Improving Student Achievement By Changing Adult Behaviors – Wichita
WHEN: Wednesday, November 8, 2023 from 7:30AM – 5:00PM
WHERE: Hyatt Regency Wichita
Join us as we explore innovative approaches, evidence-based practices, and the latest research in education. By reevaluating and adjusting our adult behaviors, we can unlock the true potential of our students and guide them toward remarkable academic achievements.
SESSION TOPICS:
WHY SCHOOL BOARDS FAIL, HOW YOURS CAN SUCCEED
AJ CRABILL
The author of Great on Their Behalf will discuss why most school boards fail at improving student achievement and take the audience through a training session to help them become more effective.
YOU DON’T NEED A MAJORITY TO BE SUCCESSFUL
KELLY KOHLS
When Dr. Kohls joined the Springboro Schools Board of Education, the majority of the board had a different focus. She explains how she helped other board members shift their orientation to improving student achievement.
MEET SEL REQUIREMENTS BY BUILDING CHARACTER
TROY PITSCH
The superintendent, staff, and students of USD 329 Wabaunsee explain how they have improved outcomes by building character with lessons from “The Leader in Me” curriculum.
READING FAILURE IS SOLVABLE WITH THE SCIENCE OF READING
DAVID HURFORD
The executive director of the Center for Research, Evaluation, and Awareness of Dyslexia (Center for READing) at Pittsburg State University explains why teachers must understand how to teach students to read using the science of reading.
HOW TO HIRE A SUPERINTENDENT
BOB MERRITT
A lifelong educator helps school board members understand how to select a superintendent who will improve student achievement.
TEACHER PREPARATION IN THE SCIENCE OF READING AMONG KANSAS UNIVERSITIES
SHANNON HOLSTON
The Chief of Policy and Programs for the National Council on Teacher Quality reviews the findings of their study of universities in Kansas and other states on teacher preparation in effective literacy instruction.
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT UPDATE
DAVE TRABERT
A recap of the 2023 results from ACT and the Kansas state assessment from the CEO of Kansas Policy Institute.
HOW CAN KSBRC HELP YOU
WARD CASSIDY
The executive director of the Kansas School Board Resource Center leads an audience discussion to examine what school board members need to be more effective in their role.
Changing Communication For Good Workshop
America’s students have never been in greater need of persuasive advocates to advance their academic interests. Despite crisis levels of student under-performance and mental health distress made worse by pandemic lockdowns, school systems continue to divert scarce educational resources into non-academic programming, including controversial ideologies designed to politicize the classroom.
Meanwhile, teachers who are neither trained nor licensed as therapists have to act as therapists at school, which can further jeopardize student well-being. We have an obligation to students – and the taxpayers who fund their education – to get back to basics so they are academically prepared to flourish in their lives and participate in our democracy.
Helping education advocates become more influential is the aim of this workshop, an interactive, skill-building program designed to teach attendees how to persuade by appealing to both hearts and minds, whether speaking at a school board meeting or writing a letter to the editor.
Workshop attendees will learn how to apply Melanie Sturm’s Six Powers of Persuasion in order to attract “persuadables” while powering down hostiles who seek to cancel them. Speaking up doesn’t require as much courage in the Engage to Win style!
The tactics you learn in this workshop are universally applicable and will help you succeed in various areas of your life, not just in the classroom. Don’t miss your chance!
1-5 p.m. Interactive Workshop led by Melanie Sturm, Engage to Win
5-6 p.m. Networking reception*
*Beer, wine & light hors d’oeuvres provided by the Kansas School Board Resource Center
Meet the Speaker:
Having learned through her column called “Think Again…. You Might Change Your Mind” how to lead people to the common ground they instinctively share, she developed Six Powers of Persuasion to train people to become likable and trusted advocates. In her interactive skill-building workshops – in-person and over Zoom – Melanie teaches how to reach “beyond the choir” with messaging that simultaneously attracts “persuadables,” powers down “hostiles,” and unites “friendlies.”The ability to find common ground across the spectrum is a powerful skill, enabling people to have more thoughtful dialogue – even at the Thanksgiving table!Melanie has carved out an expertise in education issues, helping school board members, candidates, and activists gracefully navigate the most contentious issues while staying focused on academic excellence, parental inclusion, and student achievement.
Melanie’s prior work experience is in finance – M&A at Morgan Stanley in London and Oil & Gas project finance at International Finance Corporation in Washington, DC. She earned her MBA from INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France, and undergraduate degrees in international relations and economics from Tufts University.
About Kansas School Board Resource Center
The Kansas School Board Resource Center (KSBRC) is a subsidiary of the non-profit Kansas Policy Institute, which has extensive expertise in school finance, governance, and academic performance matters. The staff and Advisory Council members are current or former school board members, educators, and people with extensive experience dealing with local school boards.
Heartland Hybrid and Micro Schools Summit With Kerry McDonald
Join us for the Heartland Hybrid and Micro Schools Summit with Kerry McDonald.
8:30 a.m. – Registration
9:15 a.m. – Opening Keynote & Breakfast
- The Emerging Education Entrepreneur Ecosystem: A Conversation with Kerry McDonald
- Sponsored by VELA Education Fund and hosted by Meredith Olson
10:15 a.m. – Session 1
- Stories of School Starters – Panel Discussion
- Exploring the challenges and opportunities of starting unconventional education communities. We’ll hear directly from leaders who’ve overcome opposition to meet the educational needs of students across the region.
11:15 a.m. – Session 2
- Policy Pros & Cons for Hybrid Educators – Panel Discussion
- Understand the good, the bad, and the ugly of what is being done to ensure educational freedom for hybrid educators around the country. How can unconventional education be protected from overreach? Is the school choice revolution coming to a state near you?
- Panelists:
- Suranjan Sen, Institute for Justice – Arlington, VA
- Leslie Hiner, EdChoice – Indianapolis, IN
- Mike Donnelly, YES. Every Kid. Foundation. – Charles Town, WV
12:30 p.m. – Lunch Keynote
- New Entrepreneurs & New Institutions
- Eric Wearne, National Hybrid Schools Project at Kennesaw State University
1:15 p.m. – Session 3
- From Homeschool to Hybrid
- Many home educators are using tutors, co-ops, and other tools to empower parents.
- Colleen Hroncich, Cato Institute – Washington, DC
- Many home educators are using tutors, co-ops, and other tools to empower parents.
2:00 p.m. – Session 4
- Education Innovation in Rural America – Panel Discussion
- Shining light on unconventional education in rural America, where we’re often told “there aren’t options.”
3:00 p.m. – Close & Thank You
*For summit registration scholarship eligibility inquiries, contact [email protected]
For Hotel Reservations:
2023 Candidate Policy Briefing – Lenexa
Candidates of all parties and the general public are invited to attend our annual Candidate Policy Briefing where we address some of the biggest policy questions facing our state. This event is intended to provide educational information to the public about broad economic and educational issues that are important to the citizens of our state. The information provided is a product of nonpartisan analysis, study, and research and is not intended to directly or indirectly endorse or oppose any candidate for public office.
- Giving Kids a Fighting Chance: The Reality of Student Achievement
- Kansas School Board Resource Center: Building a Plan to Improve Student Achievement
- Kansas Justice Institute: Zoning and Local Municipal Rules
- Lessons on Property Taxes and Revenue Neutral Rate
2023 Candidate Policy Briefing – Wichita
Candidates of all parties and the general public are invited to attend our annual Candidate Policy Briefing where we address some of the biggest policy questions facing our state. This event is intended to provide educational information to the public about broad economic and educational issues that are important to the citizens of our state. The information provided is a product of nonpartisan analysis, study, and research and is not intended to directly or indirectly endorse or oppose any candidate for public office.
- Giving Kids a Fighting Chance: The Reality of Student Achievement
- Kansas School Board Resource Center: Building a Plan to Improve Student Achievement
- Kansas Justice Institute: Zoning and Local Municipal Rules
- Lessons on Property Taxes and Revenue Neutral Rate