The 2010 ASBSD and SASD Convention features more than 30 issue-oriented breakout sessions offering our members valuable insight into the issues South Dakota schools face.
The programming line-up for the 2010 Session is listed below.
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT TRACK
Results: The Essential Elements of Improvement
PRESENTER: DR. MIKE SCHMOKER | FEATURED DOUBLE-SESSION
Keynote speaker and leading education reformer Dr. Mike Schmoker delivers this interactive workshop that focuses on simple elements most essential to substantive, measurable improvement: Effective, targeted teacher collaboration; manageable, measurable goals; and simple, ongoing use of student assessment data. Participants will leave the workshop knowing how to immediately and effectively conduct simple school improvement planning and ongoing activities that achieve both short and long-term results. Throughout the workshop, we will be referring to real schools and districts which demonstrate the power of these elements in ensuring higher achievement.
Learn’em and Launch’em: Preparing Students to Transition to Post Secondary
PRESENTERS: KELLY DUNCAN, SCOTT POHLSON, AND AMBER STERN (USD)
High school administrators and staff play a key role in preparing students to make the successful transition to the post secondary level - whether it be to a university or technical institute, the military or the world of work. Join us for an interactive presentation on how you can best assist your students to understand how to prepare themselves and ask the right questions to make this transition as seamless as possible.
21st Century Skills: What’s the Big Deal?
PRESENTER: DR. JULIE MATHIESEN, TIE DIRECTOR
There is considerable hype around the concept of 21st Century skills. But what are they, why do we care, and what do they mean for our schools? Are technology and 21st Century Skills synonymous or independent components of a contemporary education? We will examine the “popular” frameworks for 21st Century learning and dive in to the elements to explore implications for students, teachers, administrators and school board members.
Listening to our Customers
PRESENTER: RICK MELMER, DEAN, USD SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
Are our high school students ready for post-secondary education? This session will share results from two small research studies focused on high school preparation for post-secondary education. One study involves university students who reflect on their high school preparation. The other study surveys our states’ highest achieving seniors and their assessment of their high school preparation for post-secondary education.
What's the Buzz About the Common Core?
PRESENTERS: BECKY NELSON AND GAY PICKNER, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
The education world is buzzing with questions about the Common Core Standards and how they will impact local school districts. The Common Core initiative was a state-led project that resulted in a set of common standards in math and English language arts. Now, it's up to states to decide whether they want to adopt the proposed standards. In this session, you will gain a better understanding of the Common Core standards, how they compare to South Dakota's current standards, and the plan for assessing the standards if they are adopted by the state Board of Education. Department of Education staff will share a proposed timeline for implementation and a plan for statewide training of teachers, which will target specific areas of improvement related to reading. PRESENTER: TBD
Teacher Education: Redesigned for Rigor and Relevance
PRESENTER: RICK MELMER, DEAN, USD SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
The University of South Dakota is a participant in two grant programs that will assist in the redesign of the USD Teacher Education program. The redesigned program will focus on relevant clinical experiences with coursework wrapped around these experiences. This session will outline the highlights of the redesigned program and ask for input from audience members on suggestions for further program improvements.
Humor in the Workplace: How to Retain Employees and Live Longer
PRESENTER: DR. GARY HARMS, SUPERINTENDENT, ABEREDEEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
“Laughter is the most inexpensive and the most effective wonder drug. Laughter is a universal medicine.” -- Bertrand Russell. Students and district employees should want to come to school and work. This session is designed to show the value of not taking oneself too seriously and, in the process, decreasing student and employee absenteeism.
Leaders as Collaborators and Communicators in the 21st Century
PRESENTER: DR. TIMOTHY MITCHELL, SUPERINTENDENT, RAPID CITY AREA SCHOOLS
The biggest tool in the leader’s box is the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively to the staff, and the public and policy makers about what issues are and how they must be handled. They must also recognize they cannot accomplish their fundamental purpose unless they promote a high level of collaboration in their organization. Tools are now available that can promote transformational changes in the way leaders can collaborate and communicate. See how one South Dakota leader is utilizing 21st Century tools to promote better communication, collaboration and active participation of stakeholders.
Does Your High School Make the Grade?
PRESENTER: BECKY NELSON, TEAM LEADER, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
South Dakota's High School 2025 framework outlines key practices that districts can follow to created a rigorous and relevant student-focused education experience. Learn how districts across the state are implementing key practices such as personal learning plans, career guidance, service learning and parental engagement, and aligning these initiatives with current accreditation and school improvement requirements. You'll leave this session with plenty of information and ideas on some of the latest trends in high school reform.
Teachers: Getting to the Bottom of "Good"
PRESENTER: MELODY SCHOPP, DEPUTY SECRETARY, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Everyone knows that good teachers are critical to students' success, but how do we define "good"? In this session, you will hear about a process, currently under way in South Dakota, to develop performance standards for certified teachers. A new state law requires the South Dakota Board of Education to adopt such standards. This summer, a group has been working to develop performance standards for teachers as well as a model evaluation tool. Learn about this important work and how it may lay the groundwork for future initiatives.
Making AP Courses Accessible - Especially for Students in Rural Schools
PRESENTERS: SARAH CARTER, MARYLOU MCGIRR AND JIM PARRY
Through a grant-funded partnership known as the Learning Power program, students across the state have access to online AP courses in math, science, and English. With the help of grant funds, the online courses are made available at no cost to students and their districts. Because of Learning Power, many rural students are experiencing a first-time opportunity to take AP courses. Clearly, Learning Power is leveling the playing field of curricular offerings for students across the state.
POLICY AND LEGAL TRACK
When Good Kids Make Bad Decisions - Bullying, Cyberbullying and Sexting
PRESENTER: LONDA RICHTER, LATI
Hardly a week goes by without a news story about bullying, cyberbullying or sexting. Fear, humiliation, intimidation and contempt are all components of these forms of harassment. Today's bullies are infecting the learning environment and students’ lives through cell phones and social networking sites. This session will delve into what these forms of harassment look like and the damage they do. The school's role and the parent's role in this new age bullying will be addressed.
Making Board Packets Public
PRESENTER: SCOTT SWIER, ATTORNEY, SCOTT SWIER LAW OFFICE
Changes in the 2010 Legislative Session means schools have to make board packets available to the public. But the law also contains flexibility to schools to keep certain records private. Learn what the law says and how it applies to board packets. The session will also explore changes made to public meeting requirements made in the 2010 legislative session.
U.S. Supreme Court Update
PRESENTER: LISA SORONEN, NATIONAL SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION
National School Boards Association Senior Staff Attorney Lisa Soronen travels to South Dakota to discuss the latest developments with the U.S. Supreme Court. Learn how recent rulings impact schools, including a rulings on searching employee electronic communications and enforcing nondiscrimination clauses against clubs, and what the future holds for the nation’s highest court.
National School Law Trends
PRESENTER: LISA SORONEN, NATIONAL SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION
Schools are continually traversing a complex legal environment – and what happens in one courtroom often has implications for schools across the nation. National School Boards Association Senior Staff Attorney Lisa Soronen offers a 3,000-foot view of national school law trends and explains the common themes underlying school law cases around the country.
The Divine Divide: Religion in Schools
PRESENTER: BILL ENGBERG, DIRECTOR OF LEGAL SERVICES, ASBSD
The U.S. Constitution prohibits the establishment of religion, which has led to our common understanding of the separation of church and state. A single misstep on a decision involving religion in school can result in a court case and a costly legal defense. ASBSD Director of Legal Services Bill Engberg provides an overview of religion in schools and will then lead a discussion to establish a clearer distinction of what is and is not permissible in public schools.
Update on the S.D. Supreme Court Appeal
PRESENTERS: SCOTT ABDALLAH AND RORY KING
The session will explore the comprehensive legal brief that was filed with our Supreme Court which challenges the foundation of the school funding formula in South Dakota. We will also discuss the State’s response brief as well as our final reply brief. Finally, we will discuss the legislature’s radical decision in 2010 to eliminate all funding increases and its impact on the pending appeal.
BOARD GOVERNANCE
A Blueprint for ESEA Reauthorization
PRESENTER: NSBA ADVOCACY STAFF
The President and Congress are gearing up to overhaul the nation’s signature federal education policy. A member of the National School Boards Association’s advocacy team will discuss the “blueprint for reform” released by the U.S. Department of Education and discuss what impact it may have local education policy.
Federal Education Policy: The Changes to Come
PRESENTER: NSBA ADVOCACY STAFF
Teacher Jobs Fund. Teacher Incentive Fund. National Broadband Plan. Child Nutrition. AYP Flexibility. Investing in Innovation. The Obama Administration has ushered in new priorities and a lot is happening outside of ESEA that will impact how schools operate and how students learn. A member of the National School Boards Associations advocacy team will give you a rundown of what to expect and outline key advocacy areas for the fall.
School Board Members are Parents Too
PRESENTERS: SUSAN HUMISTON AND NEIL PUTNAM, ASBSD BOARD OF DIRECTORS
As any school board member who has a child in public school will tell you, school board service can be a different experience when a board member has children attending school. Two long-time board members and members of the ASBSD Board of Directors will lead a discussion about how to wear a hat both as a parent and as a member of the local school board. Hear insightful and humorous tales and share your own stories as the group learns advice on how best to navigate the unique situation.
School Board Advocacy in Action
PRESENTER: DR. FRED DEUTSCH, WATERTOWN SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER
As local leaders, school board members have a responsibility to help shape local, state and federal education policy. Learn how one motivated local school board member and public education advocate works to impact change and why it is important for local school boards to show leadership on advocacy issues.
Achievement-Focused Superintendent Evaluation: A New Model for South Dakota
PRESENTERS: WAYNE LUEDERS, ASBSD, AND JOHN PEDERSEN, SASD
ASBSD and SASD recently worked with a panel of school superintendents to create a new superintendent evaluation system focused on improving student achievement. Learn about the resources available and how to inject best practices into your superintendent evaluation process.
How Collaboration Breeds Success: Watertown’s Story
PRESENTERS: DR. LESLI HANSON, SUPERINTENDENT, WATERTOWN, DR. FRED DEUTSCH, BOARD MEMBER, WATERTOWN, TRICIA WALKER, WATERTOWN EDUCATION ASSOCIATION,
This session will explore how positive relationships in the Watertown School District set the tone for success in the district. Participants will learn key cultural and philosophical underpinnings such as openness, respect, and a servant’s attitude that allow the school board, superintendent and educators to be highly functional and work cohesively to accomplish the district’s mission. Practical applications and real-life examples from the district will be provided to show how Watertown deals with the technical aspects of educational leadership, as well as the more emotional, human side of relationship-building.
Public Values and Policy Making
PRESENTERS: BEV BANKS, BELLE FOURCHE SCHOOL BOARD AND JOHN SWANSON, TIE
After attending the 2009 ASBSD School Board Leadership Conference, ASBSD Second Vice President Bev Banks shared what she had learned with the other members of her board. This session will explore how four American values (liberty, prosperity, equality, and community) influence school board decision making and policy setting. The process used in Belle Fourche will also be examined as one model for sharing information with members of school boards who can’t (or won’t) attend professional workshops and conferences. The value of continuing education for school board members will be emphasized.
SCHOOL FINANCE
School Finance 101
PRESENTER: BILL LYNCH, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, ASBSD
Knowing how our state’s school finance formula works is critical to understanding South Dakota’s school funding system. This primer on school finance, which is idea for new board members or anyone who needs a refresher on the basics of our state’s funding system, offers an easy-to-understand synopsis of how schools are funded.
The Advantages of Purchase Cards
DR. R. E. EVERETT, ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL BUSINESS OFFICIALS
For years schools have used POs to purchase everything. Most of these purchases have been for less than $500. Each purchase has cost the district between $75-$200 in time and other costs. Learn how to save time and money while earning a rebate on the many small purchases you make. Now is a good time to look for savings in your accounts payable process. P-cards can dramatically cut down on the work and waste.
The Impact of Federal Heath Insurance Reform on Schools
PRESENTER TBD
Description to come.
South Dakota’s New Bid Laws
DEENE DAYTON, LEGISLATIVE AUDIT
With the passage of HB 1046, the bid laws received a major overhaul. This session will answer questions such as; have the bid limits changed, may the district utilize an out-of-state bid, what about federal GSA contacts, when do I have an emergency and what items are exempt from bidding. This period will wrap-up with a discussion of the various ways to dispose of surplus property.
SERVANT LEADERSHIP
Servant Leadership: A New Call To Duty
PRESENTER: CONSUELLO CASTILLO KICKBUSCH| FEATURED DOUBLE-SESSION
With her powerful messages, dynamic presenting style, and passion for helping create leaders, Lt. Col. Kickbusch delivers a thought-provoking presentation on leadership. She often says, "Leadership is not about you. Leadership is about serving." As an educator in and out of the military/civilian classroom for over thirty years, she has walked over and survived the mines of leadership philosophy
EMERGING ISSUES
Physical Activity and the Brain
PRESENTER: TERRY ECKMAN, PH.D, MINOT STATE UNIVERSITY
Schools are continually faced with the challenge of improving academic performance. Does the time and money invested in physical education make a difference? Current research suggests that what is good for the body, is good for the brain! Gain an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the brain on exercise. Explore research being conducted by neuroscientists nationwide on the effects of exercise on the brain and learning. Discover the crucial link between physical activity and academic achievement!
Four-day Week Forum
PRESENTERS: TBD
Join three South Dakota schools that are at various stages of a change to the four-day school week. Find out how each school addresses various areas related to the alternate schedule, including: yearly calendar, daily schedule, use of Fridays, extra curricular scheduling and the impact on student achievement. Panelists will also have ample time to answer questions.
Seclusion and Restraint
PRESENTER: MICHELLE POWERS, BROOKINGS SCHOOL DISTRICT
Description to come.
Bullied But Not Broken
PRESENTERS: ELTON ROKUSEK AND LORETTA SORENSEN
Due to the severe facial disfigurement Elton was born with, he is able to share insights about the emotional and mental stresses children experience as targets of bullying behavior. His presentation includes comments regarding hindrances to concentrating and focusing in the classroom, clues to bullying activities, ways to educate both students and parents about reducing and responding to bullying incidents, and the elements that allowed him to personally overcome the negative emotions and self-image the bullying behavior of others triggered in him.
Performance Pay: A South Dakota Story
PRESENTERS: DR. MELODY SCHOPP, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, DR. JOE HAUGE, TIE, AND THE TODD COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Performance pay in education is a discussion topic across the country. The third year of the South Dakota Incentives+ (SDI+) project has just been completed. This session will focus on the impact of SDI+ on the Todd County School District. Leaders from the district will share their experience implementing this reform project.
Rate Your School: Tobacco Policy in Action
PRESENTERS: KARI SENGER, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION; SCARLETT BIERNE, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH; AND SCHOOL DSTRICT STAFF (TBD)
If a school-aged child sees an adult smoking at school, he or she is 50 percent more likely to try smoking. The cornerstone of a comprehensive effort to discourage tobacco use is the adoption and consistent enforcement of policies for a completely tobacco-free school environment. Learn more about the model tobacco policy for schools approved by the South Dakota Board of Education. Receive a self assessment tool and rate your district policy. Learn about free resources and grant funding available to support your tobacco policy implementation and enforcement.
You Want to Do What? Exploring Year-Round School.
PRESENTER: JIM HOLBECK, SUPERINTENDENT, HARRISBURG SCHOOL DISTRICT
Setting up a committee to explore the possibilities of a Modified Year Round School, the Harrisburg School District will be determining late fall whether or not to offer an optional school calendar to some elementary students and parents. While many schools look to modify school calendars down to 4 day school weeks, why would a school consider going to school throughout the year? It isn't all you think it is. Come and hear the proposal and engage in questions and answers at the end of the presentation.
Supporting Families…Supporting Schools
PRESENTER: ELAINE ROBERTS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SOUTH DAKOTA PARENT CONNECTION
Working with families can be challenging. Working with families caring for children with disabilities or special health needs can be even more challenging. Communication, collaboration, and connection are key ingredients for success. This session will focus on strategies for building parent professional partnerships that improve outcomes for all students.