2024 Great Ideas in Education Conference

The incidence of children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is 5 times higher than autism, and almost as prevalent as dyslexia, but yet is relatively unknown disability and not well understood in the educational community.

Children with developmental language disorder (DLD) in PreK-12 buildings can demonstrate a range of characteristics and challenges, which can appear not only in their language abilities but also in their cognitive and motor abilities, as well as with their social-emotional skills. This session will provide a broad definition of DLD, common characteristics associated with DLD, as well as individual differences that can be observed in students. Ways in which administrators can support classroom teachers, counselors, and families will also be discussed.

What about writing?  While a focus centered on reading has been beneficial for schools,  the use of writing to cement and transfer the learning yields a greater positive effect than reading alone. The new KSDE Writing Tenets will assist Kansas teachers in providing quality writing instruction. Moreover, these tenets will support Kansas students in learning to write clearly, express themselves with intentionality, and communicate effectively with their targeted audience.

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.

This session will explore the multifaceted challenges and practicalities of implementing inclusive PreK environments in school districts. Everyone agrees inclusive environments are essential for learners. How that happens can often be left up to the interpretation. The realities of class size, waiting lists, funding, and workforce are something the district experiences, but it can feel overwhelming. Let's talk about it from a regular education, special education, and community perspective.

Review the recently updated Kansas Early Learning Standards (KELS) and resources that accompany them. Discover strategies to ensure lessons, instruction, and materials are aligned with the updated KELS.

Elementary Admin/Principals