Dr. John Laurie, Statewide APIP Coordinator
Dr. Rob Little, Statewide APIP Coordinator

Linda Thurston, English Teacher, Middle/High, Curriculum Leader, USD 288 Central Heights

Are you tired of teaching Reading and English and hoping for the best results? During this session we will look at actual state reading assessment data, and how we can use this data to support and improve our curriculum. Using effective reading strategies to teach specific state reading indicators can earn the Standard of Excellence for our schools.

Dayna Richardson, Assistant Superintendent, Buhler USD 313
Kathy Boyer, Education Program Consultant, Teacher Education & Licensure, KSDE

21st Century skills combine technology literacy, critical thinking, creativity and mastery of core subject matter. An initial step to ensure these skills become part of Kansas’ schools was the creation of The Profile of a 21st Century Learner and the Profile of a 21st Century Learning Environment. Following field review and input, the profiles were endorsed by the State Board of Education in December 2008. Organized into 15 unifying themes, these two profiles are beginning to shape the review of content area standards, integration of academic and technical education, the development of a new generation of assessments, etc. Many schools and districts across the state are already journeying down the path toward 21st century learning while others are uncertain of how and where to begin. Come join us for a discussion of the 21st Century Profiles for Learners and the Environment. Learn how one district kicked off the school year with a serious discussion and engaging activities for staff to highlight the importance of intentional planning and focus on 21st century skills.

Phyllis Farrar, Education Program Consultant, World Languages & ESOL (KELPA), Career Standards & Assessments, KSDE

Important information about KELPA and what you need to do to get the funding and the testing necessary for a ELL student.

Nathan Eberline, Intergrovernmental Relations Associate, League of Kansas Municipalities

The cities of Kansas believe in the mission of encouraging civic engagement and education. The League of Kansas Municipalities (LKM), which represents over 580 Kansas cities, has worked with the Kansas State Department of Education to develop civics requirements for elementary, middle, and high school students, and it is our desire to serve as a resource for teachers as they address this important topic in Kansas classrooms. This session will cover the resources available through LKM and ideas for addressing the civics benchmarks.

Sharon Bell, Assistant Director, Kansas NCA/AdvancED

Using data-driven decision-making is a critical and necessary component to facilitating a culture of shared leadership. Putting the data in the hands of appropriate stakeholders promotes empowerment, ownership, and quality. Frequent monitoring of student achievement data and implementation of interventions are crucial to the success of the continuous improvement efforts.

Theresa Steinlage, Field Trainer, Kuder Inc.

What should teachers do after their students have taken the Kuder® Career Search with Person Match (interest assessment), Kuder® Skills Assessment, and Super’s Work Values Inventory? The results of these assessments provide rich information and opportunities to help students grow academically and developmentally.

Jim Toole, President & CEO; Senior Fellow, Compass Institute & the University of Minnesota School of Social Work & College of Education

There are two achievement gaps today. The first is based on the education America provides middle-class versus low-income students. The second and less visible gap is between all American students and their international peers--what Tony Wagner has called "the Global Achievement Gap." We’ll explore the mismatch between what we teach and assess with the mindset and skills students will need to succeed both in 21st century careers and citizenship.