WSSDA Annual Conference Shuttle Service
Route: Red Lion Hotel at the Park, Marriott Courtyard & Spokane Convention Center (approx. every 20 minutes)
Early Bird Workshop Registration 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. in the Grand Salon Foyer at the DoubleTree Hotel.
Nervous about an upcoming election? Facing looming facility needs and an uncertain community? We will start by reviewing the must-know PDC rules related to district-led "just the facts, ma'am" communications and citizen-led, "vote with us!" campaigns. We will share sample communications plans and talk about the unique communication needs related to bonds vs. levies. We will also cover the importance of community engagement and example approaches. Expect a lively session with dialogue, real-life examples, and plenty of time for Q&A with seasoned experts.
*Must register for Early Bird Workshop in addition to the Annual Conference to attend.
What happens in Olympia has huge policy and fiscal implications for school districts. This introduction to the Washington state legislature is for school directors who are unfamiliar with how the legislature works but want to understand the process, the people, and the politics. The session includes hands-on learning, and a little bit of homework is required. A crossover lunch that includes participants from both morning and afternoon sessions will feature lively discussion with state legislators.
*Must register for Early Bird Workshop in addition to the Annual Conference to attend.
This session is for board directors with one or more years of experience. Increase your effectiveness as a board director by deepening your understanding of collective bargaining, Open Public Meetings Act, conflict of interest, public records and how to monitor district programs at the board level. After lunch, this session focuses on the Basics of School Finance, and attendees may be joined by other participants. This is an engaging, interactive session where new information becomes part of your practical work as a school director.
*Must register for Early Bird Workshop in addition to the Annual Conference to attend.
This session is a continuation of learning for school directors who have taken the "Intro to the Legislature" morning course or who have knowledge of legislature basics, and begins with a lunch discussion with state legislators. This will be followed by small-group meetings with legislators, where you'll learn how to make your messages zing! We also will include tips on building relationships through a year-round advocacy program.
*Must register for Early Bird Workshop in addition to the Annual Conference to attend.
NEW EVENT: Legislative Committee Meeting
You don't have to spend a lot of money to have strong, supportive relationships with your community! Join us to learn about the fundamentals of a quality school communications program and how to put them into action for your schools. In this interactive session, we will discuss the pros and cons of a variety of communication tools, ranging from the 'tried and true' to the cutting edge. We will investigate social media, key communicator groups, partnerships, and will share tips and "war stories" about crisis communications and media relations. You will walk away with ideas and resources you can put to use right away.
*Must register for Early Bird Workshop in addition to the Annual Conference to attend.
If you want to know what is really going on within a district, understand the budget and the priorities it demands. School district funding has changed since 2011, with greater flexibility and greater accountability at the local level. Learn how to think and act about your district budget in ways that create best practices and avoid future non sustainable costs. The session will be interactive and you will leave with practical tools that will make you a better board member.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Recognize and understand the relationship of the budget to district goals or strategic plan. 2. Know the present and future financial commitments of the school district and the revenue sources available to it including state funding formula grants, bonds and federal grants. 3. Know how to monitor a budget and interpret district financial status reports. 4. Understand current issues in the school finance.
Complimentary Internet stations are available for use during registration hours. Also, complimentary wireless internet is available throughout the Spokane Convention Center.
An iPad is the prize for this year’s educational foundation raffle. Purchase raffle tickets at their booth, and enter a silent auction for other wonderful prizes, trips and surprises. Money raised by these events supports the foundation’s mission of supporting school boards and school directors collectively and individually in their quest to strengthen their leadership skills and abilities as they strive to improve student achievement.
The foundation is also sponsoring their first-ever drum circle Friday at 5:30 p.m. Plan to attend to re-invigorate yourself before heading to the President’s Reception.
WSSDA Annual Conference Shuttle Service
Route: Red Lion Hotel at the Park, Marriott Courtyard & Spokane Convention Center (approx. every 20 minutes)
WSSDA Annual Conference Shuttle Service
Route: Red Lion Hotel at the Park, Marriott Courtyard & Spokane Convention Center (approx. every 20 minutes)
Come enjoy a light breakfast and network with fellow attendees.
Presiding: Mary Fertakis, WSSDA President; Director, Tukwila School District
National Anthem: Soloist, Faith Oxford from University Elementary, Central Valley School District
Welcome of Special Guests and Dignitaries
Nominating Committee Report: Deborah Heart, Director, Goldendale School District and Past President, WSSDA
Keynote Address: Dr. Yong Zhao, "World Class Learners: Educating Creative and Entrepreneurial Students"
How to comply with the McCleary decision and fully fund K-12 education is a huge issue. This session will focus on the issue that will dominate the 2013 session: funding the implementation of education reforms adopted in 2009 and 2010 to meet the state's constitutional obligation to Washington's public schools.
School trust lands generate various revenue streams. Attendees will better understand the school directors’ role as guardians of this land and the state legislators’ role as trustees. You will also gain skills to effectively advocate for sound financial management of this important land.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Recognize our role as guardians of school trust lands. 2. Discover the different revenue sources derived from the trust lands. 3. Demonstrate how to effectively advocate for sound financial management of the trust lands.
Research has documented impressive academic advantages among children who attend high-quality early education programs. Yet many elementary schools are not prepared to nurture and sustain this early growth. As Superintendent of Montgomery County Schools in Maryland, Dr. Jerry Weast successfully implemented PreK-3rd reform as a way to close achievement gaps and improve academic success for all students in the district.
The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) is about more than sports and state championships. It has a direct connection to school boards, and is critical in the education of the whole child. We will explore the school directors’ role within the governance structure of WIAA, discuss emerging issues and provide an update on WIAA’s new strategic plan.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of how WIAA works and how it serves students. 2. Discover the changes in WIAA stemming from the new strategic plan. 3. Integrate student participation in the broad range of WIAA activities to better serve the needs of the whole child.
Join keynote speaker Dr. Yong Zhao for further exploration of his book, "World Class Learners: Educating Creative and Entrepreneurial Students."
The arts help students succeed! Research from the U.S. Department of Education makes direct connections between art and academic success, student engagement, and positive future goals. Learn from districts that are building their schools’ capacity to teach the arts and address your essential role in ensuring the provision of this core subject to all students.
Discover how a persistently low performing elementary school closed the achievement gap. Implementing the School Transformation Model resulted in early indicators of progress. A comprehensive system of family support, wrap-around services, and rigorous and relevant learning experiences within a caring and supportive environment, has served as a catalyst to achieve double-digit gains.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Recognize the essential components contributing to a successful School Transformation Model. 2. Analyze your district's culture, practices, systems and structures as they relate to the essential components to determine how this model would be replicable locally.
A growing number of boards in Washington state have adopted a model for governing called Policy Governance. This workshop will assist new members on these boards as they get up to speed in this model. Experienced members will both contribute to the conversation and grow professionally, deepening their knowledge and skill as part of a peer network with Policy Governance experience..
Learner Outcomes:
1. New members of Policy Governance boards will (a) Acquire a foundation of theory, including the rationale behind this governing model and what it means to take charge of district business; (b) Gain perspective from more experienced board members about why and how the board takes charge in a board-appropriate way; and (c) Acquire skills, and some artifacts, that are helpful in making the model work. 2. Experienced members will (a) Refresh their foundational knowledge, and (b) Add (from their own expertise) to a common understanding of "effective practices" in applying the model.
It’s not always easy to change your district conversation’s focus from compliance to innovation. But one of the first steps is making sense of the mosaic of state initiatives and requirements. OSPI can help. This session will help you use WSSDA standards to anchor your discussions and decisions. This can make sure everyone has clear expectations, support and tools when it is time to enact policies and design strategic plans.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Apply WSSDA Standards (#2, #3, #4) to anchor discussions and decisions around the mosaic of state initiatives and requirements. 2. Enact policies and design strategic plans and goals that ensure schools and staffs have clear expectations, support, and tools to effectively implement these initiatives and requirements that focus directly on boosting student achievement, particularly for underserved groups of students.
Innovative technologies are rapidly expanding the learning opportunities for students. They offer new ways to engage students and contribute to their achievement. Discover the world of interactive textbooks and new ways to publish and create on-line resources. Join us for a hands-on demonstration of how technology is changing the ways students connect to their education.
Discover how your district can make use of the wide variety of online learning options, from running an online school to offering individual courses. The session will explore these options, update you on statewide online learning activity, and provide information on learning rules and regulations. We’ll also touch on the emerging Open Educational Resources (OER) trend that can provide free and open curriculum to districts.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Discover how online learning is being used in districts across the state. 2. Explore the benefits and challenges of the online environment for students. 3. Explore recent changes and updates to online learning and ALE rules that impact school districts. 4. Discover how districts can use open educational resources and how OSPI can support districts.
Presiding: Mary Fertakis WSSDA President; Director, Tukwila School District
Speaker: Jonelle Adams, Ed.D., Executive Director, WSSDA
Special Guest: Devon Kennedy, Director of Operations, Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest, Free the Children
Description: Free The Children is thrilled to be bringing the first American We Day to Seattle at Key Arena on March 27th. We Day is an event like no other. Tens of thousands of youth come together and are inspired by the world's most influential leaders in social change including inspirational speakers, celebrities, bands, local heroes and includes large-scale traditional media and social media integration. It is quickly becoming the single biggest highlight within the educational calendar among the hundreds of participating schools across Canada. Free for students to attend, tickets are earned through service and participation in the year long-program. The result is energy and enthusiasm for taking action that cannot be found anywhere else. www.weday.com
Entertainment: KGB Jazz Combo from Ellensburg High School, Ellensburg School District
WSSDA Committee Leadership Award
Distinguished Speaker: Trevor Greene, National Principal of the Year from Toppenish High School
Enjoy your break while you visit exhibits and network with fellow attendees.
Visit exhibits from over 50 companies that offer services and products that can help your school district.
Your Director Area Caucus Meeting is a great opportunity to network with fellow school directors from neighboring districts. You will receive valuable updates on issues relevant to you and your school district. During the Caucus Meeting, you can nominate and vote for representatives to the WSSDA Board of Directors and elected committees. Runoff elections, if necessary, will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., Friday in the Ballroom Foyer of the Spokane Convention Center.
Your Director Area Caucus Meeting is a great opportunity to network with fellow school directors from neighboring districts. You will receive valuable updates on issues relevant to you and your school district. During the Caucus Meeting, you can nominate and vote for representatives to the WSSDA Board of Directors and elected committees. Runoff elections, if necessary, will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., Friday in the Ballroom Foyer of the Spokane Convention Center.
Your Director Area Caucus Meeting is a great opportunity to network with fellow school directors from neighboring districts. You will receive valuable updates on issues relevant to you and your school district. During the Caucus Meeting, you can nominate and vote for representatives to the WSSDA Board of Directors and elected committees. Runoff elections, if necessary, will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., Friday in the Ballroom Foyer of the Spokane Convention Center.
Your Director Area Caucus Meeting is a great opportunity to network with fellow school directors from neighboring districts. You will receive valuable updates on issues relevant to you and your school district. During the Caucus Meeting, you can nominate and vote for representatives to the WSSDA Board of Directors and elected committees. Runoff elections, if necessary, will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., Friday in the Ballroom Foyer of the Spokane Convention Center.
Your Director Area Caucus Meeting is a great opportunity to network with fellow school directors from neighboring districts. You will receive valuable updates on issues relevant to you and your school district. During the Caucus Meeting, you can nominate and vote for representatives to the WSSDA Board of Directors and elected committees. Runoff elections, if necessary, will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., Friday in the Ballroom Foyer of the Spokane Convention Center.
Your Director Area Caucus Meeting is a great opportunity to network with fellow school directors from neighboring districts. You will receive valuable updates on issues relevant to you and your school district. During the Caucus Meeting, you can nominate and vote for representatives to the WSSDA Board of Directors and elected committees. Runoff elections, if necessary, will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., Friday in the Ballroom Foyer of the Spokane Convention Center.
Your Director Area Caucus Meeting is a great opportunity to network with fellow school directors from neighboring districts. You will receive valuable updates on issues relevant to you and your school district. During the Caucus Meeting, you can nominate and vote for representatives to the WSSDA Board of Directors and elected committees. Runoff elections, if necessary, will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., Friday in the Ballroom Foyer of the Spokane Convention Center.
Your Director Area Caucus Meeting is a great opportunity to network with fellow school directors from neighboring districts. You will receive valuable updates on issues relevant to you and your school district. During the Caucus Meeting, you can nominate and vote for representatives to the WSSDA Board of Directors and elected committees. Runoff elections, if necessary, will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., Friday in the Ballroom Foyer of the Spokane Convention Center.
Your Director Area Caucus Meeting is a great opportunity to network with fellow school directors from neighboring districts. You will receive valuable updates on issues relevant to you and your school district. During the Caucus Meeting, you can nominate and vote for representatives to the WSSDA Board of Directors and elected committees. Runoff elections, if necessary, will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., Friday in the Ballroom Foyer of the Spokane Convention Center.
Your Director Area Caucus Meeting is a great opportunity to network with fellow school directors from neighboring districts. You will receive valuable updates on issues relevant to you and your school district. During the Caucus Meeting, you can nominate and vote for representatives to the WSSDA Board of Directors and elected committees. Runoff elections, if necessary, will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., Friday in the Ballroom Foyer of the Spokane Convention Center.
Your Director Area Caucus Meeting is a great opportunity to network with fellow school directors from neighboring districts. You will receive valuable updates on issues relevant to you and your school district. During the Caucus Meeting, you can nominate and vote for representatives to the WSSDA Board of Directors and elected committees. Runoff elections, if necessary, will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., Friday in the Ballroom Foyer of the Spokane Convention Center.
WSSDA Annual Conference Shuttle Service
Route: Red Lion Hotel at the Park, Marriott Courtyard & Spokane Convention Center (approx. every 20 minutes)
Enjoy your break while you visit exhibits and network with fellow attendees.
Join your colleagues from small, community districts with up to 2,000 students, members of WSSDA’s Task Force on Small Schools Issues, and representatives of key education agencies, for a participative discussion of today’s hot topics and how they are being addressed in small districts.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Identify issues and initiatives that are impacting small school districts. 2. Exchange information with directors from similar size districts. 3. Plan for follow-up action on issues with special or unusual impacts on small districts.
You’ve volunteered or been appointed as the legislative representative for your school board. Welcome to the club! Learn from other representatives about what they do and how they use this position to advocate on behalf of their district and public schools.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Understand the responsibilities of a Legislative Representative. 2. Become more engaged in the legislative process and advocacy.
The research is clear – the returns on early learning make it an exceptional investment. In this informative and engaging session, participants will explore the state’s current and future funding for early learning and follow the journey that two districts have made to meet the needs of their earliest learners. It will cover full-day kindergarten, class-size reduction funding, the Washington Kindergarten Inventory of Development Skills (WaKIDS) and other early learning initiatives.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Understand the state-level early learning initiatives that are being implemented. 2. Understand why prioritizing school district funds in the early years learning makes sense. 3. Understand a school district's rationale to institute full-day kindergarten district-wide and how they paid for it. 4. Explore other strategies that are being implemented in the two districts to improve outcomes for children.
The teacher and principal evaluation system is set to be fully implemented by 2016 and there is a lot to do to get there. Learn about TPEP and how school directors can make a difference in both its implementation and its quality.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Gain an understanding of the current status of the new evaluation systems for teachers and principals. 2. Gain tools to help their districts begin the journey of changing the culture around their own teacher and principal evaluation systems.
It’s time to partner and work smart to move the K-12 system ahead. WSSDA, along with OSPI and stakeholders in STEM and CTE, are forming a Work Smart collaborative to provide districts with access to community resources and real world learning opportunities. Join us in a dialogue on how legislative mandates, statewide education plans and the needs of schools can be integrated.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Analyze a model to integrate the statewide plans and engage in a conversation to design how to implement the Work SMART Model. 2. Find entry points for teaching and learning STEM and CTE in the context of your school district's community.
What can boards do to ensure effective instruction is taking place across their district? Discuss strategic level actions boards can take to create conditions for student success. Examine the roles of policy, budget and monitoring for effective instruction.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Understand budget and policy actions that proactively support effective instruction.2. Identify questions a board can ask to monitor effective instruction.3. Discover resources available to assist boards and districts in understanding effective instruction.
School board members will explore the various components of conducting an effective superintendent search. This session will emphasize the need for an open and transparent process that involves students, parents, community members and staff members. Discussion will include many legal issues surrounding selection of the superintendent.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Recognize the key components of a superintendent search. 2. Value an open and transparent process where the input from various stakeholders is attained. 3. Plan a search process that meets the federal and state laws and regulations.
New learning opportunities made possible by innovative technologies are changing student engagement and, as a result, achievement levels. Discover the world of interactive textbooks and the ability to publish materials and create on-line resources. Join us for a hands-on demonstration of emerging opportunities that are changing the way students connect to their education.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Explore the world of interactive textbooks and other learning applications. 2. Discover how teachers can create their own instructional materials. 3. Examine the potential impacts on student achievement that can be realized when teachers are appropriately trained to integrate technology into classroom activities.
Did you know that the best financial aid packages go to the students who have built a long relationship with a college? This session will help you understand how well your district assists students and parents with the tools needed to get into college. Join us to identify policies, practices and programs to better serve your students’ college aspirations.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Gain ideas for engaging parents in the college admissions process. 2. Identify what your counselors need to know about high school profiles and how they either assist, or detract, from students' ability to gain college admissions. 3. Learn how to start a program of aggressive college admissions in your secondary schools. 4. Learn how to develop a policy for your school district to better serve your students.
Learn how Clover Park School District identified a traditionally-operated alternative school (grades 9-12) as failing and follow their journey from development of key partnerships through the creation of a very successful Lakewood Career Academy (grades 9 and 10). Gain tools and strategies to replicate similar partnerships in your district.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Identify and address the issues; organize for action. 2. Build a new box (versus think outside of the box)! What resources do you have? 3. Implement data-driven decisions.
Visit the exhibitions of over 50 companies that offer services and products that can help your school district.
Enjoy dinner with your board or fellow attendees. For a listing of local area restaurants, visit the Spokane Website, www.visitspokane.com/eat.
Enjoy dinner with your board or fellow attendees. For a listing of local area restaurants, visit the Spokane Website, www.visitspokane.com/eat.
WSSDA Annual Conference Shuttle Service
Route: Red Lion Hotel at the Park, Marriott Courtyard & Spokane Convention Center (approx. every 20 minutes)
Enjoy a light breakfast, visit exhibits and network with fellow attendees.
Visit exhibits from over 50 companies that offer services and products that can help your school district.
Complimentary Internet stations are available for use during registration hours. Also, complimentary wireless internet is available throughout the Spokane Convention Center.
What's your education advocacy IQ? Learn how to boost your advocacy on behalf of public schools. This session brings together a diverse group of school leaders to share what has worked to create a strong, supportive community for public education in their area.
Discover what’s next for implementation of the teacher and principal evaluation program. This workshop provides a timely update on upcoming changes as a result of new legislation. It will also cover the school board’s role in this significant effort.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Discuss the implications of the revised evaluation systems with other board members. 2. Begin to plan for the upcoming changes mandated by law
Improving student achievement depends on our ability to improve the quality of teaching, and school leaders must have the instructional expertise necessary to evaluate and support teachers in the improvement process. Discover powerful new research that illustrates the level of instructional expertise among leaders, as well as the most recent learning regarding the implementation of new evaluation models.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Recognize what constitutes high quality classroom teaching. 2. Identify the instructional expertise necessary to effectively evaluate teaching practice. 3. Discover tools to support teachers in the improvement of teaching.
Learn how the Federal Way School District has courageously confronted the challenges of ensuring equity and excellence for all students. Participants will learn about three policies that work together to ensure board/superintendent effectiveness while closing the opportunity and achievement gaps, and ensuring every child receives a world class education.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Identify specific strategies to design, implement and monitor meaningful education reform. 2. Design policies that will impact and improve student learning while closing the opportunity and achievement gaps. 3. Recognize practical steps for engaging students, parents, teachers and administrators in the process of meaningful education reform. 4. How to recognize all stakeholders when developing a communication plan. 5. Measure reform initiative effectiveness.
More and more schools are balancing the K-12 school calendar to favor achievement for all students. In this session, you will confront tradition and discuss the cumulative effect of summer learning loss and other inequities of the traditional school calendar. You will engage with experts, tools and sample calendars to start modernizing your own school calendar to help all kids achieve.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Understand how a balanced/modernized district calendar schedule supports continuous learning for students; perpetuates a safe/supportive environment; strengthens professional development alignment; increases job satisfaction for faculty; provides consistent school/family/community partnership and full year facility use. 2. Stimulate advocacy for local academic calendar year study as an efficient, effective, fair and sustainable innovation worthy of consideration.
Learn how Sunnyside School District helped raise their graduation rates from 41 percent to nearly 80 percent. Attend this panel presentation for an inside look at the governing processes used to ensure programs and grant initiatives align to their mission and vision. Discover how the Washington School Board Standards assisted in leading their district on a focused path towards success for all students.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Develop your district's philosophy for success (vision, mission, belief statements.) 2. Design a governance and accountability process that aligns programs and initiatives to your district's vision and mission. 3. Plan for sustainability of initiatives and grants after external funding or resources expire.
Discover how to bring a strategic plan to life by setting non-negotiable goals for student achievement and creating clearly understood reporting. Central Valley’s District Report Card brought transparency in expected results and built a platform to discuss progress with the community. Participants will explore the creation of a strategic plan that includes measurable results and a system of accountability.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Demonstrate and communicate progress and results to your internal and external community. 2. Connect strategic planning to specific student achievement goals. 3. Design a balanced approach to discussing student and staff outcomes.
This session is a must, whether you are a board chair, aspire to be one, or have just joined the board. It will help all school board members understand the duties and expectations of the president or chairman. It will also provide practical advice on developing agendas, team operations and how to foster an appropriate and effective relationship with the superintendent.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Understand the scope and responsibility of this lynchpin role. 2. Gain confidence in and enthusiasm for your own potential. 3. Look forward to additional responsibility. 4. Consider running for President/chair.
Every superintendent deserves a fair, meaningful and valid performance review. Evaluating your superintendent on clear and focused expectations provides an opportunity to strengthen the performance of your entire district. Performance evaluation that links with evidence of impact helps boards and superintendents concentrate on improvement. Learn about WSSDA’s Superintendent Evaluation Initiative and emerging practices for improvement.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Discuss the importance of improving superintendent evaluation practices. 2. Focus on supporting the performance of superintendents and school systems. 3. Identify steps you can take to improve the validity and effectiveness of your superintendent evaluation. 4. Explore progress in Washington to develop four-tiered superintendent frameworks and evaluation instruments.
OSPI is enhancing Washington’s K-12 Statewide Longitudinal Data System (K-12 SLDS) and plans to roll out a new reporting portal in late fall 2012 and winter 2013. This session will provide an overview of the project’s four public-facing reporting tools: Quick Views, Data Tables, Report Builder and Static Data Files. Participants will leave the presentation knowing how to access these reporting tools..
Learner Outcomes:
1. Locate data and reports that will be available in OSPI data portal. 2. Be able to extract data from the system and build reports.
By November, most education advocacy groups have set their agenda for the upcoming legislative session. Hear from state education advocates about what they will be presenting in the 2013 session, and compare what you learn to WSSDA's 2013 legislative agenda. Develop a better understanding of how WSSDA priorities will stack up against other stakeholders in the 60-day session.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Articulate upcoming legislative agendas at the state and association levels. 2. Be better prepared to effectively address the legislature, based on your understanding of each groups' priories.
Passing a school bond in the current economic climate can be challenging. Learn how Issaquah School District passed a recent $219 million bond with more than 70 percent voter approval. Issaquah will share strategies that range from building early community engagement to creating viral musical videos that work.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Create an empowered community bond feasibility committee. 2. Consider options to reduce tax rates and scope appropriately for approval. 3. Charter an effective community bond campaign committee (e.g. Volunteers for Issaquah School). 4. Support your campaign committee through effective community engagement. 5. Explore creative ways to carry your message to new audiences.
Discover new ways to set goals, engage stakeholders and monitor progress. This panel of experts from WSSDA’s repeat board of the year winner in Vancouver will help you improve how you conduct board business. They will share the best practices that have helped them become a highly effective governance team that improves student achievement and promotes organizational excellence.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Recognize how a highly effective governance team sets the direction for a district, focuses initiatives on improving student achievement, fosters continuous improvement and organizational excellence, builds positive relationships, and maintains two-way communication. 2. Assess your board's current performance relative to the Washington School Board Standards. 3. Begin to create an action plan for becoming a highly effective governance team.
Learn about the most compelling and challenging issues that face OSPI. Topics include Common Core State Standards, teacher and principal evaluation, fiscal challenges, the new federal accountability system, assessment changes, and a 2013 legislative preview.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Have a basic understanding of the most important issues that face OSPI and the broader education community. 2. Have an understanding of the issues that likely will top the 2013 legislative session.
Explore how one district's board policy governance model led to the development of a new Teacher/Principal Evaluation Model for Washington State. Pick up valuable take-aways from lessons learned on how best to support your administrators and teachers throughout the TPEP implementation process.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Leave with concrete governance and accountability strategies to drive greater student achievement and staff growth. 2. Learn the board and superintendent's roles in a comprehensive systems approach to increasing student and staff growth. 3. Learn how your role and support is critical in the adoption and implementation of a district new evaluation model. 4. Learn the do's and dont's from the TPEP process. 5. See the key elements needed for your District's TPEP model to drive student and staff growth.
Learn about the programs, schools and board leadership behind the Innovation Zone Award recently given to the Tacoma School District. This OSPI award did not just happen on its own. District leadership supported, implemented, fostered and sustained innovations that increase student academic achievement.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Identify specific strategies that can be utilized in your district that will support innovations in education programming. 2. Recognize specific leadership strategies that were developed and implemented within the district to set the foundation for new innovations in education. 3. Discover the importance of comprehensive data collection system to identify areas of concern and pockets of success.
Learn how Highline Big Picture moved from a single grade level start-up in 2005 to a grade 7-12 school that employs a college-preparatory experience infused with workplace internships to serve a diverse population. Explore how a board can foster or inhibit innovation meant to increase student engagement, family participation and post-secondary success.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Recognize barriers to student engagement and achievement inherent in the structures of most public middle and high schools. 2. Develop plans to move forward with innovations such as starting a new school, graduating students based on competencies rather than credits, incorporating community-based mentors as meaningful instructional partners, re-envisioning student leadership, etc. 3. Develop relationships for ongoing collaboration beyond this conference.
Washington STEM was conceived to advance equity, excellence, and innovation in STEM education. A panel will include leaders from K-12, higher education, and business. Discuss statewide efforts around STEM education, Washington STEM's work to date and future efforts, including funding opportunities.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Learn about the innovative work happening in Washington State to ensure every student gets the STEM education they need to succeed. 2. Walk away with a deeper understanding of statewide efforts around STEM education, Washington STEM's work to date and future efforts, including funding opportunities.
Learn how Richland School District dramatically improved student achievement by focusing on three initiatives. By limiting its focus and providing critical, consistent and measurable professional development, the district showed strong student gains. Workshop participants will receive tools and strategies to replicate this proven program.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Apply tangible, proven strategies to lever student achievement outcomes. 2. Take away tools for measuring outcomes, such as consistent professional development and response to intervention. 3. Use data to show rising levels of student achievement.
How do you, as a district leader, establish yourself as a leader of learning? This session will lay out how a first-year superintendent worked collaboratively to mold the culture of the district as a learning organization. Participants will gain practical ideas related to stewarding a vision of system-wide instructional improvement in their own district.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Recognize how an entry plan can positively impact a district leadership transition. 2. Consider one model of instructional leadership and how it is playing out in the Kelso School District.
Discover how the Enumclaw School District partnered with parents, service organizations, churches and local businesses. This kindness and compassion initiative captured poignant individual acts and communicated them throughout the community. The culmination was a celebration that stretched over two miles in a football stadium.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Discover how one school district was able to rally a community around a kindness and compassion initiative. 2. Recognize how the collaborative processes for this initiative can be transferred to other system initiatives.
Presiding: Debbie Long, WSSDA President-elect; Director, Central Valley School District
Entertainment: Riverside Select Choir, Riverside School District, under the direction of Karen Baldwin, Elementary Music Specialist
Keynote Introduction: Dr. Jonelle Adams, Executive Director, WSSDA
Keynote Address: Dr. Tony Wagner, "Creating Innovators: The Making of Young People Who Will Change the World"
Runoff elections held if necessary.
Keynote speaker Tony Wagner answers participant questions arising from his session or his book: "Creating Innovators: The Making of Young People Who Will Change the World."
Enjoy refreshments before heading into Delegate Assembly.
Are you a school district that receives Small School Funding and would like to learn the basics of the formulas? Join us for a review of the small schools funding categories, learn why these are so critical to your students’ success, and discuss the impacts on funding that will result from upcoming legislation.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Recognize basic categories of small school funding. 2. Understand the reasons small school funding is critical to offering the same educational opportunities to those in large schools. 3. Discover how small school funding will be impacted when the State increases funding to basic education as a result of ESHB 2261 and the McCleary decision.
This session provides an overview of research on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and its application that resulted in significantly reducing suspensions at Lincoln High School in the Walla Walla School District. Understanding ACEs and related brain research are key elements in designing more effective disciplinary strategies for students.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Be aware of the variety of adverse childhood experiences that effect student performance. 2. Discover how to apply understanding of Adverse Childhood Experiences to significantly reduce suspensions.
All students graduating from high school need a post-secondary plan that starts in middle school. Developments and planning for college and career readiness will be presented using meaningful examples, current national standards, tools to increase rigor, and methods for improving academic programs to better prepare students for their future.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Recognize the need for all students to increase academic success and start future planning early. 2. Discover ways to enhance and encourage school districts to grow college and career readiness programs.
Do you have a current and effective strategic plan? Combine the “why” and “how” of effective planning with governance that drives powerful learning. Consider a concise, affordable model being used by districts throughout the state. Join the conversation with WSSDA’s strategic planning consultant to keep your district on a strategic track.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Identify effective strategic planning processes. 2. Review a practical approach that incorporates these elements. 3. Consider a strategic planning process or update for your own district.
High performing school boards lead districts in continuous improvement. This requires monitoring at a strategic level. Differentiate between what you need to monitor and the contextual information that you need to understand to be effective. Learn how to design a system that includes assessments and review cycles.
How well do school districts appropriately assign teachers based on their credentials? PESB will share new state- and district-level data on the degree to which students are taught by an out-of-endorsement teacher. Learn key questions to engage administrators in dialogue about their recruitment, hiring and assignment practices. Gain information on programs and resources available to assist in their workforce development efforts.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Understand the status of teacher assignment in their district and statewide. 2. Understand the importance of appropriate assignment to teaching effectiveness. 3. Learn of recent PESB findings related to district workforce development practices. 4. Learn key questions to prompt dialogue with district administration about their educator recruitment, hiring and assignment practices. 5. Learn of programs and resources to support district workforce development practices
The WSSDA Delegate Assembly is the annual business meeting for your association. During the assembly, school directors determine the policy positions of the association and any changes in its bylaws. One voting delegate from each school board may participate in this process, and all members are welcome to attend. Make sure your board’s voice is heard by designating a member to participate. Delegate check-in is open from 1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. You may also want to attend the Pre-Assembly WSSDA Business Overview from 2:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. to learn more about the decisions that will be addressed.
Enjoy refreshments and visit the exhibit hall before the show closes for the year.
Major legislation was adopted in the 2012 legislative session which reforms school employee health benefit purchasing. This new law left school district leaders with more questions than answers. At this session, you will gain a better understanding of how SB 5940 will impact collective bargaining and the provision of health care benefits to your employees.
WSSDA is working with tribal leadership in strengthening government-to-government relationships between school district and neighboring Tribal nations. School boards will share strategies developed and provide resources to school districts in order to narrow the achievement gap and the identification and adoption of curriculum on tribal history, culture and government. Two school boards from both eastern and western Washington will show how to improve district relationships with tribes.
Engage in a dynamic application of theory to practice. Partner with education faculty from the University of Washington to design policy solutions for your district. Explore connections between identified challenges and policies targeted to solutions. Consider recent policy cases in light of a systemic focus on improvement.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Discover a tool to diagnose and articulate root policy challenges in your district. 2. Develop a process to examine the connections between systemic problems and policy solutions. 3. Practice using the model on recent cases.
Communities across Washington state are becoming more diverse. How can school boards ensure they are hearing from all stakeholders? Expand your toolbox for engaging with all members of your community.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Gain strategies and tools to hear from diverse stakeholders. 2. Understand the resources necessary for engagement and how to access them.
How can you know if your board is engaging in best practices that support student achievement? Learn how to use the WSSDA Self-assessment to celebrate success and set goals for board improvement. Understand the underlying framework for the assessment. Learn strategies for interpreting data. Model accountability to your community.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Learn how to use the WSSDA self-assessment reports and Interpret your results. 2. Recognize the value of celebrating board success. 3. Build SMART goals for your board’s work. 4. Model practices for continuous improvement.
New student representatives are somewhat in awe of their tasks and unsure of their value and input. This session will assist them to be more informed and involved in the work of the school board. Learn how other representatives have become valuable in bringing the student aspect to board efforts and activity.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Gain confidence in your role as student representative. 2. Learn how to bring value to the board you serve. 3. Network with other student representatives.
School boards set the overall tone and culture around expectations for student learning. WSSDA is bringing targeted professional development to boards with Priority, Focus and Emerging schools in their district. Learn how you can increase your board’s effectiveness and build a data plan to monitor progress in your district, find strategies to increase student success and discover how your board can access professional development sessions at no cost to your district.
Discover how to balance the role of being both school board member and a parent in the district. While having your children in enrolled in the district brings you closer and keeps you involved, it also presents its own challenges, such as how to juggle sensitive or confidential information about students and staff. Come talk with others, learn and share how to best balance your dual roles.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Recognize that the role of parent and board member are intertwined in the eyes of many. 2. Explore how to participate in your child's schooling as a parent while serving as a school director. 3. Distinguish between your involvement as a parent and micromanaging.
WSSDA Annual Conference Shuttle Service
Route: Red Lion Hotel at the Park, Marriott Courtyard & Spokane Convention Center (approx. every 20 minutes)
Join in the interactive drum circle to revive, renew and realize your creativity through the power of music. Experience basic facilitation techniques for building camaraderie and support, reducing stress, and empowering student achievement. The drum circle is sponsored by the Washington State School Directors’ Educational Foundation and facilitated by Eric Parker, Director, Central Valley Marching Band.
Please join WSSDA in honoring our outgoing President, Mary Fertakis. The evening’s activities will include a short program of recognition, awards, election results and announcement of the 2012 Boards of Distinction and Boards of the Year. A reception follows in the Grand Salon Foyer.
Enjoy appetizers and a no-host bar as we close the final evening of the annual conference. Music provided by jazz group, Schauer With Friends.
WSSDA Annual Conference Shuttle Service
Route: Red Lion Hotel at the Park, Marriott Courtyard & Spokane Convention Center (approx. every 20 minutes)
WSSDA Federal Relations Network (FRN) Meeting. Chair Martha Rice (Yakima) will discuss the January 27-29 FRN trip to Washington, D.C. and welcome new members.
Enjoy a light breakfast and network with fellow attendees.
Enjoy a light breakfast and network with fellow attendees.
Conference Registration
Wednesday 2:00 - 7:00 PM
Thursday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday 7:00 - 10:00 AM
Complimentary Internet stations are available for use during registration hours. Also, complimentary wireless internet is available throughout the Spokane Convention Center.
Break the mental, emotional, and cultural grip of the status quo and create schools that unfold the full potential of every child. Attend this session to hear Jamie Vollmer’s popular blueberry story and learn how to overcome nostesia – a combination of 50 percent nostalgia and 50 percent amnesia.
Examine the history of American public education and the challenges facing the institution today. Investigate the reform movement’s evidence for labeling our current system, teachers, and students as failing. Explore the potential risks of transferring responsibility for our population’s education to the private sector.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Recognize the importance of education as a public good. 2. Identify the fallacies underlying the identification of "failing schools, teachers and students." 3. Develop the ability to engage with constituents and the broader community around the issues of charter schools and the privatization of public schools.
Recommended Reading List
New Additions:
Collins, Jim and Porras, Jerry (2002). Built to last. New York: Harper
Business Essentials
Farley, Todd (2009). Making the grades: my misadventures in the standardized testing industry. Sausalito, CA: PoliPoint Press.
Garrison, Mark J (2009). A measure of failure: the political origins of standardized testing. Albany, NY: State University of New York Press.
Kohn, Alfie (2000). The case against standardized testing: raising the scores, ruining the schools. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.
Kohn, Alfie (2011). Feel-bad education, and other contrarian essays on children and schooling. Boston, MA: Beacon Press.
Koretz, Daniel (2008). Measuring up: what educational testing really tells us. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
Meier, Deborah ((edited, with George Woods) (2004). Many children left behind: how the No Child Left Behind Act is damaging our children and our schools. Boston: Beacon Press.
Meier, Deborah (2002). In schools we trust: creating communities of learning in an era of testing and standardization. Boston: Beacon Press.
Meier, Deborah (2000). Will standards save public education? Boston: Beacon Press.
Zhao, Yong (2012). World class learners: educating creative and entrepreneurial students. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press, and Alexandria, VA: NAESP.
Still Recommended:
Alvy, H. & Robbins, P. (2010). Learning From Lincoln: leadership practices for school success. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Darling-Hammond, L. (2010). The flat world and education: how America’s commitment to equity will determine our future. New York and London: Teachers College Press, Columbia University.
Harris, P., Smith, B. M. & Harris, J. (2011). The myths of standardized tests: why they don’t tell you what you think they do. Lanham, MD and Plymouth, U.K.: Rowman and Littlefield.
Ravitch, D. (2000). Left back: a century of battles over school reform. New York: Simon and Schuster.
Ravitch, D. (2010). The death and life of the great American school system. Philadelphia, PA: Perseus Books Group.
Ravitch, D. (2003). The language police. New York: Vintage Books, Random House.
Tyack, David (2003). Seeking common ground: Public schools in a diverse society. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
Zhao, Yong (2009). Catching up or leading the way: American education in the age of globalization. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Learn more about the Common Core State Standards and the Smarter Balanced Assessment System for English language arts and mathematics, including details about our state’s plan and resources for transitions in the coming years. Discuss the school board’s role in creating the conditions that enable districts to build capacity among all educators to support a successful transition.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Ability to locate the most current resources offered by OSPI and other state/national partners to support the transition to the Common Core State Standards. 2. Articulate the key messages related to the myths and truths about our state's transition to the Common Core State Standards and the Smarter Balanced Assessment System by the 2014-15 year. 3. Develop a plan for working with school district leadership to understand the resources needed to support successful implementation of local CCSS transition plans.
The Yakima Online program has experienced an increasing number of graduates each year since its inception in 2007. The mission is to provide and support a rigorous, innovative, and state approved online educational curriculum that engages students to achieve success. Discover strategies to replicate this achievement, including community-wide unrelenting expectations for student success and highly personalized relationship with students.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Recognize the important strategies a successful online program implements to meet the many diverse needs of its student population. 2. Analyze current practices to determine if the innovations and strategies shared are replicable in your district.
Discover how Everett Public Schools has strengthened partnerships with key stakeholders using a comprehensive, engagement-focused strategic planning process. Explore how your district can incorporate powerful engagement strategies to leverage community partnerships that will support your educational mission and goals. Define your next steps in developing a community engagement plan that improves your capacity to partner for success.
Learner Outcomes:
1. Discover how a solid community engagement plan can build and strengthen your community partnerships. 2. Explore means for leveraging community engagement throughout your district and community. 3. Develop a planning template and identify next steps for community engagement in your district.
Presiding: Mary Fertakis WSSDA President; Director, Tukwila School District
Entertainment: Central Valley High School Wind Ensemble, Central Valley School District, under the direction of Eric Parker, Director of Bands
Swearing in of 2013 Officers
Keynote Address: Jamie Vollmer, "Schools Cannot Do It Alone"
