Past Event: 2024 Fall Conference
Save the date: Oct 17th-18th, 2024
Keynoters:
Robyn R. Jackson
&
Sarah Johnson
Oshkosh Waterfront Hotel
1 North Main Street, Oshkosh, WI 54901
New Registration System Announcement & Instructions
WASCD will no longer be utilizing the MyQuickReg registration system as it will no longer be in operation after June 30, 2024. All WASCD events will now be set up in our new registration system, Neon One, starting on July 1, 2024.
We encourage all users to set up their Neon One account prior to July 1st for a smooth transition. Account creation only takes a few minutes and will help streamline the event registration process down the road.
To create a Neon One account, please:
1. Fill in and submit the Account Registration Form by clicking here*
Please be sure to check the box that states "Yes, I would like to receive communications from CESA 9 by email." so you can receive your confirmation email and future registration emails. If you do not check this box, your account will not be fully set up.
2. Check your email for the confirmation and to set up a password and access your account
*Please note that the link above will take you to the CESA 9 Neon One homepage. WASCD is partnering with CESA 9 to streamline this new registration system, so you are in the correct place.
If you need assistance with the account registration process, please contact us by email office@wascd.org.
We thank you for your patience and understanding during this transition process and we look forward to another year of being able to serve you!
WASCD Conference Rates & Registration:
Early Bird Pricing (before July 31, 2024)
WASCD Member Price: $369
Non-Member Price: $429
Regular Pricing (after July 31, 2024)
WASCD Member Price: $399
Non-Member Price: $459
Tentative Schedule:
Thursday, October 17th
7:30-9:00 - Registration
8:00-8:45 - "0" Hour Sessions
9:00-10:30 - Keynote Workshop Part I
Vendor Break
10:50-11:50 - Breakout Session I
11:50-12:50 - Lunch Provided
12:50-1:50 - Breakout Session II
Vendor Break
2:10-2:30 - WASCD General Session & Instructional Leader of the Year Announcement
2:30-3:30 - Keynote Workshop Part II
3:45-6:00 - The Famous WASCD Social (Live music, raffles, appetizers, cash bar)
Friday, October 18th
7:30-8:00 - Annual Membership Meeting (Optional)
7:30-8:30 - Breakfast and Registration
8:30-9:30 - Breakout III
Vendor Break
9:50-11:15 - Closing Keynote
Lunch on October 17th and Breakfast on October 18th are included in the registration cost.
Sessions & Descriptions
October 17th: "0 Hour" Session ~ Curriculum Focus (Rm John Lynch)
Boundaries: Implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Trials and Leveraging Technology for Inclusive Learning
JoAnn Miller, CESA 8, Director of Continuous Improvement & Mike Wanniger, Antigo Unified School District, Instructional Coach
Boundaries: Implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Trials and Leveraging Technology for Inclusive Learning
JoAnn Miller, CESA 8, Director of Continuous Improvement & Mike Wanniger, Antigo Unified School District, Instructional Coach
Discover the transformative power of UDL trials in education, amplified by technology. See how this approach boosts student engagement and academic progress, fostering collective efficacy among educators. Learn how teams effectively use UDL and tech for data collection, analysis, and professional growth. Take away practical tools for collaborative UDL implementation, empowering positive change and student success.
Confidence in our UDL trials' effectiveness stems from tangible improvements seen statewide and positive feedback from educators. Student engagement increased from 43% to 73% (baseline to trial 2) on a 4-point scale across all indicator students in 9 schools. For students with IEPs, it rose from 33% to 67%. Academic progress mirrored these gains. Initial academic observations rated 3 or 4 were 18% for all students, 16% for those with IEPs, with a 14-22% range across proficiency levels. In trial 2, these figures reached: 59% for all students, 43% for IEP students, with proficiency levels ranging from 46-84%. 60% of educators in UDL trials now feel confident or expert in the practices tried.
October 17th: "0 Hour" Session ~ Leadership Focus (Rm Dixie)
When Things Get Personal, Don't Take It Personally
Dr. Rainey Briggs, Superintendent of the Baraboo School District
When Things Get Personal, Don't Take It Personally
Dr. Rainey Briggs, Superintendent of the Baraboo School District
Superintendent Dr. Rainey Briggs for an impactful and insightful 60-minute session designed to empower educators, administrators, students, and community members to effectively respond to and recover from viral incidents. This presentation will draw from Dr. Briggs' personal experience with a recent, highly publicized incident, where he was pushed off the graduation stage by a parent. This act, widely perceived as racially motivated, garnered national attention and raised significant concerns about safety, race relations, and community cohesion. Dr. Briggs will share his reflections on the incident, its immediate and long-term impacts, and provide actionable strategies to foster healing and promote inclusivity within the school community.
October 17th: "0 Hour" Session ~ Instructional Practices Focus (Rm Lefevre)
Classroom Assessment in an Era of AI: Why Catching Them Learning is More Powerful than Catching Them Cheating
Dr. Tony Frontier, Consultant, Author, & Award Winning Educator
Classroom Assessment in an Era of AI: Why Catching Them Learning is More Powerful than Catching Them Cheating
Dr. Tony Frontier, Consultant, Author, & Award Winning Educator
Addressing cheating primarily as deviant behavior that can be fixed with policies and punishments overlooks its root causes. When the pressure to achieve exceeds the time to prepare and the fear of being caught, students easily rationalize why cheating is a logical, justifiable choice. By emphasizing strategies that require students to demonstrate evidence of integrity, rather than emphasizing strategies that require teachers to gather evidence of cheating, teachers can work with students to ensure accountability for learning in an era of easily accessible AI tools. This session will provide practical advice and insights for policies and classroom practices that minimize cheating and support effective teaching and learning.
October 17th: Keynote Workshop - Dr. Robyn Jackson
Is Success Possible for EVERY Child?
Is Success Possible for EVERY Child?
We all SAY we believe that every child can succeed but do we really? Does our staff? Do our students? Unfortunately, the answer is often no. Every year, we accept that some students won't make it and we settle for "good enough." But what is "good enough" doing to your staff's capacity to take on more challenge and ownership of the work? What message is it sending to your students? And, what is it doing to your own motivation? The good news is that there is a better way. In this keynote presentation, discover how to conquer the obstacles that keep us and our teachers from believing that EVERY child can be successful and discover how to build a 100% culture where every staff member has the capacity to help 100% of your students achieve success.
October 17th: Breakout Session I ~ Curriculum Focus (Rm John Lynch)
Lead and Teach Happier
Dr. Amy LaPierre, West De Pere School District, Director of Curriculum & Dr. Sheila Kohl, West De Pere School District, STEM Teacher
Lead and Teach Happier
Dr. Amy LaPierre, West De Pere School District, Director of Curriculum & Dr. Sheila Kohl, West De Pere School District, STEM Teacher
Being happy both at home and at work means we're not just cheerier, but more clear-eyed and effective at what we do. But happiness takes practice and ongoing contemplation. In this session, you'll learn that small shifts bring big gifts: that is, small positive changes, practiced over time, will help you feel more balanced, content and aligned both in your professional and in your personal life. Based on the book Teach Happier by Suzanne Dailey, the strategies and real life examples presented in this sectional from both a leadership position and the classroom will have a positive impact on your own well-being and the well-being of those with whom you work.
October 17th: Breakout Session I ~ Leadership Focus (Rm Dixie)
Learning Walks: Identifying Strengths and Areas for Development to Systematically Help Teachers Improve Their Practice
Dianna Kresovic, CESA 6, Director of Literacy and Oconomowoc School District
Learning Walks: Identifying Strengths and Areas for Development to Systematically Help Teachers Improve Their Practice
Dianna Kresovic, CESA 6, Director of Literacy and Oconomowoc School District
In today's ever-evolving educational landscape, the ability to foster a culture that prioritizes collaboration, reflection, and continuous improvement is more crucial than ever. Learning walks serve as a powerful leadership practice that can transform traditional classroom observations and feedback into dynamic, growth-focused adult learning experiences for all educators. Explore how learning walks can identify strengths, areas for development, and opportunities for collaboration, all while fostering an open dialogue about teaching and learning. By observing and discussing teaching strategies, educators can reflect on their practices in a supportive environment. This encourages a mindset of growth and continuous improvement. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from experienced leaders who will share their insights and best practices, making this session not just informative but also profoundly impactful. Get involved and lead the charge in transforming your educational environment with learning walks—let's elevate our teaching and enhance student outcomes together!
October 17th: Breakout Session I ~ Instructional Practices Focus (Rm Lefevre)
Justice is Found in the Details of Teaching and Learning
Adam Broten, School District of North Fond du Lac, Director of Teaching & Learning
Justice is Found in the Details of Teaching and Learning
Adam Broten, School District of North Fond du Lac, Director of Teaching & Learning
Does equity work and teaching and learning work need to be in separate silos? What if you can address inequities and student learning outcomes gaps through teaching and learning? This session will explore one of the most equitable practices we can use in our schools: giving all students routine access to grade-level text and tasks. We'll review the research that supports this approach, dive into a universal planning process to ensure access for all students, and explore instructional strategies for how to execute this in Math, ELA, and all content area classrooms.
October 17th: Breakout Session I ~ General Focus (Rm Leander Choate)
Failsafe Feedback: How to Give Teachers Feedback Without Pushback, Hurt Feelings, or Blank Stares
Dr. Robyn Jackson
Failsafe Feedback: How to Give Teachers Feedback Without Pushback, Hurt Feelings, or Blank Stares
Dr. Robyn Jackson
Blank stares. Polite smiles. Active resistance and pushback ... you've seen it all. And although you've read all the "How to have tough conversations" books, you still haven't been able to crack the code on how to give feedback that every teacher will not only welcome, but immediately implement. In this interactive session, discover the biggest feedback mistakes leaders make, and learn how to give honest feedback to teachers without causing resistance, hurt feelings, or downright apathy. Find out what you must do differently when giving feedback to struggling teachers versus proficient teachers and how you have to adjust your feedback to meet the needs of master teachers. You'll walk away with specific tools and examples you can use to plan your own feedback with the teachers you support so that you can help every teacher you serve show tangible growth this school year.
October 17th: Breakout Session II ~ Curriculum Focus (Rm John Lynch)
Tackling the New Act 20 Screener - Using the Data
Eric Larsen, CESA 6, Director of Learning & Assessment and Dianna Kresovic, CESA 6, Director of Literacy
Tackling the New Act 20 Screener - Using the Data
Eric Larsen, CESA 6, Director of Learning & Assessment and Dianna Kresovic, CESA 6, Director of Literacy
This workshop will dig into all the different parts of the AimsWeb+ Assessment and highlight the different reports that are available in the system. We will work to provide insight into which reports should be utilized for the most impact as the school year progresses. We will also try to answer questions that districts may have around the implementation of Act 20.
October 17th: Breakout Session II ~ Leadership Focus (Rm Dixie)
Strategies for Ramping up the Bottom Quartile for All Learners
Shelly Daun, Menasha Joint School District, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Strategies for Ramping up the Bottom Quartile for All Learners
Shelly Daun, Menasha Joint School District, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
In this session, we will explore effective strategies to support and elevate the bottom quartile of learners in your school. Participants will gain insights into data-driven approaches that identify specific needs and barriers struggling students face. We’ll discuss tailored interventions and inclusive teaching practices that empower all learners to thrive. Join us to discover how we can collectively uplift every student and enhance overall academic success!
October 17th: Breakout Session II ~ Instructional Practices Focus (Rm Lefevre)
Big Book of Tools for RtI at Work
Rob Meyer, Beaver Dam Unified School District, Principal/Director of Teaching and Learning
Big Book of Tools for RtI at Work
Rob Meyer, Beaver Dam Unified School District, Principal/Director of Teaching and Learning
In this session, participants will understand the foundational structure of the RTI at Work model. This model was founded by Mike Mattos, Austin Buffum, and Janet Malone with an emphasis on high-quality universal instruction for every student while also putting in place safety nets for those that may need more time and support. In addition to the overview of the structure, participants will gain an understanding of how key tools (agendas, structures, protocols) can be used to enhance the work. Rob Meyer co-authored the text used as a foundation for this session.
October 17th: Breakout Session II ~ General Focus (Rm Leander Choate)
How to Help Every Teacher Grow One Level in One Domain in One Year or Less
Dr. Robyn Jackson
How to Help Every Teacher Grow One Level in One Domain in One Year or Less
Dr. Robyn Jackson
Let's be honest. Most of the supports leaders offer teachers don't provide the tangible growth we are looking for. In this session, you'll discover the "support traps" that prevent leaders from helping all teachers grow each year. Then, you'll learn how Builders provide teachers with differentiated, developmental, and deliberate support that helps EVERY teacher you serve grow at least one level in one critical domain this school year. Plus you'll find out how to leverage the 8 types of Support to help every teacher get the support they need most -- without wearing yourself out in the process.
October 17th: Keynote Workshop Part 2 - Dr. Robyn Jackson
Stop Leading, Start Building
Stop Leading, Start Building
You're doing everything "right" -- poring over data, getting into classrooms, launching new initiatives, setting ambitious goals for your school. So, why is it that no matter how hard you work, the gains in student achievement still seem so far away? The problem isn't you. It's how you were trained. In this session, find out how to escape the "school improvement hamster wheel" and finally create the school you, your teachers, and your students deserve. Instead of continuing to work harder, chasing tiny incremental gains, and facing tons of pushback, you'll discover the exact steps you need to take to get your entire staff aligned around a single purpose, grow the will and skill of your teachers, choose the right course of action for your school right now, and see dramatic improvements in student outcomes THIS school year -- and you'll learn how to accomplish all of this with the people and resources you have right now.
The Famous WASCD Social!
October 17th: 3:45-6:00 PM
October 17th: 3:45-6:00 PM
This is where instructional leaders network!
Enjoy live music, appetizers, great company and a cash bar.
In addition, you will have the opportunity to mingle with our vendors in this relaxed setting.
Enjoy live music, appetizers, great company and a cash bar.
In addition, you will have the opportunity to mingle with our vendors in this relaxed setting.
October 18th: Breakout Session III ~ Curriculum Focus (Rm John Lynch)
Improving Early Literacy Outcomes with Act 20: Updates
Dr. Barb Novak, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Director of Office of Literacy
Improving Early Literacy Outcomes with Act 20: Updates
Dr. Barb Novak, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Director of Office of Literacy
Barb Novak, DPI’s Director of the Office of Literacy, will provide participants with the latest information about 2023 Wisconsin Act 20 (Act 20), including but not limited to screening, diagnostic assessment, personal reading plans, curriculum, family engagement, meeting the needs of marginalized populations, and connections to an equitable multi-level system of supports.
October 18th: Breakout Session III ~ Leadership Focus (Rm Dixie)
AI, Digital Wellness, and Technology Fatigue oh my: Developing & Implementing your Technology “Why”
Ryan Ruggles, Tomorrow River Schools, Superintendent
AI, Digital Wellness, and Technology Fatigue oh my: Developing & Implementing your Technology “Why”
Ryan Ruggles, Tomorrow River Schools, Superintendent
Does your school have a common technology vision? Does it embrace new technologies such as AI? Does it focus on human wellness? This session will assist educators and teams with the development of their educational technology “why”, leadership practices, and creating a system for school wide improvement involving transformative instructional technology. We will discuss how to actively prepare staff to implement instructional technology in meaningful ways that positively impact students academically, socially, and emotionally.
October 18th: Breakout Session III ~ Instructional Practices Focus (Rm Lefevre)
Evidence-Based Grading (in Secondary Schools)
Kelly Ryder, Hayward Community School District, Principal
Evidence-Based Grading (in Secondary Schools)
Kelly Ryder, Hayward Community School District, Principal
This session explores how evidence-based grading can provide a more accurate reflection of student learning. We’ll cover practical strategies for implementing this approach, offering clear and consistent feedback that promotes student growth. Join us to learn how to transform grading practices in your school.
October 18th: Breakout Session III ~ Leadership Focus (Rm Leander Choate)
Cultivating Resilience: Practical Bounce Back Strategies for Passionate Educators
Sarah Johnson
Cultivating Resilience: Practical Bounce Back Strategies for Passionate Educators
Sarah Johnson
Join Sarah Johnson, educator, speaker, and resilience researcher, for practical strategies to cultivate resilience in education. In this session, we will explore how to navigate challenges inherent in the profession while maintaining and even boosting personal well-being. Resiliency-based "bounce back and forward" strategies such as self-care techniques, setting healthy boundaries, and fostering a supportive network to reduce stress and mitigate the onset of burnout are the focus. Participants will gain actionable tips to promote a resilient school culture to help the community thrive together. Whether new or seasoned in the field of education, it’s time to invest in your well-being and unlock your resilience potential.
October 18th: Closing Keynote - Sarah Johnson
Going Beyond Work-Life Balance
Going Beyond Work-Life Balance
There’s no question that every educator faces challenges on the job with ever-increasing demands that lead to stress and put us all at risk for burnout. School leaders and educators often define themselves through servant leadership, tending to put others’ needs above their own and even end up sacrificing much of their personal time for their careers. If we aren’t intentional about our energy pouring, we may end up drained. It is critical to remember that there is much in our lives that we can control, and it is time to empower ourselves to live intentionally in all spaces of our full lives. Let’s go beyond surviving and be intentional about thriving.