Ultra-marathoners go into a race with a fueling plan -- but race conditions aren’t completely predictable. Runners may need to alter their plan according to their body’s reaction to course conditions. In this session we’ll picture your school year as an ultra-marathon. Using an interactive workshop format, participants will explore formative assessment as a way to assess students’ reactions to “course conditions” and as a tool to inform instruction, with increased student learning as the goal.

Learn how to design and re-design physical and online learning spaces that promote digital age instruction.  Develop high impact communities of networked learning, formal and informal online learning environments, online and blended communities of practice, heutagogy, self-directed learning, open learning environments, digital citizenship, socio-cultural implications of digital culture, the diffusion of innovation in learning environment, disruptive innovation in education, historical research as a tool for managing change and innovation, digital literacy, online identity management, virtual teaming, online and hybrid project-based learning, service learning in online environments, and the philosophy of Christian education.

Session #2:  2:20-3:30 pm

The question is how to get teachers to make significant and sustained change in their instructional practices.  Peer coaching is also a cost effective way to move professional development from the auditorium into the classroom.  Without long term support only about 5% of ideas learned in professional development make it into practice; coaching turns that statistic on its head (approaching 90%).  Tom will teach participants a model of peer coaching which is easy to learn, easy to support, and has demonstrated success in a wide variety of venues. The session is interactive, provides communication among participants, and encourages Questions.  Handout provided.

Technology is the tool of the 21st century, but how do administrators make sure the rigor and relevance demanded by the Common Core State Standards is happening in each classroom?  What does it mean?  What does it look like?  This session will focus on tools and practices that will assist administrators in their role as instructional leader in the 21st century.

What Every Administrator Should Know about Technology to Move your School Forward!

Creating student-centered 21st century learning environments is the vision for many administrators and educators. Can your network infrastructure support ‘the next step’ at your school? Do you have a vision that will prepare students with the 'career ready' skills they will need for their future? Learn what questions to ask about your network and wireless infrastructure and gather resources to include in your long-range planning, all to improve student learning.

The position of an Admissions Counselor is another tool that we can use in our schools to grow enrollment, streamline and enhance our admissions procedures, and build and maintain relationships with our church and school families. During this presentation, we'll discuss the responsibilities of an admissions counselor, how to easily track prospect family information to gain support for new enrollment and report to church boards, and how to use admissions to successfully build relationships in your church and school.

Dana is the Admissions Counselor for Trinity Lutheran School in Burr Ridge, IL, for three years, having previously served on Trinity's Board of Education. Dana is also an attorney and a busy mom of three boys who are enrolled at Trinity in Preschool, 2nd and 4th grades.