Breakout Sessions
PreConference Brunch & Learn - Friday, November 13, 2020
- 1:00 – 2:15 pm ET
Managing Cybersecurity Risk During a Pandemic
Districts across the country are encountering unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 crisis. In addition to addressing new obstacles on a seemingly daily basis, administrators and education leaders also have to remain vigilant about their cybersecurity strategies and policies as hackers are finding new ways to identify and expose vulnerabilities. With district leadership under an enormous amount of pressure and personnel stretched thin, state education leaders are being called upon to provide invaluable leadership, guidance, and assistance to districts on their cybersecurity journeys. Join us to discuss the critical role states can play in bolstering their districts’ cybersecurity posture. We’ll draw on best practices, district case studies, and state examples to showcase effective risk management, recovery, and communication strategies.
Presenter: Colleen Hoy, Senior Manager of Product Management – ENA
The Business & Human Case for Diversity & Inclusion
Join us for a compelling conversation with Jocelyn Moore, Global Practice Leader – Global Diversity & Inclusion, to learn more about how Microsoft thinks about the opportunity we have in our industry when we have a more diverse and inclusive workplace, how it connects to allyship and how you can make it real.
Speaker: Jocelyn Moore, Global Practice Leader – Microsoft
Moderator: Robyn Hrivnatz, US Education Industry Executive – Microsoft
Digital Citizenship with Google for Education
Students need digital literacy skills to be successful in any career, in any field. As distance learning continues to dominate the conversation in the edtech space, it becomes increasingly clear that guiding students to the knowledge and experiences they need to behave responsibly in online spaces is paramount. How might district leaders rise to the challenge, and provide the tools, guidance and support that educators, students and families need in order to be successful digital citizens? Join us in a discussion about strategies, the latest research, and the best tools for the job.
Speaker: Kendall Moore, Program Manager, Google for Education.
November 16 - Monday Breakout Sessions
Professional Learning: Where Culturally Relevant Teaching Meets OER
Join NCDPI and ISKME staff members to explore how North Carolina is merging Culturally Relevant Teaching practices into ongoing professional development with Open Education Resources to create a sustainable and accessible library of resources that embraces diversity and equity. This session will be a virtual panel format with our session facilitators, NCDPI staff, and ISKME partners to discuss the vision, curriculum, and results of the current initiative.
Presenter: Pam Batchelor, Digital Learning Systems Consultant – North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
Co-Presenters: Amee Evans Godwin, VP, Research & Development ISKME
From Baseline to Goals: Statewide Digital Accessibility
As part of the 2020-2024 AEM Cohort, seven states are receiving intensive technical assistance from the National AEM Center to develop coordinated systems for providing accessible digital materials for all learners. As states respond to the fluid learning environments of school districts, it’s more urgent than ever to ensure the timely provision of high-quality accessible digital materials for students with disabilities. Regardless of in-person, hybrid, or remote learning, accessibility can be achieved through a state led, cross-sector systemic approach. Join us to learn about the roadmap we’ll be following, the tools that will guide us, and the drivers that will keep us on track.
Presenter: Cynthia Curry, Director, National Center on Accessible Educational Materials (AEM Center at CAST)
Co-Presenter: Mary Lane, Educational Consultant – New Hampshire Department of Education
Co-Presenter: Stan Freeda, State Educational Technology Director & Online Learning Specialist – New Hampshire Department of Education
Digital Equity: Mapping a Path Forward
This session will address the intersection of Digital Equity, eLearning, and state strategic plans. The state of New Mexico Department of Information Technology has recently published their broadband strategic plan and identified unserved addresses. The Public Education Department has shared student addresses under an MOU and a non-disclosure agreement to match unserved students with service providers. The mapping program in New Mexico is very robust and now includes WiFi hotspots offered by schools, libraries, and service providers and unserved addresses are also mapped. The governor has offered money from GEER funds to connect unserved students.
Presenter: John Chadwick, E-Rate and Ed Tech Coordinator – New Mexico Public Education Department
Co-Presenter: Gar Clarke, State Geospatial Officer – New Mexico Department of Information Technology
Co-Presenter: Jennifer Case Nevarez, Founder – Community Learning Network
Envisioning Computer Science Through the SCRIPT Lens
According to the K-12 Computer Science Framework, “computer science has driven innovation in every field and is powering approaches to many of our world’s toughest challenges.” As stated by the Framework, computer science has become invaluable to every sector of our lives. The Framework also advocates a vision in which all students engage with the practices and concepts of computer science. According to CSforALL, a central resource for organizations interested in K-12 computer science (CS) education, school districts and other LEAs are the unit of change toward creating rigorous, inclusive and sustainable K-12 computer science education. By way of CSforALL’s SCRIPT (Strategic CSforALL Resource & Implementation Planning Tool), district teams are guided by a facilitator through a series of collaborative visioning, self-assessment and goal-setting exercises to create or expand upon a computer science implementation plan for their students. Join this session to learn how districts can utilize the SCRIPT process to create actionable goals toward computer science implementation. Note: the SCRIPT process is provided free of charge by trained SCRIPT facilitators.
Presenter: Cheryl Wilson, Computer Science Consultant – Michigan Department of Education
The Utah State Board of Education has prioritized personalized teaching and learning as one of four statewide strategic plan goals. Learn how Utah:
- Developed a statewide Portrait of a Graduate
- Established grade-banded competencies aligned to the Portrait
- Facilitates two separate grant programs to help set the stage for local innovation:
- The Digital Teaching and Learning (DTL) grant and
- Personalized, and Competency-based Learning (PCBL) grant
- Keeps education moving forward in Utah during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the focus remains on improving student outcomes
- Is planning for the future of personalized, competency-based learning
Presenter: Rick Gaisford, Education Technology Specialist – Utah State Board of Education
Co-Presenter: Todd Call, Coordinator, Digital Teaching and Learning
Co-Presenter: Melanie Durfee, Education Specialist
Co-Presenter: Sydney Young, Education Specialist
Keeping Distance/Virtual Learning as a Worthwhile Option after the Pandemic
Many districts didn’t have virtual programs before the pandemic. Now they do. Rather than discard them after the pandemic, let’s discuss ways that districts can expand their offerings to keep students engaged.
Presenter: Kurt Bernhardt, Director of Technology, Oklahoma Public School Resource Center (OPSRC) – Learn Anywhere Oklahoma
State Instructional Materials Reviews amid COVID-19: Publisher Updates
A SETDA affiliate, the State Instructional Materials Review Association (SIMRA) comprises 19 states who share information regarding evaluation criteria and procedures for the review of curriculum materials. This webinar will provide overviews of state review processes including rubrics used, schedules, current initiatives and policies, and contact information. Covid-19 has increased the need and prevalence of online materials. A primary focus of SIMRA is on the acquisition of high quality digital resources. SETDA’s DMAPS project will be emphasized along with resources available from SIMRA’s website.
Presenter: Alan Griffin, Curriculum Content Specialist – Utah State Board of Education
Co-Presenter: Cliff Rudnick, Administrator, Instructional Resources Unit, California Department of Education
Co-Presenter: Andre Deleon, K-12 Science and Instructional Materials, Nevada Department of Education
Co-Presenter: Kriss Stewart, Instructional Materials Adoption Program, South Carolina Department of Education
November 17 - Tuesday Playground Sessions
Interactive Learning Tools 101
Come explore two awesome interactive learning tools that help teachers and students visualize, share and reflect on learning! Padlet is an interactive board that allows students to represent their learning through posts on a wall. Jamboard is Google’s interactive whiteboard application that is now integrated into Google Meet.
Presenter: Kelly York, Director of Professional Development – FiveStar Technologies
Staying on Track with Sales Force
The LTC uses salesforce to track interactions with the 852 districts in the state of IL. Everything from support calls to attendance at professional learning events is tracked through this cloud based software package. The ability to know what services are being provided and what initiatives are being leveraged by districts is changing the way we can offer targeted outreach in our state. Mindy will demonstrate how the LTC is using the tool and facilitate a discussion on how Salesforce can support your state or organization better identify and support districts, while providing some evidence of impact for your initiatives.
Presenter: Mindy Fiscus, Digital Access Coordinator – Learning Technology Center of Illinois
Design Your Classroom’s Digital Hub with Microsoft Teams Come learn how Microsoft Teams creates a digital hub for educators to deliver instruction, enhance learning, and interact in a rich and engaging online space. In this session you will explore how Teams allows educators to support rich collaboration and communication experiences in a remote or blended learning environment.
Presenter: Brittnie Hebnes, Microsoft Learning Consultant
Viewing and Creating Geographic Data
Maps, storymaps, and dashboards abound these days, and many of them can be of great value to state and local leaders. Some take a little intro and exploration to get the most benefit from them. And SETDA members might even want to generate their own, or help others understand what is involved in using or building such resources. This session will have some demo, some watch and do, some links to share with others, and wide open Q&A.
Presenter: Charlie Fitzpatrick, K12 Manager – Esri