education services and feature concepts such as makerspace, a media center, and moveable walls.
What Effective Schools Do: Guiding Improvement & Supporting Growth
Presenters: Cognia Regional Accreditation Evaluator & Former Superintendent Dr. Dan Leikvold and Regional Director Shannon Vogler
Thursday, 3 to 3:50 p.m. in Room 5
While schools may have unique eco-systems, key characteristics of effective schooling exist and can guide your improvement journey. Cognia (formerly AdvancED) has a legacy of identifying, measuring, and evaluating quality in schools. Learn the key characteristics of quality schools; ways you can gather meaningful insight into your current reality; and supports available to building leaders to help navigate the journey of improvement and support growth for your educators.
Using Cooperative Purchasing to Bring Efficiencies to your District
Presenter: Cooperative Purchasing Connection Program Representative Julia Dangerfield
Thursday, 4 to 4:50 p.m. in Room 1
Using cooperative purchasing contracts can bring great value and efficiencies to your district. Come discuss how to leverage cooperative purchasing to access contracts from local and national vendors and shop vendor goods and services online. Learn the benefits of purchasing through a cooperative – our commitment to compliance and eliminating the need to go to bid, how to choose a cooperative contract that aligns with your district’s mission & values, and more!