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Superintendents and School Leaders,
WELCOME
to The Univeristy of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the inauguration of the Critical Issues Leadership Conference. The conference signifies both a culmination and a beginning as we work collaboratively to address the critical issues facing education today. We, together, are poised to become a model for the nation on how institutes of higher education, colleges of education, and local schools districts can work as partners in ensuring all of our children receive an equitable, rigorous, and quality education. The critical issues we are facing in education are myriad — complex, difficult to define and reach consensus on, and inexorably intertwined with multifaceted social problems. Yet, these issues also signify opportunities which allow us to imagine a different future and through purposeful action to bring that future to fruition. We cannot do this alone. The conference has been designed for participants to engage in an interactive process for leading change. During each session, participants will have an opportunity to work with colleagues in district teams or small groups to apply what has been learned to their individual contexts and begin to develop their own plan of action for leading change. Additional opportunities will be provided, beyond the conference, to continue to network and collaborate as you implement your plan. We are dedicated to continuing this work and look forward to you joining us for our second leadership conference scheduled for September 2016. Thank you for attending and for your commitment to educating our children and youth. Dr. Patricia M. Alvarez McHatton The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Dean, College of Education and P-16 Integration.
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SCHEDULE at a glance
8:00 a.m. Breakfast
8:30 a.m. Breakfast
9:00 a.m. Welcome and Introductions – Dr. Velma D. Menchaca
9:00 a.m. Planning for Early Wins and Managing Resistance
9:15 a.m. Exploring the Future: Leading Change – Dr. Havidán Rodríguez
10:30 a.m. Break
9:45 a.m. Interactive Engagement with Dr. Havidán Rodríguez
10:45 a.m. Collaborative Planning: Building a Powerful Coalition for Change
10:15 a.m. Break
10:30 a.m. Leading Change: Research to Practice – Dr. Roberto R. Zamora 11:45 a.m. Working Lunch
1:00 p.m. Assessing Readiness for Change
11:45 a.m. Working Lunch: Building Capacity for P-16 Integration – Dr. Patricia Alvarez McHatton 1:00 p.m. Sustaining Change
2:00 p.m. Sharing Time
2:45 p.m. Transition to Large Group Setting
2:30 p.m. Analyzing Stakeholders: Creating a Sense of Credibility and Urgency
3:00 p.m. Reflections and Feedback
3:30 p.m. Debrief – Dr. Federico R. Guerra Jr. and Dr. Shirley J. Mills
3:30 p.m. Closing Session
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MEET
the presenters
Dr. Havidán Rodríguez
Dr. Patricia M. Alvarez McHatton
UTRGV Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
UTRGV College of Education and P-16 Integration, Dean
Exploring the Future: Leading Change
Building Capacity for P-16 Integration
Dr. Rodríguez is the provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), resulting from the consolidation of UT Brownsville and UT Pan American. He was a core faculty member and former director of the Disaster Research Center, the oldest and one of the leading social science disaster research centers in the world at the University of Delaware. He obtained his Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Dr. M. Alvarez McHatton earned a Ph.D. from the University of South Florida in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in special education and urban education. She is currently dean and professor of the College of Education and P-16 Integration at UTRGV.
Dr. Rodríguez held a faculty position and several administrative positions at the University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez for over a decade; and he served as director of the Minority Affairs Program for the American Sociological Association (1995-1998). He has also been a visiting professor at the University of Michigan’s Population Fellow’s Program (Summers 2001-2003); was selected as the Frey Foundation Distinguished Visiting Professor at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (Spring 2002); received a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Disaster Medical System Outstanding Achievement Award (2004); was recognized as one of the Hispanics of the Year in the State of Delaware for which he received the Professional Achievement Award (2007); was awarded the Alfredo G. de los Santos, Jr. Distinguished Leadership Award by the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education (2015); and was the featured cover story of the national publication, The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education Magazine (July 2015).
Dr. Alvarez McHatton has served in multiple capacities throughout her tenure in higher education including program coordinator at the undergraduate and graduate levels at the University of South Florida, chair of the inclusive education department at Kennesaw State University, and associate dean for teacher education at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Her research interests include diversity in education, teacher preparation with an emphasis on preparing culturally competent educators, collaboration, and school experiences of diverse youth and families. Her work centers on school-university-community partnerships. A major emphasis of her work is engaging disenfranchised youth in participatory action research for social change and artsbased research as a method for making research findings accessible to the communities in which it is undertaken. She has served in leadership roles, both nationally and internationally, including as president for both the Division for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Exceptional Learners (DDEL) and the Teacher Education Division (TED) of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).
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Dr. Velma D. Menchaca
Dr. Roberto R. Zamora
UTRGV Organizational and School Leadership, Interim Department Chair
UTRGV Organization and School Leadership Assistant Professor
Exploring the Future: Leading Change
Leading Change: Research to Practice
Dr. Menchaca earned a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University in curriculum and instruction with a minor in educational administration in 1991. She is currently a professor and department chair for the Department of Organization and School Leadership at UTRGV.
Dr. Zamora holds a Ph.D. in educational administration from the University of Texas at Austin. He capitalizes on his vast public school experiences to relate theory and research to practice. His teaching areas of specialization are organizational leadership, instructional leadership and change. His research areas of interest include the impact of organizational health and school leadership on student achievement and on the implementation of change initiatives.
She previously taught at The University of Texas-Pan American, Texas State University and Tarleton State University. Dr. Menchaca has been a university professor for 25 years and in public education for 11 years. Her research focuses in the areas of culturally responsiveness, English learners, mentoring leaders and rural education. Dr. Menchaca teaches in the areas of sociocultural issues, school and community engagement, and special populations. She also serves as an instructor in the master’s and doctoral programs at UTRGV. She has made state, national and international presentations and has also served on national and state committees in addition to providing service to her community. She was awarded the Mentor Award presently by the UTPA College of Education.
Dr. Zamora possesses extensive experiences in public education and in leading and managing change. He has served as teacher, principal, superintendent, executive director of the Region One Education Service Center and as executive assistant to the Texas Commissioner of Education. While serving as the executive assistant to the Commissioner of Education, he provided leadership and coordinated development and administration of the agency’s reorganization, strategic plan, annual operating budget, and Legislative Appropriations Request. Dr. Zamora assists schools and districts with systemic school improvement efforts. He has provided consultative assistance to schools and districts implementing a GEAR UP project. He has also provided consultative assistance to six high schools engaged in a High School Redesign Project. Currently, he provides districts and schools consultative assistance to enhance organizational health and leadership effectiveness.
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MEET
the Administration Team College of Education and P-16 Integration Dr. Patricia M. Alvarez McHatton Dean
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Dr. Guy Bailey President Dr. Havidán Rodríguez Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Francisco Fernandez Vice President for Medical Affairs and Dean of the School of Medicine Dr. Theresa Maldonado Senior Vice President for Research, Innovation and Economic Development Martin Baylor Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration Dr. Kelly Cronin Vice President for Advancement Veronica Gonzales Vice President for Governmental and Community Relations Dr. Janna Arney Chief of Staff and Vice President for Operations
David Granado Assistant Dean for Administration Dr. Steve Chamberlain Interim Associate Dean for P-16 Partnerships and Research Dr. Criselda Garcia Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Dr. Alma Rodriguez Interim Associate Dean for Assessment and Accreditation Dr. Veronica Estrada Interim Chair for Teaching and Learning Dr. John Lowdermilk Interim Chair for Human Development and School Services Dr. Velma D. Menchaca Interim Chair for Organization and School Leadership Dr. Janine Schall Interim Chair for Bilingual and Literacy Studies Dr. Selma Yznaga Interim Chair for Counseling and Guidance
“Never before in history has innovation offered promise of so much to so many in so short a time.” - Bill Gates
CONFERENCE FACULTY
Dr. Jesus “Chuey” Abrego
Dr. Marisa Chapa
Dr. Miguel A. de los Santos
Dr. Alex Garcia
Dr. Juan O. Garcia
Dr. Francisco J. Guajardo
Dr. Federico R. Guerra, Jr.
Dr. Rosalinda Hernández
Dr. John A. Jauregui
Dr. Jerry M. Lowe
Dr. Velma D. Menchaca
Dr. Shirley J. Mills
Dr. Dolores Muñoz
Dr. Alejo Salinas, Jr.
Dr. Hilda Silva
Dr. Marie V. Simonsson
Dr. Karen M. Watt
Dr. Roberto R. Zamora
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Friday, Sept. 11
1 Day
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” - Nelson Mandela
SCHEDULE
Welcome and Introductions
Assessing Readiness for Change
Dr. Velma D. Menchaca 9:00 - 9:15 a.m.
1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Exploring the Future: Leading Change Dr. HavidĂĄn RodrĂguez 9:15 - 10:15 A.M. This session will focus on the creation of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and how it will impact and shape the landscape of higher education in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond. We will also discuss the mission and goals of UTRGV as a 21st century university, and how we will expand and strengthen educational opportunities, including medical opportunities, and research for our communities.
This session will focus on the importance of determining the readiness level of all participants currently engaged or to be engaged in implementing a district/campus change initiative. A Readiness Rubric will be completed to assess the readiness level of leaders, participants/implementers, and the organization. Results will be discussed and actions needed to increase readiness levels will be identified. Small group sessions to determine leadership readiness for change – leaders, participants/implementers and organization.
Analyzing Stakeholders: Creating a Sense of Credibility and Urgency 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Break 10:15 - 10:30 a.m.
Leading Change: Research to Practice Dr. Roberto R. Zamora 10:30 - 11:45 a.m. The importance of and need for significant and sustainable change is indisputable. This session will highlight best practices, supported by research that school leaders can implement to build capacities essential in leading and managing change initiatives. A Leading Change Framework will be introduced to share key change concepts and to set the foundation for dialogue and work to be done in subsequent conference sessions.
Working Lunch 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
This session addresses the need for leaders to create a sense of credibility and urgency for the change initiative to be implemented. Strategies for determining and working with supporters, opponents and groups of indifference will be discussed. Participants will identify strategies and describe how strategies identified will be used to address concerns and foster support for the initiative. Small group sessions to determine supporters, opponents, and groups of indifference and create a sense of credibility and urgency.
Debrief Dr. Federico R. Guerra Jr. and Dr. Shirley J. Mills 3:30 - 4:00 p.m.
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Saturday, Sept. 12
2 Day
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” - John Quincy Adams
SCHEDULE Planning for Early Wins and Managing Resistance 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. The importance of planning early wins and minimizing resistance throughout the change process will be emphasized in this session. Participants will identify specific objectives that may be accomplished in the short term and generate ideas for celebrating early wins. Strategies for minimizing resistance by improving readiness levels of opponents will be shared. Small group sessions to identify early wins that will engender confidence and identify potential strategies for managing resistance.
Break
initiative is improving teacher quality. This presentation discusses the importance of collaboration in building capacity for P-16 integration and ensuring the preparation of candidates able to support our learners as progress through their educational journey.
Sustaining Change 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. For change to be scaled up and sustained it must become a part of the district’s culture. Stakeholders must embrace it, leaders must support it, and “best” practice must become “common” practice. In this session, participants will complete a scale and sustainability score sheet to determine what is or will be needed to sustain the change initiative.
10:30 - 10:45 a.m.
Small group sessions to identify action for scaling up and sustaining the change.
Collaborative Planning: Building a Powerful Coalition for Change
Sharing Time
10:45 - 11:45 a.m. The power of engaging internal and external stakeholders from diverse backgrounds will be addressed in this session. Participants will examine a collaborative planning process that promotes understanding and appreciation of multiple points of view and purposefully addresses conflict to generate support. The process will help participants develop an Action Plan that delineates the mission, goals, strategies, major actions, staff responsibilities, implementation timelines, and performance measures of the change initiative.
2:00 - 2:45 p.m. In this session, districts/schools will share their Action Plan and get feedback from other districts/schools in their assigned groups. Small group sessions to share and acquire feedback from colleagues.
Transition to Large Group Setting 2:45 - 3:00 p.m.
Reflections and Feedback
Small group sessions to create a climate of collaboration and build a powerful coalition for change.
Dr. Rosalinda Hernández 3:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Working LunchBuilding Capacity for P-16 Integration
A panel will be convened to share reflections and provide feedback pertinent to the conference activities. Participants will interactively engage with panel members.
Dr. Patricia M. Alvarez McHatton 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. A primary goal of P-16 integration is the creation of a seamless educational system, from pre-kindergarten through postsecondary education. Paramount in this
Closing Comments Dr. Roberto R. Zamora 3:30 - 3:45 p.m.
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JOIN US
September 2016 for the 2nd Annual Critical Issues Leadership Conference
Reconnect with your fellow RGV superintendents and school leaders. Continue our dialogue and together we can meet the challenges of tomorrow.
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“We are what we repeatedly do; excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.� - Aristotle
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BE PART OF the 2016 conference
Choose next year’s topics. Provide us with your invaluable feedback by completing the Critical Issues Leadership Conference survey. Let us know how we can improve your experience at next year’s conference. Have some suggestions? Great! Share your ideas and input on leading change projects in the Rio Grande Valley with your fellow superintendents and school leaders as well as the UTRGV Organizational and School Leadership faculty on our social media Facebook community. /LeadConference.UTRGV
THANK YOU
Leadership Advisory Committee Community Representatives Mrs. Debbie Aliseda McAllen ISD, Former Board Member Mr. Robert Carreon Teach for America, Executive Director Dr. Cornelio Gonzalez Region One ESC, Executive Director Mr. Fernando Ramirez Principle Medical Supplies, President
Superintendents Dr. Alda Benavides, La Joya ISD Dr. Art Cavazos, Harlingen CISD Dr. Rick Lopez, Mission CISD Mr. Johnny Pineda, Raymondville ISD Dr. James Ponce, McAllen ISD Mr. Gonzalo Salazar, Los Fresnos ISD Dr. Daniel Trevino, Mercedes ISD
Central Office Luis Garza, Roma ISD Dr. Rebecca Morrison, Edinburg CISD Dr. Leticia Pena, PSJA ISD Mrs. Sue Peterson, Weslaco ISD Mrs. Velma Rangel, Donna ISD Ms. Sonya Rodriguez, Edinburg CISD Dr. Mario Ferron, PSJA ISD Mr. Virginio Gonzalez, Edcouch-Elsa ISD
Principals Dr. Debra Arce, Sharyland ISD Mr. Albert Canales, McAllen ISD Ms. Irma Castillo, South Texas ISD Mrs. Lizette Longoria, PSJA ISD Mr. Mike Reyes, Harlingen CISD Ms. Sherri Stout, Brownville ISD
Planning Committee Dr. Jesus “Chuey” Abrego Dr. Marisa Chapa Mr. Juan C. De La Rosa Dr. Miguel A. de los Santos Dr. Alex Garcia Dr. Juan O. Garcia Dr. Francisco J. Guajardo Dr. Federico R. Guerra Jr. Dr. Rosalinda Hernández Dr. John A. Jauregui Dr. Jerry M. Lowe Dr. Velma D. Menchaca Dr. Shirley J. Mills Dr. Dolores Muñoz Dr. Alejo Salinas Jr. Dr. Hilda Silva Dr. Marie V. Simonsson Dr. Karen M. Watt Mr. Xavior “Andy” Rios Dr. Roberto R. Zamora A special thanks to the UTRGV University Marketing and Communications staff.
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JOIN US
at the 2nd Annual Critical Issues Leadership Conference September 2016 at the 2nd Annual Critical Issues Leadership Conference September 2016
For more information: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley College of Education and P-16 Integration leadershipconference@utrgv.edu /LeadConference.UTRGV
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