The Great Schools Partnership is pleased to offer a series of free monthly webinars on ten critical school-improvement topics for educational leaders and teachers.
What You Need to Know
→ There is no cost to participate, but registration is limited.
→ The webinars are open to any interested school leader or educator.
→ After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with the information you will need to participate.
→ All webinars will begin at 3:00 p.m. EST and last for 60–90 minutes.
→ Contact-hour certificates are available for participants. Contact Gwen Merrick.
→ Visit the archive to download presentation slides and video recordings of past webinars.
| DATES | TITLE + DESCRIPTION |
| ARCHIVED | Harnessing Teacher Knowledge: Using PLGs to Accelerate School Improvement |
| ARCHIVED | High-impact Classroom Observation Strategies for Principals |
| ARCHIVED | Ninth Grade Counts: Strengthening the Transition into High School |
| ARCHIVED | Using Student Feedback to Improve Instruction |
| ARCHIVED | Creating Learning Pathways that Increase Student Engagement, Achievement, and Aspirations |
| ARCHIVED | Proficiency-Based Learning Simplified: Developing Effective Curriculum Standards and Mastery Objectives |
| ARCHIVED | Proficiency-Based Learning Simplified: Using Essential Questions and Learning Targets in Unit Design |
| ARCHIVED | Digital Learning Done Right: Using Technology to Enhance Personalization |
| ARCHIVED | What Matters Most: Practical Action Planning Strategies for Schools |
| ARCHIVED | Designing Personalized Learning Pathways: Best Practices from Vermont |
| ARCHIVED | Conducting a Whole-School Self-Assessment Using Global Best Practices |
| May 29 | Best Practices in Proficiency-Based Grading and Reporting |
| June 12 | How to say It: Practical Messaging Strategies for Schools |
Proficiency-Based Learning Simplified: Best Practices in Grading and Reporting
Wednesday, May 29, 2013 | 3:00–4:00 PM EST
DESCRIPTION
Grading with accuracy and consistency is an ever-present challenge for school administrators and educators. Grading has a long history of controversy, which suggests just how much is at stake in this daily practice. That said, the research on effective grading is proportionally rich, although many grading systems remain out of step with what we know works in measuring student learning. Even within a single school, grading practices are often dramatically uneven and contradictory.
This webinar will help participants adopt and use grading practices that are more consistent and coherent, and that are focused on helping all students achieve proficiency and meet high learning expectations. While altering grading systems may require changes in record keeping, assessment practices, software, and report cards, a thoughtfully considered process can help your school transition incrementally and without confusion. The presenters will share a selection practical strategies from schools that have moved to more authentic and meaningful grading practices, including exemplar guidelines, timelines, policies, communication materials, and anecdotes.
PRESENTERS
Dr. Craig Kesselheim and Jean Haeger, both senior associates at Great Schools Partnership, have provided coaching, technical assistance, and school-improvement expertise to districts, schools, and educators throughout New England and the country. Both presenters work in schools that have transitioned from traditional, autonomous grading practices to coherent, consistent, standards-based grading and reporting systems.
→ Click Here to Register
How to say It: Practical Messaging Strategies for Schools
Wednesday, June 12, 2013 | 3:00–4:00 PM EST
DESCRIPTION
Improving schools is hard work, but it can become even harder if miscommunication and misunderstanding give rise to avoidable crises and controversies. The support of parents, school boards, community members, and elected officials is essential to successful school improvement, but explaining the intricacies and importance of new educational models, teaching strategies, or grading practices presents an array of challenges. Becoming a strong communicator will not only make your job a little easier, but it will help you get it done more efficiently and effectively. In this session, participants will learn evidence-based strategies they can use to develop compelling, persuasive messages for a variety of audiences.
During this webinar, the presenter will discuss effective messaging, framing, and communication strategies that are based on extensive research and optimized for school leaders and educators. Participants will also engage in a few interactive activities and leave the session with practical communication assets they can begin using immediately in their school.
PRESENTERS
Stephen Abbott is director of communications for the Great Schools Partnership and New England Secondary School Consortium. He has worked as a writer, magazine editor, and communications professional for more than a decade, and he has authored or co-authored several resources for educators, including Leadership in Action, Global Best Practices, Harnessing Teacher Knowledge, First Response, and Ninth Grade Counts.
