35thANNUAL STATE CONFERENCE - Minnesota Middle School

Transcription

35thANNUAL STATE CONFERENCE
BLOOMINGTON, MINNESOTA
DECEMBER 3-4, 2015
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Exhibitor Hall
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Veranda
Ballroom
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Grand Ballroom Foyer
Elevators
Registration Table
Bloomington
Edina
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Atrium
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Grand Ballroom
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EMPOWER!
Table of Contents
Helpful Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
MMSA Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Special Thanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Awards & Special Recognition
MMSA Art Contest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
MOYA Writing Contest Winner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Middle Level Educator of the Year: Jon Larson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Keynote Speakers .. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Program Schedule – Thursday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Opening Session – Thursday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Breakout Sessions – Thursday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-27
Program Schedule – Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Opening Session – Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Breakout Sessions – Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31-43
Conference Schedule Planner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but
people will never forget how you made them feel.
~ Maya Angelou
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Helpful Information
RE GI ST RA T I ON
The Registration Table is located in the Bloomington/
Edina Foyer.
REM EM B ER . . .
Official Conference Badges Required
Identification badges are included in your registration
materials. MMSA conference badges should be worn
at all times, not only as a courtesy to other attendees,
but also as an indication that you are registered.
Badges must be worn to gain admittance to breakout
sessions, lunch, and the Exhibit Hall.
Continuing Education Units are available for the
whole day, as well as, for the sessions that qualify
for the required components. All CEUs will be
available online at the MMSA website after you
complete a brief survey about the conference.
Administrator CEUs are also available online.
If you have any questions after the conference,
Contact Jason Miller at [email protected]
S ILE N T A U C T I ON
Thursday & Friday ~ 7:30 a.m. – 12:50 p.m.
Grand Ballroom Foyer
Shop for great bargains just in time for the
holidays on a large selection of quality items.
100% of your purchase price will go to work in
classrooms around the state through the MMSA
mini grant program!
Please take time to visit with the
companies and organizations in the
Exhibit Hall. Showcased are innovative
and educationally supportive ideas and
resources for people who touch the lives of
young adolescents. MMSA urges conference
attendees to schedule time to visit the Exhibit
Hall and thank exhibitors for their support
of middle level education.
PU BL I CA T IO N TA BL E
Located across from the Registration Table, the
Publications Table is the place to be! The latest
and best professional resources available for
middle level educators will be available for review
and purchase. A full list of titles available is located
on pages 38-39 of the conference program.
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Welcome
The Minnesota Middle School Association
Board of Directors
Welcomes You to the 35th Annual
State Conference
**Steve Norlin-Weaver: Executive Director, Retired Principal
Jason Miller: President, Assistant Principal, Waseca Jr. and Sr. High School
Chris Bussmann: President Elect, Principal, Levi P. Dodge Middle School
**Tami Jo Cook: Treasurer, Dean of Students, South View Middle School
Kristi Quade-Wiedrich: Secretary, Teacher, Kellogg Middle School
Melissa Benjamin: Board Director, Teacher, Orono Middle School
Ron Browne: Board Director, Associate Professor, Minnesota State University, Mankato
**Dan Edwards: Board Director, Principal, Twin Oaks Middle School
**Patrick Fox: Board Director, Principal, St. Michael Catholic School
Jan Heyerdahl: Board Director, Teacher, Buffalo Community Middle School
Brad Kelvington: Board Director, Principal, Foley Intermediate School
Cindy Kucera: Board Director, Dean of Students, Highview Middle School
Lori Lockhart: Board Director, Principal, Roosevelt Elementary
Sandy Loney: Board Director, Teacher, Forestview Middle School
Angi McAndrews, Board Director, Assistant Principal, Fairbault Middle School
Jerry Meschke: Board Director, Principal, Centennial Middle School
Margaret Porter: Board Director, Retired Teacher
Jennifer Reichel: Board Director, Director of Teaching and Learning, Hastings Public Schools
Sarah Reif: Board Director, Dean of Students, Discovery Middle School
Annette Strom Board Director, Teacher, Woodland Middle School
**Former MMSA President
Visit www.mmsa.info for more information about joining our board!
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MMSA Opportunities
Check out our
website for
exciting MMSA programs
and opportunities!!
• Educator of the Year
• MOYA Writing Contest
• Twins Attendance Program
• MMSA Mini Grants
and much more!
2015 Conference Registration
& Presenter Forms
MMSA Constitution
MMSA Board of Directors
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Special Thanks
MMSA thanks the 2015 Exhibitors and Sponsors!!
BG Innovations
Club's Choice Fundraising
Eagle Bluff ELC
GOPHER SPORT
H2O For Life
Healing Stones
Horace Mann
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Minnesota Historical Society
Minnesota Twins
MN Field Trip Library
Ordway Center for Performing Arts
Origins Program
Park Nicollet Melrose Institute
Pearson
Rock In Prevention
Sadlier
Special Olympics Minnesota
St. Mary's University of Minnesota
Youth Frontiers
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MMSA Art Contest Winner
Hayley Kositzke
In her own words . . .
When I look at the word empower I think of giving someone strength
to do the impossible, courage to stand up for what you believe in, and
power to hold up the people around you. Inside of yourself I believe
that everyone has a voice that tells you to follow your heart and to not
listen to what others tell you because you are best judge of what you
want to do. The decision you make today could have good and bad
consequences tomorrow. That’s why you have to have trust in yourself
and that’s how you can become courageous and strong hearted. Giving
someone power isn’t like taking over and ruling over someone. Having
power inside and out takes courage, strength, trust in yourself,
standing up for what you believe in, not backing down, believing in
what’s right, and most of all of being empowered you need to be
yourself! That’s why I choose those words to be on my drawing. Then I
just choose to do that background and make “empower” 3-D.
About Me:
My name is Hayley Kositzke, I am 12 years old and go to the Buffalo
Community Middle School. During my free time I love to read, draw, and
play my violin. My favorite things to draw are landscapes and animals.
My art teacher Mrs. Post is a wonderful teacher and has helped me
grow as an artist over my 6th and so far 7th grade years. I am so happy I
have won this art contest because it means so much me and shows how
I have thrived as an artist! Thank you so much.
Congratulations to Hayley for winning the
MMSA Art Contest! The logo she created
is featured on the program cover. As the
winner, Hayley received $100 from MMSA
for her terrific work.
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MMSA Month of the Young Adolescent
Essay Contest Winner
Randell Joseph
Wishart
Congratulations to Randell for winning the
MMSA Month of the Young Adolescent
Essay Contest! As the winner, Randell
received $100 from MMSA for his great essay
and his teacher also received $100 to use in
their classroom.
Tell the story of a time you faced a challenge or were asked to do
something you felt was difficult and describe how someone or something
empowered you to succeed.
I had the mile run and I didn’t want to do it because I didn’t want to get the
worst time in the history of times. I was asked to run the mile and I was really
nervous and to do this so I went to my mom asked her what I could do. She told
me to empower myself and I asked her what empower means and she said “It’s
where you give yourself confidence.” I didn’t want to get the worst time in the
history of times because usually everyone laughs at me when I do. I told myself
just do one walk around and a jog, and so I ran it and I finished it. It was actually
the best feeling in the world! I got 14:32 and I felt great about it. I empowered
myself to finish and everyone was cheering. I was super tired after that day. I
told everyone my time and they congratulated me. That is how empowerment
helped me succeed.
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MMSA Coleen Yatchoske
Middle Level Educator of the Year
#1
Cheryl Howe
The 2015 Coleen Yatckoske Middle Level Educator of the Year is Cheryl Howe. In her
work at the Math and Science Academy in Woodbury, Ms. Howe takes pride in engaging
students, grades 6 through 8, in a rigorous science curriculum to encourage solving,
and explore and understand a wide variety of science and engineering concepts. She
is instrumental in helping students use technology to support their learning while using
a variety of teaching and learning methods including experiments, demonstrations,
cooperative learning, modeling and concept maps, and constructivist and direct
instruction. In addition to many leadership roles in her school she is also heavily
involved in student leadership and enrichment activities. She has coordinated middle
school science bowl teams and advised the Astronomy Club, Green Club, and Chess
Club. She is a dedicated educator who colleagues describe as being able to cultivate
environments of love and respect.
To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might
be the world.
~ Anonymous
Co-sponsored by
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Keynote Speakers
Dr. Sharon Faber
Regardless of what you call them, the 21st century is
more standards focused than ever before! What can
middle school teachers and schools do to make sure
this journey is successful for everyone involved-parents, teachers, and students? Dr. Faber will
provide a realistic and humorous approach to middle
school kids and teachers in a time when the world is
constantly changing.
Special Olympics is a global movement of people
creating a new world of inclusion and
community, a world in which every single
person is accepted and welcomed regardless of
ability or disability. We are helping to make the
world a better, healthier and more joyful
place—one athlete, one volunteer, one family
member at a time.
Special Olympics Minnesota is founded on the
belief that people with intellectual disabilities
can, with proper instruction and encouragement, learn, enjoy and benefit from participation in
individual and team sports, adapted as necessary to meet the needs of those with intellectual and
physical disabilities.
Special Olympics Minnesota believes that consistent training is essential to the development of
sports skills, and that competition among those of equal abilities is the most appropriate means of
testing these skills, measuring progress and providing incentives for personal growth.
Special Olympics Minnesota believes that through sports training and competition, people with
intellectual disabilities benefit physically, mentally and socially; families are strengthened; and the
community at large, both through participation and observation, is united in understanding
people with intellectual disabilities in an environment of equality, respect and acceptance.
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Program Schedule – Thursday
Conference Registration
7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . Grand Ballroom Foyer
Continental Breakfast
7:30 a.m. – 7:55 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . Grand Ballroom Foyer
Student Entertainment
7:40 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grand Ballroom
General Session
Exhibitor Hall Break
9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Exhibitor Hall
Session One
10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.
Morning Break
10:50 a.m. – 11:10 a.m.
Session Two
11:10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m. – 12:20 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grand Ballroom
Educator of the Year Luncheon
12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grand Ballroom
Silent Auction Ends!
12:50 p.m.
Session Three
1:15 p.m. – 2:05 p.m.
Afternoon Break
2:05 p.m. – 2:25 p.m.
Session Four
2:25 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Hidden Oaks/Twin Oaks Middle Schools 8th Grade Girls’ Choir, Prior Lake - Directed by Terri Thomas and Alicia Fitchett
Pioneer Ridge Middle School 8th Grade Band, Chaska - Directed by Scott Prescott
Special Guest of Honor: Cheryl Howe, 2015 MMSA Middle Level Educator of the Year
Drawing for a $50 gift certificate to the Mall of America and other prizes provided by exhibitors. Register at the
MMSA Publications Table across from the Registration Table.
Items not paid for by 2:05 p.m. will go to the next highest bidder.
$50 MOA Gift Card Giveaway!
Gather at the Registration Table for a chance to win $50 for the Mall of America! Be sure you have turned in your
tickets at the Publications Table!
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Opening Session – Thursday
Welcome
Dr. Jason Miller, President, MMSA
Greetings & Announcements
Steve Norlin-Weaver, Executive Director, MMSA
Keynote Address
Sharon Faber
Empowerment and Success at the Middle Level
Sharon Faber is an international consultant and literacy specialist who motivates and inspires
educators everywhere she speaks. She is a life-long educator with experience as a classroom
teacher, building and central office administrator, staff development trainer, and university
professor. Dr. Faber received her doctorate from the University of Virginia, her masters from the
University of Texas at San Antonio, and her bachelor’s degree from Midwestern State University.
Sharon has presented at state, national, and international conferences, has been an invited author
for educational journals, and her books, How to Teach Reading When You Are Not a Reading
Teacher and How to Teach Academic Vocabulary have been widely used by educators at all levels.
Known for her dynamic and energizing workshops and sense of humor, she leaves educators
inspired with ideas and materials they can immediately apply in their schools. Sharon is known for
her practical, hands-on approach, and teaching ideas that engage and motivate students.
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Breakout Sessions – Thursday
Thursday: Session One
Thursday: Session Two
10:00 – 10:50
11:10 – 12:00
Bloomington:
Standards-Based Literacy: How to Teach
Reading When You’re NOT a Reading Teacher
Bloomington:
Getting to the ʺCoreʺ of Writing
Edina:
Developing Positive Learning Culture
Edina:
Helping Students Who Feel Stupid
Veranda 1:
Let's Get Real About Building Character: The 8
Keys of Excellence
Veranda 1:
A Learner's Mindset Changes Everything
Veranda 2:
What does it mean to be a child in today's
world?
Veranda 2:
Late, Lost, Unprepared – Students as Citizensin-Training (Fostering Life Skills of Middle
School Students)
Veranda 3:
Teacher Leadership: Understanding, Growing,
and Empowering Teacher Leadership
Veranda 3:
Exciting Strategy for Formative Assessing and
More in a One-to-One Device Environment
Veranda 4:
Building a Culture of Innovation
Veranda 4:
ATLAS: Achieving To Learn Academic
Success—A look inside a successful Middle
School ALP School-Within-a-School
Veranda 5:
Social Studies, Science and Agriculture - OH
MY!
Veranda 5:
Strategies for Math Intervention
Veranda 6:
The Achievement Gap: Why the Brain Matters
Veranda 6:
Sustaining PBIS: Practical Tools
Veranda 7:
Our Favorite Digital Tools for Formative
Assessment
Veranda 7:
Journey to Personalized Learning
Veranda 8:
Accommodations to Meet the Academic Needs
of Tier 2 and 3 Learners
Veranda 8:
Free and Simple Formative Assessment Tools
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Thursday: Session Three
Thursday: Session Four
Bloomington:
How to Teach Academic Vocabulary So Kids
Can Remember
Bloomington:
Literacy and Leadership: Putting It All
Together
Edina:
The Frame: Seeing Things Differently
Edina:
Top 20 Teachers Engage Students through
Relevancy and Star Qualities
2:25 – 3:15
1:15 – 2:05
Veranda 1:
Sleep and the Brain
Veranda 1:
The Mindset Revolution – Increasing Positive
School Climate and Teacher Engagement
Veranda 2:
Our Favorite Digital Tools for Formative
Assessment
Veranda 2:
Sustaining PBIS: Practical Tools
Veranda 3:
Teacher Leadership: Understanding, Growing,
and Empowering Teacher Leadership
Veranda 3:
Using Accountable Talk to Advance Learning
for All
Veranda 4:
Practical Approaches to Differentiation
Veranda 4:
Struggling Readers: Assessment and
Remediation for Fluency
Veranda 5:
Social Studies, Science and Agriculture - OH
MY!
Veranda 5:
Accommodations to Meet the Academic Needs
of Tier 2 and 3 Learners
Veranda 6:
Essentials to RTI
Veranda 6:
Breaking Barriers through Community Building
Veranda 7:
Gamifying a Journalism Unit
Veranda 7:
Assessing Resilience to Predict Academic
Outcomes, Improve Teacher Effectiveness and
Graduation Rates, plus Improve School Climate
Veranda 8:
What to Do with Google Classroom
Veranda 8:
Myths and Facts About Copyright
Remember: CEUs available
online at www.mmsa.info!
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Thursday: Session One ~ 10:00 – 10:50
Bloomington: Standards-Based Literacy: How to Teach Reading When You’re NOT a Reading
Teacher
Dr. Sharon Faber, Keynote Speaker
What do you mean that all kids can't read by 4th grade? We're standards based, and it's hard to teach
them all the same standards when you have kids reading on so many levels in the same
classroom. While many teachers were not trained to teach reading in their content, they get students
who are struggling readers or even non-readers in their classes. How do we modify our current
teaching strategies to make sure that the major themes in the common core standards are met? This
session will provide specific and practical techniques that can be used by teachers in all subject areas to
assist students with their comprehension and vocabulary skills.
CEU: Evidence of Reading Preparation
Edina: Helping Students Who Feel Stupid
Tom Cody, Author/Teacher, Top 20 Training
Kevin Brennan, Author/Trainer, Top 20 Training
Learning cannot take place if students believe that they are too "stupid" to learn. Join us for this session,
where we will take a one-of-a-kind look at the student responses when they feel this way, as well as the
five main causes of the feeling of stupid in middle schools. The session will conclude with easilyapplicable strategies to keep stupid out of our classrooms.
CEU: Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies
Veranda 1: A Learner's Mindset Changes Everything
Dr. Jenifer Severson, Educational Consultant, Quantum Learning Education
This session is strictly for new teachers and the 5-9th grade arena of students. This session will explore
the power of mindset. The brain has 6 natural learning systems: social, emotional, physical, implicit,
cognitive and reflective. In this session we will address how learning and memory are impacted by the
social-emotional structures and how to learn faster, more efficiently using current neuroscience to
guide the impact of the learner’s mindset. By addressing the brain's natural learning systems we can
offer practical tools to address your role as a teacher. Our leadership mindset and how our brain's
natural learning systems come into play make or break the success of any interaction. Come and find
out how to capture that learner mindset and teach it to others.
CEU: Accommodation, Modification, and Adaptation of Curriculum Materials and Instruction
.
Veranda 2: What does it mean to be a child in today's world?
Holly Bartholow, English Teacher, Twin Oaks Middle School, Prior Lake
When you ask your students to think about what it means to be a child in today's world, their answers
are drastically different from how kids around the world would answer the same question. Using the
essential question, learn how to guide kids from thinking egocentrically to thinking globally, all while
meeting ELA standards for both literature and informational texts.
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Veranda 3: Teacher Leadership: Understanding, Growing, and Empowering Teacher Leadership
Dr. Michael Coquyt, Assistant Professor, Minnesota State University Moorhead
Dr. Julie Swaggert, Assistant Professor, Minnesota State University Moorhead
Teacher leadership is a way to empower teachers to reach their fullest potential. The Teacher Leader
Model Standards (TLMS) are used to offer some form of a conceptual framework in regards to teacher
leadership. The study of teacher leadership is not new; however the actual practice of teacher
leadership is. The teacher leader model standards consist of seven domains. Each domain contains a
number of different functions that describe the role of teacher leaders both in schools and in school
districts. Some schools have well documented processes that empower teacher leaders, while others
are in their infancy in their exploration of teacher leadership.
Veranda 4: Building a Culture of Innovation
Caleb Lee, Instructional Coach, Minnetonka Public Schools
Else Goll, Math Teacher and Innovation Coach, Minnetonka Public Schools
Based on the successful Innovation Program at Minnetonka Public Schools we will: Identify barriers to
innovative behavior, provide strategies to facilitate creativity in the innovation process, understand
and recognize what innovation looks like at the ground level that impacts learning.
Veranda 5: Social Studies, Science and Agriculture - OH MY!
Sue Knott, Education Specialist, Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom
Discover the many connections that agricultural animals and plants and the food they produce have in
achieving middle school academic standards in Science and Social Studies. Participants will complete a
variety of standards-based, hands-on activities applicable to a wide range of learners. These lessons
will serve as a starting point for educators to brainstorm opportunities to use current topics in animal
and plant production, and locally grown foods as a vehicle for contextualizing learning. FREE
resources, such as our Food for Thought geography resource and AgMag magazine series, will be
shared with all attendees!!
Veranda 6: The Achievement Gap: Why the Brain Matters
Bondo Nyembwe, Executive Director, Academia Cesar Chavez
Justin Tiarks, Principal, St. Paul City School
Everyone agrees that what we do in schools should be based on what we know about how the brain
learns. Until recently, however, we have had few clues to unlock the secrets of the brain. Now,
research from the neurosciences has greatly improved our understanding of the learning process, and
we have a much more solid foundation on which to base educational decisions. In this presentation we
will outline the implications that recent research has for practice, why meaning is essential for
attention, how emotion can enhance or impede learning, and how rehearsal is necessary for learning.
CEU: Understanding Key Warning Signs of Early-Onset Mental Illness in Children/Adolescents
Veranda 7: Our Favorite Digital Tools for Formative Assessment
Dr. Trish Harvey, Assistant Professor, Hamline University
Dr. Karen Moroz, Associate Professor, Hamline University
Technology integration often focuses on a digital tool rather than how it can be used to facilitate and
increase student learning. This session introduces digital tools for formative assessment and provides
practice using technology tools to increase their use by teachers and students. Formative assessment is
a research-based effective teaching and learning strategy, documented to increase student achievement
and to help inform teachers’ instruction. Throughout this session digital tools will be modeled that
allow both students and teachers to formatively assess student understanding and determine next steps
in learning. Free, online tools that do not require an account will be emphasized. BYOD session.
CEU: Integrate Technology Effectively with Student Learning to Increase Engagement and Student
Achievement
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Veranda 8: Accommodations to Meet the Academic Needs of Tier 2 and 3 Learners
Lexy Wenzel, Reading Intervention Teacher, Dakota Meadows Middle School
Carmen Strahan, Principal, Dakota Meadows Middle School
In this session you will learn tricks and tips for working with Tier 2 and Tier 3 learners with academic
reading needs. The session will consist of information on the various needs of the learners and how we
can engage and help them be more successful in the general education classroom. We will also discuss
what intervention teachers do differently, which will easily transfer into everyday lessons and content
areas. Strategies and tips will be shared to support reading needs for Tiers 1, 2, and 3.
Life’s challenges are not supposed
to paralyze you, they’re supposed to
help you discover who you are.
-Bernice Johnson Reagon
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Thursday: Session Two ~ 11:10 – 12:00
Bloomington: Getting to the "Core" of Writing
Writing is a key element to increase student achievement and can help students better comprehend
what they are reading in any content area. To implement the writing standards, teachers in all content
areas need to include writing in their lessons. This session will focus on the best ways to teach writing
without being a writing expert or having to spend hours grading papers. Come learn some practical
writing strategies that can be used with students that will meet the standards and increase student
achievement.
Edina: Developing Positive Learning Culture
The culture of a school building is a critical factor in student learning and academic achievement.
This unique session will take a look at four ways to drastically improve the culture in a school
environment:
1) Helping other succeed
2) Communicating "you matter"
3) Honoring the absent
4) Seeing and owning problems
Veranda 1: Let's Get Real About Building Character: The 8 Keys of Excellence
This session is for school leaders who are interested in building strong character for the whole school
culture. How does the school leader align with staff on a set of core ideas that don't just hang on the
school walls but truly come alive in the day to day functioning of the school building? Consider this
session as an avenue to breakthrough to new heights with your staff, students and community. Get the
8 Keys of Excellence – they are relevant for the day-to-day operations and provide what Peter Senge,
called “common language” that propels organizations forward faster.
Veranda 2: Late, Lost, Unprepared – Students as Citizens-in-Training (Fostering Life Skills of
Middle School Students)
Sasha Kuznetsov, Principal, Hidden Oaks Middle School
There are two reasons students do not do what we ask them to do – they are either not willing or not
able. In this session, you will learn how to recognize what stands in the way of learning or in not
following directions and how you as a teacher can foster students, as citizens-in-training, to learn the
necessary skills to be successful in school. You will walk away with specific, easy to implement
strategies in creating a positive classroom culture by setting limits and how to follow up with students
who might need additional support.
If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough!
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Veranda 3: Exciting Strategies for Formative Assessing and More in a One-to-One Device
Environment
Thomas Condon, Teacher, Minnetonka Middle School West
GoFormative is: A platform for real-time formative assessments, a FREE next-generation student
response system. Use on any platform. Very straightforward to set up and no need for laborious time
spent creating classes. Four level of assessment: multiple choice, T/F, free text and drawing. The
drawing feature is a real plus!!!! Works great for math classrooms – students have to show work for the
problems! Create your own assignments from scratch or using existing PDF files. You can see
responses being added real time and grade on the fly. Yes … it is free!
The following uses of Goformative will be demonstrated:
Daily Formative Assessments
Classroom Lesson
Flipped/Blended Lesson
Homework
Enrichment
Achievement
Veranda 4: ATLAS: Achieving to Learn Academic Success—A look inside a successful Middle
Libby Daniels, Teacher, Twin Oaks Middle School
Jaime Serbus, School Social Worker, Twin Oaks Middle School
Carrollyn Schuldt, Teacher, Twin Oaks Middle School
We will be presenting our middle school school-within-a-school that services students in grades 7 and
8. We will focus on the program structure as a tier 2 intervention in RtI, the necessity to include social
and emotional development in our program, teaching strategies and components that encourage
movement, technology, and service and experiential learning.
Veranda 5: Strategies for Math Intervention
Jenna Byron, Math Intervention Teacher, Dakota Meadows Middle School
In this session, we will explore math intervention strategies that will help students enjoy math. We will
explore a twist on bellringers that will motivate students to participate, encourage move it in the
classroom, and master is sensual math skills we will discuss the importance of early relationship
building to assist students in achieving their highest potential.
Veranda 6: Sustaining PBIS: Practical Tools
Sarah Marxhausen, Assistant Principal, Princeton Middle School
Dan Voce, Principal, Princeton Middle School
Nicole Lehmann, Teacher, Princeton Middle School
Ashley Croteau, Teacher, Princeton Middle School
Michelle Cunningham, Teacher, Princeton Middle School
Princeton middle school has been a PBIS school for 10+ years! Come learn how we got started, how we
were able to sustain PBIS at a secondary level, and how we incorporate students into PBIS!
20
Veranda 7: Journey to Personalized Learning
George Peoples, 6th Grade Social Studies Teacher, Chaska Middle School West
Personalized learning can take many forms. It is a mindset through which you approach teaching and
learning. In this session learn how a middle school teacher has transformed his classroom from a
points-based sit and get classroom to a standards based, interactive, fun, learning space where students
have voice and choice in their learning. Learn how one teacher is working to develop a growth mindset
in his students. In this session you will also learn about some of the technology tools that can be used to
transform your classroom.
Veranda 8: Free and Simple Formative Assessment Tools
Tammi Wilkins, Innovation Coordinator, Duluth Public Schools
In this session, participants will learn about and explore a few technology based tools to use for
formative assessment. We will begin at the simplest, most basic tool and work our way up to tools with
a bit more capability and reporting. All of these tools are device agnostic, meaning they will function
on a computer, tablet, smartphone or any device with wifi connection.
Achievement
21
Thursday: Session Three ~ 1:15 – 2:05
Bloomington: How to Teach Academic Vocabulary So Kids Can Remember
Every teacher knows what it is like to have students memorize words for the vocabulary test and then
not know what the same words mean two weeks later. How do words get learned and stay
learned? What criteria should we use to select words for explicit instruction? What are the most
essential words in academic text across all subject areas? How do we make vocabulary learning
engaging and fun? Come to this session and learn what the research tells us is the best way to teach
academic vocabulary to your students so they will retain what they know in long term memory.
Edina: The Frame: Seeing Things Differently
Changing our paradigm changes our results. Teachers are often "stuck" and frustrated when faced with
challenges. This upbeat session will offer an alternative: The Frame. Participants will learn the "see-feeldo-get" model and take a close look at curiosity and blame. Teachers will also be offered practical ways
to "see" differently and make a positive difference in their classroom environments.
Veranda 1: Sleep and the Brain
Have you ever wondered why it's so vital to "get a good night's sleep?" This session will give clear and
easy to understand neuroscience to help you understand the "why" behind the value of sleep and
inspire you to shift your thinking on the power of rest. Pausing throughout the day, setting reminders,
affirmations and/or power statements that will allow you to be more present and effective in your
work, and with family.
CEU: Understanding Key Warning Signs of Early-Onset Mental Illness in Children/Adolescents,
Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies
Veranda 2: Our Favorite Digital Tools for Formative Assessment
Dr. Trish Harvey, Assistant Professor, Hamline University
Dr. Karen Moroz, Associate Professor, Hamline University
Technology integration often focuses on a digital tool rather than how it can be used to facilitate and
increase student learning. This session introduces digital tools for formative assessment and provides
practice using technology tools to increase their use by teachers and students. Formative assessment is
a research-based effective teaching and learning strategy, documented to increase student achievement
and to help inform teachers’ instruction. Throughout this session digital tools will be modeled that
allow both students and teachers to formatively assess student understanding and determine next steps
in learning. Free, online tools that do not require an account will be emphasized. BYOD session.
Achievement
22
Veranda 3: Teacher Leadership: Understanding, Growing, and Empowering Teacher Leadership
Dr. Michael Coquyt, Assistant Professor, Minnesota State University Moorhead
Dr. Julie Swaggert, Assistant Professor, Minnesota State University Moorhead
Teacher leadership is a way to empower teachers to reach their fullest potential. The Teacher Leader
Model Standards (TLMS) are used to offer some form of a conceptual framework in regards to teacher
leadership. The study of teacher leadership is not new; however the actual practice of teacher
leadership is. The teacher leader model standards consist of seven domains. Each domain contains a
number of different functions that describe the role of teacher leaders both in schools and in school
districts. Some schools have well documented processes that empower teacher leaders, while others
are in their infancy in their exploration of teacher leadership.
Veranda 4: Practical Approaches to Differentiation
Kaela Rekucki, English Teacher, South View Middle School
Tricia Pettis, English Educator, South View Middle School
Practical strategies to help you differentiate your teaching in order to meet the diverse needs of your
students. This is a great place to begin evaluating how you differentiate and in turn begin working
toward becoming an educator equipped to create more personalized learning for your students.
Veranda 5: Social Studies, Science and Agriculture - OH MY!
Sue Knott, Education Specialist, Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom
Discover the many connections that agricultural animals and plants and the food they produce have in
achieving middle school academic standards in Science and Social Studies. Participants will complete a
variety of standards-based, hands-on activities applicable to a wide range of learners. These lessons
will serve as a starting point for educators to brainstorm opportunities to use current topics in animal
and plant production, and locally grown foods as a vehicle for contextualizing learning. FREE
resources, such as our Food for Thought geography resource and AgMag magazine series, will be
shared with all attendees!!
Veranda 6: Essentials to RTI
Jodie Wellman, RTI Math Teacher, Faribault Middle School
Samantha Malotke, RTI Math Teacher, Faribault Middle School
This presentation will focus on RtI (Response to Intervention) for middle school mathematics. We will
be addressing the definition of RtI, which students are chosen for RtI services, and the differences
between the different tiers of intervention. We will also be discussing how to progress monitor
students, grouping of students based on their individual needs, benefits of working with and
collaborating with other teachers, strategies and manipulatives to use in the classroom, and how to
make RtI work for your school.
Veranda 7: Gamifying a Journalism Unit
Matt Whittaker, Technology Coordinator & 8th Grade English, Duluth Marshall School
Turn your class into a functioning journalism company for either a unit or intermittently for over the
year. I will begin with my journey in bringing journalism into my 8th grade Language Arts class, as
well as cover how students can earn mastery in selected standards by tying those criteria to certain
company roles. The class’s paper is published for the Middle School and parent audience, and students
use that authentic feedback to make changes to their process and product. The latest change is moving
to a bi-monthly newsletter format, where students compile news from the class and Middle School.
Achievement
23
Veranda 8: What to Do with Google Classroom
In this session, participants will learn about Google Classroom, Google's classroom file management
system that is almost a Learning Management System. Google Classroom makes it easy for your
students to submit assignments online and simple for you to post them there. You can use your own
templates and send each student a copy or you can allow the students to create the document. Google
is adding new features to Classroom and mobile app functionality is growing all the time. You will be
able to view Google Classroom from the student perspective as well as from the teacher perspective.
Achievement
A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an
optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.
~Winston Churchill
24
Thursday: Session Four ~ 2:25 – 3:15
Bloomington: Literacy and Leadership: Putting it All Together
Are your teachers struggling with what to do with students who lack motivation and the reading skills
they need to learn? As the student population becomes increasingly diverse, educators are faced with
the challenge of providing academically rigorous instruction to all students. Because this requires
teachers to adopt new strategies that challenge learners to think at higher levels; it will subsequently
require leaders to intentionally address all aspects of the change process to ensure teachers have the
support they need to successfully incorporate the new strategies in their classrooms. How can you help
teachers gain skills and set up a standards-focused building? This session will help administrators
know what to do even if they don’t have a literacy background.
Edina: Top 20 Teachers Engage Students through Relevancy and Star Qualities
This session examines three ways by which we can better engage 21st century students: (1) looking at
extrinsic motivation (grades), (2) answering the relevancy question: "What’s in it for me?", and (3)
developing Star Qualities in all subject areas. This one could really help you answer the nagging
students' question of:
"When am I ever going to use this stuff in my real life?"
Veranda 1: The Mindset Revolution – Increasing Positive School Climate and Teacher Engagement
Staci Allmaras, Principal, Rothsay Public School
Heidi Critchley, Principal, DGF Middle School
Karon Cunningham, Principal, Franklin Middle School
What do the world’s happiest and most successful people have in common? After years of research, we
finally know the answer. It’s their mindsets, the way they think. In particular, 7 Mindsets have literally
changed the course of people’s lives. Prepare to be engaged, inspired and empowered in this lifechanging presentation filled with unexpected strategies that have produced real results in Minnesota
middle schools over the past year. You’ll hear from several Minnesota middle school administrators as
they explain what differences they’ve noticed in student performance, school climate, and educator
professional development.
Veranda 2: Sustaining PBIS: Practical Tools
Sarah Marxhausen, Assistant Principal, Princeton Middle School
Dan Voce, Principal, Princeton Middle School
Nicole Lehmann, Teacher, Princeton Middle School
Ashley Croteau, Teacher, Princeton Middle School
Michelle Cunningham, Teacher, Princeton Middle School
Princeton Middle School has been a PBIS school for 10+ years! Come learn how we got started, how
we were able to sustain PBIS at a secondary level, and how we incorporate students into PBIS!
25
Veranda 3: Using Accountable Talk to Advance Learning for All
Beth Russell, Principal, South View Middle School
This workshop focuses on the use of accountable talk to advance learning for all students. Discussion
and social interaction are at the heart of cognitive development according to Vygotsky. This workshop
focuses both on the teacher moves to facilitate talk and the ways in which students engage in thinking
through talk. The use of accountable talk is based on the idea that intelligence is socialized and that
people can learn to be smart. Accountable talk sharpens students' thinking by reinforcing their ability
to use and create knowledge, and through this type of work are more engaged in learning. Using
accountable talk effectively is an equity strategy.
Veranda 4: Struggling Readers: Assessment and Remediation for Fluency
Alexi Thompson, RtI Reading, Faribault Middle School
Tasha Flikeid, RtI Reading, Faribault Middle School
Do you know how to determine Independent, Instructional and Frustration reading levels for your
struggling readers? Do you know fluency rates and accuracy percentages and why they are important
for reading comprehension? Do you want to know how to increase reading fluency/accuracy levels by
2-3 grade levels in 1 year? Learn to administer a quick assessment (Fast QRI) to determine reading
levels, fluency/accuracy. In addition, learn a powerful strategy (ROAR) to increase these reading levels
that takes just 15 minutes a day 3 times a week. No cost to implement!
Veranda 5:
Lexy Wenzel, Reading Intervention Teacher, Dakota Meadows Middle School
In this session you will learn tricks and tips for working with Tier 2 and Tier 3 learners with academic
reading needs. The session will consist of information on the various needs of the learners and how we
can engage and help them be more successful in the general education classroom. We will also discuss
what intervention teachers do differently, which will easily transfer into everyday lessons and content
areas. Strategies and tips will be shared to support reading needs for Tiers 1, 2, and 3.
Veranda 6: Breaking Barriers Through Community Building
Laura Greenlee-Karp, Program and Admissions Coordinator, Voyageur Outward Bound School
Dan Stark, Program Coordinator, Voyageur Outward Bound School
This interactive workshop will help you deepen group conversations by introducing experiential team
building activities in your classroom. These group initiatives are centered on emotional safety and
positive group culture. For this workshop, presenters will facilitate two group initiatives that focus on
building community and equalizing the group. These activities will model the process of creating trust
and opportunities for meaningful connection by establishing an emotionally safe environment.
Veranda 7: Assessing Resilience to Predict Academic Outcomes, Improve Teacher Effectiveness and
Graduation Rates, Plus Improve School Climate
Karen Totten, Regional Manager, AdvancePath Academics
Adam Davy, Business Development, AdvancePath Academics
Longitudinal research of nearly 10,000 middle school students demonstrate that student resiliency data
can be used to accurately predict high school academic performance and graduation rates much earlier
than traditional signs of disengagement. In addition to an overview of the research, participants will
learn about tools and strategies for identifying these key early warning indicators, and how to shape
their RTI/MTSS frameworks to address the instructional and behavioral needs of their students with
more relevant interventions. Multiple district data analytics usage will be cited.
26
Veranda 8: Myths and Facts about Copyright
Have you ever heard, that you can only use 30 seconds of music? Have you wondered, I don’t see a
copyright symbol on it, so I don’t need permission, right? Or how about, I’m not going to make any
money from this, so I can use whatever I want, I think. In this interactive session, participants will learn
the basics of copyright, fair use, and creative commons licensing and receive a variety of online and
print resources to guide decision making.
27
MMSA Summer Institute
June 28, 2015 – Duluth, MN
June 29, 2015 – Lakeville, MN
Featuring
Dr. Anthony Muhammad
More information to follow soon!
Anthony Muhammad is one of the most sought after educational consultants in North America.
He currently serves as the CEO of New Frontier 21 Consulting, a company dedicated to
providing cutting-edge professional development to schools all over the world. He served as a
practitioner for nearly twenty years. Dr. Muhammad served as a middle school teacher, assistant
principal, middle school principal, and high school principal. His tenure as a practitioner has
earned him several awards as both a teacher and a principal. Dr. Muhammad is recognized as
one of the field’s leading experts in the areas of school culture and organizational climate. His
work has allowed him to work with schools in all 50 U.S. states, 10 Canadian provinces, the
Caribbean, South America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Dr. Muhammad is a bestselling author. He is the author of the books Overcoming the Achievement Gap Trap: Liberating
Mindsets to Effect Change (2015); The Will to Lead and the Skill to Teach; Transforming Schools
at Every Level (2011); Transforming School Culture: How to Overcome Staff Division (2009);
and a contributing author to the book The Collaborative Administrator: Working Together as a
Professional Learning Community (2008). He has published 26 articles in education journals and
publications in seven different countries.
28
Program Schedule – Friday
Conference Registration
7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. . . . . . . . . . . Grand Ballroom Foyer
General Session
Exhibitor Hall Break
9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Exhibitor Hall
Session One
10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.
Morning Break
10:50 a.m. – 11:10 a.m.
Session Two
11:10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m. – 12:20 p.m. . . . . . . Garden Court (1st Floor)
Lunch
12:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. . . . . . . . Garden Court (1st Floor)
South View Middle School 9th Grade Women's Choir, Edina - Directed by Amy Jo Cherner
Drawing for a $50 gift certificate to the Mall of America and other prizes provided by exhibitors. Register at the
MMSA Publications Table across from the Registration Table.
Silent Auction Ends!
12:50 p.m.
Exhibitor Hall Closes
1:15 p.m.
Session Three
1:15 p.m. – 2:05 p.m.
Afternoon Break
2:05 p.m. – 2:25 p.m.
Session Four
2:25 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Items not paid for by 2:05 p.m. will go to the next highest bidder.
Turn in your name badge for a chance to win a $50 gift
certificate to the Mall of America!!
29
Opening Session – Friday
Welcome
Dr. Jason Miller, President, MMSA
Greetings & Announcements
Steve Norlin-Weaver, Executive Director, MMSA
Keynote Address
Special Olympics Minnesota
365 days a year, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day — our athletes
are bringing it!
Through sports, our athletes are seeing themselves for their abilities,
not disabilities. Their world is opened with acceptance and
understanding. They become confident and empowered by their
accomplishments. They are also making new friends, as part of the
most inclusive community on the planet — a global community that is
growing every day.
30
SPECIAL Friday SESSION!!!
SPECIAL SESSION: Edcamp MMSA!
**Congregate in at the tables in the back of the ballroom to start!
Angi McAndrews, Assistant Principal, Faribault Middle School
Jennifer Reichel, Director of Teaching and Learning, Hastings Public Schools
Lori Lockhart, Principal, Roosevelt Elementary School
What is an Edcamp? According to Wikipedia, “an edcamp is a user-generated conference, commonly
referred to as an "unconference." Edcamps are designed to provide participant-driven professional
development for educators.” In a nutshell, participants tell the group what you want to learn about and
we collectively organize break-out sessions based on those ideas. Bring a device and join us for a miniedcamp to see what all the hype is about!
31
Breakout Sessions – Friday
Friday: Session One
Friday: Session Two
10:00 – 10:50
11:10 – 12:00
Bloomington:
Unifying Schools Through Inclusive
Programming
Bloomington:
Unifying Schools Through Inclusive
Programming
Edina:
Sleep and the Brain
Edina:
Top 20 Teachers Live Above the Line: How Our
Thinking Governs Our Experience
Veranda 1:
Edcamp MMSA
Veranda 1:
Top 20 Teachers Live Above the Line: How Our
Thinking Governs Our Experience
Veranda 2:
The Mindset Revolution – Increasing Positive
School Climate and Teacher Engagement
Veranda 2:
Breaking Barriers through Community Building
Laura Greenlee-Karp
Veranda 3:
Edcamp MMSA
Veranda 3:
Edcamp MMSA
Veranda 4:
Behavior Targets: Communicating and
Coaching School-Wide Positive Behaviors
Veranda 4:
Using Accountable Talk to Advance Learning
for All
Veranda 5:
Edcamp MMSA Angi McAndrews
Veranda 5:
Edcamp MMSA
Veranda 6:
Journey to Personalized Learning
Veranda 6:
ATLAS: Achieving To Learn Academic
Success—A look inside a successful Middle
Veranda 7:
Essentials to RTI
Veranda 8:
Grading and Assessment Practices in a Culture
of Learning
Veranda 7:
Technology Integration Made Easy with Mimio
Veranda 8:
Free and Simple Formative Assessment Tools
Remember: CEUs available
online at www.mmsa.info!
32
Friday: Session Three
Friday: Session Four
1:15 – 2:05
2:25 – 3:15
Bloomington:
Raising Funds for your School through the
Polar Plunge
Bloomington:
Raising Funds for your School through the
Polar Plunge
Edina:
Top 20 Teachers Help Students Learn from
Mistakes and Move Outside Their Comfort
Zone
Edina:
Implementing Top 20: How to Teach Social
Emotional Intelligence in Middle School
Curriculums
Veranda 1:
What does it mean to be a child in today's
world?
Veranda 1:
Behavior Targets: Communicating and
Coaching School-Wide Positive Behaviors
Veranda 2:
Building a Culture of Innovation
Veranda 2:
Exciting Strategy for Formative Assessing and
More in a One-to-One Device Environment
Veranda 3:
Let's Get Real About Building Character: The 8
Keys of Excellence
Veranda 3:
The Line and Power of Choice Jenifer Severson
Veranda 4:
Assessing Resilience to Predict Academic
Outcomes, Improve Teacher Effectiveness and
Veranda 4:
Late, Lost, Unprepared – Students as Citizensin-Training (Fostering Life Skills of Middle
School Students) Sasha Kuznetsov
Veranda 5:
What to Do with Google Classroom
Veranda 5:
The Achievement Gap: Why the Brain Matters
*Veranda 6:
RTI: Effective Core Instruction Is Your Best
Intervention
Veranda 6:
Improving School Climate
Veranda 7:
Beyond the Data WareHouse with EduClimber
Veranda 7:
Gamifying a Journalism Unit
Veranda 8:
Grading and Assessment Practices in a Culture
of Learning
Veranda 8:
Technology Tips and Tricks From Your Media
Specialist
33
Friday: Session One ~ 10:00 – 10:50
Bloomington: Unifying Schools Through Inclusive Programming
Nick Cedergren, Schools and Youth Coordinator, Special Olympics Minnesota
Special Olympics Minnesota is launching an inclusive school program called Project UNIFY. The vision
of Project UNIFY is to activate youth, engage educators, and promote school communities of
acceptance and inclusion where all young people are the agents of change. By utilizing the sports and
education initiatives, schools are able to foster respect and dignity for people with intellectual
disabilities and change actions and attitudes among their peers without intellectual disabilities. The
three main components of Project UNIFY include Unified Sports, Youth Leadership and Advocacy, and
Whole School Engagement.
Edina: Sleep and the Brain
Have you ever wondered why it's so vital to "get a good night's sleep?" This session will give clear and
easy to understand neuroscience to help you understand the "why" behind the value of sleep and
inspire you to shift your thinking on the power of rest. Pausing throughout the day, setting reminders,
affirmations and/or power statements that will allow you to be more present and effective in your
work, and with family.
CEU: Understanding Key Warning Signs of Early-Onset Mental Illness in Children/Adolescents,
Veranda 1: Edcamp MMSA
Veranda 2: The Mindset Revolution – Increasing Positive School Climate and Teacher Engagement
Staci Allmaras, Principal, Rothsay Public School
Heidi Critchley, Principal, DGF Middle School
Karon Cunningham, Principal, Franklin Middle School
What do the world’s happiest and most successful people have in common? After years of research, we
finally know the answer. It’s their mindsets, the way they think. In particular, 7 Mindsets have literally
changed the course of people’s lives. Prepare to be engaged, inspired and empowered in this lifechanging presentation filled with unexpected strategies that have produced real results in Minnesota
middle schools over the past year. You’ll hear from several Minnesota middle school administrators as
they explain what differences they’ve noticed in student performance, school climate, and educator
professional development.
“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage.”
― Anaïs Nin
34
Veranda 4: Behavior Targets: Communicating & coaching school-wide positive behaviors
Andrew Frosch, Assistant Principal, Coon Rapids High School
Greg Cole, Principal, Compass Programs, Anoka-Hennepin School District
Laura Hendricks, Assistant Principal, Compass Programs, Anoka-Hennepin School District
Curt Wallrath, Assistant Principal, Coon Rapids High School
Learn about how 3 Anoka-Hennepin Schools (1 high school, 1 middle school, 1 alternative program)
engaged staff in creating behavior "learning targets" and are rolling them out to students and
families. Presenters will review the process used for developing the "behavior targets" as well as how
they are creating positive conversations in the hallway, classroom, office, and with families focused on
lifelong skills and improving students' choices in the school and life beyond!
Veranda 6: Journey to Personalized Learning
George Peoples, 6th Grade Social Studies Teacher, Chaska Middle School West
Personalized learning can take many forms. It is a mindset through which you approach teaching and
learning. In this session learn how a middle school teacher has transformed his classroom from a
points-based sit and get classroom to a standards based, interactive, fun, learning space where students
have voice and choice in their learning. Learn how one teacher is working to develop a growth mindset
in his students. In this session you will also learn about some of the technology tools that can be used to
transform your classroom.
Veranda 7: Essentials to RTI
Jodie Wellman, RTI Math Teacher, Faribault Middle School
Samantha Malotke, RTI Math Teacher, Faribault Middle School
This presentation will focus on RtI (Response to Intervention) for middle school mathematics. We will
be addressing the definition of RtI, which students are chosen for RtI services, and the differences
between the different tiers of intervention. We will also be discussing how to progress monitor
students, grouping of students based on their individual needs, benefits of working with and
collaborating with other teachers, strategies and manipulatives to use in the classroom, and how to
make RtI work for your school.
Veranda 8: Grading and Assessment Practices in a Culture of Learning
Jim Smith, Educator/Consultant, Lighthouse Learning Community and Assessment Associate, Solution Tree
Grades at their best communicate learning. This session focuses on grading practices that communicate
and promote learning. Four key components change the way students invest and keep expectations
high: standards-based assessment, assessment used formatively, grading policies, and reporting
structures.
Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others.
~ Plato
35
Friday: Session Two ~ 11:10 – 12:00
Bloomington: Unifying Schools Through Inclusive Programming
Nick Cedergren, Schools and Youth Coordinator, Special Olympics Minnesota
Special Olympics Minnesota is launching an inclusive school program called Project UNIFY. The vision
of Project UNIFY is to activate youth, engage educators, and promote school communities of
acceptance and inclusion where all young people are the agents of change. By utilizing the sports and
education initiatives, schools are able to foster respect and dignity for people with intellectual
disabilities and change actions and attitudes among their peers without intellectual disabilities. The
three main components of Project UNIFY include Unified Sports, Youth Leadership and Advocacy, and
Whole School Engagement.
Edina: Top 20 Teachers Live Above the Line: How Our Thinking Governs Our Experience
This session focuses on becoming aware of our thinking so we know when it is working and when it is
not working. It explores (1) the conditions that come up in our life that invite us to go Below the Line,
(2) indicators telling us when we are Below, (3) how to handle Below the Line experiences with more
grace and dignity and (4) how to trampoline back Above the Line. Join us to take a look at how
teachers' inner lives have a dramatic effect on students and the learning culture.
Veranda 2: Breaking Barriers Through Community Building
Laura Greenlee-Karp, Program and Admissions Coordinator, Voyageur Outward Bound School
Dan Stark, Program Coordinator, Voyageur Outward Bound School
This interactive workshop will help you deepen group conversations by introducing experiential team
building activities in your classroom. These group initiatives are centered on emotional safety and
positive group culture. For this workshop, presenters will facilitate two group initiatives that focus on
building community and equalizing the group. These activities will model the process of creating trust
and opportunities for meaningful connection by establishing an emotionally safe environment.
Veranda 4: Using Accountable Talk to Advance Learning for All
Beth Russell, Principal, South View Middle School
This workshop focuses on the use of accountable talk to advance learning for all students. Discussion
and social interaction are at the heart of cognitive development according to Vygotsky. This workshop
focuses both on the teacher moves to facilitate talk and the ways in which students engage in thinking
through talk. The use of accountable talk is based on the idea that intelligence is socialized and that
people can learn to be smart. Accountable talk sharpens students' thinking by reinforcing their ability
to use and create knowledge, and through this type of work are more engaged in learning. Using
accountable talk effectively is an equity strategy.
36
Veranda 6: ATLAS: Achieving To Learn Academic Success—A look inside a successful Middle
Libby Daniels, Teacher, Twin Oaks Middle School
Jaime Serbus, School Social Worker, Twin Oaks Middle School
Carrollyn Schuldt, Teacher, Twin Oaks Middle School
We will be presenting our middle school school-within-a-school that services students in grades 7 and
8. We will focus on the program structure as a tier 2 intervention in RtI, the necessity to include social
and emotional development in our program, teaching strategies and components that encourage
movement, technology, and service and experiential learning.
Veranda 7: Technology Integration Made Easy with Mimio
Chris Butler, Instructional Technology Consultant, BG Innovations
Tim Franke, Regional Manager, Mimio
Come and learn how easy and effective integrating technology into everyday instruction is using the
Mimio solutions. Whether it is leveraging more instructional value out of your mobile devices or
creating an interactive surface out of a wall or standard marker board, Mimio has you covered and at a
very attractive price point. The Mimio instructional software platform allows users to open and use a
variety of digital content sources including Smart NoteBook and Promethean Flipchart. Additionally
there is no yearly fee. Join us for a lively discussion and a chance at winning a MimioTeach system for
your school.
Achievement
Veranda 8: Free and Simple Formative Assessment Tools
In this session, participants will learn about and explore a few technology based tools to use for
formative assessment. We will begin at the simplest, most basic tool and work our way up to tools with
a bit more capability and reporting. All of these tools are device agnostic, meaning they will function
on a computer, tablet, smartphone or any device with wifi connection.
Achievement
Don’t shirk away from challenges . . .
keep reaching for that star, that sky.
37
Friday: Session Three ~ 1:15 – 2:05
Bloomington: Raising Funds For Your School Through The Polar Plunge
Megan Powell, Director of LETR-Polar Plunge, Special Olympics Minnesota
Joe Zander, Events Coordinator, Special Olympics Minnesota
With over 15,000 participants and $4 million dollars raised, the Polar Plunge is Special Olympics
Minnesota’s premier fundraiser and awareness piece. The Polar Plunge has become a turnkey
fundraiser that schools can now use as a fundraising tool as well. Schools can form multiple plunge
teams, earning 35% of their total funds raised through the event! In this session, we’ll show some
videos on the Polar Plunge to give you a feel of how fun these events are. We’ll also explain our
Revenue Share program, show you some of the tools we can provide, and answer questions about this
Revenue Share opportunity. In addition, not only is your school raising funds for itself while
supporting Special Olympics Minnesota, but we are also able to provide students at a young age with
knowledge about people with intellectual disabilities, break down barriers, and teach inclusion from
the start. Lastly, we’ll also touch on our Cool School Plunge event, which takes place during the day on
Friday, March 4th. This is an educational opportunity for students to interact and play unified activities
with Special Olympics athletes, learn more about Special Olympics, and best of all – Plunge!
Edina: Top 20 Teachers Help Students Learn from Mistakes and Move Outside Their Comfort Zone
This session focuses on (1) the beliefs students form about themselves from the messages they receive
from others when they make a mistake, (2) what keeps students stuck in their comfort zone, and (3)
more effective ways of responding to our own mistakes and the mistakes of others. This will be a oneof-a-kind, life-changing session for some of you... it will help you in your role as a parent, teacher and
friend!
Veranda 1: What does it mean to be a child in today's world?
Holly Bartholow, English Teacher, Twin Oaks Middle School, Prior Lake
When you ask your students to think about what it means to be a child in today's world, their answers
are drastically different from how kids around the world would answer the same question. Using the
essential question, learn how to guide kids from thinking egocentrically to thinking globally, all while
meeting ELA standards for both literature and informational texts.
Veranda 2: Building a Culture of Innovation
Caleb Lee, Instructional Coach, Minnetonka Public Schools
Else Goll, Math Teacher and Innovation Coach, Minnetonka Public Schools
Based on the successful Innovation Program at Minnetonka Public Schools we will: Identify barriers to
innovative behavior, provide strategies to facilitate creativity in the innovation process, understand
and recognize what innovation looks like at the ground level that impacts learning.
38
Veranda 3: Let's Get Real About Building Character: The 8 Keys of Excellence
This session is for school leaders who are interested in building strong character for the whole school
culture. How does the school leader align with staff on a set of core ideas that don't just hang on the
school walls but truly come alive in the day to day functioning of the school building? Consider this
session as an avenue to breakthrough to new heights with your staff, students and community. Get the
8 Keys of Excellence – they are relevant for the day-to-day operations and provide what Peter Senge,
called “common language” that propels organizations forward faster.
Veranda 4: Assessing Resilience to Predict Academic Outcomes, Improve Teacher Effectiveness and
Karen Totten, Regional Manager, AdvancePath Academics
Adam Davy, Business Development, AdvancePath Academics
Longitudinal research of nearly 10,000 middle school students demonstrate that student resiliency data
can be used to accurately predict high school academic performance and graduation rates much earlier
than traditional signs of disengagement. In addition to an overview of the research, participants will
learn about tools and strategies for identifying these key early warning indicators, and how to shape
their RTI/MTSS frameworks to address the instructional and behavioral needs of their students with
more relevant interventions. Multiple district data analytics usage will be cited.
Veranda 5: What to Do with Google Classroom
In this session, participants will learn about Google Classroom, Google's classroom file management
system that is almost a Learning Management System. Google Classroom makes it easy for your
students to submit assignments online and simple for you to post them there. You can use your own
templates and send each student a copy or you can allow the students to create the document. Google
is adding new features to Classroom and mobile app functionality is growing all the time. You will be
able to view Google Classroom from the student perspective as well as from the teacher perspective.
Achievement
Veranda 6: RTI: Effective Core Instruction Is Your Best Intervention
Nancy Remmert, Independent Educational Consultant and Academic Services Coordinator, Bloomington Public
Schools
Across the nation, schools are focusing much time and effort on developing robust systems of
interventions: establishing RTI committees, hiring interventionists, employing checklists and
paperwork requirements, and analyzing reams of data. While these efforts might be necessary, they’re
often misguided and prematurely implemented. If your RTI approach isn’t focused on improving core
instruction, first and foremost, your system of interventions is probably overwhelmed by the sheer
numbers of students filtering into it. Join us to learn powerful and practical strategies proven to
increase the effectiveness of core instruction while ensuring your interventions can accelerate learning
for those most underserved.
39
Veranda 7: Gamifying a Journalism Unit
Matt Whittaker, Technology Coordinator & 8th Grade English, Duluth Marshall School
Turn your class into a functioning journalism company for either a unit or intermittently for over the
year. I will begin with my journey in bringing journalism into my 8th grade Language Arts class, as
well as cover how students can earn mastery in selected standards by tying those criteria to certain
company roles. The class’s paper is published for the Middle School and parent audience, and students
use that authentic feedback to make changes to their process and product. The latest change is moving
to a bi-monthly newsletter format, where students compile news from the class and Middle School.
Achievement
Veranda 8: Technology Tips and Tricks From Your Media Specialist
Kari Healy, Media Specialist, Dakota Meadows Middle School
This session will show a variety of apps, add-ons, tips and websites I have shared with my staff to help
integrate technology into the classroom. We will explore some fun ways to get students creating, as well
as, tips and tricks for teachers. Leave with ideas you can use on Monday!
Achievement
Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through
experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision
created, ambition inspired and success achieved.
~ Helen Keller
40
Friday: Session Four ~ 2:25 – 3:15
Bloomington: Raising Funds For Your School Through The Polar Plunge
Megan Powell, Director of LETR-Polar Plunge, Special Olympics Minnesota
Joe Zander, Events Coordinator, Special Olympics Minnesota
With over 15,000 participants and $4 million dollars raised, the Polar Plunge is Special Olympics
Minnesota’s premier fundraiser and awareness piece. The Polar Plunge has become a turnkey
fundraiser that schools can now use as a fundraising tool as well. Schools can form multiple plunge
teams, earning 35% of their total funds raised through the event! In this session, we’ll show some
videos on the Polar Plunge to give you a feel of how fun these events are. We’ll also explain our
Revenue Share program, show you some of the tools we can provide, and answer questions about this
Revenue Share opportunity. In addition, not only is your school raising funds for itself while
supporting Special Olympics Minnesota, but we are also able to provide students at a young age with
knowledge about people with intellectual disabilities, break down barriers, and teach inclusion from
the start. Lastly, we’ll also touch on our Cool School Plunge event, which takes place during the day on
Friday, March 4th. This is an educational opportunity for students to interact and play unified activities
with Special Olympics athletes, learn more about Special Olympics, and best of all – Plunge!1`
Edina: Implementing Top 20: How to Teach Social Emotional Intelligence in Middle School
Curriculums
This session will help teachers develop a curriculum plan for creating a learning culture based on Top
20 social emotional intelligence principles. We will give you practical, immediately-applicable ideas
that can take Top 20 concepts and make them effective lessons for middle school students. In this
session, we'll look at materials, processes and the different formats being used by schools to teach these
life skills. What a great way to wrap up the conference!
Veranda 1: Behavior Targets: Communicating & coaching school-wide positive behaviors
Andrew Frosch, Assistant Principal, Coon Rapids High School
Greg Cole, Principal, Compass Programs, Anoka-Hennepin School District
Laura Hendricks, Assistant Principal, Compass Programs, Anoka-Hennepin School District
Curt Wallrath, Assistant Principal, Coon Rapids High School
Learn about how 3 Anoka-Hennepin Schools (1 high school, 1 middle school, 1 alternative program)
engaged staff in creating behavior "learning targets" and are rolling them out to students and
families. Presenters will review the process used for developing the "behavior targets" as well as how
they are creating positive conversations in the hallway, classroom, office, and with families focused on
lifelong skills and improving students' choices in the school and life beyond!
41
Veranda 2: Exciting Strategies for Formative Assessing and More in a One-to-One Device
Environment
Thomas Condon, Teacher, Minnetonka Middle School West
GoFormative is: A platform for real-time formative assessments, a FREE next-generation student
response system. Use on any platform. Very straightforward to set up and no need for laborious time
spent creating classes. Four level of assessment: multiple choice, T/F, free text and drawing. The
drawing feature is a real plus!!!! Works great for math classrooms – students have to show work for the
problems! Create your own assignments from scratch or using existing PDF files. You can see
responses being added real time and grade on the fly. Yes … it is free!
The following uses of Goformative will be demonstrated:
Daily Formative Assessments
Classroom Lesson
Flipped/Blended Lesson
Homework
Enrichment
Achievement
Veranda 3: The Line and Power of Choice
Being a great teacher, student and leader is all about mindset. Deciding to improve. Making effective
changes. Taking risks. As we look to the future the change and pace of life still reserves us the power of
choice. And, mindset plays into our choices. How we look at a situation impacts everything. It affects
how we feel, what actions we take and the results we achieve. We all have gaps in our lives, places we
want to improve upon. This session will identify a tool that any person, teacher, student and leader can
use with anyone in their school community from office staff to - this simple tool has universal impact.
Learn how to share with your staff this tool and take the power of choice to a new level.
CEU: Accommodation, Modification, and Adaptation of Curriculum Materials and Instruction,
Veranda 4: Late, Lost, Unprepared – Students as Citizens-in-Training (Fostering life skills of Middle
School Students)
Sasha Kuznetsov, Principal, Hidden Oaks Middle School
There are two reasons students do not do what we ask them to do – they are either not willing or not
able. In this session, you will learn how to recognize what stands in the way of learning or in not
following directions and how you as a teacher can foster students, as citizens-in-training, to learn the
necessary skills to be successful in school. You will walk away with specific, easy to implement
strategies in creating a positive classroom culture by setting limits and how to follow up with students
who might need additional support.
Veranda 5: The Achievement Gap: Why the Brain Matters
Bondo Nyembwe, Executive Director, Academia Cesar Chavez
Justin Tiarks, Principal, St. Paul City School
Everyone agrees that what we do in schools should be based on what we know about how the brain
learns. Until recently, however, we have had few clues to unlock the secrets of the brain. Now,
research from the neurosciences has greatly improved our understanding of the learning process, and
we have a much more solid foundation on which to base educational decisions. In this presentation we
will outline the implications that recent research has for practice, why meaning is essential for
attention, how emotion can enhance or impede learning, and how rehearsal is necessary for learning.
CEU: Understanding Key Warning Signs of Early-Onset Mental Illness in Children/Adolescents
42
Veranda 6: Improving School Climate
Alicia Sheehy, Teacher, Faribault Middle School
Amanda Vonbergen, Social Worker, Faribault Middle School
Looking for a way to improve the school climate amongst students and staff? Come find out how
Faribault Middle School implemented its Climate Team including yearly school themes, all-school
activities, prize drawings, staff recognition and get-togethers, birthday shout-outs, themed t-shirts, and
more. Come away with an idea of how to start forming your own Climate Team as well a list of ways to
put your ideas in action.
Veranda 7: Beyond the Data WareHouse with EduClimber
Chris Butler, Instructional Technology Consultant, BG Innovations
Come and learn more about how to go beyond the simple housing of student and teacher data. During
this session we will present the Educlimber solution. Educlimber provides an easy and fully
customize-able way to run data analytics from virtually any assessment and behavioral data
source. No more opening multiple assessment and behavioral data sources, downloading data and
trying to pull it all into a spreadsheet to determine and create interventions, report incident data, set
professional strategies and goals, and monitor student progress. For those that participate in our
session, we will be giving away one lucky MN school a free one year trial of Educlimber.
Achievement
Veranda 8: Grading and Assessment Practices in a Culture of Learning
Jim Smith, Educator/Consultant, Lighthouse Learning Community and Assessment Associate, Solution Tree
Grades at their best communicate learning. This session focuses on grading practices that communicate
and promote learning. Four key components change the way students invest and keep expectations
high: standards-based assessment, assessment used formatively, grading policies, and reporting
structures.
No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship.
~ James Comer
43
Conference Schedule Planner
Thursday
Session
Location
Session
Location
Session 1: 10:00 – 10:50
Session 2: 11:10 – 12:00
Session 3: 1:15 – 2:05
Session 4: 2:25 – 3:15
Friday
Session 1: 10:00 – 10:50
Session 2: 11:10 – 12:00
Session 3: 1:15 – 2:05
Session 4: 2:25 – 3:15
44
Thank You for attending our conference!!
Please remember to fill out our
conference evaluation form at
www.mmsa.info
MMSA 36th Annual State Conference
December 8 & 9, 2016
Featuring Keynote Speakers:
Jack Berkemeyer
A nationally-recognized presenter, author, and humorist, Jack Berckemeyer, began his
career as a middle school teacher in Denver, Colorado. After two years of teaching he
was named as an outstanding educator at his school, and shortly thereafter he was
identified as one of the outstanding educators in the district. In 2003, he received the
Outstanding Alumni Award from the Falcon School District. Jack brings his energy,
humor, and expertise to all staff development as he helps teachers and administrators
remember why this job makes a difference. Jack has presented in conference and school
district settings both nationally and internationally. Jack served as a judge for the
Disney American Teacher Awards and the selection committee for the USA TODAY
All-Teacher Team.
Kim Campbell
Kim Campbell crosses the country energizing educational professionals as a dynamic
presenter and self-proclaimed “Proud Middle School Teacher.” Building on the lessons
learned and techniques developed as a middle level social studies teacher since 1991,
Kim is in national demand as a keynote speaker, workshop facilitator and consultant for
the Association of Middle Level Educators, Staff Development for Educators, and the
Jack Berckemeyer Consulting Group. At home in her Twin Cities, Minnesota
metropolitan area school district, Kim augments her classroom role with a position as
her school's Dean of Students. She has also served in various leadership and committee
positions including team leader and a member of the Equity and Literacy Teams.
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Conference Notes
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Conference Notes
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Puzzle made at www.puzzle-maker.com
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environment
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commitment
global
communication
relationship
collaboration
social emotional
humor

35thANNUAL STATE CONFERENCE - Minnesota Middle School

Transcription

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