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.

This presentation aims to decode the complex concepts of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), providing participants with an understanding of each element and their interconnectedness. Through interactive discussions and real-world examples, participants will gain insights into the importance of DEIB in creating equitable and inclusive environments. Practical strategies for integrating DEIB principles into organizational culture and practices will be shared, empowering participants to champion diversity, promote equity, foster inclusion, and cultivate a sense of belonging for all individuals and communities.

KSDE Teacher Leaders are pleased to share new alignment tools for high quality instruction in a secondary science classroom. During this session come and explore what science instruction aligned to the three dimensions of the science standards and student sense-making look like in a secondary science classroom using a science-specific walk-through tool.

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.

Sense making in a science class has the expectation that students think. This session will engage participants in a thinking classroom in which thinking to make sense of a phenomena is the norm, and students are discouraged from slacking, stalling, mimicking, and faking their way through the science content. Thinking classroom practices create the optimal conditions for learner-centered, student-owned science thinking and learning, and have the power to transform classrooms.

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!

Come and take a deep dive into the fundamental of Standards Alignment in this session targeted towards science. During this session we will walk through; What is in the KSDE Standards Alignment Tool Kit for science, how to use it, where to find it, how to share it with teachers.