Planning for High Access Computing

This session will focus on the need for systemic approaches when implementing high access computing environments, including 1-to-1 initiatives and 21st Century learning environments that include high access to computing devices. No matter how you define it, there are powerful conditions for success that overlap all instructional technology implementations. We seek to identify the best practices and lessons learned in an effort to provide planning tools for district and school leaders. Other topics may include broadband infrastructure, network & device management, and shifts in classroom management.

Facilitators: 

• Cathy Higgins, New Hampshire
• Rick Gaisford, Utah

• Michael Golden, Education Consultant
• Jeff Mao, Maine
• Scott Smith, Mooresville Graded School District

Linking High Quality Assessments and School Reform

Discussions will highlight technology's role in planning for state-level online assessment efforts, including formative and summative computer-based testing. The group will also identify best practices for planning, implementation, infrastructure, administration, and professional development. In addition, participants will explore the opportunities online testing presents for individualizing instruction, making better policies, and improving schools in most need.

Overview of the Partnership for Assessment of College and Career Readiness (PARCC), Tracy Halka

Facilitators: 

• Kate Kemker, Florida
• Kim Vidoni, Nevada

Resource Specialists:

• Tracy Halka, Associate Director, ADP Assessment Consortium Achieve, Inc.
• Lan Neugent, Virginia
• Bill Tucker, Education Sector
• Dr. Joe Willhoft, SMARTER Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC)

Making the Most of Digital and Open Content

Participants will discuss the future of instructional materials and identify best practices and policies to help district and school officials make a successful transition to digital content to benefit all students. The opportunities for flexible, customizable, and robust content are limitless in school reform initiatives.  The session will also include a discussion of the potential of utilizing open educational resources.

Facilitator: 

• Geoff Fletcher, SETDA

Resource Specialists: 

• Nicole Allen, Make Textbooks Affordable Campaign
• Jim Fruchterman, Benetech
• Peter Noonan, Fairfax County, Virginia, Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services
• Tim Vollmer, Open Policy Fellow, Creative Commons

Helping Educators Transform Their Classroom Practice

The focus of this session is to identify tools to help administrators and teachers better integrate technology into their everyday practice. Through the appropriate use of technology, teachers can completely change their approach to teaching. Technology is not a "nice to have" or an “add-on” to their current daily activities but should be infused into all aspects of teaching and learning. Focus areas will include the power of instructional technology mentors/coaches and tools for administrators to identify true technology integration.

Facilitators: 

• Karen Kahan, Texas
• Cathy Poplin, Arizona

Resource Specialists: 

• Tom Caroll, National Commission on Teaching and America's Future (NCTAF)
• Dr. Joan Hughes, The University of Texas at Austin
• Barbara Treacy, EDC