27 minute read
Agenda: Monday, January 25
8 am – 9 am | EXPO
Conference Platform Opens – Expo & Networking Registrants will receive an email with login instructions prior to the conference. Log in and complete your online profile and become familiar with the different areas of the Hopin online conference platform. Navigate between the Reception, Stage, Sessions, Expo, and Networking areas. Need help with Hopin? See our Quick Reference Guide: https://bit.ly/hopin-TASA.
9 am – 10 am | SESSIONS
Premier Sessions Visit the Sessions area to join in on special, hour-long session focusing on the five hottest topics facing administrators today: Racism, Equity & Diversity; Legislative & Policy Advocacy; Global Pandemic; Change Leadership; and Wellness. See page 28 for details.
10:15 am – 11:30 am | MAIN STAGE
Opening General Session Simon Sinek, optimist and author of “Start With Why” and “The Infinite Game,” will kick off the 2021 Midwinter Conference with a conversation moderated by TASA Executive Director Kevin Brown. See page 29 for details. Also, TASA will honor 2021 Texas Nominee for National Superintendent of the Year J.A. Gonzalez of McAllen ISD, recognize the 2021 Caudill Class, and acknowledge other outstanding educators.
11:45 am – 12:30 pm | SESSIONS
Concurrent Sessions Join the session room for the session that interests you. If more than one catches your eye, don’t worry! Participate in one live, and watch the recording of the other one later. You’ll have 30 days after the conference to view sessions you missed! See page 29 for a list of sessions in this time slot.
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm | EXPO
Lunch Break – Expo Open Grab some lunch and/or visit the Expo to learn more about the products and services offered by our conference sponsors and exhibitors. Find out how they can help you achieve your campus or district goals. See page 19 for a list of exhibitors.
1:30 pm - 2:15 pm | SESSIONS
Concurrent Sessions See page 31 for a list of sessions in this time slot.
2:30 pm – 3:15 pm | SESSIONS
Concurrent Sessions See page 34 for a list of sessions in this time slot.
3:30 pm – 4:15 pm | SESSIONS
Expo Concurrent Sessions TASA Midwinter Conference sponsors and exhibitors have planned some special presentations to share their expertise on topics ranging from assessment to school safety. Don’t miss hearing from the experts! See page 37 for details.
4:30 pm | SESSIONS
President’s Reception and Virtual Concert with Tomar and the FCs Unwind and relax at the end of the day at the virtual President’s Reception. Bring your favorite beverage, and Tomar and the FCs will bring the music. The band is a mainstay on the Austin music scene and has been voted in the top five of the Austin Chronicle’s Music Poll for best Blues, Funk, and Soul artist more than once. Also, be sure to drop by the special happy hour session rooms after the concert to meet up and chat about the day or just unwind.
Monday, January 25 9-10 a.m.
Premier Sessions
Visit the Sessions area to join in these one-hour premier sessions: moderated panel discussions on Racism, Equity & Diversity; Legislative & Policy Advocacy; Global Pandemic; Change Leadership; and Wellness.
Confronting Racism, Equity, and Diversity in Texas Public Education
College and Career Readiness
Eduardo Hernandez, Edgewood ISD Jeannie Stone, Richardson ISD Jeannie Meza-Chavez, San Elizario ISD Gary Bates, Fort Sam Houston ISD LaTonya Goffney, Superintendent, Aldine ISD (Moderator) Gonzalo Salazar, Superintendent, Los Fresnos CISD (Moderator)
Hear from a panel of superintendents from TASA’s Ad Hoc Committee on Race, Equity, and Diversity as they explore the intersection of social justice and education in Texas.
Politics Unmasked with Ross Ramsey Ross Ramsey, Executive Editor and Co-Founder, The Texas Tribune Jodi Duron, Elgin ISD Superintendent and TASA Legislative Committee Chair (Moderator)
Join us as The Texas Tribune’s executive editor, Ross Ramsey, gives attendees a comprehensive overview of the 87th Texas legislative session that will begin January 12, 2021, including how previous elections may affect the Legislature’s work during these unprecedented times. The session will be moderated by TASA Legislative Committee Chair Dr. Jodi Duron, superintendent, Elgin ISD.
Local Leadership During a Global Pandemic Tanya Larkin, Superintendent, Pampa ISD Walter Jackson, Superintendent, La Porte ISD Gabriel Trujillo, Superintendent, Nacogdoches ISD Michael Kuhrt, Superintendent, Wichita Falls ISD Brian Woods, Superintendent, Northside ISD (Moderator)
Join these Texas superintendents as they discuss the ways they led their communities through one of the most challenging times in modern history. Hear the ways they brought their communities together, helped keep their students and staffs safe, and innovated responses that will change their districts for the better post-COVID.
Inspiring Leaders and the Future of Texas Schools Jo Ann Bludau, Hallettsville ISD Marcelo Cavazos, Arlington ISD Mark Estrada, Lockhart ISD Tory Hill, Sweeny ISD Lindsay Whorton, President, The Holdsworth Center (Moderator)
TASA and The Holdsworth Center team up to discuss how districts are growing teams of successful leaders from within to develop schools where students excel and teachers thrive.
Building Leadership Capacity through Personal Wellness Todd Whitthorne, Chief Inspiration Officer, Naturally Slim Martha Salazar-Zamora, Superintendent, Tomball ISD Charles Dupre, Superintendent, Fort Bend ISD Kelli Moulton, Superintendent, Galveston ISD Frank Alfaro, Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services, Alamo Heights ISD
Todd Whitthorne, the Chief Inspiration Officer for Naturally Slim, will share insights into self-care for leaders during times of crisis. He will also moderate a panel of superintendents who prioritize their own wellness in order to be stronger leaders. Whether it is stress management, life balance, exercise, sleep, time management, or spiritual wellness, these leaders connect the dots between being well and leading well.
Monday, January 25 10:15-11:30 a.m.
Opening General Session: Simon Sinek
Optimist and Author of “Start With Why” and “The Infinite Game” Conversation with Simon Sinek
Moderated by Kevin Brown, TASA Executive Director
Infinite Game: How can we win a game that has no end? The simple answer is we can’t. However, that’s exactly what so many organizations are trying to do. The problem is, there is no such thing as “winning education.” In a game with no finish line and no agreed upon rules or metrics it is impossible to “be number one” or “be the best.” In this Infinite Game, there is only ahead and behind. Leaders of organizations must understand the rules of the Infinite Game. Failure to do so dramatically increases the chance that they will set themselves on a path that eventually drains them of the will and resources to play at all. Eventually they will drop out of the game and no one will care. The game will go on without them. In his talk, Simon explores how understanding the rules of the Infinite Game is essential if any leader wants to stay ahead forever.
Monday, January 25 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Thought Leader Session: Community-Based Accountability: Lessons Learned and Best Practice
Assessment and Accountability
John Tanner, Founder and Executive Director, BraveED
The CBAS movement started in Texas five years ago and has been growing across the country ever since. While the past year has brought any number of challenges to this effort, it has also allowed for a rethinking regarding implementation. What used to take years now takes months, and while the tools and frameworks have changed very little, if at all, using them is now easier than ever, all thanks to learning how to work in the new normal.
Have Fun and Engage Your Community, Go LIVE with Your Superintendent
TSPRA
Bruce Gearing, Superintendent, Leander ISD Corey Ryan, Chief Communications Officer, Leander ISD Crestina Hardie, Communications Specialist, Leander ISD
Teachers were asked to connect with students while buildings were closed, but what about district leaders? See the story of how Leander ISD remotely launched a full-blown television production, keeping the focus on kids and teaching while engaging a community. LISD shares the good, the bad, and the ugly from their first season of “Let’s Learn with Bruce and Friends.” See the budget, tech, and results!
Virtual Learning Studios: Maximizing the Potential of Remote Learning
Digital Learning and Technology Integration
Elizabeth Fagen, Superintendent, Humble ISD Nolan Correa, Associate Superintendent for Support Sevices, Humble ISD Jeff Chapman, Principal, PBK Gregory Prince, Partner, PBK
This session will focus on two types of remote learning: synchronized and asynchronous. Each of these types has specific advantages and challenges that must be understood in order to effectively teach remote learners. This presentation will focus on lessons learned for both types of remote instruction.
Be Courageous - Speak Your Truth
Equity and Social Justice
Cathy Sewell, Chief Academic Officer, Duncanville ISD Tiara Richard, Chief Communications Officer, Duncanville ISD
Explore and learn about one district’s journey to address racism and its effects on equity. Participants will identify the underlying impacts of institutionalized racism, mitigate the negative effects of racial marginalization through structured dialogue, and discover Courageous Conversations to share truth for increased administrator learning.
How Has COVID-19 Affected Equity in Education?
Equity and Social Justice
Charles Dupre, Superintendent, Fort Bend ISD Ricardo Lopez, Superintendent, Garland ISD Robert Bostic, Superintendent, Stafford Municipal School District Martha Salazar-Zamora, Superintendent, Tomball ISD Estanislado Paz, Executive Director, Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (TALAS)
The panelists will share their equity agenda and discuss strategies and recommendations. Participants will join in the conversation led by the panelists. The impact of the pandemic has created a new normal in Texas public school systems, and this session will address the corresponding challenges and collateral damage to the equity agenda. Collaborative efforts between TASBE and TALAS, along with advocacy efforts during the legislative session, will be discussed.
Leading and Building Through Partnerships
Facility Planning/Design/Learning Environment
Matt Kimball, Superintendent, Blue Ridge ISD Von Gallagher, President, Gallagher Construction Services Jason Oswald, Principal, WRA Architects, Inc.
Using a visual presentation, video and Q&A, the presentation team will share Blue Ridge ISD’s journey from successful bond program to construction of new facilities in a 3A district. Composed of representatives from the architecture firm, construction manager and district, the team will share the valuable partnerships formed and collaborative environment created during the district’s bond and construction process.
Building Higher Education Partnerships and Networks to Improve Student Outcomes
Higher Education Partnerships
Adrain Johnson, Superintendent, Hearne ISD Delic Loyde, Executive Director, Hearne ISD Dr. Matthew Etchelles, Director of Educational Outreach, Texas A&M University
Presenters will detail a protocol for engaging higher education stakeholders that develops partnerships. Participants will join in authentic discussion regarding the challenges and opportunities involved in this process. Using the playground concept, half of the session will be dedicated to hands-on work with participants working to answer their questions and help determine next steps in the creation of a design for their own higher education engagement model.
UIL Update
Instructional Leadership
Charles Breithaupt, Executive Director, University Interscholastic League, The University of Texas at Austin Jamey Harrison, Deputy Director, University Interscholastic League, The University of Texas at Austin
Along with general information regarding new UIL rules, updates concerning COVID 19 will also be discussed. UIL will offer the opportunity to ask questions and provide input to UIL leadership.
Keeping Learning Student-Centered in a Hybrid/Concurrent Learning Model
Instructional Leadership
Shelby Goldman, Managing Partner, Education Elements
With so many teachers struggling to deliver high-quality instruction when some of their students are remote and some are on-site, Education Elements will highlight best-in-class examples of how learning can still be student-centered within these models, and how leaders can best help their teachers implement these practices.
Budget Implications of Chapter 21 Contract Management
Legislative and Educational Policy
Karen Dooley, HR Consultant, Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Leslie Story, Lead Attorney, Texas Association of School Boards (TASB)
Chapter 21 contracts extend specific rights and management of such contracts may result in unforeseen budget implications. When the district makes decisions about extending Chapter 21 contracts, the financial implications are not always considered on the front end. This session will help attendees identify how sound contract decision-making may eliminate or reduce a negative budget impact. Experiences will be shared to prepare participants in mitigating budget impacts on contract management.
TASA Legislative Update
Legislative and Educational Policy
Amy Beneski, Deputy Executive Director, Governmental Relations, TASA Casey McCreary, Associate Executive Director, Education Policy, TASA Colby Nichols, Partner, Ancira Strategic Partners, LLP
Learn about the various education policy conversations happening in and around the Texas Capitol and how those discussions may affect legislation in the 87th legislative session. Presenters will provide an overview of issues to consider as session approaches and how to use that information to advocate on behalf of school districts and students.
An Adaptive Iteration Approach: Victoria ISD’s Pandemic Response Planning Process
Pandemic Planning and Response
Quintin Shepherd, Superintendent, Victoria ISD Susanne Carroll, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction & Accountability, Victoria ISD Sherri Hathaway, Risk Manager, Victoria ISD Regina Bryan, Health Services Coordinator, Victoria ISD
In response to the COVID-19 scourge, school facilities physically closed, but instruction needed to continue for 13,800 students — without a 1:1 program or widespread community connectivity. On a more fundamental level, students needed to be fed seven days a week. With no other options at its disposal, the superintendent and his team engaged in a collaborative decision-making and planning process and wrote their own playbook: The VISD Safe Start, Strong Start Plan.
Transforming While Transitioning to a New Space and Era!
Digital Learning and Technology Integration
James Burnett, Principal, Putnam City Schools Marilyn Denison, Educational Planner, DLR Group Emily Froese, Education Planner, DLR Group
Participants will hear firsthand from educational and campus leaders what it takes to transition staff into a flexible learning environment and implement a new learning model effectively. Achieving curriculum coherence from the vision at central office to procedures at the campus to implementation by the educator will be explored. Participants will learn steps needed to develop an organizational framework that supports sustainable change. Presenters will actively engage participants through Q&A.
Leveraging Community Partnerships to Improve Student Access to Behavioral Health Services
Molley Perry, Chief Administrative Officer, College Station ISD Chrissy Hester, Director of Student Services, College Station ISD Kendra Couch, Mental Health Coordinator, College Station ISD
Despite the growing need for behavioral health services, many families experience difficulties in accessing counseling for their students. Learn how College Station ISD identified a need to help reduce barriers and adjusted policy and regulations to accommodate the provision of private practice counseling services within their schools.
Monday, January 25 1:30-2:15 p.m.
Thought Leader Session: Strategies to Address the Emotional Issues Arising from Social Isolation
Pandemic Planning and Response
Ruby Payne, CEO, aha! Process, Inc.
This session will focus on re-engagement after the pandemic is contained. Re-engagement will require emotional connections and meaning. Hear from best-selling author, Ruby Payne, about the “emotional tells” the body gives, the tools needed for brain/ emotional development — particularly for adolescents — and gain some tools for re-engaging “lost” students.
STAAR Redesign Update
Assessment and Accountability
Shelly Ramos, Senior Director, Curriculum, Texas Education Agency Iris Tian, Division Director of Assessment, Texas Education Agency
Staff from TEA’s Curriculum and Student Assessment divisions will present updates related to the STAAR redesign in alignment with the requirements of HB 3906, including the 75% multiple choice cap, new item types, Reading/ Language Arts redesign, and transition to 100% electronic testing.
Managing Transitions: Possible Legislative Impact for Emerging from an Accountability Gap Year
Assessment and Accountability
Terry Faucheux, Associate, Moak, Casey & Associates Alicia Thomas, Consultant, Moak, Casey & Associates Monica Zdrojewski, Associate, Moak, Casey & Associates
Brick and mortar campuses transformed into virtual schools, parents became homeschool teachers, state assessments were canceled, and accountability was suspended. Administrators and educators demonstrated grit and resilience in responding to the crisis in nimble and flexible ways. What does the future hold for academics, assessment, and accountability? Come learn about the 87th Texas Legislature’s reactions and choices for accountability and assessment in the years to come.
Leveling Up: A Focus for Women Leaders - Next Steps in Your Career
Career Development
Brenda Arteaga, Director for Special Populations, Harris County Department of Education Holly Morris-Kuentz, Deputy Superintendent, Lake Travis ISD Mechiel Rozas, UT Doctoral Candidate, University of Texas at Austin
Currently, 27% of the nation’s superintendents are women, while in Texas, women superintendents comprise 19%. Research comes to life as current female superintendents discuss the barriers, dispel the myths, and compose their own personal pathway forward in their leadership journey. This session will focus on women in leadership, creating relationships, and seeking mentors.
A Story is Like an Onion
TSPRA
Cecelia Jones, Director, Communications, Little Elm ISD
The purpose of this session is to challenge participants to think about how to find and tell unique stories for the purpose of connecting and engaging their community. Take an onion, peel it back, and discover what’s underneath the surface of the common stories schools tell every day! This is the secret trick to telling a story from a unique perspective.
Crowdsourcing for Culture, Connection and Trust in Your Community
Community Engagement
Laura Milne, Account Executive, Thoughtexchange
Research has shown decisions made by broader, more inclusive, diverse groups have a higher likelihood of better organizational and community outcomes. But how can education leaders do this kind of work both efficiently, equitably, and during times of uncertainty or isolation? In this session, participants will hear from leaders who leveraged crowdsourcing to enable their entire community (not just the loudest voices) to take ownership of district culture and direction.
Zero Tolerance for Racial Intolerance: Six Strategies for Promoting Racial Equity in Your Schools
Equity and Social Justice
Charli Searcy, Legal Liability Risk Consultant, Texas Association of School Boards (TASB)
Schools are responsible for maintaining fairness in all aspects of their educational programs and activities, including race, color, and national origin. How can racial intolerance be addressed? How can staff and students stay informed and help eliminate discriminatory behavior? This session will answer these questions through six strategies.
University/District Partnerships: Designing Innovative Programs for Teacher Readiness
Higher Education Partnerships
Trina Persson, Director, Recruitment & Retention, New Caney ISD Christine Corson, Recruiting and Retention Specialist, Conroe ISD Stacey Edmonson, Dean, College of Education, Sam Houston State University Jannah Nerren, Associate Dean for Planning and Assessment, Sam Houston State University
This session will focus on three district/university partnerships for clinical teaching. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss the benefits and challenges from the university and district panelists who have been instrumental in the development, implementation, and evaluation of these programs. Handouts for participants will provide steps and processes for building collaborative relationships that improve both university and district programs and provide a higher level of support for teacher candidates.
Transforming Leadership Systems to Grow Teachers and Improve Instruction
Leadership Development and Mentoring
Shannon Luis, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Elgin ISD Riza Cooper, Principal, Elgin ISD Matt Pope, Chief Transformation Officer, E3 Alliance
Elgin ISD’s mission is to ensure high-quality education that guarantees a life-changing experience for all. To achieve this they have developed strong leadership systems to improve teaching and learning in every classroom. Participants will learn their approach to grow teachers through implementation of protocols for collaboration and planning, supportive leadership strategies, progress monitoring, and a commitment to doing whatever it takes to ensure students are successful.
Evaluating Values:How to Maximize Your Funding Through Tax Collection, Property Values, and Audits
Legislative and Educational Policy
James Wilcox, Superintendent, Longview ISD Jim Lambeth, Capital Partner, Linebarger, Goggan, Blair & Sampson, LLP
This session will go over the objectives and goals of a wellcrafted tax collection program, including current collections, delinquent collections and why those collections matter to districts. This session will also discuss the property value study and its affect on districts’ state gain or loss.
A Focus on Comprehension Using Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning
Pandemic Planning and Response
Kay Wijekumar, Professor, Texas A&M University College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) Mary Bowman, Executive Director, Grand Prairie ISD Javier Garza, Principal, Keller Elementary School, Texas Texas A&M University CEHD Julie Owens, Research Specialist School Coordinator, Texas A&M University CEHD
Learn how schools maintained the academic focus on comprehension through web-based tools customized for each school context. Participants will hear from two school leaders on how they transitioned comprehension instruction using the Knowledge Transformation Framework. Participants will focus on planning, leading teaching and assessment, and reflecting during the pandemic.
What Other Schools Do to Recruit Your Students
Brian Stephens, Chief Executive Officer, Caissa Public Strategy
Caissa will provide strategies and techniques that charters, private, and homeschool networks utilize to recruit students from traditional public school districts. They will also provide proven methodologies to combat student decline and recruitment activities that level the playing field.
Monday, January 25 2:30-3:15 p.m.
Thought Leader Session: Optimize Family Outreach to Improve Student Outcomes
Todd Rogers, Professor of Public Policy and Director of Student Social Support R&D Lab, Harvard Derek LIttle, Deputy Chief of Academics, Dallas ISD Nicole Bosworth, Ed.D, Director of District Partnerships, EveryDay Labs (Facilitator)
Chronic absenteeism is a key indicator that a student is at risk. These students are less likely to achieve math and literacy proficiency, less likely to graduate from high school, and less likely to enroll in university. COVID-19 creates unique challenges for promoting strong attendance with the most vulnerable students disproportionately impacted by the negative consequences. Join a panel discussion about attendance and addressing chronic absenteeism in the COVID-19 environment and beyond. We’ll discuss behavioral science insights, effective family communication, and datadriven approaches to building a comprehensive attendance solution at the district level.
Addressing Equity and Access in Advanced Academics Programming
College and Career Readiness
Angela Romney, Managing Director of Academic Programs, Frisco ISD Katey Gray, Principal, Frisco ISD Krishna Chetty, Advanced Academics Coordinator, Frisco ISD Gabe Fain, Instructional Coach, Frisco ISD
This session will highlight how to implement specific strategies at both campus and district levels to close the enrollment and achievement gap in advanced academics programs. Highlights include utilizing a teacher as an AP instructional coach, starting a ninth grade Bridge Program for underrepresented students, and developing processes to support the rollout and integration of AP Classroom for counselors, administrators, and teachers.
4 BONDS! 5 YEARS!
TSPRA
Susan Ard, Director, Communications, Cleveland ISD
Learn how a district passed four bonds in five years. Focus on needs for the bond, knowing how to choose the right PAC leader and company to help promote the bond, PAC funding, lines not to cross, communication with staff and parents, and getting out the importance of the bond to the community as a whole.
Equity and Student Growth in Texas
Equity and Social Justice
Brandy Baker, Chief Academic and Innovation Officer, Pflugerville ISD Jennifer Saenz, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives, E3 Alliance Matt Pope, Senior Program Director, E3 Alliance
High failure rates amongst virtual learners, a majority of whom are students of color, widens gaps. TEA and the E3 Alliance explored equity in the achievement of different student groups across Texas, using 3D Growth data. Come unpack findings and engage with district leader on how to use growth data to create equitable school system.
How to Become a Partner in Disability Leadership
Equity and Social Justice
Karlyn Keller, Division Director, Special Education Solutions, Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) Ginger Mayeaux, Director, Public Policy & Advocacy, The ARC of Texas
Partners in Disability Leadership is an advanced leadership development training program from The Arc of Texas created for professionals who are interested in being stewards of the disability rights movement and leaders within their agency or organization. While focused on increasing capacity and knowledge of the world of advocacy, participants also learn leadership skills they can take back to their school and implement immediately while building strong bonds with others from agencies across the state.
The Power of Inclusivity - How Cultural Sensitivity Makes Districts Better
Equity and Social Justice
In this session, learn the importance of acknowledgment and acceptance of existing educational inequities, awareness of the educational costs to students and the legal risks to districts of racially insensitive environments in schools, and gain strategies for creating more inclusive educational environments.
Leveraging IHE Partnerships for CCR School Model Campuses
Higher Education Partnerships
Clarissa Torres, Deputy Director, Educate Texas Susan Henderson, Deputy Director, Programs, Educate Texas
The growth of the Texas CCR School Models network to over 400 campuses has created a wellspring of best practices. Educate Texas and campus leaders will share insights into leveraging IHE partnerships to build and sustain CCR School Model campuses while aligning goals with these partners to achieve state outcomes.
SPED 101: What Administrators Need to Know
Denise Carter, Education Support Senior Account Executive, Texas Association of School Boards (TASB)
This session will provide “insider” information about the world of special education, including a brief history of the law and current legal requirements, preparing for an ARD meeting, and ensuring that everyone in the process is prepared to meet the needs of this special population. It will focus on giving administrators the tools they need to provide effective, efficient, and legal programs on campuses and in their district.
Legislative, Advocacy, and Outreach Support for Local School Districts
Legislative and Educational Policy
Robert Long, Regional Director for Advocacy & Outreach, Raise Your Hand Texas
Todd Schneider, ESC Executive Director, ESC Region 7 This session is designed to update district leaders on the grassroots and advocacy efforts of Raise Your Hand Texas. Participants will learn how their statewide network of 13 regional advocacy directors are working to engage school districts and communities across Texas, in building coalitions for supporting public education in our state.
Meeting the Social Emotional Needs of Staff During a Pandemic
Pandemic Planning and Response
Brad Hunt, Superintendent, Coppell ISD Angie Applegate, Assistant Superintendent, Coppell ISD Kristen Streeter, Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services, Coppell ISD
Taking care of a district’s staff is more important than ever during these challenging times. Coppell ISD will share training and strategies that are aligned to social and emotional learning to support the needs of staff in order to sustain a successful work environment.
Supporting Community Through a TraumaInformed Lens During COVID-19
Pandemic Planning and Response
Niloy Gangopadhyay, Director, Special Populations, Texas Education Agency
The concern and energy around student and staff mental health and emotional well-being is at its highest level. This session will review the idea of trauma and its impact, traumainformed school community practices, and educator wellness to support school systems during the pandemic.
Strategic Planning: The Foundation Through and Beyond the Pandemic
Strategic Change and Planning
Steven Ebell, Deputy Superintendent, Curriculum & Instruction, Clear Creek ISD Lindsey Gunn, Senior Associate, The Cambrian Group
Clear Creek ISD, with the assistance of The Cambrian Group, developed a new strategic plan in 2019. Learn how the plan was leveraged to respond to the pandemic and how the plan will be used to achieve the district’s aspirations for each student to achieve, lead, and contribute with integrity.
Paving the Yellow Brick Road, One Brick at a Time
Lacey Rainey, Area Superintendent, Denton ISD Rachel Falknor, Coordinator, Intervention Services, Denton ISD
MTSS and Section 504 and Dyslexia ... oh my! By reallocating personnel and integrating the processes within each program, Denton ISD began a cycle of continuous improvement that helps ensure student academic and social-emotional success. Join district representatives to learn how they paved their yellow brick road, one brick at a time, to lessen teacher frustration, identify students’ needs, and correct systemic problems.
Insanely Great Free Resources for College and Career Awareness
College and Career Readiness
Hall Davidson, Senior Director, Global Learning Initiatives, Discovery Education
Monday, January 25 3:30-4:15 p.m.
Expo Concurrent Sessions
For this time slot, TASA Midwinter Conference sponsors and exhibitors have planned some special presentations to share their expertise on topics ranging from assessment to school safety. Don’t miss hearing from the experts!
Global companies and foundations have funded great sites, activities, and virtual field trips for college and career awareness. Many feature technology resources, interactive websites, videos, and student challenges with cash awards. Find college essay-writing lessons and hear from working professionals passionate about their jobs. All high-quality resources are totally free for districts and families!
Improving Financial Literacy and FAFSA Completion Rates
College and Career Readiness
Christina Akhavanzadeh, Naviance by Hobsons Suzie Thomas, Enterprise Consultant, Naviance by Hobsons
Join our Naviance team to learn more about how to improve financial literacy for students and families and increase FAFSA completion rates. Key topics include meeting basic needs, common mistakes, support for schools and counselors, and tracking and reporting.
The Key to Transformation: Music as a Bridge Between SEL and Culturally Competent Classrooms
Digital Learning and Technology Integration
Toni Garza, Interim Director of Training, QuaverEd, Inc.
In this session, explore the intersection of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy (CRP) and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). Both are helpful frameworks for understanding and supporting every student to succeed. And both can be enhanced through the power of music! Attendees will walk away with tangible ideas for engaging their students in fun, interactive, and effective ways. No musical expertise required.
Amplify Reading for Texas Home Learning
Digital Learning and Technology Integration
Laura Seal, Associate Director, Supplements, Amplify Emily Lutrick, ELA and Dyslexia Coordinator, Allen ISD
Through the Texas Home Learning Initiative, K-2 students can have free access to an adaptive, student-driven digital reading program, Amplify Reading Texas, that can be accessed at home and at school. See the program that can help address the COVID slide and find out how to opt-in.
Democratizing Data Across an Organization to Ensure Equity
Equity and Social Justice
CyLynn Braswell, Executive Director of College and Career Readiness/Innovation, Northwest ISD Melissa DeSimone, Executive Director of Research, Accountability and Assessment, Northwest ISD Adam Cibulka, Senior Manager, Forecast5 Analytics
Learn how Northwest ISD has empowered their administrative team to access targeted data dashboards, daily, to ensure equity across the district and within each school building.
What Does a School’s Master Schedule Say About Equity and Flexibility?
Equity and Social Justice
Mark Weatherly, Director of Secondary Instruction, New Caney ISD Jill Blankenship, Cardonex Sales Professional, Education Advanced, Inc. Brent Reid, Cardonex Sales Professional, Education Advanced, Inc.
A school’s master schedule determines how core resources are allocated and directs the student experience. Effective education gives students equal access to the classes they need to pursue their dreams. Building a flexible, student-centered master schedule that can easily transition between in-person, virtual, and hybrid is more critical than ever.
Reimagining Equity: The Case for Whole-Child Teaching and Learning Approaches
Equity and Social Justice
Fay Brown, Associate Research Assistant, Yale University
In order to support individualized learning for every student, educators must take a holistic approach to educate children. If equity is considered from the perspective of providing for every child based on his or her needs, then this holistic approach can be viewed as the reimagining of equity.
Using Solar to Power a Campus, Decrease Costs, and Discuss Renewable Energy
Facility Planning/Design/Learning Environment
Easy Foster, Director of Planning and Construction, Conroe ISD Mark Madorsky, President, LEAF Engineers Brian Hood, Senior Vice President, LEAF Engineers Cody Boyd, Senior Associate, PBK
This session highlights Stockton Junior High, one of the first solar-powered campuses in the state. Aside from the environmental benefits of using renewable energy, the solar-powered campus generates significant cost savings and provides hands-on, experiential learning experiences, engaging students in conversations around STEM, and provides insight into curriculum integration.
Achieving True Instructional Leadership Through Collaboration
Instructional Leadership
Laura Stout, Executive Director, Corpus Christi ISD Jennifer Knipp, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Mineola ISD Kim Tunnell, Vice President of Curriculum Management, Education Advanced, Inc.
Allowing schools and teachers to unpack standards and build curriculum roadmaps results in extreme redundancy and inconsistencies between grades and across campuses. Implementing a collaborative approach saves teachers time to focus on shared instructional understanding. Empower leaders and ensure instructional consistency throughout your district with these proven strategies.
Intentional Implementation Leads to Sustainable Reflective Practices
Instructional Leadership
Misty Rieber, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Lubbock ISD Sarah Cude, Regional Professional Development Lead/ Southwest, istation
A shared vision when implementing new assessment and instructional tools is key to efficacy. Learn how Lubbock ISD established a shared vision around data-based decisions and reflective practices and put into motion strategic educator supports necessary to reach such a vision. Discover how purposeful, multi-layered professional development at the district, campus, and classroom levels enables reflective practices to continue seamlessly, even through remote learning.
Disinfection in a COVID-19 World
Pandemic Planning and Response
Christopher Truitt, Chief Science Officer, GermBlast
This session will cover best practices in cleaning, disinfection, and technology to control the spread of disease-causing microorganisms in the school environment.
Basics of Educational Facility Planning
Facility Planning/Design/Learning Environment
Gloria Barrera, Vice President, Vanir Construction Management, Inc. Abelardo Saavedra, Director, Vanir Construction Management, Inc.
Participants will experience an interactive presentation that takes them on a journey through all the phases of the planning process. The participants will see and evaluate examples of each of the steps of the facility planning process. The following components of the planning process will be covered: facility assessment, educational specifications, educational adequacy and equity, demographics, and stakeholder engagement and community outreach.
