2024 Great Ideas in Education Conference

Learn how to use formative and interim assessments to create a coherent and effective assessment system that aligns with standards, supports student learning, and drives instruction.  In this session, we will look at updates for this coming school year, how to utilize formative/interim assessments to drive instruction, the new math teacher guidance document, and resources teachers can utilize in the classroom.

In this session, educators will be introduced to the Building Thinking Classrooms (BTC) in Mathematics framework, designed to foster deep mathematical understanding and student engagement through problem-solving, collaboration, and independent thinking. Participants will explore practical strategies for creating dynamic, student-centered learning environments where thinking is valued and celebrated. Through hands-on activities and real-world examples, teachers will learn how to implement rich tasks that promote critical thinking, teamwork, and ownership of learning, transforming traditional math instruction into an engaging, thought-provoking experience.

Discover the impact of vocabulary on student success in this session, "Vocabulary Matters: Effective Strategies for Teaching Vocabulary." We will explore essential research and evidence-based practices to enhance vocabulary instruction. Learn practical strategies for daily classroom use and collaborate with fellow educators to develop consistent vocabulary routines across your district and/or building. Gain actionable tools and resources to enrich your students' language skills and support their academic growth. Join this session to elevate your vocabulary teaching practices and make a lasting educational impact.

Mathematics classrooms are often littered with rules that expire and tricks without meaning or connection. These rules and tricks create a weak mathematical foundation. Rather than simplifying mathematics instruction, implement routines that amplify deep mathematical learning. In this session, participants will get an introduction to the eight mathematical language routines and strategies to implement in the classroom.

Teacher retention and leadership development are critically important to the health and sustainability of schools. This interactive session, designed for teachers and administrators, is based on the notion that true leadership is not about titles but rather influence through relationships, courage, character, and service. Teachers are some of the most influential people in schools and their communities and by empowering them to be their own “Classroom CEO”, they will develop a sense of mastery, purpose, and autonomy, leading to increased job satisfaction and retention, which ultimately supports students. Additionally, this session will give administrators insight into how they can develop teacher leaders within their own teams, thus supporting the overall mission and vision of their schools. If you want a renewed sense of professional purpose by uncovering the leader within you and your team, this session is for you!

Attendees will be able to:

• Highlight findings from The Opportunity Myth & The Opportunity Makers
• Connect High-Quality Instructional Materials to School Improvement
• Describe Curriculum-Based Professional Learning and How it Supports Quality Instruction

Research over the last decade has provided strong evidence that instructional materials can be one of the most cost-efficient and effective school improvement measures. States that have sought to increase access to high-quality instructional materials (HQIMs) have reported significant gains in student reading proficiency, mastery of mathematics standards, teachers’ perceived support, improved alignment to state standards, and student engagement. The bottom line is that the selection and implementation of HQIMs, supported by curriculum-based professional learning, is a transformative school improvement measure that has been underutilized.
In this session, we'll explore TNTP's national research that highlights the role of HQIMs in standards-aligned instruction, describe the role HQIMs play in supporting quality instruction, and introduce curriculum-based professional learning as a mechanism that supports school improvement.