Sunday, February 24, 2008

Sunday,

February 24, 2008

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

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INTENSIVE WORKSHOP ONE: Transforming California’s High Schools and Districts: Comprehensive Tools for Sustainable Change

In today’s and tomorrow’s world, all students must graduate with the skills they need for college, career and civic participation. To help schools and districts meet this challenge, the Education Trust—West has developed a comprehensive toolkit for deep analysis, planning and development that enables school and district leaders to transform their schools so they better serve all students.

In this interactive workshop, EdTrust—West will demonstrate how its signature toolkit, The Educational Opportunity Audit and Blueprint Design, is being used to help districts and schools analyze their students’ high school experiences, and then to develop consensus for needed policy changes. Find out how to examine and use data from student transcripts, master schedules, student assignments, academic intervention offerings, human resource practices, and meaningful public engagement to develop a responsive plan that ensures all students receive a common core curriculum that will prepare them for a full range of postsecondary options.

Presenters: Linda Murray, Superintendent in Residence, The Education Trust—West, Oakland, CA; Olivia Lynch, Director of Practice, The Education Trust—West, Oakland, CA; Tami Pearson, Administrator in Residence, The Education Trust—West, Oakland, CA

Strand: College and Work Readiness Curriculum for All

Sunday,

February 24, 2008

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

INTENSIVE WORKSHOP TWO: Empowering Community with Data: A How-To on Using and Analyzing Education Data for Local Reform

Data about our schools is more important, and more abundant than ever. But analyzing data and understanding how to use it can be overwhelming. Indeed, it is often difficult even to know where to start. And then, what comes after the data? How can it be used to inform the way decisions get made in public education?

This computer-based intensive workshop will focus on the importance of using data in school reform efforts and on elevating your voice in the ongoing push to make sure California develops the comprehensive data system it needs to continuously improve public education. The workshop will focus on how parents, students, advocates, educators and other community stakeholders can analyze and use available data to help change the way their schools work. We will also examine the limitations of current data availability and access in California, and steps the state must take if it is to build the data system necessary to transform its schools. Together we will explore how to develop a data driven movement for improving the achievement levels of all students in your community and across California. All attendees will receive a complimentary copy of the brand new EdTrust—West publication Making California Data Work: A Parent and Community Guide to Finding the Truth in Data.

Presenters: Jumoke Hinton Hodge, Director, The PLEA Initiative, Oakland, CA; Molly Mauer, Senior Associate, The Education Trust—West, Oakland, CA; Michele Sutton, Policy Analyst Fellow, The Education Trust—West, Oakland, CA

Strand: Using Data and Accountability Systems to Improve Academic Achievement

Monday, February 25, 2008

Monday,

February 25, 2008

9:15 AM – 10:30 AM

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Session 1: Addressing the College-Going Gap: Results of a Pilot Study

Presenters form UC Berkeley and UCOP will describe a recently completed pilot project designed to increase college-going among students underrepresented in California's colleges. Working in three regions of the state, they combined professional development focused teams of high school teachers with a new electronic tool that examines student transcripts. They will describe their collaborative approach, their findings, and a series of tools that will be available to a larger audience in the future.

Presenters:

Charles Dayton, Coordinator, Career Academy Support, University of California Berkeley, Graduate School of Education , Nevada City, CA; Gail Kauffman, Director, Center for Educational Partnerships; Juan D. Sanchez, Acting Director of Statewide Early Academic Outreach Program, UC Office of the President, Oakland, CA

Strand: College & Work Readiness Curriculum for All

Monday,

February 25, 2008

9:15 AM – 10:30 AM

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Session 2: Using Data to Improve Instruction: Building a Culture of Continuous Improvement

Skillful Data-Driven decision making is especially critical in schools and districts with large numbers of children of color and those struggling with poverty and learning English as a second language. This session will provide user-friendly tools for analyzing California Standards Test data in a systemic manner, drawing valid inferences from data, and using results in order to improve the effectiveness of classroom instruction and ultimately produce continuous and significant increases in student learning.

Presenter:

Dennis Fox, Consultant, Los Angeles County Office of Ecucation, Downey, CA

Strand: Using Data and Accountability to Improve Academic Achievement

Monday,

February 25, 2008

9:15 AM – 10:30 AM

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Session 3: From Enforcer to Facilitator: The State’s Transformational Role in Closing California’s Achievement Gap

This presentation will elaborate on the P-16 Council’s initial recommendations (currently in progress)—which in addition to outlining findings regarding the root factors contributing to California’s achievement gap, among them race will, when implemented, set the foundational state activities necessary for long-term continued progress toward closing California’s achievement gap. As will be illustrated in the presentation, a representative number of those recommendations will center on the common denominator of student success; the classroom teacher. 

Presenters:

Rick Miller, Deputy Superintendent, Policy Development and External Affairs Branch, California Department of Education, Sacramento, CA; Roberto Salinas, Executive Director P-16 Council, California Department of Education, Sacramento, CA

Strand: College & Work Readiness Curriculum for All

Monday,

February 25, 2008

9:15 AM – 10:30 AM

Session 4: Utilizing the New School-Based Pupil Personnel Worker Model to Increase Academic Achievement by Decreasing Truancy Suspension and Behavioral Referrals

This presentation will illuminate how pupil personnel services can be reformed to increase student achievement through the reduction of truancy, suspensions, and behavioral referrals. This model is a data-infused program utilizing a school-based service delivery method focused on proactive, systemic approaches to improving student outcomes. The presenters will utilize a combination of lecture and interactive discussion to present this new model. All participants will receive resources and data that support program effectiveness.

Presenters:

John Deasy, Superintendent of Schools, Prince George’s County Public Schools, Upper Marlboro, MD; Betty Despenza-Green, Chief of Student Services, Prince George’s County Public Schools, Upper Marlboro, MD

Strand: Catching Up: Getting Students on Track and Keeping Them There

Monday,

February 25, 2008

9:15 AM – 10:30 AM

Session 5: High Expectations – Academic Support for All

Foothill is currently ranked in the top ten high schools in California with an API of 916.  The school’s API has grown by 150 points in the last six years and its Hispanic and socio-economic disadvantaged subgroups have grown by 159 and 122 points each. The presentation will center on its Foothill Intervention Reinforcement and Enrichment (FIRE) advisory program which provides strategic school-wide academic support for all students and has played a significant role in the in the school’s academic success.

Presenters:

Joe Bova, Principal, Foothill Technology High School, Ventura, CA; Conni Carr, FIRE Coordinator, Foothill Technology High School

Ventura, CA.; Katie Tedford, FIRE Teacher Leader, Foothill Technology High School Ventura, CA.; Anthony Villa, FIRE Teacher Leader, Foothill Technology High School Ventura, CA.

Strand: Seeing is Believing

Monday,

February 25, 2008

9:15 AM – 10:30 AM

Session 6: Educational Reformers’ Greatest Resource: The Optimism and Great Expectations of California’s Young People

This workshop features a roundtable discussion with youth development directors and young people talking about the implications of a recent youth poll conducted by New America Media. In the first-ever poll of its kind, we reached out to 600 16-22 year olds via the technology they love best--their cell phones. This session examines the implications of young people's concerns and aspirations, and also seeks to ask the question: can regular youth polling help bring young people into the fold of effective education reform?

Presenters:

Carolyn Goossen, Education Projects Director, New America Media, San Francisco, CA; Kevin Weston, Youth Communications Director, New America Media, San Francisco, CA; Raj Jayadev, Editor-in-Chief, Silicon Valley De-bug, CITY? CA; Adrian Ramirez, Debug; Jasmyne Young, Yo! Youth Oulook Multimedia, San Francisco, CA; Donny Lumpkin, Yo! Youth Oulook Multimedia, San Francisco, CA

Strand: Engaging Students, Parents, and Communities

Monday,

February 25, 2008

9:15 AM – 10:30 AM

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Part I

Part II 

Session 7: Dispelling the Myth Award Winner: Hill Middle School, Long Beach Unified

Nestled at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac just east of California State University, Long Beach is Hill Classical Middle School. A diverse student body arrives on 12 buses each day to experience the “Classical Program”. Seven Years ago the school underwent a transition and moved its population (80% free and reduced lunch) from 4^th year Program Improvement status to becoming an award winner. Its accomplishments include being a National Blue Ribbon School, CA Distinguished School, Magnet School of America School, Title 1 Achievement Award winner, CAPE Award Recipient, Broad Prize Visitation School and recognition in Standards and Poor for closing the Achievement Gap. Members of the Hill staff will demonstrate how the implementation of a school wide writing program, Baldridge in Education tools, Safe and Civil School Program strategies and professional development has brought Hill from where it was to the level of achievement it has achieved today.

Presenters:

Peter Davis, Principal, Hill Classic Middle School, Long Beach Unified School District, Long Beach, CA; Sharon Barker, Language Arts Teacher, Hill Classic Middle School, Long Beach Unified School District, Long Beach, CA; Karen Maine, Mathematics Teacher – Algebra, Hill Classic Middle School, Long Beach Unified School District, Long Beach, CA

Strand: Seeing is Believing

Monday,

February 25, 2008

9:15 AM – 10:30 AM

Session 8: The Organized Binder: The Necessary Framework for Equity, Consistency and Success in High School Reform Efforts

The Organized Binder increases student academic efficacy and success, bolstering EL, mainstream, and honor students' efforts. This system has increased teacher effectiveness and classroom management by offering a framework and daily rituals for class. Among other things, The Organized Binder offers a starting routine, quarterly goal setting, a review of the previous day's topics and standards, and a quiet written reflection at the end of each class.

Presenter:

Mitch Weathers, Teacher, Sequoia High School, Redwood City, CA

Strand: Effective Teaching Matters Most           

Monday,

February 25, 2008

10:45 AM – 12:0 PM

Session 9: Hitching your Wagon to the Super Stars: The Yamato Colony Story                                             

As the story is told, seven years ago, Livingston schools were among the lowest performing in the state of California.  Session participants will journey through an enchanting tale about the Yamato Colony Kingdom and how the “Old and Wise” Wizard, with a swish of the systemic change wand and a potion of data with a pinch of accountability, developed a magnet for “Super Stars.”  Key strategies in recruiting the best, providing ongoing staff development and celebrating successes are the three “aces” that session participants will gain.  Yamato Colony Elementary School’s transformation from high-poverty, low-performance status to high performance status is a moving story built on replicable research-based practices.

Presenters:

Henry Escobar, Superintendent, Livingston Unified School District, Livingston, CA; Andres Zamora, Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services, Livingston Unified School District, Livingston, CA

Strand: Seeing is Believing

Monday,

February 25, 2008

10:45 AM – 12:00PM

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Session 10: Failure to Complete College: Implications for California’s Grim Economic Future

This presentation will analyze the educational outcomes and economic impact of the failure of students to complete their community college programs. The focus will be on the achievement gap between race, ethnicity, and geographic location in Ca. Comparisons will be made between 2 and 4 year colleges and universities, full and part time students, and those who enroll soon after high school completion. Projections will be made for the next 20 years including declining skills and loss of income.   The presentation will provide an understanding of secondary school preparation issues, and the lack of signals secondary students receive concerning community college standards such as placement tests. Solutions will be proposed using four state policy levers: standards alignment, finance incentives, data systems, and accountability for K-16.

Presenter:

Mike Kirst, Professor Emeritus, Stanford School of Education , Stanford, CA                                     

Strand: College & Work Readiness Curriculum for All

Monday,

February 25, 2008

10:45 AM – 12:00PM

Session 11: Dispelling the Myth Award Winner: KIPP San Francisco Bay Academy

KIPP San Francisco Bay Academy is the top performing middle school in all of San Francisco USD, and stands out as one of the highest performing high poverty, high minority middle schools in the state. Come have a conversation with principal and founder Lydia Glassie and her staff to learn about strategies and tools used at KIPP SF Bay for ensuring continuous improvement and sustaining success.

Presenter:

Lydia Glassie, Principal and Founder, KIPP San Francisco Bay Academy Middle School, San Francisco Unified School District, San Francisco, CA

Strand: Seeing is Believing

Monday,

February 25, 2008

10:45 AM – 12:00PM

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Session 12: Certification with an Impact: The New Teacher Project’s Practitioner Teacher Program Model Certification

Certification Programs can fall short when it comes to preparing alternate route teachers for challenging positions. The New Teacher Project has developed the Practitioner Teacher Program to provide an efficient, effective path to certification that is linked to the realities of high-need schools, connected to standards, and tailored to career changers. This session will discuss the innovative Practitioner Teacher Program and how it is making a difference to new teachers, their schools and their students. 

Presenters:

Fiona Lin, Partner, Training and Certification, The New Teacher Project, New York, NY; Lisa Barrett, Partner, Teaching Fellow Programs, The New Teacher Project, Oakland, CA

Strand: Effective Teaching Matters Most

Monday,

February 25, 2008

10:45 AM – 12:00PM

Session 13: Effective Districts, Schools, and Classrooms for English Learner Achievement

Most of the 5 million English Learners in our schools fall behind academically. And they fall farther behind their peers, the longer they stay in school. What causes this wide gap in achievement? Some believe that home language and cultural background put ELs at a “disadvantage.”

But there are pockets of excellence, where ELs achieve to high standards, in spite of their “disadvantages.” This presentation describes the results of a review of the major studies on characteristics of effective classrooms, schools, and districts that foster high achievement for ALL students.

Presenter:

Zoe Ann Brown, Senior Program Associate, WestED, Oakland, CA

Strand: Catching Up: Getting Students on Track and Keeping Them There

Monday,

February 25, 2008

10:45 AM – 12:00PM

Session 14: Another Mission Possible: Using Value-Added Assessment to Differentiate Pay and Improve Schools

Guilford County Schools (GCS, Greensboro, North Carolina) will present a staff incentive program designed to attract and retain teachers for select schools and to reward teachers for outstanding academic results. GCS Mission Possible is much more than annual recruitment stipends and performance pay. It is a comprehensive program for teachers in select schools focusing on high quality staff development and smaller class sizes. GCS Mission Possible schools will be professional learning communities with supportive leaders and collaborative work environments. 

Presenter:

Dr. Eric Becoats, Chief of Staff, Guilford County Schools, Greensboro, NC

Strand: Effective Teaching Matters Most

Monday,

February 25, 2008

10:45 AM – 12:00PM

Session 15: Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) – From High School to Transfer, A Pathway for Educationally Disadvantaged Students

Participants will learn the structure of the pathway that MESA has created and is using to encourage and reinforce student commitment to excellence in fields that are mathematics intensive.  MESA components used to introduce high school students to the rigors of baccalaureate granting institutions such as Johns Hopkins will be highlighted.  Experiential learning with hands-on projects, academic advising with personal educational plans, and the importance of a student community sharing the challenge of mathematics, science and technology are defined.  MESA students attending schools that do not provide AP classes or supplemental opportunities can find additional opportunity through the use of local community college classes, and participants will learn how to utilize the system for their own students. Data collection for the purpose of tracking students through the pathway will be emphasized and the success of students who enter community college MESA programs with gaps in preparation will be presented.

Presenter:

Lucy Casale, Director, MESA Community College Programs, Oakland, CA               

Strand: The Role of Business & University Partnerships

Monday,

February 25, 2008

10:45 AM – 12:00PM

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Session 16: Preventing Special Education Through Early Intervention                  

This presentation will provide participants with an overview of the impact of an early intervention program for K-12 students who are at-risk for reading failure. The panel will describe the project, focusing upon key strategies that have yielded the most significant results. The presenters will identify the steps necessary to replicate the project and will review the student achievement data.

Presenters:

Debra Bradley, Superintendent of Schools, Sausalito Marin City Schools, Sausalito, CA; Gerry Klor, Director of Special Education and Student Services, Sausalito Marin City Schools, Sausalito, CA; Cherisse Baatin, Principal Bayside Elementary School, Sausalito, CA; Kathryn Stratton, Resource Specialist, Bayside Elementary School, Sausalito, CA; Jennifer Banks, Kindergarten Teacher, Bayside Elementary School, Sausalito, CA

Strand: Catching Up: Getting Students in Track and Keeping Them There

Monday,

February 25, 2008

1:45 AM – 3:00PM

Session 17: Reaching All: Accelerating Underserved Students with AVID

This session explores how Advancement Via Individual Achievement (AVID)’s system of acceleration and support not only prepares low-income students for college and careers, but can be a catalyst for building a college-going culture that transforms entire schools. Participants will be introduced to evidence-based strategies and case studies, honed over 26 years of practice, which are currently being used in 2,700 schools in 39 states and 15 countries.

Presenter:

Granger Ward, Executive Vice President-California Initiatives, AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination),