31 minute read
Agenda: Tuesday, January 26
8 am – 9 am | EXPO
Expo & Networking Grab a cup of coffee and 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.
9 am – 10:15 am | MAIN STAGE
Second General Session The second general session will feature a conversation between TASA officers and Commissioner of Education Morath on the state of Texas public education. See page 42 for details. Also, TASA will recognize the newest TASA Honorary Life members and the 2021 Johnny L. Veselka Scholarship recipients.
10:30 am – 11:15 am | 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 42 for a list of sessions in this time slot.
11:30 am – 12:15 pm | SESSIONS
Concurrent Sessions See page 44 for a list of sessions in this time slot.
12:15 pm – 1:15 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.
1:15 pm – 2 pm | SESSIONS
Concurrent Sessions See page 48 for a list of sessions in this time slot.
2 pm – 2:30 pm | EXPO
Expo & Networking Pop into the Expo and/or network with fellow attendees.
2:30 pm – 3:15 pm | SESSIONS
Concurrent Sessions See page 50 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 52 for details.
4:30 pm | SESSIONS
Magical Happy Hour We’ll close out the second full day of the conference with a special, “magical” virtual happy hour. Grab your favorite beverage, if you like, and join us for a brief break from reality. Entertainer Eric Lerner — self-billed as funny, quick witted, mesmerizing, jawdropping, earth-shaking, and incredibly good looking — will bring a little magic to Midwinter with a performance he has shared with leaders of Fortune 500 companies around the world. Don’t miss it! Also, be sure to drop by the special happy hour session rooms after the magic show to meet up and chat about the day or just unwind after the magic show.
Tuesday, January 26 9-10:15 a.m.
Second General Session: Mike Morath
Texas Commissioner of Education
Conversation with Mike Morath
The second general session will feature a conversation between TASA officers and Commissioner of Education Morath on the state of Texas public education in which the commissioner responds to questions from Texas school leaders. Commissioner Morath has led the Texas Education Agency since January 2016, when he was appointed to the post of commissioner of education by Gov. Greg Abbott. Prior to that, he served on the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees for more than four years. Morath graduated from Garland High School in Garland ISD. And thanks to the great public school education he received in Texas, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, summa cum laude, from George Washington University in two-and-one-half years.
Tuesday, January 26 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Thought Leader Session: Compelled to Change: Applying Lessons Learned from Eastman Kodak
Digital Learning and Technology Integration
David Vroonland, Superintendent, Mesquite ISD Angel Rivera, Assistant Superintendent for Innovation & Leadership, Mesquite ISD Cara Jackson, Executive Director Instructional Technology, Mesquite ISD Lisa Lovato, Innovation and Personalized Learning Specialist, Mesquite ISD
Like Eastman Kodak, schools run the risk of clinging to strategies rather than purpose. Learn to build a purpose-driven strategy today for better student outcomes tomorrow. Come see how AYO can help serve the purpose of education for the sake of our students.
TRS, COVID, and Financial Shocks. What Should I Do Now?
Career Development
Mason Moses, Senior Advisor, TCG Advisors Christopher Jamail, Chief Marketing Officer, TCG Advisors Mike Cochran, Chairman of the Board, TCG Advisors
Many educators, especially school administrators, have faced significant challenges over the last year, causing many to contemplate retiring from the profession. For some, this is doable and they need to know what steps they need to take to have a successful retirement. For others, they would be doing themselves a long-term disservice by retiring early. It is important that educators know the facts and have access to the information necessary to make the right decision for their situation.
Building a Pipeline of Future Board Members and Community-Based Leaders
Community Engagement
Celina Estrada Thomas, Superintendent, Hutto ISD
Groom and grow community-based leaders and learn how to engage the community in a meaningful, life-changing manner. See how Hutto ISD created a pipeline of local leaders who agree to be on standby, ready to serve on district leadership committees or run for the school board. Participants will hear from the district leaders who led the sessions and from the Hippo Nation University graduates themselves!
Digital Learning and Technology Integration
Greg Bonewald, Deputy Superintendent of Operations, Victoria ISD Susanne Carroll, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction & Accountability, Victoria ISD Melissa Correll, Director of Innovation, Victoria ISD Zach Roden, Account Executive - National Sales, Forecast5 Analytics, Inc.
This session will feature a panel discussion among Texas school district leaders about how they are providing an equitable learning environment in these uncertain times.
Specifically, how they are using one system that aligns to TEA’s Instructional Continuity Framework, to close the digital divide, monitor student eLearning activity and view College, Career and Military Readiness to ensure all students are able to Return to Learn throughout the school year.
It’s a Remarkable Story!
District Culture
Demetrus Liggins, Superintendent, Greenville ISD Helen Williams, Chief Communications Officer, Greenville ISD Amy Wade, Public Relations & Marketing Liaison, Greenville ISD Leslie Milder, Founder, Friends of Texas Public Schools
Public schools are achieving more today than ever before. Unfortunately, the public hears a much different story from loud, mostly misinformed and sometimes misguided sources. Educators must step up and take control of their remarkable story. Attend this session and hear from one school district that has teamed up with Friends of Texas Public Schools to do just that.
Protecting the Learning Environment by Restoring School Culture
Equity and Social Justice
Julia Andrews, Center for Safe and Secure Schools, Director, Harris County Department of Education Darlene Breaux, Director of Research and Evaluation Institute, Harris County Department of Education
Learn about an in-depth study of the impact of Restorative Practice and Cultural Responsiveness on an urban school in Harris County. The goals of the project were to improve school cultural climate, increase school safety, and reduce suspension rates in order to protect students’ class time and further improve their academic performance.
Colonial Hegemony in Education: Under Identified Indigenous Students in Texas
Equity and Social Justice
Beverly Irby, Regents Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Texas A&M University Carl Fahrenwald, Assistant Clinical Professor, Texas A&M University-College of Education & Human Development Rafael Lara-Alecio, Division Chair, Bilingual/ESL Programs, Texas A&M University-College of Education & Human Development Estanislado Paz, Executive Director, Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (TALAS)
Learn how dominant culture disconnects and marginalizes Lakota Nation students. Learn about the cross border tribal populations in Mexico and the United States, what it means for surviving and navigating Hispanic and Anglo dominant systems, and the value of identifying and serving the unique needs of marginalized indigenous populations.
Instructional Transparency and CommunityBased Accountability Systems
Instructional Leadership
Lamond Dean, Superintendent, Chapel Hill ISD (ESC 07) Kim Tunnell, Vice President of Curriculum Management, Education Advanced, Inc.
Research shows that students whose parents are engaged in the learning process have a more successful education experience. The truth is, some parents know what their students are learning, but few know what they SHOULD learn. Curriculum transparency and easily accessible schoolrelated information engages parents and supports student achievement.
The Curriculum Management Audit: An Organizational Analysis Examining Teaching and Learning
Instructional Leadership
Jana Rueter, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, San Angelo ISD Opal Core, Director, Texas Curriculum Management Audit Center
Learn how Curriculum Management Audit services can equip leadership teams with tools to objectively evaluate all facets of the organization that impact student learning. Curriculum Management Audits and related trainings provide a structured approach to evaluating curriculum, assessment, and program design; instructional delivery; and policy direction.
Supporting Principals Through COVID Cases: Tools, Processes, and Procedures
Pandemic Planning and Response
Linda Ellis, Superintendent, Grand Prairie ISD Michelle Brinkman, Director of Special Programs, Grand Prairie ISD
Explore the system Grand Prairie ISD implemented in response to the COVID pandemic, and receive the tools the district developed to guide principals through the important work of contact tracing and notifying families.
Teacher Retention and Human Resources
Karen Dooley, HR Consultant, Texas Association of School Boards (TASB)
Exhaustion of leave termination can be problematic if treatment of employees is not fair and consistent. To reduce risk, procedures should be implemented to manage absences. It is important to know and use applicable policies and communicate with employees during the process. Best practices for leave administration will be provided.
From COVID to COHESIVE: How Unified Planning and Strengths-Based Leadership Can Help Navigate Any Uncertainty
Strategic Change and Planning
Tom Leonard, Superintendent, Eanes ISD Jeff Arnett, Deputy Superintendent, Eanes ISD Jennifer Champagne, Board President, Eanes ISD John Havenstrite, Board Member, Eanes ISD
Follow a roadmap to a simplified, more cohesive planning process. Against the backdrop of recent COVID-19 circumstances, understand how teamwork and strengthsbased leadership can help navigate challenges using milestones that differentiate cohesive planning from conventional strategic planning. Hear examples of how Gallup’s measure of individual attributes can guide board/ administrative teamwork and culture building, and leave with a template to create an individualized, multi-year, planning matrix.
Hope Squad Peer to Peer Suicide Prevention Program
Holly Ferguson, Superintendent, Prosper ISD Alexis Webb, Director, Program Evaluation and Curriculum Support, Prosper ISD Tony Cooper, Teacher/Coach Hope Squad Advisor, Prosper ISD
Hope Squads seek to reduce self-destructive behavior and youth suicide by training and creating change in schools and communities. They can increase inclusion throughout the school, train students to recognize suicide warning signs, and build positive relationships among peers to facilitate acceptance for seeking help. Hope Squads work to change the school culture reducing stigmas about mental health.
Tuesday, January 26 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Thought Leader Session: Compelled to Change Part 2: Deep Dive
Digital Learning and Technology Integration
David Vroonland, Superintendent, Mesquite ISD Ron Espinosa, Director of Education, SoftServe Alona Golopuz, Solutions Consultant, SoftServe Kevin Hodges, Regional Manager, Google for Education Kyle Azua, GCP Program Manager, Google for Education
Join Google and Mesquite ISD as they take a deep dive into their Ayo program featured in their previous Thought Leader session.
Thought Leader Session: Thrive Through The Five - Practical Truths to Powerfully Lead through Challenging Times Leadership Development and Mentoring Jill Siler, Superintendent, Gunter ISD
I absolutely LOVE my job — 95% of the time. Let’s talk about how to tackle the 5%! This authentic and engaging session will help equip leaders to thrive through the very real and challenging parts of work and life. Through discussion and thought activities, participants will be challenged to understand the contributing factors to challenging seasons as well learn external and internal strategies to thrive through difficult moments.
Thought Leader Session: Strategic Planning - Aligning Leadership Behind What is Most Important
Leadership Development and Mentoring
Mark Strohmaier, Vice President of Marketing, Milliken
Participants will learn how to use strategic planning to drive alignment across their leadership team. The presentation will be thought-provoking, and the participants will walk away with concrete steps to integrate into their upcoming strategic planning process. The session will cover the goals of strategic planning, how it can be used to drive alignment across a leadership team, and the key elements used in a strategic planning process.
Pivot, Swerve, Focus - Three Words to Guide Communications During and Beyond a Crisis
TSPRA
Brad Hunt, Superintendent, Coppell ISD Angela Brown, Executive Director of Communications and Community Engagement, Coppell ISD Amanda Simpson, Director of Communications, Coppell ISD
Explore strategies and examples for pivoting (being appropriately reactive), swerving (proactively adjusting), and focusing on core values as a filter for communications and engagement. Through the lens of lessons learned from COVID-19, attendees will examine strategies for strategic planning, tools to foster communication and engagement, viewing data to proactively guide communications, and reaching varied audiences.
Adapting to a Frequently Changing Environment is Key to a Successful Bond Election
Community Engagement
Tim McClure, Assistant Superintendent for Facilities, Northwest ISD Greg Bonewald, Deputy Superintendent of Operations, Victoria ISD Michael Kuhrt, Superintendent, Wichita Falls ISD
Join this panel of school leaders to learn how they’re successfully managing bond programs and legislative changes while adapting to a pandemic. Hear from those who have passed a bond election in November and some who are going through the planning process now. Either way, a wealth of information will be shared!
The Best School in the Universe
Digital Learning and Technology Integration
Gerry Fleuriet, Board Member, Harlingen CISD Erika Galvan, Dean of Instruction, Harlingen CISD Tanya Garza, Principal, Harlingen CISD Maria Veronica Kortan, Administrator for Organizational Development, Harlingen CISD
Zavala Elementary School in Harlingen CISD shares their story of how they catapulted one of the poorest schools in Texas to success. They reshaped their curriculum and instruction, integrated Apple technology, and rebranded to showcase anticipated achievements. Assessment, student growth, teacher development, and an award-winning kids’ news team are hallmarks of this very special school.
How Round Rock ISD Redefined School Policing with a Focus on Equity and Behavioral Health
Equity and Social Justice
Amy Grosso, Director of Behavioral Health Services, Round Rock ISD DeWayne Street, Chief Equity Officer, Round Rock ISD Jeffrey Yarbrough, Director of Safety & Security, Round Rock ISD
It is only through Round Rock ISD approaching the new police department through a focus on equity and behavioral health that the district can ensure school policing will be transformed to a place of safety and security for all students, staff, families, and community members.
School Finance Prospects in the 87th Legislative Session
Legislative and Educational Policy
Amanda Brownson, Associate Executive Director, TASBO Janet Spurgin, Research & Policy Associate, TASBO Karen Wilson, Policy & Research Associate, TASBO
This will be a presentation in which participants will hear detailed presentation of the latest state budget projections and understand its relation to the state funding system and possible impacts of the projected deficit.
Building School Around Students: 3 Districts Reimagine School During the Pandemic
Pandemic Planning and Response
Terrie McNabb, Deputy Superintendent, Aubrey ISD Jami Ivey, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction & Accountability, Athens ISD Tiffany Whitsel, Executive Director, Secondary Education, Waco ISD Sarah Goolsby, Executive Director of Secondary Education, Willis ISD Beck Simon-Burton, Regional Vice President, Edmentum
Join Waco, Athens, and Aubrey ISDs as they discuss their innovative approaches to education during the pandemic. What lessons did they learn? What adjustments did they make? How are they preparing for the lasting impacts that COVID-19 will have on K-12 public education? Learn about innovations they are considering for after the pandemic.
Prioritizing SEL & Supportive Relationships During the Pandemic
Pandemic Planning and Response
Juany Valdespino-Gaytan, Executive Director, Social and Emotional Learning, Dallas ISD Sarah Gertner, Outreach Director, Panorama Education
Join this session to hear how Dallas ISD is elevating student voice during the pandemic to focus on social and emotional growth, with an emphasis on making sure each student feels supported by educators this school year.
WIN Mondays: What I Need Mondays
Pandemic Planning and Response
Jaylynn Cauthen, Superintendent, Rio Vista ISD Jeanne Cobb, Assistant Superintendent, Rio Vista ISD Cassie Lloyd, Director, Early Literacy Center, Rio Vista ISD Michael Zook, Principal, Rio Vista ISD Charles Mims, Principal, Rio Vista ISD Michele Drake, Principal, Rio Vista ISD
On Mondays, students who require remediation due to COVID gaps are asked to come to school face-to-face, while other students have the option of completing school remotely that day. Learn how Rio Vista ISD restructured their school day to significantly reduce student class size, allocate time for teacher professional learning and planning, and create opportunities for heightened cleaning.
Property Insurance through the Roof! What Now?
District Operations and Finance
Matthew Pearson, Founder, Pearson Legal, P.C.
Participants will learn what to look for in their insurance policies to make sure they are adequately covered, as well as being up-to-date on legislation pertaining to insurance losses from hail, tornadoes, and hurricanes. The session will also cover how to maximize a claim without needing legal representation, and how to deal with roofers and contractors during a loss.
Supporting Emotionally Disturbed Students – Is It Really Possible In Public School?
Gena Koster, Executive Director of Special Education, Keller ISD
Hear how a large district recognized the need for intense therapeutic supports for an increasing population of students with severe mental health and emotional disturbance. It is important for campus and district leadership to understand the commitments and supports necessary for positive outcomes with this population. Through engaging conversation, participants will learn the evidence-based practices, non-negotiables, and costs associated with effective implementation.
Tuesday, January 26 1:15-2 p.m.
Equity and Social Justice
Fay Brown, Associate Research Assistant, Yale University
More than two-thirds of students report at least one traumatic event in their lives by age 16, and many students experience the trauma of social injustice on a daily basis. In this session, Scholastic will identify the symptoms of trauma and explores how to foster an inclusive, safe learning environment.
Learning N2 an Inspired Future
School Transformation
Roz Keck, Partner, N2 Learning Tory Hill, Superintendent, Sweeny ISD Martha Salazar-Zamora, Superintendent, Tomball ISD Georgeanne Warnock, Superintendent, Terrell ISD
What is an Inspired Future? Embracing the changes we have talked about for so long, but have not yet risked doing. Accepting the changes we have recently been pushed into. Identifying competencies students need in this unpredictable world. Hear from innovative superintendents whose districts are Leaning N2 an Inspired Future.
EISD eLearning
Digital Learning and Technology Integration
Angela Dominguez, Assistant Superintendent of Academics, Edgewood ISD (ESC 20) Chriselda Bazaldua, Senior Director of CCMR/CTE, Edgewood ISD (ESC 20) Leticia Rodriguez, Senior Director of Academics, Edgewood ISD (ESC 20) Kim Jett-Gonzales, Director, Instructional Technology, Edgewood ISD (ESC 20)
Participants will experience how Edgewood ISD utilized the school closure for COVID-19 to maximize opportunities to educate teachers based on student feedback. This session will share how EISD used student and teacher data to craft and individualize teacher end-of-year professional development and the outcomes of this learning on teacher efficacy.
Google for Admins: Strategies for Bridging the Distance with Hands-on Learning
Digital Learning and Technology Integration
Frank Murray, Director of Instructional Technology, Wichita Falls ISD Amy Mayer, CEO and Founder, friEdTechnology
Learn how schools can leverage Google tools to move from sit and get to active learning in every type of environment: online, blended, and face to face. As they move into this new age of teaching and learning, administrators are instructional role models, so it’s more important than ever to learn how to use Google tools to take teaching, learning, and leading to new levels in their school or district.
Educator Growth is Key to Student Growth
District Culture
Matthew Pariseau, Assistant Superintendent, Spring ISD Diana Kimberly, Executive Director, Spring ISD Shannon Buerk, Chief Executive Officer, engage2learn
Spring ISD shares how they implemented Campus Support Teams and a micro-credentialing system that encouraged educator growth recognized through the demonstration of evidence and attainment of badges. Teachers embraced the coaching process in hopes of reaching their goals and earning leveled badges as recognition for their hard work. The use of this recognition system created a culture of coaching and growth for all.
Change is Coming: Updates to Chapter 61 School Facilities Standards in a Post COVID-19 Context
Facility Planning/Design/Learning Environment
John Shiver, Principal, Stantec Diego Barrera, Senior Associate/Senior Designer, Stantec
In January 2019 the state began the effort of rewriting the Texas Education Agency School Facilities Standards found in Chapter 61 of the Texas Administrative Code to address the impact of programmatic changes paired with shifts in teaching and learning pedagogy in learning environments to provide guidance to districts in planning learning environments. COVID-19 provides a new lens for defining best practices for programming and planning new facilities.
Designing for Mental and Emotional Health
Facility Planning/Design/Learning Environment
Angie Gaylord, Deputy Chief, Transformation & Innovation, Dallas ISD Sangeetha Karthik, Vice President, Corgan
Research shows that mood disorders, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts have increased along with academic pressure, social media use, isolation, and bullying. School environments need to be restorative, respond to the needs of individual students, and facilitate counseling and mentoring. This session will present design strategies and facilitate discussion on how designs can promote mental and emotional health for students.
Preparing for Post COVID-19 by Narrowing Focus to Things that Really Matter
Pandemic Planning and Response
Jeff Burke, Superintendent, Splendora ISD Cade Smith, Superintendent, Brock ISD Benny Soileau, Superintendent, Huffman ISD Erin Warren, Interim Superintendent, Luling ISD
Four Texas districts are collaborating to develop a system for accountability to board, staff, parents, and community. By increasing community involvement and transparency, they have increased trust and community support during these challenging times. This systematic process positions these districts to be ready for post-pandemic strategic action.
Structures to Support Equitable Instruction for English Learners During the Pandemic
Carlene Thomas, ESL Program Coordinator, Texas Education Agency
Join this engaging session that explores implementation of strategic, effective structures essential to supporting academic achievement of English language learners. Participants will walk away with practical ways to systematize targeted instructional methods that lead to linguistic progress and academic achievement for ELs.
School Transformation Through Servant Leadership
School Transformation
Richard Valenta, Deputy Superintendent, Denton ISD Michael Hill, Assistant Superintendent, Arlington ISD Courtney Carpenter, Chief Administrative Officer, Midlothian ISD Neil Dugger, Director of the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership K-12, Dallas Baptist University
The session will utilize the experiences and knowledge of current school leaders to discuss the impact of servant leadership on school transformation. The session will focus on the goals of TASA’s Mission: School Transformation work, which is based on the New Vision for Public Schools. The panelists will discuss the practical implications of servant leadership on school transformation, entertain comments, and take questions.
Building a Successful Marketing Plan for the District
TSPRA
Chelsea Davis, Social Media/Website Specialist, Everman ISD
The methodology behind having a successful marketing plan is to know the district’s purpose and goals of the marketing plan. It is important that the plan has content that is goal oriented, attractive to the audience, and retains teachers and students in the district. It is important that districts have a brand and a niche to compete with school choice.
Strategic Change and Planning
Doug Williams, Superintendent, Sunnyvale ISD Christi Morgan, Assistant Superintendent, Sunnyvale ISD Kyle Penn, Assistant Superintendent, Sunnyvale ISD Emily White, Director, Communications & Marketing, Sunnyvale ISD
Sunnyvale ISD entered 2018 with high expectations, but administration and board believed it was time to chart a course for the future through strategic planning. The district was set to face financial challenges with the opening of a
new campus and uncertainty concerning school finance legislation. Join SISD for a conversation as we discuss how the strategic plan and 22 community meetings led to a successful tax ratification election.
Teacher Recruitment and Retention in Rural Districts - A Research Partnership
Teacher Retention and Human Resources
Jeremy Thompson, Superintendent, Era ISD J. Young, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership, Lamar University
This session will present a unique research model in which three doctoral students from Lamar University partnered with Era ISD to conduct their dissertation research to address concerns related to teacher recruitment and retention in the rural district. This research model was of great practical value to both the school district and the doctoral students, and the resulting data will be shared for the benefit of other rural districts.
Implementing a Collaboration System to Support At-Home Learning: Responding, Operating, and Innovating
CTO / Digital Learning and Technology Integration
Bryon Kolbeck, Chief Technology Officer, Lewisville ISD Michele Jacobsen, Director, Digital Learning, Lewisville ISD Michael Griffin, Collaboration and IoT Practice Manager, Netsync Network Solutions
Lewisville ISD will share how they implemented Cisco WebEx’s platform to implement a phased response to COVID-19. This will include tools for calling, collaboration, and meeting tools to support at-home learning. Insights will be shared related to how the solution addresses at-home learning challenges, the benefits for students, parents, and staff, and what the district has done to operationalize the use of the platform beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tuesday, January 26 2:30-3:15 p.m.
Thought Leader Session: Leadership in the Midst of Chaos
Pandemic Planning and Response
Eddie Coulson, Partner, N2 Learning Roz Keck, Partner, N2 Learning Robert Evans, Psychologist, Rob Evans Consulting
During these uncertain times, what leadership skills are most needed? When it’s impossible to be clear because of constant changing conditions, how do you provide clarity? When is the right time to be empathetic? These questions (and more) will be addressed in a discussion with Dr. Robert Evans. Gain concrete ideas about leadership in times of crisis.
The New Pajama Game: Providing Virtual PD During the Pandemic
Kari Murphy, Chief Technology Officer, Deer Park ISD Kelly Grigg, Coordinator, Instructional Technology, Deer Park ISD
Participants will be presented with research, strategies, and “dos/don’ts” for building effective virtual professional development. Discover cost effective tools for building and delivering virtual PD within one’s organization, and share experiences of developing and delivering virtual PD in participants’ own district.
How Austin ISD Supercharged its Culture to Stay Ahead of Questions this Fall
District Culture
Darla Caughey, Austin ISD
Join Austin ISD for a can’t-miss session, as they share how they handled more inbound messages than ever, rolled out new channels (like texting), achieved a customer satisfaction rating of 9.3, and what’s next in their quest to build a culture of communication and trust in the state’s sixth-largest district.
TRS-ActiveCare: Moving Forward Together
District Operations and Finance
Katrina Daniel, Chief Health Care Officer, Teacher Retirement System of Texas
Hear how TRS is moving forward together with districts to enhance TRS-ActiveCare. Learn how TRS leverages its scale and position to offer competitive value, how TRS-ActiveCare plans compare to plans on the market, and participate in discussion of future strategies to offer high-value health benefits for district employees. TRS will present about the TRS-ActiveCare program and will welcome discussion during the presentation and during a Q&A session.
Addressing Systemic Racism is So Much More than Diversity Training
Equity and Social Justice
Jeannie Stone, Superintendent, Richardson ISD
The superintendent of Richardson ISD possesses a strong passion for racial equity work. Too many districts struggle with this work because it isn’t fully supported by the superintendent and/or board. Learn from her journey and how she has authentic conversations with staff and community about race and its relationship to the achievement gap. It isn’t easy, and it takes time, but RISD is moving along well on their racial equity journey.
Student Agency via Voice During the Pandemic: What Were Students Saying?
Facility Planning/Design/Learning Environment
Kenneth Hutchens, Chief Creative Officer, VLK Architects Dalane Bouillion, Principal, VLK Architects Christian Owens, Principal of Educational Design, VLK Architects
Participants will experience evidence of how student voice has influenced design spaces for the future. Senior creative and design leaders will facilitate a discussion regarding the relationship between learning and the lack of school experience during the pandemic. Student opinions reveal ideas regarding the lack of learning environment during the pandemic, and thoughts for the future, as design must progress for both academic and socialization needs.
Seize the Opportunity - The Benefits of Socorro ISD’s Year-Round (Intersessional) Calendar
Instructional Leadership
Jose Espinoza, Superintendent, Socorro ISD Alisa Zapata, Chief Academic Officer, Socorro ISD Marivel Macias, Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services, Socorro ISD
Dr. Espinoza believes a year-round calendar is an essential piece to the puzzle in closing achievement gaps. Since 2012, Socorro ISD set out to maximize the benefits of a year-round calendar working with stakeholders to launch initiatives and incorporate systems to meet student needs using a datadriven, hands-on leadership approach.
Assistant Principal Leadership Academy (APL)
Leadership Development and Mentoring
In partnership with TASA, N2 Learning is developing assistant principals with the beliefs, skills, and expertise to make the ideas and strategies outlined in Creating a New Vision for Public Education in Texas a reality. APL provides collaborative experiences and networking opportunities in cohorts across the state, and each APL session is designed to help APs be better in their current role and help prepare them for the principalship.
Teacher Incentive Allotment Updates and Best Practices from the Field
Legislative and Educational Policy
Grace Wu, Director of Strategic Compensation, TEA Kathy Rollo, Superintendent, Lubbock ISD
This session will provide an overview of year 1 of the Teacher Incentive Allotment and provide updates and upcoming key dates. Participants will also learn best practices from districts implementing local designation systems. Districts will include a variety of cohorts and sizes.
Remote Engagement: Reflect, Look to the Future, & Prepare for What Comes Next
Strategic Change and Planning
Kathleen Jahn, Executive Director of Instruction, Alief ISD Paula Ross, Technology Manager, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Matthew Frey, Executive Director Instructional Technology, Plano ISD Colleen Hess-Dunn, VP of Instructional Technology, ClassLink
In the early days of the COVID-19 crisis, remote learning models were hastily implemented. Disparate policy landscapes, combined with unequal capacity to support remote engagement, created, perhaps, the greatest variability in instructional experiences schools have known. Whether pandemic, inclement weather, or another unforeseen circumstance, engagement must continue. Hear from three districts sharing their experiences building an effective and enduring engagement continuity plan.
Engaging Your Community for Life After COVID-19
Community Engagement
Michelle Cavazos, Superintendent, Gregory-Portland ISD Carrie Gregory, Board Member, Gregory-Portland ISD
Community trust and transparency have always been In Gregory-Portland ISD, we engaged our community G-PISD sustain board and community confidence during this
Administering a norm-referenced universal screener provides stakeholders with a snapshot of student achievement amongst like peers within the district and across the nation. In this session participants will learn how the NWEA MAP Growth assessment is used in Dallas ISD as an instructional tool to provide tiered supports for students. The session will also explore how screening data is used to provide support at the district, campus, and classroom levels.
Work from Home Strategies
CTO / Digital Learning and Technology Integration
Karen Fuller, Director Infrastructure Communications, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
Shad McGaha, Chief Technology Officer, Wichita Falls ISD This panel of technology experts will discuss how they took their districts from office work to remote work overnight during the pandemic. They will discuss good practices and tools for working from home to be able to continue to collaborate with colleagues. They will also give good tips on
maintaining work/life balance during these stressful times.
Tuesday, January 26
important. In a post-pandemic world, THEY ARE CRITICAL. Expo Concurrent Sessions during the fall semester by forming a Community Advisory For this time slot, TASA Midwinter Conference sponsors Committee to help us develop district belief statements, and exhibitors have planned some special presentawhich in turn drive mission, vision, and clear outcomes/ tions to share their expertise on topics ranging from measures. This increase in transparency and clarity is helping assessment to school safety. Don’t miss hearing from the experts!
3:30-4:15 p.m.
challenging time and is positioning us to be ready for post- The Retirement Tsunami: How Aspiring pandemic strategic actions. Superintendents Can Be Prepared for
Opportunities
All Means All: Creating Equitable Academic Opportunities for Students
Charissa Govan, MTSS Director, Dallas ISD Melissa Stadtfeld, Strategic Accounts Manager, NWEA
Career Development
Mason Moses, Senior Advisor, TCG Advisors
COVID-19 has triggered a number of retirements in the last year, with more expected over the next 12 months. Many of these may have originally been planned for years in the future, but recent developments sped up the timeline. Aspiring superintendents have the opportunity to seek
out several positions, but to be successful, they need an understanding of what red flags may exist in the search process and what they can (and should) expect in their initial contract negotiation.
Resources and Supports for Advanced Placement Success
College and Career Readiness
Jill Schott, Senior Director, State & District Partnership, College Board
AP is committed to providing free, ongoing support, resources, and learning opportunities so all students can earn college credit and placement this year. In this session, learn about the available tools for teachers and administrators and hear how districts are using them in virtual, hybrid, and in-person environments.
Community Engagement
Jenny McGown, Superintendent, Klein ISD Debra Hill, Regional Director, Texas, JASON Learning
This presentation from JASON Learning and Klein ISD will include an overview of the Design Thinking process, examples of Design Thinking Challenges, how to plan a community Day of Design Expo, and ways to celebrate student innovation with the community.
Leveraging iPad to Support Literacy for Emergent Readers and English Learners
Digital Learning and Technology Integration
Christine Medrano, Instructional Technology Specialist, Richardson ISD Morgan Cave, Instructional Technology Specialist, Richardson ISD David Hernandez, K12 Development Executive, Apple Education
Participants will walk away with a clear understanding of how iPad features support language acquisition and fluency for emergent readers and English Learners, view student examples of creation-based learning within literacy, and hear strategies of how to deliver professional learning for elementary educators surrounding integrating iPad within literacy.
Equitable Access to a Meaningful High School Diploma
Equity and Social Justice
Tina Sillavan, National Curriculum & Instruction Consultant, Edgenuity, Inc.
The Opportunity Myth,” challenges the integrity and promise of high school graduation. To make the myth a reality, students need equitable access to grade level content/ assignments, strong instruction, deep engagement, expert teachers, and social and emotional learning. Learn how schools can support efforts to prepare all students for success after graduation.
Capture the Opportunity: Steps to Redesign School-Level Systems for Equity
Equity and Social Justice
Shelby McIntosh, Managing Partner, Education Elements
The pandemic has created an opportunity to change the narrative around universal student achievement and design new systems aimed at creating opportunities for achievement for all. Learn immediate steps to take and hear how one district has been inspired to do this work here in Texas.
School Buildings Playing an Important Role in Student Physical and Mental Well-being
Facility Planning/Design/Learning Environment
Craig Wilson, Director, Digital Learning, Temple ISD Shivani Langer, Principal, Stantec Zach Schneider, Partner/Electrical Engineer, CMTA, Inc.
Discuss ways by which schools can be designed to provide healthier environments, incorporate natural elements like Biophilic Design, and how learning can be taken outdoors to enhance mental well-being. Reduced stress levels are known to help with immunity, which is more important than ever during COVID-19.
Providing a Powerful Business Community with Options in Crowley ISD
Facility Planning/Design/Learning Environment
Michael McFarland, Superintendent, Crowley ISD Lauren Brown, Principal, VLK Architects
Hear the Crowley ISD superintendent’s position on the importance of a strong workforce, and see how housing both career and technology education pathways and an early college high school at the new Bill R. Johnson Career and Technology Center contributes to student choices that lead to community success. Workforce data in the growing Crowley area and the process of a design that would house diverse academic programs will be shared.
Mitigating Learning Loss through Educator Development
Instructional Leadership
Yolanda Rodriguez, Interim Chief Academic Officer, Houston ISD Shannon Buerk, Chief Executive Officer, engage2learn
Houston ISD employed a Coaches Academy for Elementary Reading Teacher Development Specialists with a focus on improving blended learning instructional best practices known to accelerate teacher growth and provide students with differentiated and engaging lessons in a hybrid environment. Houston ISD focused on increasing teacher support capacity, leadership skills, and virtual learning expertise. Specialists were quickly able to support teachers through an evidence-based coaching model to show sustainable, educator growth.
Rural Education and the Virtual Environment
Pandemic Planning and Response
Christine Bedre, Assistant Superintendent, Westwood ISD Chance Mays, Principal, Mount Enterprise ISD Deanna Ramsey, Math Interventionist, Detroit ISD Daniel Crable, Virtual Partnership Manager, Edmentum
A panel of rural administrators will discuss and guide participants through their journey into the virtual environment created by the pandemic. They will discuss the preparation of, and adaptation to, a virtual learning setting, as well as best practices for planning around a continuously changing educational landscape in our rural communities.
Pandemic Planning and Response
Chris Allen, Superintendent, Marble Falls ISD Kerri Ranney, VP of Educational Practice, Huckabee Jason Andrus, Principal, Huckabee
How can schools create well-rounded, healthy environments that address a variety of student needs? While threats of harm and infectious disease control are guiding the narrative, mental wellness rounds out a more holistic conversation. Session leaders explore social/emotional planning, student perspective and design, and culture building for positive mental health.
Reflection on Best-laid COVID Plans
Pandemic Planning and Response
Eliza Loyola, Principal, Austin ISD Taryn Kinney, K12 Education Studio Leader, DLR Group Raechel French, Educational Space Planner, DLR Group
In an effort to make sense out of unprecedented times, DLR Group gathered firsthand data from school leaders, teachers, students, and parents in Texas and across the country. Aggregated results of the interviews will be shared with reflection on how these initial directions were tested and implemented in the fall. Panelists will reflect on successes and challenges over the last six months and respond to attendee questions.
