TASA Texas Association of School Administrators 2015 Midwinter Conference
Creating and Sustaining Student-Centered Schools Developing Future-Ready Students
Austin Convention Center n Austin, TX n January 25–28, 2015
Corporate Partners PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE Apple Chevron Common Sense Education Dell K12 Insight Northwest Evaluation Association–NWEA Pearson Scholastic Schoolwires SMART Technologies Stantec PLATINUM Amplify CollegeBoard Compass Learning Discovery Education Edgenuity eSpark Hobsons Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Huckabee Indeco Sales, Inc. McGraw-Hill Education Organizational Health Page Schneider Electric Schoology Scientific Learning WIN Learning
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TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
GOLD Creating & Managing Wealth, LLC DocuSign High STEPS Learning Together Company Milliken & Company PBK Truenorthlogic SILVER Cisco Health Matters JASON Learning Living Tree SchoolDude TCG Consulting BRONZE ABM Education Services Balfour BloomBoard FirstSouthwest GCA Services Group Insuring Success Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP NextEra Energy Solutions Odysseyware Renaissance Learning Silverback Learning Solutions Teachscape
Alton Frailey TASA President
Johnny L. Veselka TASA Executive Director
Welcome! Welcome to TASA’s 2015 Midwinter Conference! We are pleased to offer you and your colleagues the opportunity to come together in one place to discuss and share innovative practices in the education of the schoolchildren of this state. This year’s conference offers critical sessions addressing the administrative issues that face school leaders every day. A dynamic array of General, Thought Leader, and Concurrent Session speakers will provide fresh insights, challenging each of us to re-think the status quo and engage in transformational practices throughout our school systems. Reflecting the conference’s purpose of meeting the professional needs of your entire leadership team, our program touches on every aspect of school leadership, including topics like finance, human resource management, digital learning, instructional leadership, facility planning, operations, and assessment and accountability. The emphasis on organizational transformation continues, with a host of districts sharing their experiences in implementing a variety of visioning concepts and tools. Conference exhibits feature more than 350 vendors from across Texas and the nation, ready to meet the needs of districts from the largest to the smallest. The exhibit hall also features our Showcase of School Architecture, the 2nd annual TASA Innovation Zone (featuring promising start-up companies), and the TASA Marketplace. And don’t forget to check out the Dell Social Media Wall in the atrium throughout the conference. The Midwinter app—now a conference staple—offers a full overview of the conference. You can review and create a personalized schedule of conference sessions; communicate with colleagues; search for speakers; download presentations and white papers; and use the interactive exhibit hall map to locate, schedule meetings with, and learn more about exhibitors on your smartphone, iPad, or laptop computer. Thank you for making TASA’s Midwinter Conference an important part of your leadership development activities this year. We appreciate the value of your time and have done our best to ensure that your conference experience is both rewarding and enjoyable. We hope you return home with new ideas and solutions to benefit your district and the students you serve.
TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
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FirstSouthwest Specialized Expertise in School District Finance.
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ince 1946, FirstSouthwest has been a trusted leader in public finance, consistently ranking among the top financial advisory and underwriting firms in the nation. Our dedicated team of school district finance professionals possesses vast experience in providing these services to Texas school districts in particular, helping each client achieve their financing and facilities goals. In fact, according to Ipreo MuniAnalytics, for the five year period ending December 31, 2013, FirstSouthwest ranks as the number-one financial advisor for par volume and number of Texas ISD bond issues. FirstSouthwest also ranks in the top five for underwriting Texas ISD bond issues (by par volume). Our professionals have expertise in modeling innovative financing structures based upon the unique objectives of each school district client. And, with offices around the country, we offer our clients in Texas access to the ideas and innovations of our professionals throughout the U.S. To learn more, please contact us today.
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Contents
Conference Sponsors
6
General Information
8
Training Credit
9
Concurrent Session Strands
9
Conference Planning Guide
10
Related Meetings
TASA Services
83
Exhibitors 84 TASA Innovation Zone
91
Showcase of School Architecture
92
Exhibit Hall Floor Plan
94
Advertiser Index
Saturday, January 24
15
Sunday, January 25
15
Monday, January 26
15
Tuesday, January 27
16
Wednesday, January 28
17
Preconference Sessions
Exhibit Hall
18
General Sessions First General Session
22
Second General Session
22
Third General Session
23
Thought Leader Sessions Monday Thought Leader Sessions
26
Tuesday Thought Leader Sessions
29
TASA on iTunes U Sessions
33
Aspiring Superintendents’ Academy
36
96
Getting Around Convention Center Parking
98
Shuttle Bus Information
98
Hotel Information
98
Downtown Austin Area Map
99
Austin Convention Center Floor Plan
100
Hilton Austin Hotel Map
102
TASA Officers and Executive Committee
104
Texas Professional Standards for the Superintendent/Principal Certificate
107
Conference at-a-Glance
110
Concurrent Sessions Monday Concurrent Sessions
38
Tuesday Concurrent Sessions
51
Wednesday Concurrent Sessions
64
Awards and Recognitions TASA 2015 Honorary Life Members
69
Superintendents of the Year
71
2014 TAGT Award
72
2015 TASA Scholarships
73
Principals of the Year
75
Texas Teachers of the Year
76
H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards
80
TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
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Conference Sponsors Special Thanks to Our 2015 Midwinter Conference Sponsors Welcome Reception College Board Dell Huckabee Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson LLP Living Tree McGraw-Hill Education Pearson Schoology Scientific Learning TCG Consulting, LP Teachscape Aspiring Superintendents Academy Hobsons Indeco Sales Odysseyware Stantec True North Logic Computer Cloths BuyBoard® Lone Star Investment Pool TASB Energy Cooperatives TASB Risk Management Fund Concurrent Session Technology Services BloomBoard DocuSign Indeco Sales LivingTree Milliken SchoolDude Conference Bags Discovery Education Pearson Conference Lanyards Cisco Edgenuity Conference Mobile App Gold Sponsor: SMART Technologies Silver Sponsor: McGraw-Hill Education
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TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
Conference Pens Common Sense Education Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) Digital Daily Common Sense Education eSpark Learning K-12 Insight Page Schoology WIN Learning Exhibitors Lounge HighSTEPS First-Time Superintendents Academy Luncheon SMART Technologies Schoology General Sessions First: K-12 Insight Second: Compass Learning Third: Learning Together Hotel Key Cards PBK Scientific Learning Legacy Luncheon First Southwest Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP TCG Consulting, LP President’s Dinner Amplify Education, Inc Apple Chevron College Board Dell Discovery Education Edgenuity Hobsons Indeco Sales Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) Page Pearson
Schneider Electric Scholastic Schoolwires Scientific Learning SMART Technologies Stantec ReCharge Stations BloomBoard School Transformation Luncheon Cisco Compass Learning Pearson Scientific Learning True North Logic TASA Leadership Luncheon Balfour Scientific Learning Stantec Thought Leader Sessions Fenwick English — Odysseyware Todd Whitthorne — DocuSign Deborah Delisle — WIN Learning Cindy Moss — Discovery Education John Tanner — Hobsons Yong Zhao — Edgenuity George Thompson — Schlechty Center Richard Erdmann — Syfr Aaron Alford — JASON Learning Eric Sheninger—Scholastic John Cronin—NWEA Kelly Young/Michael Hinojosa — Dell CEFPI Session—CEFPI, Southern Region
General Information
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Registration and Information Hours Exhibit Hall 4
Speaker Ready Room Hours Mezzanine Level 2, Room 13
Sunday, January 25
2–6 p.m.
Sunday, January 25
2–6 p.m.
Monday, January 26
7:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Monday, January 26
7 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tuesday, January 27
8 a.m.–2 p.m.
Tuesday, January 27
7 a.m.–5 p.m.
First Floor, 4th Street Foyer Tuesday, January 27 Wednesday, January 28 n
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Wednesday, January 28
7–9 a.m.
2–5 p.m. 7 a.m.–noon
On-Site Registration Fee Midwinter Conference—$285 ($385 for individuals who are not affiliated with an educational entity and are not registered exhibitors). No fee is required from guests of registered participants; however, if the guest is an administrator in the same or a different district, the guest is expected to pay the full registration fee. Aspiring Superintendents Academy—$75 Digital Content Leadership Academy—$95
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First Aid The First Aid Station is located on the Trinity Foyer side of Exhibit Hall 4. Check the convention center floor plan located on page 100 for the exact location.
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Recharge Stations Located toward the back on either side of Exhibit Hall 4, Recharge Stations provide attendees the convenience of recharging phones, iPads, or laptops.
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Innovation Zone Located in Exhibit Hall 4, TASA’s Innovation Zone features early stage companies that have been hand-selected based on their application to share their innovative products and services with Texas school leaders.
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Shuttle Transportation See page 98 for shuttle information.
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Lost and Found Located at the registration booth in Exhibit Hall 4.
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Disclaimer The Texas Association of School Administrators endorses no individual, group of individuals, program or related meeting, or any sentiment expressed by any speaker or other participants in the program, except by official action.
As a courtesy to others, please turn off your cell phone during sessions.
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TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
Concurrent Session Strands
The TASA Midwinter Conference features a comprehensive selection of concurrent sessions, including examples of innovative practices in school districts throughout the state, as well as sessions that highlight the collaboration between TASA and other organizations, topics of legal interest, statutory and policy matters, and Texas Education Agency programs. To assist conference attendees in selecting topics of interest as you plan your conference experience, we have included a number of concurrent sessions as part of special strands throughout the conference. Focused on the design, construction, and renovation of school facilities, offered in cooperation with the Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI, Southern Region). Planned cooperatively by TASA and TASB, two sessions designed to offer attendees two hours of Investment Officer Training credit (Monday 9:30–10:45 a.m. amd 10:45–11:45 a.m.) Focused on a variety of legal issues that are of interest to superintendents and other district and campus administrators, presented by school law experts representing both TASB and some of the state’s best law firms. Focused on issues related to the implementation and expansion of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics programs and courses. Planned cooperatively by TASA and the Texas Council of Professors of Educational Administration, designed to build a bridge that encourages research in the university with a strong practical application and to strengthen the collaboration between school practitioners and university professors. Presented by staff of the Texas Education Agency, addressing a variety of statutory requirements, state policy initiatives, and agency programs. Planned by school public relations experts and the Texas School Public Relations Association, focusing on the use of effective communication strategies.
Training Credit Earn up to 13 hours of Continuing Professional Education credit throughout the Midwinter Conference. The Superintendent and Principal Standard Certificates (issued after September 1, 1999) require renewal every five years, including 200 hours of CPE credit from approved providers. The Texas Association of School Administrators approved provider number is 500101. The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) superintendent standard number is indicated at the end of each session description in this program book. Certificate renewal standards adopted by SBEC for principals and assistant principals, with the omission of the policy and governance standards, are very similar to the superintendent standards; however, the numbering of the standards is slightly different. Complete information, including renewal requirements for teachers, principals, and assistant principals can be found on the Texas Education Agency’s website (www.tea.state.tx.us) or by calling 512.936.8400. See page 107 for a copy of the CPE form and a list of standards for the superintendent/principal.
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Conference Planning Guide
Saturday, January 24 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Preconference Session: TASA Mentor Training Workshop (9AB)
Sunday, January 25 7:30 a.m.–noon Preconference Session: TASA Budget Boot Camp (13AB) 2 –4 p.m. Preconference Session: Strategies for School District Leadership in Challenging Economic Times (8C) Preconference Session: The Paradigm of Choice: World-Class Learners or Compliance-Driven Test Takers (9AB) 5:30–7 p.m. Midwinter Conference Welcome Reception (Hilton Governor’s Ballroom, 4th Floor)
Monday, January 26 8:30–9:15 a.m. TASA on iTunes U®: Transforming Teaching and Learning (Ballroom G) 9:30 a.m.–3:15 p.m. Digital Content Leadership Academy (Ballroom D) 9:30–10:30 a.m.
The Transformation Journey of a High School English Teacher (16A) Overview and Update on the New Texas Teacher and Principal Evaluation Systems (16B) 84th Texas Legislature—What’s Happening Under the Dome? (17A) School Safety: “Have Gun Will … ?” (17B) Construction in Public Schools: A How-To (and How-Not-To) Guide (18A) Attendance Accounting Concerns (18B) Risk and Diversification (18C) LISDblendED: An a la Carte Blended Learning Model (18D) Strength in Numbers—Rural District Partnerships for CTE Co-op Programs (19A) LDC/MDC Tools Help Teachers Engage Students for Literacy and Math Success (19B) Thought Leader Session: How to Build Healthy Habits to Last a Lifetime (Ballroom F) Thought Leader Session: The Leadership Identity Journey (Ballroom G) 10:45–11:45 a.m. All Aboard! Increasing Student Achievement and Improving Staff Morale (9C)
Leading the Way: How Administrators Can Support Technology Integration (9C)
Parent Engagement: Timely, Meaningful, Convenient … and in 40+ Languages (10A)
Planting the SEADS of Positive Image: Sharing Events, Achievements, District Happenings and Stories (SEADS) (10A)
Branding and Marketing Your School District from the Inside Out (10B)
Rally Your Ambassador Army! #BeProud! (10B) Teacher Leadership Academy— Building Capacity for Sustained Leadership (10C) Community Advocacy and Family Engagement: Making Meaningful Connections (11AB) Establishing Strategic Design Teams in Small Schools (12A) Building a Culture of College and Career Readiness to Meet 21st Century Demands (12B) Distinction Designations in Focus (13AB) Accountability for Learning–The Campus Support Team Approach (14)
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Public-Private Partnerships for Small Schools (15)
TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
Program Evaluations (10C) Maximizing Stakeholder Efforts through Strategic Organizational Alignment (11AB) Developing an Ethics Management Plan (12A) Investment Reporting, Compliance, and Internal Controls (12B) Texas ASCD Curriculum Leadership Academy: Systemic Support for Curriculum Leaders (13AB) Safety Essentials: Everything I Need to Know to Make My School Safe (14) Corpus Christi ISD: Transforming Schools with Innovation (15) Ensuring Voter Support for a Large Bond Election (16A) Federal Flexibility and Federal Fiscal Updates (16B)
Common Findings and FAQs (17A) Plainly Lewd or Constitutionally Protected? 385,000 Reasons to Get it Right (17B) FERPA: Release of Student Records during Times of Crisis (18A) Connecting STEM to the Classroom (18B) The Superintendent’s Contract— What Should and Should NOT be Included (18C) UIL Update (18D) Healthier, Happier Employees = Positive Return on Investment (19A) New Career Pathways Help More Students Achieve Required Endorsements (19B) Why Texas Hasn’t Had a Newtown/ Columbine Attack: A Proven Intervention that Mitigates Risk (Ballroom F) Thought Leader Session: Leadership Dedicated to All Students (Ballroom G) 1–2 p.m. New Process for Requesting Indirect Cost Rates (9C) Trust but Verify: Education Foundation Nonprofit Compliance (10A) Using Infographics to Tell Your Story (10B) Is Your District on the Way to College and Career Readiness? Myth vs. Fact (10C) Crisis Response and Emergency Preparedness (11AB) Creating Innovators through Game Design: One District’s Implementation (12A) World Class Transformation (12B) 1A: Five Critical Skills Necessary for the Interim Superintendent in Texas (13AB) 1B: Selective Experiences of First Year Superintendents (13AB) 1C: Poverty to Leadership: Life Experiences and Academic Success of Women Superintendents Raised in Poverty (13AB) 1D: Cultivating Democratic Students through Schooling (13AB) House Bill 5: CTE Programs and Local Partnerships (14) Developing Leaders, One Child at a Time (15) Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (TALAS) Mentoring (16A)
New Federal Grant Rules: What Every Central Office Needs to Know (17A) How Was I to Know THAT? I’m Not a Lawyer! (17B) Making Decisions in Times of Chaos (18A) Relevance and Rigor at Roscoe Collegiate: How Silverback Supports our Success (18C) School Transformation—The Journey from Then to Now (18D) The Texas Accountability Intervention System—Building District Capacity (19A) Trials and Triumphs of 1:1 Implementation (19B) Thought Leader Session: Putting the Sizzle in STEM (Ballroom F) Thought Leader Session: How to be Excellent (In Spite of Accountability) (Ballroom G) 2:15 PM–3:15 PM Sparking Change: Student-Focused Design and Cost-Effective Decisions (9AB) Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN): The Key to Meeting Graduation Requirements (9C) Successful #SocialMedia for ISDs (10A) What Are We Waiting For? (10B) Taking the Guesswork Out of Student Learning Objectives (10C) Lead by Instruction, Powered by Technology (11AB) The Cloud, Private Social Networking, and Education in Texas (12A) Wise County Collaboration (12B) 2A: A Closer Look at University Strategic Planning (13AB) 2B: Making Online Courses Come Alive (13AB) 2C: Self-Authoring Ethical Dilemma Cases: Developing Moral Literacy in Educational Leaders through Dramatic Rehearsal (13AB) 2D: Community and Student Engagement: The Who, When, Why, and How of the Self-Assessment (13AB) Developing and Implementing Opportunities for Student-Centered Teaching and Learning (14) Measuring Teacher Effectiveness— the Dallas ISD Teacher Excellence Initiative (15)
TRS Update (16B) Update: Online Resources for Teachers and Students (17A) What Marriage Means—Effect of the Same-Sex Marriage Tidal Wave on Public Schools (17B) Informal Discussions and Their Impact on the Grievance Process (18A) Rural Teachers Lead: A Rural Teacher Leadership Cooperative (18B) Social Media Update 2015 (18C) Schoology: Aldine ISD’s “One Stop Shopping Experience!” (18D)
3B: Learning Outside the Box: An Analysis of Alternative School of Choice Attendance Policies (13AB) 3C: The Campus Principal and Senate Bill 460: Suicide Awareness and Prevention (13AB) 3D: School To Prison Pipeline: Are Discipline Alternative Educational Programs the Pump Station (13AB) Refocusing on Early Literacy: How to Get It Done! (14) Forging Successful HB 5 Partnerships between Rural High Schools and Higher Ed (15)
Mastering Your Instructional Materials Allotment (19A)
The Curriculum Management Audit: What Are Your Students Learning? Is it Quality? (16A)
Building a Computer Science Pipeline in Your District (19B)
Using Video as a Collaborative Tool to Improve Practice (16B)
Thought Leader Session: What the Schlechty Center Is Learning about Politics and Leadership in Education (Ballroom F) Thought Leader Session: Two Education Paradigms: What Defines and How to Create a World Class Education (Ballroom G) 3:30–5 p.m. 1st General Session: The Professional and Political Dimensions of Transformational Leadership (Exhibit Hall 5)
Tuesday, January 27 8 a.m.–2 p.m. Exhibits/TASA Marketplace/Member Services (Exhibit Hall 4) 9–10 a.m. Using Digital and Formal Assessment to Individualize Students’ Instruction (9AB) Teacher Pay—Envision a Better Way (9C) Creating Positive PR for Your ISD through Education Foundations (10A) What Your Technology Director Should Know (10B) Soaring to Success (10C) Creating Student-Centered Schools for Future-Ready Students (11AB) Creating a Collaborative District with Google (12A) Project-based STEM and Service Learning—What It Looks Like in Action (12B) 3A: The Current State of Texas School District Employee Social Media Policies (13AB)
Conference Planning Guide
Update: Educator Investigations (16B)
Curriculum Update (17A) A New Look at the Value of the Classroom: Creating an Environment for Student Success (17B) Designing Schools for Postsecondary Success (18A) Future-Ready Schools: Transformational Leadership for the Schools We Need (18B) A District and University Partnership for Developing 21st Century School Leaders (18C) Excellence through Classroom Experiential Learning and HB 5—The Perfect Combination (18D) How to Build a Successful 1:1 Learning Program—A School Administrator’s Perspective (19A) Pension News (19B) Perspective Is Everything: Assessment, Accountability, and the 84th Legislature (Ballroom E) Thought Leader Session: A Fantastic Voyage: The Next Generation of STEM Education (Ballroom F) Thought Leader Session: Creating a New Vision for Rural Schools: Transforming Learning (Ballroom G) 10:15–11:15 a.m. Critical Information about Your TRS Benefits and Future Planning (9AB) Integrating Engineering Design, Computational Thinking, and 21st Century Skills (9C) Panel Discussion on Best Practices in Teacher Evaluation (10A) Crisis Management and Maintaining Public Trust: You Can Do Both! (10B)
Texas Schools Aren’t Average (16A)
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Conference Planning Guide
The Double Bottom Line: Ensure the Effectiveness of Every Dollar Spent (10C)
Thought Leader Session: Digital Leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing Times (Ballroom F)
Providing Choice to Increase Options, Opportunities, and Achievement (11AB)
Thought Leader Session: A Consumer’s Guide to the New World of Teacher Evaluation: Understanding the Promise and Pitfalls behind New Protocols for Teacher Observation and Measurement of Teacher Performance (Ballroom G)
Leading Transformation through Administrator Digital-Age Leadership Academies (12A) Speedometry: Bringing Science and Play Together to Teach STEM (12B) 4A: Perceptions of Influence of the TAP System on Instruction Framed within Distributed Leadership (13AB) 4B: School Principal Perceptions of the Efficacy of Non-supervisory Mentors (13AB) 4C: The Effectiveness of High School Language Arts Inclusion Efforts (13AB) 4D: Factors Influencing the Establishment and Sustainability of Professional Learning Communities: The Teacher’s Perspective (13AB) 4E: Principals’ Perspectives on More or Less Power for Central Office, Principal (13AB) Net Zero Schools–Driving Down Costs while Improving Curriculum Opportunities (14) Facilities as Catalysts for Transformation: An Innovative PK-8 (15) San Marcos CISD’s EPIC Journey to Become the Learning Community of Texas (16A) When “Never Here” Happens “Here”: A Review of Dallas ISD’s Response to Ebola (16B) State Funding Update (17A) The School Board: First-Term Lessons (Recommendations for Superintendents) (17B) Responding to Parent Requests to Opt Out of State Assessments (18A) Increasing School Safety through Partnerships with Law Enforcement Agencies (18B) The Roscoe Collegiate System Model for School Transformation (18C) Building Districtwide Instructional Leadership (18D)
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11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Building a School District Police Department from the Ground Up (9AB) Student E-Portfolios Powered by Google Sites (9C) Save Money, Time, and Resources with Online Webinars for Employees (10A) Legal Issues in Dealing with the Media and Crisis Management (10B) What’s New in Educator Certification? (10C) One System, One Process, One Standard: How TSDS Is Unifying TEA’s Data Systems (11AB) Future-Ready Leaders: Texas State’s Transformational Leadership Program (12A) Opportunities and Challenges for Discovery-Based Learning (12B) Achieving Equity and Success in College Readiness—How It’s Being Done (13AB) STEM via POE, Robotics, and Solar Cars (14) Visionary Leadership for StudentCentered Schools (15)
Meeting the Challenge: Successful Strategies for Implementing the 2014 Revised Math TEKS (Ballroom D)) Behavioral Interviews: The Gold Standard for Hiring Excellence (Ballroom F) The Best of Times and the Worst of Times (Ballroom G) Noon–5 p.m. Aspiring Superintendents Academy Part One (8AB) 2:15–3:15 p.m. Update: Educator Preparation (9AB) District and Charter Collaborations (9C) Trends on Technology Use in Texas Schools (10A) How to Develop, Implement, and Maximize a Comprehensive Energy Management Master Plan (10B) Avoid a Million Dollar Mistake: What Superintendents Should Know about Instructional Materials (10C) Rigorous Reading across Disciplines (11AB) Cy-Fair ISD’s 2020 Vision Long-Range Planning Process (12A) Creating the Environment for Engaging STEM Education: Success Stories from Texas and Beyond (12B) Helping Kids Separate a Troubled Past from a Bright Future (13AB) Is Grit a Missing Piece? (14)
HB 5, Section 46: Our Opportunity to Move Away from Compliance (16A)
Transform Classroom Learning with Google Docs (15)
Keeping Students and Staff Healthy (16B)
Leading Graduation Rate Improvement in Your School and Community (16A)
TEA Update: Highly Qualified Educators (17A) Being Prepared in Times of Crisis (17B) Mustangs, Mash-ups, and Mishaps: Managing IP in Today’s High-tech Schools (18A) Simplifying Special Education: A National and State Perspective (18B)
Update—Revised Mathematics TEKS Implementation (19A)
Research-Based Strategies Focused on College and Career Readiness (18C)
Creating the Conditions for Increasing Employee Engagement (19B)
We Can See Clearly Now: Data That Drives Continuous School Improvement (18D)
STEM Literacy: JASON Learning’s Focus on Science and Exploration– Ballroom D
Building Community Trust One Conversation at a Time (19A)
TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
The Richardson ISD Journey to PBL Implementation with Fidelity (19B)
Restoring Public Trust—Lessons Learned from El Paso ISD and Others (16B) What Does Our District Need to Know about Chapter 41? (17A) First Offender’s Program: Our Plan to Close the “School-to-Prison Pipeline” (17B) From Policy to Procedure: Connecting Legislators, Rulemakers, and Practitioners (18A) Personalized Learning: Bold Actions, Powerful Ideas, and District Successes (18B) Short-Term, Teacher Self-assessment as a Means to Improving Student Learning (18C)
Roadmap to Blended Learning (19A) Scaling Systemic Change in Clint ISD (19B) Thought Leader Session: Together We Learn, Together We Grow (Ballroom F) Thought Leader Session: Re-imagining Education: A National Perspective on System Transformation (Ballroom G) 3:30–5 p.m. 2nd General Session: The State of Education: The Commissioner’s Perspective (Exhibit Hall 5)
Wednesday, January 28 8–9:30 a.m. Aspiring Superintendents Academy Part Two (8AB) 8:30–9:30 a.m. A Triple Play Approach to Leadership (11AB) You Want a Stipend for What? (12A) Using Dual Enrollment to Offer HB 5 Endorsements (12B) Statewide Pre-Kindergarten Professional Development and Child Progress Monitoring (13AB) Developing an Administrator Pipeline: McKinney Aspiring Administrator Institute (14) How to Host a Successful Digital Citizenship Week (15)
Inside the Texas Juvenile Justice Department’s Education Services (18A) Raising Student Achievement Using Adaptive Beliefs: Research on Growth Mindsets (18B) SLOs: How Districts Can Design and Implement Systems to Measure Student Growth (18C) Getting the Buy-In: Implementing Systemic Change (18D) Bridging the Aspirations Gap: Making College Readiness a Priority Districtwide (19A) School District Guide to Successful Media Relations (19B)
Conference Planning Guide
Lessons from Moses (not Dr. Mike): What Effective Leadership Is and Is Not (18D)
9:45–11:15 a.m. 3rd General Session: Hope, Engagement & Well-Being: Texas Students Speak Up (Exhibit Hall 5)
NOTES:
TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
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TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
Related Meetings Saturday, January 24 Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents Mentoring Program
8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Hilton–417AB
TASA Mentor Training
9 a.m.–3 p.m.
ACC–Level 3–9AB
Sunday, January 25 TASA Budget Boot Camp
7:30 a.m.–Noon
ACC–Level 4–13AB
TASA Executive/Legislative Committees Joint Meeting
9 a.m.–Noon
TASA Innovation Zone Review Panels
11 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
ACC–Level 4–17B/18A-D/19A-B
Equity Center: School Finance and Legislative Workshop
11:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
ACC–Level 4–Ballroom F/G
TASA Leadership Luncheon
Noon–1 p.m.
Hilton–406
TASA Executive Committee
1:30–3:30 p.m.
Hilton–412
Strategies for School District Leadership in Challenging Economic Times
2–4 p.m.
ACC–Level 3–8C
The Paradigm of Choice: World-Class Learners or Compliance-Driven Test Takers
2–4 p.m.
ACC–Level 3–9AB
TASA Accountability Forum Focus Group
3–5 p.m.
ACC–Level 3–8AB
Midwinter Conference Welcome Reception
5:30–7 p.m.
Hilton–Governor’s Ballroom (4th Floor)
Texas Leadership Center Board Meeting
7:30–9 a.m.
Hilton–403
Texas Association of Community Schools Joint Legislative/Executive Committee Breakfast
7:30–9 a.m.
Hilton–408
Texas Academic Decathlon Board Meeting
7:30–9 a.m.
Hilton–410
Texas Association of Rural Schools Directors Meeting
7:30–9 a.m.
Hilton–415B
Texas Association of Mid-Size Schools
7:30–9 a.m.
Hilton–Salons F/G
Texas School Coalition Executive Committee
8:30–10 a.m.
Hilton–404
Texas Council of Professors of Educational Administration
8:30 a.m.–Noon
Hilton–406
ESC Region 13 Breakfast
8:30–10 a.m.
Four Seasons Hotel
Texas Association of Community Schools Executive Committee 9–10:30 a.m.
Hilton–412
Hilton–408
Monday, January 26
Equity Center Board of Directors
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
ACC–Level 3–Austin Suite
Fast Growth School Coalition Luncheon
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Hilton–Salon A
ESC Region 2 Luncheon
Noon–1 p.m.
Fogo de Chao
TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
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Related Meetings TASA/Schlechty Center Networks Luncheon
Noon–1 p.m.
ACC–Level 3–8AB
Texas Curriculum Management Audit Center Luncheon
Noon–1:30 p.m.
ACC–Level 3–9AB
TASA First-Time Superintendents Academy Luncheon
Noon–2 p.m.
Texas School Coalition Membership Meeting
2:15–3:15 p.m.
Chapter 313 Meeting
3:30–5 p.m.
ACC–Level 3–8C
University of North Texas Reception
4:30–7 p.m.
Hilton–Salons D/E
TAMU Alumni and ALI Reception
5:30–6:30 p.m.
Hilton–408
The University of Texas at Austin’s Cooperative Superintendency Program Reception
5:30–7 p.m.
Hilton–406
Texas State University College of Education Alumni and Students Reception
5:30–7 p.m.
Hilton–415
Pink Pink Rose
6:30–9 p.m.
Hyatt Regency–Big Bend
Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents Reception
7:30–10 p.m.
ACC–Level 3–8C Hilton–404
Hilton–Salon A
Tuesday, January 27
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ESC Region 4 Breakfast
7–9 a.m.
Hilton–Salons A/B
ESC Region 10 Breakfast
7–9 a.m.
Hilton–Salon J
ESC Region 3 Breakfast
7:30–9 a.m.
Hilton–412
ESC Region 6 Breakfast
7:30–9 a.m.
Radisson
ESC Region 7 Breakfast
7:30–9 a.m.
Hilton–400/402
ESC Regions 8 & 12 Breakfast
7:30–9 a.m.
Hilton–Salon G
ESC Region 16 Breakfast
7:30–9 a.m.
Hilton–406
ESC Regions 17 & 18 Breakfast
7:30–9 a.m.
Hilton–Salon E
ESC Region 20 Superintendents’ Breakfast
7:30–9:30 a.m.
Hilton–Salon D
ESC Regions 9, 14, & 15 Breakfast
7:30–10 a.m.
Hilton–Salon C
ESC Region 11 Breakfast
8–9:30 a.m.
Hilton–Salon K
Texas A&M ALI Planning Committee Meeting
8:15–9:15 a.m.
Student Transfers Across Rural Texas (STAR Texas)
10:45–11:45 a.m.
ESC Region 1 Regional Advisory Council of Superintendents
11 a.m.–1 p.m.
TASA School Transformation Network Luncheon
11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Teacher of the Year Regional Coordinators Luncheon
11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
ACC–Level 3–8AB Hilton–402 Hilton–Salons A/B ACC–Level 4–Ballroom E ACC–Level 3–Austin Suite
Related Meetings Aspiring Superintendents Academy (Part One)
Noon–5 p.m.
ACC–Level 3–8AB
Common Sense Education Focus Group Meeting
12:30–2 p.m.
ACC–Level 3–8C
Wednesday, January 28 ESC Region 5 Legislative Breakfast
7–10 a.m.
Hilton–415
Aspiring Superintendents Academy (Part Two)
8–9:30 a.m.
TASA Accountability Forum Seminar
11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
ACC–Level 4–Ballroom E
STEM Summit Participants’ Forum
11:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
ACC–Level 4–Ballroom G
Principals’ Institute
11:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
ACC–Level 3–8AB
Hilton Garden Inn
TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
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Preconference Sessions Saturday, January 24
9–3 p.m.
TASA Mentor Training–Room 9AB (Level 3) John Horn, Senior Associate, Schlechty Center, and Consultant, TASA
TASA’s Learning for Leadership is a mentoring program for Texas superintendents. In this training session, superintendents who have agreed to serve as mentors to first-time superintendents are provided with an overview of the responsibilities inherent in this important support role, including assisting the new superintendents as they establish themselves in the position and begin working to achieve an impact on their school district. Sunday, January 25
7:30 a.m.–Noon
TASA Budget Boot Camp–13AB (Level 4) Doug Karr and Omar Garcia, Consultants, TASA
Texas school districts are functioning in the midst of historical cuts to education funding and the years ahead look to be even more challenging. TASA’s Budget Boot Camp has long been considered a valuable asset to administrators, but today’s economic and political climate make it more important than ever. This session provides administrators with the opportunity to: • Complete and/or update the latest release of the state-funding template under guided instruction • Project state and local revenue for your school district for school years 2015-15 through 2018-19 for current and future planning purposes • Monitor the under/over payment of foundation school fund state aid for school year 2014-15 • Ask questions and dialogue about other school finance related items of interest Sunday, January 25
2–4 p.m.
Strategies for School District Leadership in Challenging Economic Times–Room 8C (Level 3) (Open to All Conference Registrants, no additional fee is required to attend)
Steve Flores, Superintendent, Round Rock ISD; Mike Waldrip, Superintendent, Coppell ISD; and Carolyn S. Talasek and Fred A. Bentsen, Senior Vice Presidents, APQC Education
Is your school district being asked to do more with less? Would you like to be able to save money in your district and direct those savings to the classroom? Does your district have structure and standards for managing the organization with a focus on processes and data? Can you link initiatives, programs and projects to a set of strategic goals/objectives? As an education leader, you are charged with providing a first class education for the students in your district, but also with building process leadership that ensures a clear direction, identification and reporting on Key Performance Indicators and continuous improvement. This challenge becomes increasingly difficult in the face of economic pressures and reduced budgets. What if you were able to able to assist your district in identifying solutions that could meet those challenges head on? What if you were able to bring a set of tools to your district which help you create a culture for process management, identify and prioritize opportunities to save money, improve student outcomes, and provide continuous process improvements? This free workshop is designed to equip you with concrete tools and methodologies to begin this work in your district. Participants:
• Explore Process and Performance Management (PPM) and learn how it can help you save money and improve student outcomes • Learn how Process Management and governance systems work (Process Leadership) • Learn about how these methodologies are already being applied in districts across Texas APQC Education is a Houston-based non-profit and has a sponsorship agreement with TASA.
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TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
Sunday, January 25
2–4 p.m.
The Paradigm of Choice: World-Class Learners or Compliance-Driven Test Takers–Room 9AB (Level 3) (Open to All Conference Registrants, no additional fee is required to attend)
Yong Zhao, Presidential Chair and Associate Dean, University of Oregon
Yong Zhao speaks around the world on educational issues, particularly on issues related to globalization and education, creativity, global competitiveness, educational reforms, and educational technology. His main messages are: • Education should focus on developing children’s strengths, not “fixing their deficiencies.” • Education is much more than the overlay of instruction of course content. • National standards/standardization have serious negative consequences. • What makes a nation—a community—strong are diversity of talents and creative citizens. • To succeed in the globalized world, we need to cultivate global competencies. The elements of entrepreneur-oriented education have been proposed and practiced by various education leaders and institutions for a long time but they have largely remained on the fringe. Zhao believes what we need to do is to move these elements to the mainstream for all children. Zhao proposes a new paradigm of education. In this in-depth session he discusses the triad model of education to prepare global, creative, and entrepreneurial talents that include: personalized curriculum/educational experience, product-oriented learning, and the globe as the campus. Q&A time is included at the end of the session. Dr. Zhao’s presentations are based on the massive amount of evidence from a variety of sources he gathered for his books Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Dragon: Why China has the Best (and Worst) Education System in the World (Jossey-Bass, 2014); World Class Learners: Educating Creative and Entrepreneurial Students (Corwin, 2012); and Catching Up or Leading the Way: American Education in the Age of Globalization (ASCD, 2009). Session Sponsor: Edgenuity
TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
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hmhco.com • 800.225.5425
Explore. Empower. Grow. At Houghton Mifflin Harcourt™, we strive to inspire passionate, curious, lifelong learners. We believe that the best teachers are always learning and that the best schools are the ones committed to a culture of high achievement. It’s this dedication and passion that inspired HMH® Education Services— a comprehensive continuum of professional learning and support for schools and districts. We combine our expertise in curriculum with the best teaching and leadership practices to empower educators.
Explore the possibilities. Join us at the TASA Midwinter Conference in Austin, Texas Booth #524 Be sure to ask about our HMH Education Services.
Visit us online at:
hmhco.com
Connect with us: @HMHCo Houghton Mifflin Harcourt™ and HMH® are trademarks or registered trademarks of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Printed in the U.S.A. 01/15 MS127834
TA SA
General Sessions
MI D WI N T ER
First General Session Monday, January 26
3:30–5 p.m.
Exhibit Hall 5
The Professional and Political Dimensions of Transformational Leadership Doug Christensen, Professor, Doane College Presiding: Alton Frailey, Superintendent, Katy ISD Recognitions: TASA President’s Circle Corporate Partners, TASA 2015 Honorary Life Members, and Outstanding Educators Soloist: Manasa Kanukurthy, Westwood High School, Round Rock ISD Performing Group: Brazoswood High School Symphonic Band, Brazosport ISD Public education in America is highly regulated and dominated by high stakes and test-based accountability requirements. The proliferation of these policies over the last 30 years has been layered on top of an already bureaucratic factory model that valued standardization and efficiency practices. To move schools from these deeply entrenched cultures and structures to systems with the capacity to meet the needs of the 21st Century learner means major transformations are essential. To affect the necessary changes requires that we lead differently, commit to the long haul, and engage the hearts and minds of people both within and outside of education. While Commissioner of Education in Nebraska, Christensen developed standards that defined the elements required for local school district accountability and responsibility. This was in contrast to a state run accountability system. His design was initially accepted by the US Department of Education, but was rejected under NCLB. Because of his philosophy and experience, TASA and the High Performance School Consortium have sought his advice on our transformational efforts in Texas. Christensen will share his perspectives on TASA’s school transformation initiatives, some reflections on the political “vortex” where transformational school leaders must live, and other contextual and collaborative issues that leaders must consider if the current transformational journey is to be sustained.
Session Sponsor: K12 Insight
Second General Session Tuesday, January 27
3:30–5 p.m.
Exhibit Hall 5
The State of Education: The Commissioner’s Perspective Michael Williams, Commissioner of Education, Texas Education Agency Presiding: Karen Rue, TASA President-Elect and Superintendent, Northwest ISD Recognitions: TASA Platinum and Gold Corporate Partners and Outstanding Educators Performing Group: Jasper High School Symphony Orchestra, Plano ISD The commissioner of education discusses future directions for the state’s education system, including the challenges that lie ahead in addressing the needs of public education, as well as the expections for students, campuses, and districts to meet the requirements of House Bill 5. The commissioner also provides updates on school accountability and other agency responsibilities with an opportunity for Q&A.
Session Sponsor: Compass Learning
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TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
Third General Session Wednesday, January 28
9:45–11:15 a.m.
Exhibit Hall 5
Hope, Engagement, and Well-Being: Texas Students Speak Up Brandon Busteed, Executive Director, Gallup Education Presiding: Kevin Brown, TASA Vice–President and Superintendent, Alamo Heights ISD Recognitions: TASA Silver and Bronze Corporate Partners Performing Group: Vista Ridge High School Choir, Leander ISD As an important part of our school transformation efforts, TASA has partnered with Gallup to promote the use of the 2014 Gallup Student Poll in Texas districts this fall. The poll, conducted from September 30-October 31, 2014, measures the hope, engagement, and well-being of students in grades 5-12. Gallup has found that each of these three factors—student hope for the future, engagement with school, and well-being—are significantly related to student performance. The combined measure of these factors is predictive of student outcomes and has been shown to drive students’ grades, credits earned, achievement scores, retention, likelihood to stay in school, and future employment. At the 3rd General Session, Busteed will share the results of a special Texas edition of the survey results, and how this tool provides teachers, principals, and administrators with actionable data to accelerate student success.
Session Sponsor: Learning Together
TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
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Problems Worth Solving
Introducing Math Techbook The latest in breakthrough digital textbooks from Discovery Education Teaching math starts with a connection Teachers who engage students with problems connected to the real world set the stage for deeper and lasting understanding. Math Techbook provides teachers with a rich variety of digital problems that motivate and excite students of all abilities. Supporting teachers with model lessons, real-time student progress reports, and on-site professional development, Math Techbook will fundamentally change the way Texas students and teachers experience math.
Courses: Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II
Access the Texas Evaluator Edition of Math Techbook Today: www.DiscoveryEducation.com/MathTechbook
Brett Felten, Director – Texas Discovery Education 312.415.3101 Brett_Felten@discovery.com
3.16x10 W/cm -5
Š 2015 Discovery Education, Inc.
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TA SA
Thought Leader Sessions
MI D WI N T ER
Monday Thought Leader Sessions January 26
9:30–10:30 a.m.
Ballroom F
How to Build Healthy Habits to Last a Lifetime Todd Whitthorne, President, ACAP Health Presiding: Fred Hayes, Superintendent, Nacogdoches ISD We are what we repeatedly do. There is a big difference, however, between knowing and doing. Healthy habits are essential for improving our odds of living a long and healthy life but the big question is how do we go about changing for good? Whitthorne explains how the science of behavior modification can give us skills to make small changes that will lead to huge benefits.
Session Sponsor: DocuSign
January 26
9:30–10:30 a.m.
Ballroom G
The Leadership Identity Journey Fenwick English, Distinguished Professor of Educational Leadership, University of North Carolina Presiding: Vicki Adams, Superintendent, Palacios ISD Identity is crucial to leadership. That humans experience life as a journey is the foundation of a universal story, from Star Wars to Lord of the Rings. Based on groundbreaking research using provocative visual prompts of actual school leaders, which is now a published book, school leaders reveal their mythic identities, which connect to a universal mythic journey that is ageless and timeless.
Book Signing: The Leadership Identity Journey: An Artful Reflection (immediately following presentation 10:30-11 a.m. at Book Signing Kiosk) Session Sponsor: Odysseyware
January 26
10:45–11:45 a.m.
Ballroom G
Leadership Dedicated to All Students Deborah Delisle, Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education, US Department of Education Presiding: Alfred Ray, Superintendent, Duncanville ISD In an era that seems infatuated with achievement test scores, leaders struggle to find an appropriate balance between demonstrating that students are, indeed, learning while also providing a supportive system that helps adults and students to thrive. In this session, Deb Delisle emphasizes the need for a significant transformation of district and school cultures to meet the needs of our students for their future—not our present. Deb challenges everyone to resist those who believe that our best days are behind us and to renew our commitment to kids. By sharing stories about students, classrooms, and leaders, this session energizes you and inspires you to create a learning system that embraces innovation and, perhaps, even creates breakthroughs that have yet to be imagined.
Session Sponsor: WIN Learning
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TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
Monday Thought Leader Sessions
January 26
1–2 p.m.
Ballroom F
Putting the Sizzle in STEM Cindy Moss, Director of Global STEM Initiatives, Discovery Education Presiding: Wayne Rotan, Superintendent, Glen Rose ISD This presentation provides conference attendees with data about STEM in Texas, strategies to use in classrooms, and ways to institute STEM in after-school and summer time slots. Attendees leave with access to high-quality, engaging STEM resources for K-12 students.
Session Sponsor: Discovery Education
January 26
1–2 p.m.
Ballroom G
How to be Excellent (In Spite of Accountability) John Tanner, Executive Director, Test Sense Presiding: John Craft, Superintendent, Killeen ISD As a superintendent, principal, or teacher interested in educational excellence you will likely have to work outside the formal accountability system to achieve it. Why? Because the system was designed to reward a definition of excellence that is anything but and then ignore the flaw. Educators for years have been forced to choose between doing what is right for their students and doing what the system asks. The cognitive dissonance that results eventually leaves most of us disliking and distrusting the over-reliance on test scores, but feeling helpless to do anything about it. In this session Tanner breaks apart the components of the present accountability package and shows each for what it truly is. Participants walk away empowered with the knowledge regarding what each component was designed to do and how to best use that component to their school and their students’ advantage. Some of the answers will surprise you.
Session Sponsor: Hobsons
TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
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Monday Thought Leader Sessions January 26
2:15–3:15 p.m.
Ballroom F
What the Schlechty Center Is Learning About Politics and Leadership in Education George Thompson, Senior Associate, Schlechty Center Presiding: Leigh Ann Glaze, Superintendent, San Saba ISD There are forces, both local and non-local, that create opportunities and challenges for district leaders who seek to create a healthy political system. Leaders who envision a higher purpose for their school district need to be clear about what they value and believe. In order to create a culture of engagement as called for in “Creating a New Vision for Public Education in Texas,” leaders need to understand the impact that both internal and external politics have on their districts.
Session Sponsor: Schlechty Center
January 26
2:15–3:15 p.m.
Ballroom G
Two Education Paradigms: What Defines and How to Create a World Class Education Yong Zhao, Presidential Chair and Associate Dean, University of Oregon Presiding: Jay Baccus, Superintendent, Anson ISD The world needs creative and entrepreneurial talents who are globally competent to take advantage of the opportunities brought about by technology and globalization and tackle the tough challenges facing human beings. But our schools are being pushed to produce homogenous, compliant, and employee-minded test-takers, as a result of seductive power of the traditional education paradigm. In this presentation, Yong Zhao challenges the traditional paradigm, debunks the myth of international tests such as PISA and TIMSS, and proposes a new paradigm of education aimed to cultivate diverse, creative, and entrepreneurial talents. Zhao proposes a new paradigm of education. In this presentation, he discusses the triad model of education to prepare global, creative, and entrepreneurial talents that include: personalized curriculum/educational experience, product-oriented learning, and the globe as the campus.
Book Signing: Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Dragon and World Class Learners (immediately following presentation 3:153:45 p.m. at Book Signing Kiosk) Session Sponsor: Edgenuity
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TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
Tuesday Thought Leader Sessions January 27
9–10 a.m.
Ballroom F
A Fantastic Voyage: The Next Generation of STEM Education Aaron Alford, Health Research Scientist, Battelle Presiding: Gena Gardiner, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Highland Park ISD Science literacy is no longer an “elective” in modern life. The 21st century citizen lives in a world so saturated by the products of science and associated fields that scientific literacy is mandatory. Aaron will take you on a tour of the changing nature of our interaction with the STEM fields using everything from Monty Python to 5-million-year-old whale bones. Along the way, you’ll explore the interface of science and STEM education from angles that may surprise and challenge you—from the bottom of the Great Dismal Swamp to committing acts of science in the classroom.
Session Sponsor: JASON Learning
January 27
9–10 a.m.
Ballroom G
Creating a New Vision for Rural Schools: Transforming Learning Richard Erdmann, Founder and CEO, Syfr Presiding: Robert McLain, Superintendent, Channing ISD There is an assumption that all transformation looks the same, but that is simply not the case. More often than not successful school transformation has involved new staff, often new leadership, specialized focus, extensive time for professional development, and occasionally even new school facilities. None of these options are usually available in rural school districts. Explore an alternative world of improving learning within a stable education community and focusing on self-evaluation of incremental changes as the primary improvement technique. Look at Creating a New Vision for Public Education in Texas as a blueprint for step-by-step improvement rather than transformation that throws out the existing, which is often not broken, for the new.
Session Sponsor: Syfr
January 27
10:15–11:15 a.m.
Ballroom F
Digital Leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing Times Eric Sheninger, Senior Fellow, International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE) Presiding: LaTonya Goffney, Superintendent, Lufkin ISD The educational landscape is changing as a result of continuous advances in technology and a changing learner. As a result, educators must recognize this shift, anticipate needed changes, and lead by example in order to meet the diverse needs of key stakeholders in the 21st Century. Attendees learn how to harness the power of today’s digital tools and social media to improve communications, enhance public relations, establish a brand presence, increase student engagement, transform learning spaces, discover opportunity, and grow professionally like never before.
Book Signing: Digital Leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing Times (immediately following presentation 12:30-1 p.m. at Book Signing Kiosk) Session Sponsor: Scholastic
TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
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Tuesday Thought Leader Sessions January 27
10:15–11:15 a.m.
Ballroom G
A Consumer’s Guide to the New World of Teacher Evaluation: Understanding the Promise and Pitfalls Behind New Protocols for Teacher Observation and Measurement of Teacher Performance John Cronin, Sr. Director, Education Services, Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) Presiding: Jodi Duron, Superintendent, Elgin ISD The Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS), currently in pilot, are similar in many respects to others already in place across the country. Some of these seem successful, some resulted in unintended consequences. Like T-TESS, many states put in place more robust protocols for teacher observation, professional learning goals, and the use of growth measures as a percentage of the evaluation. How these variables are combined to formally evaluate teachers varies and is important as well. Cronin shares data and experiences from states that are ahead of Texas in blazing trails for new teacher evaluation and support systems. This session provides information that will help administrators and policy makers design and implement T-TESS in a way that is most likely to fulfill its purpose: To support teachers in their professional development and help them grow and improve as educators.
Session Sponsor: NWEA
January 27
2:15–3:15 p.m.
Ballroom F
Together We Learn, Together We Grow Student Presenters: Shane Martin, Designer, Rodney Baldwin, Designer, Liseth Montes, Project Manager, Cynthia Lopez, Assistant Manager, David Garcia, Web Designer, and Zamir Ramos, Designer, Michael R. Null Middle School, Sheldon ISD Facilitators: Clay Clayton, Facilities Planner, Houston ISD; and Kerri Ranney, Director, Huckabee Learning happens beyond the four walls of the classroom and involves not just the students—learning is a partnership with the family and the community. The planning process combines the educational goals of the school with the needs of the developing neighborhood. The resultant multifunctional spaces designed with learning in mind serve the entire community. These concepts were a focal point for the students of Sheldon ISD, who participated in the Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI) SchoolsNEXT program. Constructed on the site of an abandoned trash dump with recycled building materials, their project stands as a symbol of reuse, recycle, and repurpose, minimizing its effect on the ecosystem, changing their existing school into a “Learning Community” for their growing neighborhood. The team’s process of planning, team effort, and community focus were all factors that led to their success at the regional level and at the International Competition held in Portland, Oregon in October 2014. What can your school district learn from their experience and implement for your students? Come hear their presentation and experiences on this journey!
Session Sponsor: CEFPI, Southern Region
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TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
Tuesday Thought Leader Sessions
January 27
2:15–3:15 p.m.
Ballroom G
Re-imagining Education: A National Perspective on System Transformation Kelly Young, Director, Re-imagining Education Project, Convergence Center for Policy Resolution Michael Hinojosa, Project Team Member and Former Texas Superintendent Presiding: Trish Hanks, Superintendent, Friendswood ISD The Convergence Center for Policy Resolution, based in Washington, D.C., is a non-profit organization focused on solving social challenges through collaboration. In April 2013, Convergence began convening a group of educational practitioners, scholars, business people, parents, and advocates with an extraordinarily diverse set of backgrounds, positions, and perspectives to re-imagine education so that all children experience great learning. The group now stands united behind a vision of learning that is structured with the learner at its center, and seeks to catalyze a national conversation focused on transforming education. In many respects, the vision parallels TASA’s Creating a New Vision for Public Education in Texas and the work of the Texas High Performance Schools Consortium. Learn how these initiatives complement each other and advance the prospect for achieving real and meaningful change in education, not only in Texas, but also across the nation.
Session Sponsor: Dell
TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
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education’s most energetic and innovative “ Join leaders at SXSWedu to connect, collaborate, create and change how we teach and learn. ”
KEYNOTE DEBATE FEATURING ELIZABETH GREEN AND DAVID EPSTEIN
SESSIONS
PETER DEL CAMPO
LOUNGES
DEBBIE FINLEY
DEBBIE FINLEY
WORKSHOPS
CLOSING SPEAKER SALMAN KHAN
Register to attend SXSWedu 2015!
Visit SXSWedu.com
TASA on iTunes U Sessions
Monday, January 26 8:30–9:15 a.m. • Ballroom G
TASA on iTunes U®: Transforming Teaching and Learning Presenters:
Kasey Boykin, Instructional Technologist, Harlingen CISD
Janet Espinosa, Social Studies Department Chair, Eanes ISD
Casey Helmick, STEM Facilitator, Northwest ISD
Mary Kemper, Director of Mathematics, Coppell ISD
Eric Simpson, Secondary ELA Supervisor, Lewisville ISD
Are you aware of the potential TASA on iTunes U® has on transforming teaching and learning in your district? Are you eager to learn how you can immediately apply these resources in your district? With resources available in middle school and high school core content areas, CTE, House Bill 5 college preparatory courses and now elementary core content, TASA on iTunes U offers free, curated resource collections rooted in content fostering creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking skills in an engaging, digitally-rich learning environment. These free resources—created by teachers, for teachers— include a TEKS-aligned collection of interactive, digital content aimed at transforming teaching and learning. Come learn how this exciting project and ongoing expansion plans can assist in your district’s transformation efforts. 9:30 a.m.–3:15 p.m. • Ballroom D
Hands On: Building iTunes U® Courses Registered Teacher Leaders/Content Specialists Only Presenters:
Content Specialists and Teacher Leaders
Following the panel presentation, registered teachers and specialists separate into groups based on level (high school, middle school, or elementary) and content area (English language arts, math, science, social studies, CTE, and other areas as determined by registrants) and dive into the real work of creating online content. Attendees will walk through the basics of successful digital content implementation and build actual courses for their own use. A working lunch is provided. The day wraps up with the Midwinter Conference’s 1st General Session featuring Doug Christensen (3:30-5 p.m., Exhibit Hall 5).
TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
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Focus on STEM The sessions listed below specifically address topics related to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs and activities underway in Texas school districts and around the country. Monday, January 26 10:45–11:45 a.m.
Connecting STEM to the Classroom (18B) Fred Hayes, Superintendent, Nacogdoches ISD Malinda Lindsey, Director of Curriculum, Nacogdoches ISD Kimberly Childs, STEM Coordinator, Nacogdoches ISD 1–2 p.m.
Thought Leader Session (Ballroom F) Putting the Sizzle in STEM Cindy Moss, Director of Global STEM Initiatives, Discovery Education 2:15–3:15 p.m.
Building a Computer Science Pipeline in Your District (19B) Carol Fletcher, Associate Director, Center for STEM Education, University of Texas–Austin Hal Speed, Affiliate, Code.org Phillip Eaglin, Founder and CEO, Changing Expectations Corp Tuesday, January 27 9–10 a.m.
Thought Leader Session (Ballroom F) A Fantastic Voyage: The Next Generation of STEM Education Aaron Alford, Health Research Scientist, Health and Analytics, Battelle
Project-based STEM and Service Learning—What It Looks Like in Action (12B) Jonathan Schull, Founder of e-NABLE and Research Scientist, Center for MAGIC (Media Arts Games Interaction and Creativity), Rochester Institute of Technology 10:15–11:15 a.m.
Integrating Engineering Design, Computational Thinking, and 21st Century Skills (9C) Cheryl Farmer, Project Director, University of Texas–Austin Audrea Moyers, Teacher, Austin ISD
Speedometry: Bringing Science and Play Together to Teach STEM (12B) Julie Marsh, Associate Professor, University of Southern California
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TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
STEM Literacy: JASON Learning’s Focus on Science and Exploration (Ballroom D) Eleanor Smalley, Executive Vice President and COO, The JASON Project Jim Cain, Superintendent, Klein ISD HD Chambers, Superintendent, Alief ISD Charles Dupre, Superintendent, Fort Bend ISD Linda Macias, Associate Superintendent, Curriculum, Instruction, and Accountability, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Opportunities and Challenges for Discovery-Based Learning (12B) Luk Hendrik, Co-Founder, Aecern
STEM via POE, Robotics, and Solar Cars (14) Donald Jefferies, Superintendent, Greenville ISD Anna Knutson, Solar Car Teacher and Coordinator, Greenville ISD Adrienne Emerson, Robotics Coordinator, Greenville ISD 2:15-3:15 p.m.
Creating the Environment for Engaging STEM Education: Success Stories from Texas and Beyond (12B) Cindy Moss, Director of Global STEM Initiatives, Discovery Education Tina Garrett, Elementary Science Coordinator, Garland ISD Jerri LaMirand, Director of STEM, Eanes ISD Danielle Reynolds, K-12 Science/Health Coordinator, Arlington ISD Special Live Demonstration—Monday and Tuesday
Low-Cost Entry Point for 3D Printing for STEM, Clubs, and Engineering Classes According to the September 2014 issue of Forbes Magazine, the number of employment ads listing 3D printing skills as a job requirement increased by an amazing 1,834 percent since 2010. In addition, 35 percent of all job ads in the last quarter of 2014 ranked 3D printing as a highly sought after PROFESSIONAL skill. Industrial and mechanical engineering—two of the most indemand jobs—both require 3D printing expertise. Come see a low-entry-cost way to inspire students in 3D printing while pursuing service learning and meaningful projects with passion. [Demo booth outside Ballroom D.]
Harnessing Human Energy for STEM Success
TASA acknowledges Chevron’s comprehensive investment in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), including the sponsorship of the inaugural Texas STEM Summit, Harnessing Human Energy for STEM Success, in partnership with TASA in Houston in November 2014. This event was the catalyst for the focus on STEM at this year’s Midwinter Conference. We have a unique opportunity to address strategies related to leading and managing in our rapidly changing world and preparing today’s students for postsecondary education and the workforce. Conference participants are invited to take advantage of the significant learning opportunities related to STEM in the conference program.
Aspiring Superintendents’ Academy Part 1—Tuesday, January 27
Noon–5 p.m.
8AB
Part 2—Wednesday, January 28
8–9:30 a.m.
8AB
Academy Leaders John D. Horn, Former Superintendent, Mesquite ISD, Senior Associate, Schlechty Center, and Consultant, TASA Jenny Preston, Former Superintendent, Allen ISD, and Partner, Horn, Smith, Wood, and Preston James Smith, Former Superintendent, Alief ISD, and Partner, Horn, Smith, Wood, and Preston TASA’s popular Aspiring Superintendents’ Academy creates a learning opportunity for those who aspire to become superintendents. The session focuses on moral and aesthetic dimensions of what it means to be the top education leader in a school district and its community. Particular attention is given to developing clarity about the beliefs and values that result in distinguished leadership in a connected and digitized world. NOTE: Registration for the TASA Midwinter Conference is required, along with an additional fee for the academy. The fee includes luncheon on Tuesday and continental breakfast on Wednesday. You may register onsite at the Conference Registration Desk through Monday, January 26, at 3 p.m.
Session Sponsors: Hobsons, Indeco Sales, Inc., Odysseyware, and Stantec
TASA Digital Gateway Got questions about TASA’s online services? We’ve got the answers! Midwinter Mobile App TASAnet Member Services Center TASA Connect Career Center
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TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
The Digital Gateway is located at the front of the exhibit hall Monday (7:30 a.m.–5 p.m.) and Tuesday (8 a.m.–2 p.m.).
TA SA
Concurrent Sessions
MI D WI N T ER
Monday n 8:30–9:15 a.m.
Monday Concurrent Sessions Monday January 26
8:30–9:15 a.m.
TASA on iTunes U®: Transforming Teaching and Learning – Ballroom G
Rally Your Ambassador Army! #BeProud! – Room 10B Jerhea Nail, Executive Director of Communications and Government Relations, Northwest ISD
Kasey Boykin, Instructional Technologist, Harlingen CISD
Judy Rimato, Associate Superintendent for Communications & Planning, Klein ISD
Janet Espinosa, Department Head, Social Studies, Eanes ISD
Leslie Milder, Founder, Friends of Texas Public Schools
Casey Helmick, STEM Facilitator, Northwest ISD
Jane Braddock, Speaker/Author, Friends of Texas Public Schools
Mary Kemper, Director of Mathematics, Coppell ISD Eric Simpson, Secondary ELA Supervisor, Lewisville ISD
Are you aware of the potential TASA on iTunes U® has on transforming teaching and learning in your district? Are you eager to learn how you can immediately apply these resources in your district? With resources available in middle school and high school core content areas, CTE, House Bill 5 college preparatory courses and now elementary core content, TASA on iTunes U offers free, curated resource collections rooted in content fostering creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking skills in an engaging, digitally-rich learning environment. These free resources—created by teachers, for teachers—include a TEKS-aligned collection of interactive, digital content aimed at transforming teaching and learning. Come learn how this exciting project and ongoing expansion plans can assist in your district’s transformation efforts.
Monday, January 26
9:30–10:30 AM
Leading the Way: How Administrators Can Support Technology Integration – Room 9C Susan Horowitz, Principal, Allen ISD
Are you looking for easy ways to encourage and support authentic integration of technology use in your school or district? Come learn about one school administrator’s trials and successes as she and her staff developed a plan of action for the integration of technology and the “embracement” of its use by the entire school community from students to teachers to parents to office staff. Topics include teacher resistance, parent concerns, device choice and use, and student acceptable use. Planting the SEADS of Positive Image: Sharing Events, Achievements, District Happenings and Stories (SEADS) – Room 10A Robert Strubhart, Director of Public Relations/Community Engagement, Harlingen CISD
“Planting the SEADS of Positive Image” showcases how to create community loyalty and support through Sharing Events, Achievements, District happenings and Stories (SEADS). With sharing being the foundation of all paths that lead to a positive image, we take some stops along the way to determine the road it takes to get there. Participants have the opportunity to identify their own areas to highlight in a variety of outlets.
Inspired by the book, Hello! My Name is Public School and I Have an Image Problem, this session outlines a step-by-step approach to challenging unjust criticism and accusations of failure by directing the energies of educators toward advocacy for our public schools. Case examples of cultural transformation from districts utilizing the program are discussed. Teacher Leadership Academy—Building Capacity for Sustained Leadership – Room 10C Dana Bashara, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education, Alamo Heights ISD Lizzy Perez, Administrative Specialist-Leadership Development Team, ESC Region 20
This year, AHISD collaborated with ESC 20 to design an innovative, year-long Teacher Leadership Academy as part of our strategic plan. The TLA focuses on leadership-based competencies to provide emerging leaders with the support and skills necessary to develop and strengthen the capacity to lead within and beyond the classrooms in the schools. Readiness assessments, risk-taking opportunities, and reflective practice resources are shared as part of our story in which teachers are accepting the call to lead. Community Advocacy and Family Engagement: Making Meaningful Connections – Room 11AB Teresa Farler, Superintendent, Pine Tree ISD Terre Dunn, Board Member, Pine Tree ISD Vickie Echols, Leadership Development Specialist, ESC Region 7
Join us for a session focused on making meaningful connections with families and community members. The team presents a variety of specific strategies and innovative experiences including: Community-U, a realtor campaign, the Regional Advocacy Group, and an Un-Conference in Edcamp style. Hear perspectives from the district’s superintendent; a district board member, who is also a Leadership TASB graduate; and a Leadership Development Specialist from Region 7 ESC. Establishing Strategic Design Teams in Small Schools – Room 12A Orlie Wolfenbarger III, Superintendent, Comstock ISD Dean Munn, Coordinator of Administrative Services, ESC Region 15
Establishing and maintaining a Strategic Design Team in a small district presents special opportunities and challenges. For the past three years, Comstock ISD has not only established a team, but has involved it in goal setting, character development, and
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TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
Monday Concurrent Sessions
Building a Culture of College and Career Readiness to Meet 21st Century Demands – Room 12B Royce Avery, Area Superintendent, El Paso ISD Eric Winkelman, Career and Technical Education Director, El Paso ISD Matthew Farley, CCTE Principal, El Paso ISD
Learn how one Texas district is building a sustainable career- and college-readiness program using an ‘Educonomy’ model. The model is based on a new digital teaching and learning platform where students plan for college and workplace realities through relevant project-based learning, transformational career exploration, soft-skills enrichment, internships, industry certifications, and dual-credit courses.
Public-Private Partnerships for Small Schools – Room 15 Andrew Peters, Superintendent, Marfa ISD Victoria Sanchez, Chief Financial Officer, Marfa ISD
Marfa ISD (ADA 310) administrators share information on how they have partnered with a private school, multiple foundations, and local non-profits to provide a variety of student programs at no cost to the district. The school district has added a Montessori PK, a successful summer program, an Early College High School, and an Artist in Residence program for elementary students. The presenters share a list of dos and don’ts for partnering and lead a brainstorming session for other districts.
Monday n 9:30–10:30 a.m.
increasing stakeholder involvement in the district. Find out how CISD, with the help of ESC 15, was able to achieve all of these goals and ensure that their stakeholders are an important part of future planning in the district.
The Transformation Journey of a High School English Teacher – Room 16A Trish Hanks, Superintendent, Friendswood ISD Diane Myers, Assistant Superintendent, Friendswood ISD Mark Griffon, Principal, Friendswood ISD Karen Hillier, High School English Teacher, Friendswood ISD
Distinction Designations in Focus – Room 13AB Megan Evans, Coordinator-Accountability and School Improvement, Katy ISD Allison Matney, Executive Director of Research, Assessment and Accountability, Katy ISD Jonathan Maxwell, Coordinator, Katy ISD Catherine Brown, Senior Research Data Analyst, Katy ISD
Katy ISD has embarked on a powerful process for identifying “Focus Distinctions” for each school year. This session examines the process the Katy ISD School Improvement Team used to equip principals and district leaders with an in-depth understanding of the components of each Distinction Designation and the data points needed to plan for improvement. Attendees leave the session with a planning tool and activity to use with campus leaders. Accountability for Learning–The Campus Support Team Approach – Room 14 Susan Borg, Associate Superintendent for Instruction, Klein ISD Angeline Anderson, Executive Director of Instruction, Klein ISD Stephanie Edgar, Director of Campus Instructional Support, Klein ISD Adam Hile, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Klein ISD
Using teamwork and collaboration, Klein ISD, a Texas High Performance Schools Consortium district, provides differentiated support to campuses using a tiered approach to performance improvement. District campuses receive a variety of support from peer to peer to central office teams based upon need. Campus planning, the work of PLCs, and data tracking are highlighted as ways to foster a responsible commitment to accountability using Creating a New Vision for Public Education in Texas.
This session focuses on the journey of a campus for school transformation and how it actually works in a high school English classroom. With the support of her district and campus principal, a FHS 20-year veteran English teacher moves from traditional instruction to project-based learning with digital integration. Three years have passed since this English classroom was transformed. The presenters explain their vision, journey, and students’ performance in this 21st century classroom. Overview and Update on the New Texas Teacher and Principal Evaluation Systems – Room 16B Tim Regal, Director of Educator Evaluation and Support, Texas Education Agency Lauralee Pankonien, Senior Coordinator, Educator Quality, ESC Region 13
TEA and Region 13 provide an overview and update on T-TESS and T-PESS, the new teacher and principal evaluation systems scheduled for statewide rollout during the 2016-2017 school year. The presentation describes the process undertaken to develop both systems, gives an update on the current pilot year implementation, and details the plan for the 2015-2016 refinement year. 84th Texas Legislature—What’s Happening Under the Dome? – Room 17A Amy Beneski, Associate Executive Director, Governmental Relations, TASA Ramiro Canales, Assistant Executive Director, Governmental Relations, TASA Casey McCreary, Assistant Executive Director, Education Policy, TASA
This session focuses on proposed education legislation moving through the legislature. An overview of the state budget, school
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Monday n 9:30–10:30 a.m.
Monday Concurrent Sessions finance, TRS, possible changes to the assessment and accountability system, and other issues are discussed. Presenters also look into leadership changes and committee assignments. School Safety: “Have Gun Will … ?” – Room 17B
Donna Henry, Digital Learning Leader/Virtual Learning Academy, Lewisville ISD Barbara Brown, Chief Technology Officer, Lewisville ISD
Thomas Myers, Shareholder, Brackett & Ellis, P.C.
Nicole Jund, Principal, Lewisville ISD
James Whitton, Shareholder, Brackett & Ellis, P.C.
Jeffrey Kajs, Principal, Lewisville ISD
In the midst of mounting concerns about school security and discipline issues, how should your school protect its students while also complying with increasing state and federal discipline oversight? Two experienced school attorneys present options, insights, and explanations on these ethical issues.
District leaders and principals share lessons learned in designing and implementing an a la carte blended learning model. With the LISDblendED program, secondary students have course choice and some level of control over time, place, path, and/or pace. Students choose from face-to-face, blended, and online course options within and outside the school day. LISDblendED breaks through the traditional architecture of school and gives students agency in their education.
Construction in Public Schools: A How-To (and How-Not-To) Guide – Room 18A Winifred Dominguez, Attorney, Walsh, Anderson, Gallegos, Green & Trevino, P.C. Ann Greenberg, Attorney, Walsh, Anderson, Gallegos, Green & Trevino, P.C.
Strength in Numbers—Rural District Partnerships for CTE Co-op Programs – Room 19A Randy Willis, Superintendent, Granger ISD
George Grimes, Attorney, Walsh, Anderson, Gallegos, Green & Trevino, P.C.
Jerry Vaughn, Superintendent, Taylor ISD
A panel of three experienced construction lawyers lead a focused discussion of issues that often arise on school construction projects, and walk you through the entire construction process. The presentation includes legal and practical tips for selecting design professionals, deciding on a construction method, procuring construction services, and dealing with contract negotiation issues, as well as issues related to project management and monitoring of the construction projects.
This session reviews the planning process and outlines the key issues in developing a CTE co-op for rural schools. Five rural school districts and an institution of higher learning, Texas State Technical College, have partnered for a unique and innovative offering of career and technology college courses. This co-op program gives selected students the opportunity to earn a level one certification in welding, auto technology, or culinary arts while attending high school. Students achieving this certification are prepared to graduate with a high school diploma with the skills, training, and certification to move directly into a high-paying career.
Attendance Accounting Concerns – Room 18B David Loseke, Audit Manager, Texas Education Agency
The presentation addresses areas of concerns with student attendance accounting rules in PEIMS. This includes areas such as dual-credit courses, early education students reported with mainstream, early education students placed in prekindergarten, and documentation for home instruction. Questions are encouraged. Risk and Diversification – Room 18C Nathan Smith, Vice President, First Public (subsidiary of TASB)
We have learned a lot from the recent recession. As the economy starts to recover, it’s a good time to review your investment portfolio and strategies for minimizing risk. In this session, the discussion focuses on various types of risk, including security risks, strategy risks, and market risks. The presenter also addresses various ways to diversify your portfolio and how diversification can minimize risk.
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LISDblendED: An a la Carte Blended Learning Model – Room 18D
TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
Beth Holquin, Program Director, Texas State Technical College
LDC/MDC Tools Help Teachers Engage Students for Literacy and Math Success – Room 19B Gene Bottoms, Senior Vice President, Southern Regional Education Board Coryell Duty, MMGW/HSTW/LDC SREB Consultant, Southern Regional Education Board Cindy Schimek, Mathematics Design Collaborative Consultant, Southern Regional Education Board
The Literacy Design Collaborative (LDC) engages students in reading challenging text, expressing their understanding in writing, and becoming problem solvers. The Mathematics Design Collaborative (MDC) helps math teachers understand and implement college- and career-readiness math standards through assignments that deepen students’ understanding of math concepts. Presenters share examples of these tools and show how Texas teachers are using LDC and MDC to transform their classrooms. LDC/MDC tools are offered in Texas by SREB in partnership with TASA.
Monday Concurrent Sessions 10:45–11:45 AM
Maximizing Stakeholder Efforts through Strategic Organizational Alignment – Room 11AB
All Aboard! Increasing Student Achievement and Improving Staff Morale – Room 9C
Lane Ledbetter, Superintendent, Graham ISD
Robert Westbrook, Superintendent, Milano ISD
Gary Browning, Curriculum Coordinator, Graham ISD
Tashia Terry, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Milano ISD Courtney Todd, Director of Student Services, Milano ISD Ruth Davenport, Elementary Principal, Milano ISD
A new administrative staff took over Milano ISD in July of 2012. This session describes the steps taken to improve staff morale and the processes implemented to improve student performance. Utilizing professional development and technology and becoming a data-driven district has allowed MISD to chart a course for student success in an era of high expectations with limited resources.
Ashley Stewart, Assistant Superintendent, Graham ISD
As instructional leaders, administrators must know how to develop and implement a vision to which all programs, especially curriculum and instruction, can be aligned. Graham ISD “Focuses on the Future” by empowering students to think creatively and critically while learning in engaging, innovative, and inspiring environments. Presenters share how administrators and teacher-leaders work to communicate a consistent message that promotes rigorous, activity-based learning environments.
Monday n 10:45–11:45 a.m.
Monday, January 26
Developing an Ethics Management Plan – Room 12A Parent Engagement: Timely, Meaningful, Convenient … and in 40+ Languages – Room 10A Lesley Weaver, Director of Communications, Irving ISD Rachel Carter, Director, Relationship Management, Livingtree
With so many traditional communication tools and social media opportunities, Irving ISD found a way to reach parents via their mobile devices in a way that is helpful, meaningful, and convenient. Join district leaders to hear how they are transforming parental engagement while focusing on student success and connecting non-English speakers to the classroom. Irving ISD staff now have a safe, private collaboration network that increases staff connections, resources, and alignment of priorities. Branding and Marketing Your School District from the Inside Out – Room 10B Roland Martinez, Public Relations Officer, Edgewood ISD (ESC 20) Jason Gatell, District Webmaster, Edgewood ISD (ESC 20) Marvin Jimenez, Multimedia Specialist, Edgewood ISD (ESC 20)
In support of the “Go Public: Love Your Bexar County Public Schools” campaign to bring better awareness about public school districts, Edgewood ISD has taken certain initiatives in the last couple of years to promote the great things happening in the district. These in-house efforts include a redesigned, award-winning web page; new vision statement and accompanying logo; street banners; door hangers; postcard mailouts; TV commercial; and taking advantage of annual and new community events. Program Evaluations – Room 10C Robert Bayard, Director of Assessment and Evaluation, Clear Creek ISD
Districts have many programs to engage students in school, but how do you know if these programs are effective? This session addresses how the program evaluation process used by Clear Creek ISD can help your district assess strengths and weaknesses that result in systemic improvements in, revisions to, or discontinuation of evaluated programs.
Elvis Arterbury, Professor, Lamar University Steve Jenkins, Associate Professor, Educational Leadership, Lamar University
The presenters share their findings regarding research assessing application of the Texas Educators’ Code of Ethics among teachers, counselors, principals, and superintendents. Participants have an opportunity to examine the development, implementation, and monitoring of an Ethics Management Plan to improve compliance with the Code of Ethics while creating an ethical culture. Investment Reporting, Compliance, and Internal Controls – Room 12B Marc Sewell, Senior Manager, Padgett Stratemann & Company Joanna Just, Senior Manager, Padgett Stratemann & Company
The Public Funds Investment Act requires school districts, in conjunction with their annual financial audit, to perform compliance audits of management controls on investments and adherence to the district’s investment policy. This session reviews the types of audits required and provides tools to improve your ability to understand and assess your school district’s management controls over the investment program, including authorization, execution, existence, and reporting. Texas ASCD Curriculum Leadership Academy: Systemic Support for Curriculum Leaders – Room 13AB Steven Chapman, Superintendent, Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD Elizabeth Clark, Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Birdville ISD Janis Jordan, Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction, Corpus Christi ISD
Connect, lead, and influence is the mantra for the Curriculum Leadership Academy (CLA), which concentrates on enhancing the knowledge and skills of curriculum leaders. The year long program provides participants with systemic strategies and practical application skills to lead their districts and schools to high performance in curriculum and instruction. Facilitated by prominent curriculum leaders in the field, participants become
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Monday n 10:45–11:45 a.m.
Monday Concurrent Sessions recognized Texas CLA Fellows after completing an authentic assessment of their learning by a committee of curriculum leaders. Safety Essentials: Everything I Need to Know to Make My School Safe – Room 14 James Wilcox, Superintendent, Longview ISD Jody Clements, Assistant Superintendent of Administrative and Pupil Services, Longview ISD
Longview ISD and the American Council and Exchange for School Safety (ACESS)have worked diligently with schools throughout Texas and the nation to identify critical components of safe schools. The presenters guide districts in evaluating their school safety programs and review methods of improving school safety through planning, evaluating, and monitoring safety issues, as well as building partnerships with community organizations. Corpus Christi ISD: Transforming Schools with Innovation – Room 15 Janis Jordan, Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction, Corpus Christi ISD
Nora Hancock, Associate Commissioner for Grants and Federal Fiscal Compliance, Texas Education Agency
The Texas Education Agency has begun an initiative to implement the commissioner’s priority for exercising greater flexibility using federal funds. This session offers an overview of key policy changes and guidance for LEAs related to this initiative. Common Findings and FAQs – Room 17A Mark Hernandez, Division of Federal Fiscal Monitoring Director, Texas Education Agency Jose Delagarza, Audit Manager, Texas Education Agency
Staff from TEA’s Division of Federal Fiscal Monitoring provide updated information regarding common findings identified during FY14 and updates to FAQs. Plainly Lewd or Constitutionally Protected? 385,000 Reasons to Get it Right – Room 17B
Orlando Salazar, Director of Magnet Programs, Corpus Christi ISD
Kyle Heath, Superintendent, Cleburne ISD
CCISD & E2L transform failing campuses into innovative environments! CCISD educators are infusing creativity + technology tools into learning, interventions, and assessments for at-risk, ELL, and students of poverty. We have earned three TTIPS plus a magnet grant for the vision of intentionally designed, TEKSaligned PBL. Results: increased attendance, decreased disciplinary problems, and significant gains in scores. You CAN apply organizational transformation in schools that need academic improvement!
Dean Micknal, Attorney, Leasor Crass, P.C.
Ensuring Voter Support for a Large Bond Election – Room 16A Marcelo Cavazos, Superintendent, Arlington ISD Cindy Powell, Chief Financial Officer, Arlington ISD Michael Hill, Assistant Superintendent, Arlington ISD Leslie Johnston, Director of Communications, Arlington ISD
In conjunction with the strategic plan goal to provide world-class facilities while being fiscally responsible, the AISD contracted for a comprehensive facilities assessment, reviewing physical condition and educational adequacy. A Capital Needs Steering Committee—including students, parents, teachers, and community members—then provided recommendations for prioritized facility and identified capital needs. This culminated in the development and passage of a $663.1 million bond election.
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Federal Flexibility and Federal Fiscal Updates – Room 16B
TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
Christie Hobbs, Attorney, Leasor Crass, P.C.
A school district was sued in 2010 for banning “I Heart Boobies” bracelets. The district defended its right to set decency standards. The matter was put to rest when the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review a ruling that the ban was unconstitutional. Then the district got the bill. When is ambiguously lewd speech protected? How much is the fight worth? What other options should be considered? How many double entendres can we cover in an hour? Find out during this fun and informative session. FERPA: Release of Student Records during Times of Crisis – Room 18A Juan Cruz, Attorney, J. Cruz & Associates, LLC
From Ebola, H1-N1, and Enterovirus D68 to a flu epidemic, administrators need to know what information can be shared with the public, media, and health department officials as an outbreak occurs in their communities. The session takes an in-depth look at information and/or student records that can be released during other times of crisis, and offers suggestions for dealing with volatile parent situations, requests from the media and law enforcement officials, and a subpoena for records or testimony at a hearing.
Monday Concurrent Sessions
Fred Hayes, Superintendent, Nacogdoches ISD Malinda Lindsey, Director of Curriculum, Nacogdoches ISD Kimberly Childs, STEM Coordinator, Nacogdoches ISD
This session provides an overview of how connecting experts at higher education and high school master teachers in the field of STEM can bring authenticity and engagement to public education classrooms. This connection also addresses the supporting premises of Article II, The New Learning Standards, in TASA’s Visioning document. The Superintendent’s Contract—What Should and Should NOT be Included – Room 18C Cory Hartsfield, Attorney, Adams, Lynch, & Loftin, P.C.
This session covers all aspects of the superintendent’s contract with school districts, including what should and should not be included in the contract. UIL Update – Room 18D Charles Breithaupt, Executive Director, University Interscholastic League, UT Austin Jamey Harrison, Deputy Director, University Interscholastic League, UT Austin
This session provides an overview of current issues related to the University Interscholastic League, including litigation, legislation, reclassification, and trends. Healthier, Happier Employees = Positive Return on Investment – Room 19A Randy Reid, Superintendent, Keller ISD Penny Benz, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Keller ISD Martha Brace, Vice President, Project Management Office, Marathon Health Eric Schrumpf, Vice President of Sales, Marathon Health Kyle Anderson, Account Manager, Marathon Health
Healthier employees mean improved productivity, morale, and healthcare/budgetary savings. If this seems like a simple equation, it’s because it is. When Keller ISD looked at the amount of money the district spent on healthcare and what had already been done to lower costs, we realized things couldn’t be squeezed any further. Through partnership with Marathon Health, we opened a near-site clinic. Data is shared on the how, types of encounters, and savings from redirected care.
New Career Pathways Help More Students Achieve Required Endorsements – Room 19B Gene Bottoms, Senior Vice President, Southern Regional Education Board Gretchen Edelmon, Senior Manager, Academic Courseware Systems, National Instruments Corporation
SREB’s Advanced Career (AC) pathway programs align with high-demand, high-wage careers to prepare students for the workforce and postsecondary studies without remediation. Developed with states and industry, AC project-based curricula blend rigorous technical and academic standards in authentic projects. Hear how industry helped form STEM- and business-related AC programs—now available to Texas high schools—that can help more students earn endorsements meeting HB 5 requirements.
Monday n 10:45–11:45 a.m.
Connecting STEM to the Classroom – Room 18B
Why Texas Hasn’t Had a Newtown/Columbine Attack: A Proven Intervention that Mitigates Risk – Ballroom F Dan Korem, President, Korem & Associates Keith Bryant, Superintendent, Lubbock-Cooper ISD
Mass school attackers, suicide bombers, and postal/company killers have something in common. They have the Random Actor behavioral traits identified in the early 1990s by Dan Korem, the critically acclaimed author of Rage of the Random Actor— Disarming Catastrophic Acts and Restoring Lives. For 15 years, scores of ISDs have stopped attacks and threats and mitigated risk by applying his research. Korem predicted in the early 1990s that suburban and small town communities—the statistically safest communities—are the locales where these attacks will occur and why. More importantly, he identified a 3-point intervention that guides students out of the Random Actor traits. After 9-11 only one region in the US didn’t have Random Actor threats … it was the only region where 2,500 educators used Dan’s research.
Monday, January 26
1–2 p.m.
New Process for Requesting Indirect Cost Rates – Room 9C Dina Hernandez, Compliance Unit Manager, Federal Fiscal Compliance and Reporting, Texas Education Agency Ed Santiago, Director, Federal Fiscal Compliance and Reporting, Texas Education Agency
School districts must request an approved federal indirect cost rate each year to be eligible to charge indirect cost rates to a grant program. Effective September 1, 2014, school districts must submit their annual requests to TEA for an indirect cost rate using a new Indirect Cost Rate Proposal (ICRP). The change is a part of a new delegation agreement approved by the USDE. This session describes the new ICRP and its components and guidance handbook to help school districts complete the ICRP.
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Monday n 1–2 p.m.
Monday Concurrent Sessions Trust but Verify: Education Foundation Nonprofit Compliance – Room 10A Suzi Pagel, Director of Corporate and Community Development, Midway ISD (ESC 12)
An Education Foundation can be a tremendous asset to your schools to provide support for projects beyond the regular campus budget. Even though the foundation is a nonprofit corporation independent from the district, the two are closely aligned for the benefit of your students. This session helps you identify the legal compliance required of a nonprofit corporation as well as provides an outline of recommended policies and procedures to assure that your foundation’s “house” is in order. Using Infographics to Tell Your Story – Room 10B Louise Henry, Director, Client Development Services, Harris County Department of Education
Creating Innovators through Game Design: One District’s Implementation – Room 12A Andrew Kim, Superintendent, Comal ISD Amber Oliver, Vice President of Partnerships and Operations, Globaloria
Since most students already play video games, this is a natural point of entry for learning complex skills. Once students are engaged in video game design, educators can use an iterative design process to advance computational and higher order thinking skills. A superintendent describes how he was able to implement a districtwide video game design, blended learning platform to support an environment of teaching and learning that creates innovators of the future.
David Wrangler, Client Development Coordinator, Harris County Department of Education
World Class Transformation – Room 12B
Visuals can simplify a complex issue or make a dull subject more interesting. Learn how designing an infographic can help fine tune a complex message. This session reviews marketing techniques that can be used to help focus your message and PR tenets for communicating with your stakeholders. Basics of customizing web pages and selecting smart URLs are shared. Each participant receives the tools to practice formulating your message and designing your own infographic.
Mark Gabehart, Executive Director, Technology, Round Rock ISD
Is Your District on the Way to College and Career Readiness? Myth vs. Fact – Room 10C Mel Fuller, Executive Director, College and Career Readiness, Richardson ISD Tabitha Branum, Assistant Superintendent, Secondary Schools, Richardson ISD
Steve Flores, Superintendent, Round Rock ISD Fred Bentsen, Senior Vice President, APQC Education Carolyn Talasek, Senior Vice President, APQC Education
Round Rock ISD has embarked on a quality initiative with the support of the American Productivity and Quality Center, a global leader in process and performance management. Our goal is to transform processes in curriculum and assessments, enrollment, transportation, supplemental instructional support personnel, and technology service desk by breaking down functional silos and increasing efficiencies. Please come and learn about our journey in addressing these areas through the APQC process. 1A: Five Critical Skills Necessary for the Interim Superintendent in Texas – Room 13AB
Charis Hunt, Executive Director, Elementary College and Career Readiness, Richardson ISD
Susan Nix, Associate Professor, West Texas A&M University
Whether they’re headed for college or a career, all students need a solid foundation of academic knowledge combined with crucial thinking and learning skills. RISD did this by testing all 2000+ juniors for the last 2 years. Come hear about those results and other readiness methods from this ISD with TEA’s Distinction in Postsecondary Readiness.
This session focuses on the skill set necessary for the interim superintendent as a result of conclusions reached by a previous single case study (Bigham & Nix, 2011). Five skills are considered critical and have the potential to assist a school board in choosing an interim superintendent.
Crisis Response and Emergency Preparedness – Room 11AB John Kangas, Applications Engineer/Success Services, SchoolDude
The need to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies in today’s schools is greater than ever. Between May 2013 and May 2014, nearly 90% of school administrators communicated with parents regarding a safety incident or issue; 31% reached out to parents regarding school lockdowns; and 18% communicated about fights between students. Learn best practices to help
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address communication gaps and put the power to quickly respond to any event in the hands of your faculty, staff, and parents.
TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
Gary Bigham, Assistant Professor, West Texas A&M University
Monday Concurrent Sessions
LaTonya Goffney, Superintendent, Lufkin ISD Kerry Roberts, Associate Professor, Stephen F. Austin State University Pauline Sampson, Associate Professor, Stephen F. Austin State University Stacy Hendricks, Assistant Professor, Stephen F. Austin State University
This qualitative case study gives the prospective superintendent a real-life look at life on the other side of the district CEO’s desk. Five superintendents reflected on five of the twelve questions in the book, “The First-Year Experiences of Successful Superintendents” in regards to the challenges they quickly faced. They tell it like it is. 1C: Poverty to Leadership: Life Experiences and Academic Success of Women Superintendents Raised in Poverty – Room 13AB Amanda Smith, Teacher, Lufkin ISD Karen Embry-Jenlink, Professor, Stephen F. Austin State University
Narrative non-fiction story methodology was used to study the lived experiences of three women superintendents in Texas. The narrative stories were analyzed to determine the relationship between the lived experiences of women superintendents raised in poverty and their leadership practices in the superintendent position. 1D: Cultivating Democratic Students through Schooling – Room 13AB Paul Wallace, Doctoral Candidate, Stephen F. Austin State University
This study is a theoretical analysis of the constructs of emancipatory practices, pedagogical language, and transformative training within the educational environment. This study is focused on stakeholders who have influence over the academic cultivation of youth. Analysis is focused on stakeholders’ roles in the cultivation of democratic citizens in the schools. House Bill 5: CTE Programs and Local Partnerships – Room 14 Scott Niven, Superintendent, Red Oak ISD Stephen Hulsey, Principal, Corgan
As districts across Texas adopt House Bill 5, design of school facilities is changing to accommodate learning environments that foster real world environments, training programs, and accredited internship programs. Red Oak ISD shares how they have developed their CTE programs to meet House Bill 5 requirements through their partnership with Texas State Technical College.
Developing Leaders, One Child at a Time – Room 15 Bruce Gearing, Superintendent, Dripping Springs ISD Rhonda Whitman, Student Services Coordinator, Dripping Springs ISD Tom Osborn, Senior Client Partner-Texas, FranklinCovey
“The Leader in Me” is Steven Covey’s “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” but for elementary age children. Come and learn first hand about the transformation possible when every child starting in Pre-K is taught how to be a leader. Dripping Springs ISD is just the latest in a long line of highly successful implementations of this nationally renowned work. Come and learn how you can become a “Leader in Me Lighthouse School.”
Monday n 1–2 p.m.
1B: Selective Experiences of First Year Superintendents – Room 13AB
Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (TALAS) Mentoring – Room 16A Danna Diaz, Assistant Superintendent, El Paso ISD Carlos Ramirez, Deputy Superintendent, Stafford Municipal School District Martha Salazar-Zamora, Chief Academic Officer, Tomball ISD Randy Cavazos, Executive Director, Texas Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents
Despite the growing diversity of the student population, the ethnic composition of state and local educational leadership administration systems has remain virtually unchanged over the last few decades. For Latino and Latina leaders, access to information, visibility, and prospects of leadership opportunities are examples of opportunity dimensions that are not sufficiently available to them even to this day. Learn how TALAS’s mentoring program is helping to meet these needs. TEA Update: Educator Investigations – Room 16B Doug Phillips, Director of Educator Investigation, Texas Education Agency
Staff from the Educator Investigations division of TEA update participants on current issues related to the cooperation and consultation with other TEA divisions (Charter Schools, Special Education, and Special Investigations) and Child Protective Services on matters relating to criminal history and misconduct by certified and non-certified individuals. This session also addresses the problems and potential solutions of the growing number of inappropriate relationships between educators and students. New Federal Grant Rules: What Every Central Office Needs to Know – Room 17A Cory Green, Chief Grants Administrator, Texas Education Agency James Connolly, Senior Fiscal Policy Advisor, Texas Education Agency
TEA staff present a discussion of the new federal Uniform Guidance and grant rules that will be in effect for the coming school year. The session focuses on new requirements, new policies and procedures, and new disclosures and certifications related to
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Monday n 1–2 p.m.
Monday Concurrent Sessions federal grant programs. Come learn why it is important to pay attention to the new rules now, what your organization needs to do to prepare, and the new certification requirements for receiving your federal grant funds. How Was I to Know THAT? I’m Not a Lawyer! – Room 17B H. John Fuller, Superintendent, Mineola ISD Barbara Qualls, Assistant Professor, Stephen F. Austin State University Wayne Haglund, Attorney, Haglund Law Firm
Getting into legal trouble is easier than getting out. Sometimes legal fees may seem prohibitive, but they pale when compared to the cost of protracted litigation or the incalculable price of a public relations snafu. Session presenters represent about a century of teaching, learning, practicing, utilizing—and occasionally breaking—the law. Their combined experiences help you develop a what-to-do list for those times when school operational issues take on a legal/moral/ethical twist. Making Decisions in Times of Chaos – Room 18A Troy Parton, Superintendent, Paducah ISD
As a district leader, you need to know the community, the law, and the practice of the district you are serving. Through hypothetical situations the audience chooses answers and participates in discussion regarding handling difficult situations that could happen in any size district. Relevance and Rigor at Roscoe Collegiate: How Silverback Supports our Success – Room 18C
The Texas Accountability Intervention System—Building District Capacity – Room 19A Sally Partridge, Associate Commissioner, Texas Education Agency
Critical to the conversation of school turnaround is the role of the districts. This session is meant to highlight the Texas Education Agency’s efforts to build capacity in districts overseeing turnaround efforts. TEA staff discuss the research behind the Texas Accountability Intervention System, share agency efforts to provide capacity and support to districts and their low-performing campuses, and provide feedback on future school-turnaround efforts in the state. Trials and Triumphs of 1:1 Implementation – Room 19B Greg Smith, Superintendent, Clear Creek ISD Nola Wellman, Retired Superintendent, Eanes ISD
Districts are investing in digital devices to personalize instruction; putting devices in the hands of every student, however, requires purposeful vision and instructional coaching. Implementation of a 1:1 initiative can result in enhanced achievement if initial decisions are focused on curriculum needs with appropriate technology to support implementation fidelity. A current and a former superintendent share their plans and the roles of schools, parents, community, and board in a successful implementation.
Monday, January 26
2:15–3:15 p.m.
Sparking Change: Student-Focused Design and Cost-Effective Decisions – Room 9AB Kenn Franklin, Superintendent, New Caney ISD Laura Sachtleben, Project Manager, Stantec
Kim Alexander, Superintendent, Roscoe ISD Rudi Lewis, Chief Operating Officer, Silverback Learning Solutions, Inc. James Lewis, CEO, Silverback Learning Solutions, Inc.
Silverback Mileposts is an educator-led longitudinal learning platform that enables intentional instruction at scale. Roscoe Collegiate is a rural Early College/STEM Academy whose mission is to create college graduates armed with 21st century skills who will compete in the global workforce. Presenters demonstrate how the Mileposts learning platform supports and enhances cutting-edge instructional strategies at Roscoe Collegiate ISD.
Texas Virtual School Network (TxVSN): The Key to Meeting Graduation Requirements – Room 9C
School Transformation—The Journey from Then to Now – Room 18D
Laura Hodges, Counselor, ESC Region 10
Susan Holley, Associate Executive Director, School Transformation and Leadership Services, TASA
Meeting the requirements of the House Bill 5 foundation high school program and endorsements may be a challenge for some Texas districts and open-enrollment charter schools. Utilizing the TxVSN statewide course catalog to provide House Bill 5 graduation requirements will serve as an efficient means to meet student academic needs. New courses being added to the statewide course catalog supporting endorsement areas are shared.
Denise Collier, Consultant, TASA
Come join in some activities to familiarize yourself with the principles of the vision work, hear about transforming public schools in Texas into systems that meet the needs of today’s students, and find out what is going on in districts and regions around the state to transform public schools.
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New Caney ISD is a district facing growth within a changing urban landscape. This session highlights how the district planned and designed two projects focused on the “student experience”, and provided facilities that are both cost-effective and state-of-the-art. Come see how the Texan Drive Stadium and Agriculture Science Center projects helped change the face of New Caney ISD and its community while boosting the local economy.
TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
Barbara Smith, TxVSN Project Director, ESC Region 10
Monday Concurrent Sessions
Susan Johnson, Executive Director of Communications, Marketing & PR, Corsicana ISD
instruction can revitalize instruction, engage students, and improve district educational goals.
Kristin Zastoupil, Webmaster/Graphic Designer/CEF Executive Director, Corsicana ISD
The Cloud, Private Social Networking, and Education in Texas – Room 12A
With so many new options when it comes to social media, it’s hard to know just which ones are right for your district. Learn which social media tools can be easily integrated into your marketing plan to increase your district’s brand awareness and fans, all while taking very little time and zero dollars. Presenters also provide tips for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pintrest, Linked In, and other social media sites to help you manage them more effectively.
Adrian Garcia, Chief Technology Officer, Pharr-San-Juan-Alamo ISD Joni Carswell, President, Livingtree
Monday n 2:15–3:15 p.m.
Successful #SocialMedia for ISDs – Room 10A
Ken Eisner, Director, Global Education Strategy, Amazon Web Services
IT that is delivered over the Internet—cloud computing—is transforming education. From virtual classrooms to private social networks, the cloud is changing how students learn, how teachers teach, how communities engage, and how leaders run their disWhat Are We Waiting For? – Room 10B tricts. School district implementations are adding to our knowlChris Everett, Director of Administrative Services, ESC Region 11 edge every day. This panel features a leading Texas district and provides an overview of cloud computing and private social netPrepare to think! We all look at each other and affirm the char- working, including lessons learned and best practices. acteristics of schools we know our kids deserve. We listen to and agree with presenters like Sir Ken Robinson talk about the school Wise County Collaboration – Room 12B environment and what is currently lacking. We face unyielding pressure, changing parameters, declining support from the pub- Judi Bell, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, lic, and a difficult accountability system. So what’s keeping us Decatur ISD from creating what we know we should create? Come and brain- Gina Florence, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, storm what could be! Bridgeport ISD Patricia Seckman, Assistant Superintendent, Paradise ISD
Taking the Guesswork Out of Student Learning Objectives – Room 10C
Barbara Stice, Assistant Superintendent, Boyd ISD Kent Josselet, Curriculum Director, Ponder ISD
Tammy Kreuz, Executive Director, Texas Center for Educator Effectiveness (TxCEE), ESC Region 18
Four assistant superintendents for curriculum and instruction have been working together for last two years to provide qualSara Borchgardt, Project Manager, TxCEE, ESC Region 18 ity training for their principals and teachers. Boyd, Bridgeport, Candace Ferguson, HCMS Manager, TxCEE, ESC Region 18 Decatur, and Paradise—later joined by Ponder—created the Wise County Collaborative. The original four county schools all have a Discover what all the talk is about as you learn more about how future-ready initiative, secondary one-to-one initiatives, use TRS implementing Student Learning Objectives (SLOs) in your dis- for their curriculum, and are Chapter 41 districts. trict can lead to increased student achievement. Hear from partner school districts that implemented this initiative districtwide, 2A: A Closer Look at University Strategic and learn more about the many benefits of SLOs, including how Planning – Room 13AB to get this work started on your campus. Bonus: Sit in on a special demonstration of the online database specifically designed to Melissa Arrambide, Assistant Professor, Texas A&M University– streamline the SLO process. Commerce Lead by Instruction, Powered by Technology – Room 11AB Shannon Leisure, District Educational Technology Coordinator, Palestine ISD Summer Alcauter, Technology Integration Specialist, Palestine ISD
Districts everywhere struggle with technology. Learn how one district started with building digital curriculum in all core areas, revamped the professional development model, then added technology to build a foundation of equity for all students to create a blended learning environment giving students access to their learning 24/7. Discover how educational technology that is led by
Julia Ballenger, Associate Professor, Texas A&M University– Commerce Kriss Kemp-Graham, Assistant Professor, Texas A&M University– Commerce Ava Munoz, Assistant Professor, Texas A&M University– Commerce
Texas A&M University-Commerce’s current strategic plan began September 1, 2010. As the 2015 assessment of this plan approaches, this study takes a focused look at the success of meeting its first goal, which is to attract students who represent the diversity of the region we serve. Data is gathered and analyzed to determine the increase of student enrollment among our Hispanic and African American student population in our Master’s Degree Program of Educational Leadership.
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Monday n 2:15–3:15 p.m.
Monday Concurrent Sessions 2B: Making Online Courses Come Alive – Room 13AB Susan Butler, Curriculum & Instruction Specialist, Poteet ISD Chip Fischer, Professor, University of Texas–Tyler Olga Fischer, Professor, University of Texas–Tyler Wesley Hickey, Associate Professor, University of Texas–Tyler
Online courses have the reputation of being dry and impersonal, but an online instructor can create lessons that resonate more positively with students by using a few practical strategies to make the course come alive. These strategies promote organization, increase interest, provide feedback, and motivate students to achieve academically. 2C: Self-Authoring Ethical Dilemma Cases: Developing Moral Literacy in Educational Leaders through Dramatic Rehearsal – Room 13AB Patrick Jenlink, Professor, Stephen F. Austin State University
The author examined an ethical dilemma pedagogical approach to advance moral literacy in educational leaders. A two-tier case study design was used. Tier one examined moral literacy and ethical dilemma perspectives in relation to fostering moral leadership. Tier two examined participants’ experience in self-authoring ethical dilemma cases as dramatic rehearsal. 2D: Community and Student Engagement: The Who, When, Why, and How of the SelfAssessment – Room 13AB Stacy Hendricks, Assistant Professor, Stephen F. Austin State University
serve as a catalyst for the district. This session explores the process, the results they are experiencing, the challenges that come with transformative change, and opportunities looking forward. Measuring Teacher Effectiveness—the Dallas ISD Teacher Excellence Initiative – Room 15 Mike Miles, Superintendent, Dallas ISD Ann Smisko, Deputy Superintendent, Dallas ISD
School and district transformation requires a teacher evaluation system that clearly defines effective teaching, supports the development of teachers, and rewards teachers for what the system values most. Dallas ISD’s Teacher Excellence Initiative, arguably the most rigorous teacher evaluation system in the nation, incorporates observations of teacher performance, student achievement results, and student surveys to provide a fair, rigorous, and accurate assessment of a teacher’s effectiveness. Texas Schools Aren’t Average – Room 16A Brad Lancaster, Superintendent, Lake Travis ISD Christopher Huckabee, CEO, Huckabee
Many school districts have been criticized for overspending on their construction projects and building “Taj Mahals for tots.” To reach these conclusions, costs and sizes of schools are averaged and compared to one another. This session provides a more accurate portrayal of cost based on important regional differences, construction considerations, and community goals. Learn how to explain to local citizens the realities that affect construction costs and why Texas schools aren’t average. TRS Update – Room 16B Merita Zoga, Assistant Director of Governmental Relations,
This study examines the perspectives of committee members and Teacher Retirement System of Texas principals involved in the House Bill 5 Community and Student Engagement evaluation process. Specifically, the study evaluates This session provides an update on TRS legislation and other the process and methods used by the committee to rate the per- activities. formance of the campuses and district. The who, when, why, and how of one district’s evaluation process is examined. The results TEA Update: Online Resources for Teachers and will guide future work within school districts and outcomes in Students – Room 17A this area. Developing and Implementing Opportunities for Student-Centered Teaching and Learning – Room 14 Marilyn Denison, Assistant Superintendent, Curriculum and Instruction, Coppell ISD Penny Tramel, Executive Director, Curriculum and Instruction, Coppell ISD Terry Hoyle, Principal, Stantec
Planning their first facility in 10 years, Coppell ISD began envisioning the future of teaching and learning and the role environments should play in supporting challenge-based learning. This transformational journey required rethinking instructional delivery, the role of students and staff, and how the school would
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TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
Kerry Ballast, Director, Educational Technology, Texas Education Agency
This session provides an update on resources provided through Project Share, including professional development courses for teachers and TEKS-aligned lessons for students, and a preview of how resources will be shared in the future. The session also includes overviews of Write for Texas, a professional development initiative designed to improve writing instruction in the secondary grades, and of other no-cost resources available for the current school year and beyond.
Monday Concurrent Sessions
Bradley Domangue, Associate, Thompson & Horton, LLP Janet Horton, Attorney, Thompson & Horton, LLP
From U.S. v. Windsor until October 2014, every federal court decision but one and four federal courts of appeals decisions have ruled that same-sex marriage bans are unconstitutional. Currently, a vast majority of Americans now live in states that recognize and grant same-sex marriages. In reaction, the federal government has changed rules, including possible new FMLA language, that affect school districts in states that do and those that do not currently recognize same-sex marriages. Informal Discussions and Their Impact on the Grievance Process – Room 18A Laura McLean, Shareholder, Walsh, Anderson, Gallegos, Green & Trevino, P.C. Elizabeth Neally, Attorney, Walsh, Anderson, Gallegos, Green & Trevino, P.C.
Most district policies encourage informal discussions to take place prior to initiation of a grievance. A recent Commissioner of Education decision, however, held that the time frame for a grievant to file a grievance does not begin to run until the informal process is completed. Join two experienced attorneys as they discuss the significant impact of this case in responding to complaints, and provide recommendations on how best to handle the informal and formal grievance process.
Schoology: Aldine ISD’s “One Stop Shopping Experience!” – Room 18D LaKiesha Taylor, District Coordinator for Online Learning, Aldine ISD
This session highlights the use of Schoology—a cloud-based, learning management system—in key online learning programs in Aldine ISD. The system is used in the district’s Virtual School (online and credit recovery offerings), online curriculum writing for grades 9-12, districtwide online professional development, and classroom technology integration for all teachers grades K-12. This session not only sheds light on the use of an LMS in these programs, but also offers valuable tips and tricks. Mastering Your Instructional Materials Allotment – Room 19A Kelly Callaway, Division Director, IMET, Texas Education Agency
This session takes a practical look at the instructional materials allotment (IMA) and the decisions districts must make regarding its use. By focusing on purchasing materials adopted through Proclamation 2015 and potential needs for the 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 school years, participants learn how to anticipate both funding amounts and funding needs for any given biennium. Participants also learn about timelines, requirements, and ordering processes. Building a Computer Science Pipeline in Your District – Room 19B Carol Fletcher, Associate Director, Center for STEM Education, University of Texas–Austin
Rural Teachers Lead: A Rural Teacher Leadership Cooperative – Room 18B
Hal Speed, Affiliate, Code.org
Beverly Irby, Professor & Chair, K-12 Ed. Admin. Programs, Texas A&M University
Computer science and IT professions represent some of the most high-wage, high-demand careers in the country, yet only 2% of Texas high school graduates take a computer science course. This presentation focuses on numerous free K-12 curriculum and professional development resources for improving the CS pipeline in your school, including opportunities through UT Austin and Code.org. BYOD to experience simple hands-on coding activities that will engage your students in CS.
Lynn Burlbaw, Professor, Texas A&M University
Rural Teachers Lead is an online, cohort-model masters program designed to provide teachers with the knowledge and skills to accentuate their school, community, and academic leadership opportunities while remaining in the classroom. The program is slated to begin in spring and summer 2015. This session reports on progress to date and invites input from rural school leaders on courses and experiences that would be beneficial to provide classroom-based teachers in the program.
Monday n 2:15–3:15 p.m.
What Marriage Means—Effect of the Same-Sex Marriage Tidal Wave on Public Schools – Room 17B
Phillip Eaglin, Founder and CEO, Changing Expectations Corp
Social Media Update 2015 – Room 18C David Thompson, Professor, University of Texas–San Antonio
This session reviews recent court and State Office of Administrative Hearings cases regarding social media, unveils the inaugural “Top 10” Social Media Faux Pas for Educators (Version 2014), and provides tips for effectively addressing social media among district employees.
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Tuesday n 9–10 a.m.
Tuesday Concurrent Sessions Tuesday, January 27
9–10 a.m.
Using Digital and Formal Assessment to Individualize Students’ Instruction – Room 9AB Steven Brown, Superintendent, Panhandle ISD Doug Rawlins, Principal, Panhandle ISD
The session explores how Panhandle Elementary, a high-performing Title 1 school, analyzes data from many sources such as NWEA/MAP, STAAR, Study Island, and others. This data is then used to create a specific growth plan for each student to ensure he/she achieves a year’s growth, which helps to monitor Index 2 on STAAR. Computer adaptive assessment results provide the basis for differentiated tutoring groups, measuring academic growth, monitoring college readiness and setting student goals. Teacher Pay—Envision a Better Way – Room 9C Cindy Clegg, Director HR Services, Texas Association of School Boards Amy Campbell, Assistant Director, Data Services, Texas Association of School Boards
TASB HR Services has worked with Texas schools for 30 years to improve employee pay systems. But teacher pay remains linked to years of service. In this session, consultants share some concrete alternatives to traditional teacher salary schedules and show how teacher pay can be integrated into a comprehensive compensation plan for all professional staff. Models for linking teacher pay to roles and responsibilities, teaching assignments, and skills and abilities are demonstrated.
CETL certification will help ensure that they demonstrate the necessary leadership, vision, and strategic thinking. Soaring to Success – Room 10C Michael McFarland, Superintendent, Lancaster ISD Mariann Middleton, Deputy Superintendent, Lancaster ISD Connie Isabell, Executive Director of Teacher Leadership & Development, Lancaster ISD
Presenters share the process used to create a strong, effective, instructional foundation. Expectations for teachers, campus administrators, and district administrators are clearly outlined and communicated. Creating Student-Centered Schools for Future-Ready Students – Room 11AB John Horn, Senior Associate, Schlechty Center Nancy Rindone, Senior Associate, Schlechty Center Monica Solomon, Senior Associate, Schlechty Center
TASA’s MISSION: School Transformation focuses on creating schools that are student-centered to prepare students for their futures, as envisioned in TASA’s Visioning Document. Creating the conditions in which engagement and commitment can flourish in contrast to a focus on compliance and accountability is central to the transformations. This session explores tools and processes developed by the Schlechty Center to help school leaders cultivate the culture and design the structure needed in public schools. Creating a Collaborative District with Google – Room 12A
Creating Positive PR for Your ISD through Education Foundations – Room 10A Kristin Zastoupil, Webmaster/Graphic Designer/CEF Executive Director, Corsicana ISD
Nancy Gardner, Director of Media and Digital Learning, Brazosport ISD
Susan Johnson, Executive Director of Communications, Marketing & PR, Corsicana ISD
David Mendoza, Director of Technology, Brazosport ISD
The Corsicana Education Foundation and Corsicana ISD work hand-in-hand to promote CISD students and staff. CEF has given over $1.2 million to CISD since 2002. Learn how education foundations can showcase your district, generating positive PR and creating fans for your ISD. What Your Technology Director Should Know – Room 10B Alice Owen, Executive Director, Texas K-12 CTO Council Frankie Jackson, Chief Technology Officer, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Kevin Schwartz, Chief Technology Officer, Clear Creek ISD Victor Valdez, Executive Director of Technology, Pflugerville ISD
The Certified Education Technology Leader (CETL) certification program can help your district achieve its 21st century technology goals. Session participants learn about the Consortium of School Networking’s (COSN) Framework of Essential Skills for CTOs and how your technology director can obtain the national CETL certification. Encouraging your technology leaders to seek
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Monty Burger, Chief Operations and Technology Officer, Brazosport ISD
TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
Google Apps for Education (GAFE) is a suite of free, secure tools that includes Gmail, Calendar, Sites & Documents that can be used for collaboration and communication no matter where you are or which device you’re using. Over 30 million students, faculty, and staff in schools around the world have gone Google with Google Apps for Education. Join us to hear the story of Brazosport ISD’s journey from isolation to collaboration with the help of GAFE. Project-based STEM and Service Learning— What It Looks Like in Action – Room 12B Jonathan Schull, Founder of e-NABLE and Research Scientist, Center for MAGIC (Media Arts Games Interaction and Creativity), Rochester Institute of Technology
Hear the story of a remarkable movement that combines 3D printing, online communities, and collaborative innovation to create a perfect storm for project-based STEM initiatives as well as service learning. Our speaker works with e-NABLE, an online “maker” community that uses 3D printers to design, fabricate, and donate
Tuesday Concurrent Sessions
3A: The Current State of Texas School District Employee Social Media Policies – Room 13AB Catherine Robert, Executive Director, Human Resources, Comal ISD David Thompson, Professor, University of Texas–San Antonio
The researchers reviewed 300 Texas public school district policies DH (Local) to determine how districts are grappling with the changing legal environment surrounding employee use of social media. This review found comparisons and contrasts among districts, and found that districts are placing greater restrictions on employees’ use of social media. 3B: Learning Outside the Box: An Analysis of Alternative School of Choice Attendance Policies – Room 13AB Michael Watson, Principal, Hays CISD Lynn Hemmer, Assistant Professor, Texas A&M University– Corpus Christi
This paper examines attendance accounting policies and practices for students enrolled in Texas alternative schools of choice (ASC). Technology advancement allows students to complete their coursework virtually anywhere they have Internet access. However, state attendance policies, still require students to be in physical attendance at the alternative school. Our preliminary findings suggest, ASCs and the students who attend them could benefit from more flexible attendance accounting procedures. 3C: The Campus Principal and Senate Bill 460: Suicide Awareness and Prevention – Room 13AB Nathan Templeton, Assistant Professor, Texas A&M University– Commerce Lavelle Hendricks, Associate Professor, Texas A&M University– Commerce Julia Ballenger, Associate Professor, Texas A&M University– Commerce
Suicide is the third-leading cause of death among teenagers. Senate Bill 460 mandates training for educators in the identification and education of students with possible mental health disorders. The purpose of this study is to equip intentional educators with early detection and intervention strategies for students who exhibit specific behavioral traits.
3D: School To Prison Pipeline: Are Discipline Alternative Educational Programs the Pump Station – Room 13AB Ronny Knox, Associate Superintendent for Finance and Operations, Nacogdoches ISD Karen Embry-Jenlink, Professor, Stephen F. Austin State University
Tuesday n 9–10 a.m.
prosthetic hands and arms. e-NABLE hands have been favorably compared to commercial prosthetics costing thousands of dollars. Most of the recipients are children, and several of the makers have themselves been students and teachers in classrooms with 3D printers.
In this study, the experiences of four previously incarcerated adult males placed in Discipline Alternative Educational Programs (DAEPs) during their public school education are examined through narrative non-fiction inquiry. Four primary themes emerged, which illuminate how human experiences in a DAEP setting may be connected to incarceration beyond public schooling. Refocusing on Early Literacy: How to Get It Done! – Room 14 Arturo Cavazos, Superintendent, Harlingen CISD
Our call to action for all administrators was to join the superintendent in his mission to align resources to strengthen early literacy. Our Early Childhood Specialist and our Coordinator for Library Services have partnered up with district personnel and local agencies to meet our goal of having all students at or above reading level prior to exiting 2nd grade. Come learn how you, too, can bring this refocus to your district and get your kids on target for success with reading. Forging Successful HB 5 Partnerships between Rural High Schools and Higher Ed – Room 15 Buck Gilcrease, Superintendent, Alvin ISD Keith Owen, Principal, Dublin ISD Keri Winters, Principal, Linden-Kildare CISD Robin Ralston, Counselor, Hillsboro ISD
The key to successful implementation of the new Foundation Graduation Plan with Endorsements is establishing strong partnerships between K-12 and Higher Education. This session provides specific examples of how rural high schools have partnered with community colleges and technical schools to establish and expand current and future endorsement pathways. The Curriculum Management Audit: What Are Your Students Learning? Is it Quality? – Room 16A Steven Ebell, Deputy Superintendent, Curriculum & Instruction, Clear Creek ISD Brandon Core, Assistant Executive Director, Digital Learning and Leadership Development, TASA
Do you need valuable feedback regarding your efforts to improve learning for all students? Come learn how the curriculum management audit services can equip your district leadership team with the knowledge and skills necessary to objectively evaluate your curriculum and determine district effectiveness next steps in promoting student educational attainment.
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Tuesday n 9–10 a.m.
Tuesday Concurrent Sessions Using Video as a Collaborative Tool to Improve Practice – Room 16B
Designing Schools for Postsecondary Success – Room 18A
Susan Henderson, Program Manager, Educate Texas
Alda Benavides, Superintendent, La Joya ISD
Kelty Garbee, Associate Program Officer for Teacher Effectiveness, Educate Texas
Arturo Cavazos, Superintendent, Harlingen CISD
Erika Andrew, Chief Academic Officer, Teaching Channel
Alma Garcia, Program Officer, Educate Texas
Consider video as a tool in the professional learning cycle that can catalyze improved teaching. Collaborate with real practitioners as we focus on a mini-case study about the use of video in their classrooms and across the campus to improve teaching. Explore resources from the Teaching Channel’s suite of free, online, video-based materials and Teams platform, which focuses on building online communities of practice. Apply that learning to specific initiatives, including implementation.
The implications for guiding Texas students to demonstrate postsecondary readiness is evident in various aspects of House Bill 5. Our featured panelists exchange views and experiences through an interactive dialogue with conference participants. Three superintendents from the Rio Grande Valley in deep South Texas bring a unique perspective on how they partnered with institutions of higher education to develop college preparatory courses in mathematics and English language arts; how they increased the number of students completing FAFSA; and how they are preparing, connecting, and assuring more students are having success in higher education.
Curriculum Update – Room 17A Shelly Ramos, Director, Curriculum Division, Texas Education Agency Jessica Snyder, Special Projects Manager, Texas Education Agency
This session provides an update on the latest general curriculum developments. Topics include updates on the Foundation High School Program graduation requirements implemented by House BIll 5 (2013), the status of the review and revision of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), and updates regarding curriculum related programs and initiatives. A New Look at the Value of the Classroom: Creating an Environment for Student Success – Room 17B Mike Patrick, Southern Region Sales Manager, Milliken & Company Prem Patel, Market Manager, Education Market, Milliken & Company
Whether in a classroom, hallway, or library, carpet can define and inspire the learning environment, helping to create inviting, supportive, and sustainable spaces for student learning. This session explores ways to enhance the classroom space, including the use of smart technology in the floor plane. Learn how innovations and advancements in technology created by Milliken can transform your school’s learning environment, reduce absenteeism, and drive improvements in student performance and teacher retention.
Gonzalo Salazar, Superintendent, Los Fresnos CISD
Future-Ready Schools: Transformational Leadership for the Schools We Need – Room 18B Kevin Brown, Superintendent, Alamo Heights ISD Barry Aidman, Assistant Professor, Educational Leadership, Texas State University Jesus Chavez, Visiting Professor, Education and Community Leadership, Texas State University Denise Collier, TASA Consultant and Lecturer, Texas State University
In today’s complicated and evolving educational environment, superintendents and central office leaders are challenged to develop high-quality schools that create success for all students. In order to transform systems, leaders must work with schools and communities to design student-centered schools for future-ready learning. Join us to examine the characteristics of future-ready leadership aligned to the principles of the TASA vision document and the Texas State superintendent program. A District and University Partnership for Developing 21st Century School Leaders – Room 18C Roberto Zamora, Assistant Professor, University of Texas–Pan American Federico Guerra, Assistant Professor, University of Texas–Pan American Rosalinda Hernandez, Associate Professor, University of Texas– Pan American Velma Menchaca, Professor, University of Texas–Pan American
Presenters share how PSJA ISD and the University of Texas–Pan American have effectively collaborated to implement a principal preparation program characterized by a rigorous curriculum and relevant district-based experiences which prepares culturally responsive, transformative school leaders. Empirical research that supports this collaborative approach plus key responsibilities and obligations of each partner are shared.
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TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
Tuesday Concurrent Sessions
Gonzalo Salazar, Superintendent, Los Fresnos CISD Joseph Villarreal, Executive Director for Academics, Los Fresnos CISD Norma Salaiz, Executive Director, Rio Grande Valley Linking Economic and Academic Development Rene Capistran, RGV LEAD Board Member, SpawGlass Contractors, Inc.
Los Fresnos CISD and RGV LEAD (Rio Grande Valley Linking Economic and Academic Development) have collaorated to provide opportunities for teachers to experience the world of business and industry. Learn how business partners are providing field experiences during the course of the school year that help teachers embed career readiness into their lessons and how these opportunities have contributed to student success. How to Build a Successful 1:1 Learning Program—A School Administrator’s Perspective – Room 19A Jeff Mao, Senior Director, Learning Solutions Program, Common Sense Education
Behind every successful 1:1 program are leaders who establish good policies and vision focused on learning and students. This session provides valuable information and strategies for educational leaders on how to avoid the pitfalls and move your schools forward toward personalized learning. Hear from Jeff Mao from Common Sense Education, who served as the Education Technology Policy Director for the Maine Department of Education and the Maine Learning Technology Initiative for a decade.
Tuesday, January 27
10:15–11:15 a.m.
Critical Information about Your TRS Benefits and Future Planning – Room 9AB Christina Winters Gears, CEO/President, Creating & Managing Wealth, LLC
This presentation focuses on the TRS regulations that affect your ability to have health insurance at retirement. Discussion covers the rule of 80 and 90 and what the differences are; the different options for your monthly retirement check, including the Partial Lump Sum (PLSO) pros and cons; and the basics of financial planning and how to prepare for retirement. We address two crucial questions: 1. Am I going to make it? and 2. What are my financial blind spots? Integrating Engineering Design, Computational Thinking, and 21st Century Skills – Room 9C Cheryl Farmer, Project Director, University of Texas–Austin Audrea Moyers, Teacher, Austin ISD
Engineer Your World engages students in authentic engineering practices, computational thinking, and 21st century skills through a series of rigorous and relevant design challenges. Explore the TEKS-aligned curriculum, learn about the research results, and engage in discussion with an experienced Engineer Your World teacher. Financial support is available for high schools that are ready to bring this high-quality, low-cost engineering program to their students in 2015-16.
Pension News – Room 19B
Panel Discussion on Best Practices in Teacher Evaluation – Room 10A
Tim Lee, Executive Director, Texas Retired Teachers Association
Reece Blincoe, Superintendent, Brownwood ISD
This session provides an update on pension policy and a review of the 84th to date.
Jodi Duron, Superintendent, Elgin ISD
Perspective Is Everything: Assessment, Accountability, and the 84th Legislature – Room Ballroom E
Chris O’Reilly, Program Manager: Administrative Support and Development, ESC Region 13
Maria Whitsett, Associate, Moak, Casey & Associates Curtis Culwell, Associate, Moak, Casey & Associates
The 84th Texas Legislature convenes in a sea of contrasts. The state’s economic prosperity contrasts with a ruling that the school finance system is unconstitutional. Vendors respond to the state assessment RFP amidst opposition to standardized testing. Local accountability ratings are overwhelmingly positive, but interest groups condemn “failing schools” and “low standards” in public education. Come hear the latest on state agency and legislative activity in assessment and accountability.
Tuesday n 10:15–11:15 a.m.
Excellence through Classroom Experiential Learning and HB 5—The Perfect Combination – Room 18D
Rodney Cavness, Superintendent, Port Neches-Groves ISD Terry Smith, Executive Director, ESC Region 13
Region 13 leads a panel discussion of superintendents, central administrators, and school principals to discuss best practices in using teacher evaluations as a process that fosters professional development and instructional improvement. Panelists discuss their experiences within their districts, the process of implementing change around the culture of evaluation, successes, and lessons learned. Crisis Management and Maintaining Public Trust: You Can Do Both! – Room 10B David Vinson, Superintendent, Wylie ISD (ESC 10) Ian Halperin, Executive Director of Communications and Community Relations, Wylie ISD (ESC 10)
In the span of 24 hours Wylie ISD faced two serious incidents. Just one could have resulted in a loss of faith in the district. But
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Tuesday n 10:15–11:15 a.m.
Tuesday Concurrent Sessions having two the same weekend put the entire community on an emotional rollercoaster. We were under the microscope of the media, parents, and the community. By implementing a detailed communications plan we ensured our messages were conveyed accurately to several audiences. These efforts resulted in unwavering support throughout both ordeals. The Double Bottom Line: Ensure the Effectiveness of Every Dollar Spent – Room 10C Martha Salazar-Zamora, Chief Academic Officer, Tomball ISD
Districts today are faced with providing students with technology and resources that help them achieve academic goals, as well as monitor the fiscal bottom line and fulfill their fiduciary responsibility to taxpayers and the community. With more dollars being spent every year on devices and other assets for the classroom, managing these resources has become more complicated than ever. Providing Choice to Increase Options, Opportunities, and Achievement – Room 11AB
4A: Perceptions of Influence of the TAP System on Instruction Framed within Distributed Leadership – Room 13AB Shelly Allen, Principal, Boys Ranch ISD
The study examined ways in which campus leadership can impact instructional practice within a distributed leadership model. The findings provide principals’ perceptions of TAP system’s use of teacher leaders, TAP materials, TAP structures, and teacher reflection which support distributed leadership and improve instruction in the classrooms. 4B: School Principal Perceptions of the Efficacy of Non-supervisory Mentors – Room 13AB Arthur Borgemenke, Assistant Professor, Texas A&M University– Commerce
Susan Simpson Hull, Superintendent, Grand Prairie ISD
Cynthia Woody, Principal, Corsicana ISD
Increasing student achievement is the goal of every district but to get different results you often have to do things differently. The superintendent and staff in Grand Prairie ISD were willing to change the culture and the schools’ programs in order to offer creative and innovative options to help students have choices that would change their opportunities. Transitioning to a Choice Model has made a difference as they allowed continual focus on innovation and risk-taking in order to “fail forward.”
The school principalship is quickly changing into a profession of novices. New principals need purposeful, district-level assistance to experience success, but the presence and consistency of supports for new principals varies significantly between districts. This research examines the perspectives of a broad sampling of educational administrators about the availability of new principal supports.
Leading Transformation through Administrator DigitalAge Leadership Academies – Room 12A Laina McDonald, Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services, Castleberry ISD Renee Smith-Faulkner, Assistant Superintendent of Technology Services, Castleberry ISD
Start elevating technology integration in your district by developing visionary leaders who model effective technology practices. The academy was created as an interactive leadership academy that was successful in helping administrators break down and understand the role of a Digital-Age Leader. Leaders engaged in creative thinking, curriculum support, collaboration, and created electronic portfolios. After completing the academy, leaders are able to model and promote the use of technology for learning. Speedometry: Bringing Science and Play Together to Teach STEM – Room 12B Julie Marsh, Associate Professor, University of Southern California
This presentation provides an overview of the creation and implementation of a new STEM-focused curriculum that uses Hot Wheels cars and an inquiry approach to teach students science
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and mathematics content. The presentation reviews the creation of the units, their initial implementation in a set of pilot schools, and evidence pertaining to their effects on teachers’ instruction and students’ learning, interest, and engagement.
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4C: The Effectiveness of High School Language Arts Inclusion Efforts – Room 13AB Steven Patterson, Assistant Principal, Quinlan ISD Casey Brown, Associate Professor, University of Texas–Arlington
Presenters share a study that examined the placement setting in which students with disabilities demonstrated the most academic growth in language arts. A cohort of students with disabilities who received instruction in resource rooms grew more than expected academically. Conversely, students with disabilities in less-restrictive environments lost ground. 4D: Factors Influencing the Establishment and Sustainability of Professional Learning Communities: The Teacher’s Perspective – Room 13AB Chuck Holt, Assistant Professor, Texas A&M University– Commerce Lanny Mathews, Principal, Prairiland ISD Melissa Arrambide, Assistant Professor, Texas A&M University– Commerce
This qualitative study was designed to identify factors that teachers view as having the most influence on the establishment of a professional learning community (PLC). Each factor was
Tuesday Concurrent Sessions
4E: Principals’ Perspectives on More or Less Power for Central Office, Principal – Room 13AB Robert Nicks, Associate Professor, Lamar University Johnny O’Connor, Assistant Professor, Lamar University Gary Martin, Professor, Department of Educational Leadership, Lamar University
This study collected and analyzed the thoughts and perspectives of more than 2,800 current practicing principals in regard to empowerment of principals and teachers in relation to the central office. Net Zero Schools–Driving Down Costs while Improving Curriculum Opportunities – Room 14 Sidney Grant, Assistant Superintendent for Business and Support Services, Coppell ISD Terry Hoyle, Principal, Stantec Barry Nebhut, Principal, Stantec
Join us to understand beyond the buzz word of “Net Zero” and discuss specific alternative solutions to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs. This presentation describes the early programs initiated to reduce consumption and reports their success. Presenters specifically outline the planning measures required for a ‘Net Zero’ project, and further discuss how these strategies impact curriculum. Attendees follow two districts on their journey toward reduced energy consumption. Facilities as Catalysts for Transformation: An Innovative PK-8 – Room 15 Bruce Gearing, Superintendent, Dripping Springs ISD Kerri Ranney, Principal Architect, Huckabee
This innovative PK-8 facility takes into account new learning environments, student and teacher needs, and community demands—plus it saved the district approximately $5 million by combining two schools under one roof. Come and learn how we did it! San Marcos CISD’s EPIC Journey to Become the Learning Community of Texas – Room 16A Mark Eads, Superintendent, San Marcos CISD Gregory Rodriguez, Deputy Superintendent, San Marcos CISD Lisa Jones, Campus Technologist, San Marcos CISD Nicole Dray, Director of Elementary Curriculum, Instruction, and Federal Programs, San Marcos CISD
San Marcos CISD embarked on an EPIC journey to engage students and families in profound learning opportunities resulting in future-ready students. The Designing Transformation process included community, parents, and staff as they created a vision
for the future of SMCISD aligned to TASA’s Visioning document. Here is the practical process for turning vision into practice on the journey to become the Learning Community of Texas by engaging students through new models for learning. When “Never Here” Happens “Here”: A Review of Dallas ISD’s Response to Ebola – Room 16B Mike Miles, Superintendent, Dallas ISD Justin Coppedge, Deputy Chief of Staff , Dallas ISD
Tuesday n 10:15–11:15 a.m.
examined to gain a deeper understanding of ways to most successfully establish a PLC.
This session reviews Dallas ISD’s response to the Ebola incident from the first notification that Dallas ISD students might have been exposed to the infected individual through the return of the exposed students to school after a health department-directed absence from school. The operational, educational, communication, student health, and safety considerations of the response are explored along with the coordination and command structure for managing the district’s response. State Funding Update – Room 17A Amanda Brownson, Director of State Funding, Texas Education Agency Al McKenzie, FSP Support Manager, Texas Education Agency Amy Copeland, FSP Operations Manager, Texas Education Agency
This session provides updates from TEA’s State Funding division. Participants hear the latest on the operations of the Foundation School Program (FSP) and state facilities funding. Other topics include: an overview of the FSP data elements, sources and timelines, a review of the settle-up process, and an examination of the payment ledgers. The School Board: First-Term Lessons (Recommendations for Superintendents) – Room 17B Karen Morgan, Director of Special Programs, Temple ISD, and Board Member, Rogers ISD
Superintendent support for new school board members is critical. The presenter shares lessons learned as a new board member in the areas of budget, bonds, training and relations, and policy. Responding to Parent Requests to Opt Out of State Assessments – Room 18A Shellie Crow, Attorney, Walsh, Anderson, Gallegos, Green & Trevino, P.C. Deron Robinson, Attorney, Walsh, Anderson, Gallegos, Green & Trevino, P.C.
Join two Walsh Anderson attorneys for a discussion of the tension between parents’ statutory rights and state requirements for standardized testing. The session addresses parent requests to opt out of assessments, requests regarding scoring of assessments, and requests to opt-out of accelerated instruction. Learn more about the arguments being presented to districts regarding these tests and explore the practical and legal responses to these requests.
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Tuesday n 10:15–11:15 a.m.
Tuesday Concurrent Sessions Increasing School Safety through Partnerships with Law Enforcement Agencies – Room 18B
Creating the Conditions for Increasing Employee Engagement – Room 19B
George Kazanas, Superintendent, Midway ISD (ESC 12)
John Horn, Senior Associate, Schlechty Center
Jeanie Johnson, Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services, Midway ISD (ESC 12)
Nancy Rindone, Senior Associate, Schlechty Center
Marquette Maresh, Attorney, Walsh, Anderson, Gallegos, Green & Trevino, P.C.
Prior school tragedies highlighted the importance of collaboration among schools, cities, and police. To that end, Midway ISD recently forged MOUs with three cities and a county to increase safety measures. The director of the U.S. Dept. of Justice’s Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) praised these partnerships as an exemplary model. Using this experience, this session outlines the practical, legal, and governmental considerations in planning/implementing community partnerships. The Roscoe Collegiate System Model for School Transformation – Room 18C Kim Alexander, Superintendent, Roscoe ISD Kelty Garbee, Associate Program Officer for Teacher Effectiveness, Educate Texas
The Roscoe Collegiate System is a Rural School Transformation Model for college and workforce readiness for all students. The system models collaboration between public education, higher education, education systems, and private business and industry. The goal of the model is to enable every student to graduate high school with the associate degree and a business/industry recognized certification, as well as an electronic portfolio containing evidence of mastery of the capstone research process. Building Districtwide Instructional Leadership – Room 18D Stephanie Espinosa, Executive Director for Curriculum and Staff Development, Northwest ISD
Northwest ISD, as a member of the High-Performing Schools Consortium, has created a variety of methods that builds capacity with instructional leaders by providing systematic components to monitor and provide feedback on curriculum, instruction, and assessment. This session includes a variety of ways to do instructional classroom visits with an emphasis on alignment across the district/campus. Participants identify and understand standards-based instruction and ways to implement it. Update—Revised Mathematics TEKS Implementation – Room 19A Monica Martinez, Associate Commissioner, Standards & Programs, Texas Education Agency
This session provides an update on the implementation of the revised Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for kindergarten through grade 8 mathematics. Topics include an overview of the development of the revised TEKS and available resources to support implementation.
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Monica Solomon, Senior Associate, Schlechty Center
The Schlechty Center contends that there is an inextricable link between engaged employees, engaged students, and increased levels of overall district and school performance. Engaged employees are committed to the values of the organization and to their colleagues as well as the work they undertake. Bureaucratic conditions in schools often leave many employees feeling disengaged and less committed to their work. This session demonstrates how the Schlechty Center frameworks can help school leaders cultivate the culture and design the structure needed in public schools. STEM Literacy: JASON Learning’s Focus on Science and Exploration–Ballroom D Eleanor Smalley, Executive Vice President and COO, The JASON Project Jim Cain, Superintendent, Klein ISD HD Chambers, Superintendent, Alief ISD Charles Dupre, Superintendent, Fort Bend ISD Linda Macias, Associate Superintendent, Curriculum, Instruction, and Accountability, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
JASON Learning and Chevron have created a public/private partnership that focuses on STEM literacy. The implementation of this systemic and sustainable STEM program in several Houston area school districts has raised student interest and performance in STEM, particularly science, provided ongoing training and materials for teachers, and engaged the entire community in realizing the value of STEM opportunities for learning. Come learn more about the launch of a statewide STEM initiative between TASA and JASON Learning.
Tuesday, January 27
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Building a School District Police Department from the Ground Up – Room 9AB Alan Bragg, Chief of Police, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Eric C. Smith, AIA, Partner, PBK
Security of school district facilities is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Often, School districts like Cypress-Fairbanks ISD and Spring Branch ISD chose to invest in creating their own police department to help protect students and staff from internal and external threats. Session topics include basic organizational structure of the department, core operational concepts, affiliations and inter-local agency agreements, and information about basic needs related to the design of a police department facility.
Tuesday Concurrent Sessions
Charles Cooper, Consultant, Instructional Technology, ESC Region 11 Tracie Cain, Consultant, 21st Century Leadership, ESC Region 11 Linda McDonald, Consultant, Instructional Technology, ESC Region 11
One System, One Process, One Standard: How TSDS Is Unifying TEA’s Data Systems – Room 11AB Terri Hanson, Director, TSDS Business Management, Texas Education Agency Melody Parrish, CIO/CDO, Texas Education Agency
Erin Griffith, Consultant, Digital Leadership Development, ESC Region 11
Leanne Simons, Assistant Director, TSDS Business Management, Texas Education Agency
E-portfolios help administrators supplement data to get a fuller picture of student learning. Digital e-portfolios—created, personalized, and maintained by students—help learners flesh out, document, and reflect upon learning experiences. E-portfolios powered by Google Sites will not only provide a framework around which a student’s learning coheres, but will become a portable e-document they can attach to college applications and work resumes that reveal a fuller picture of who they are.
TEA is making its data collection process more streamlined, efficient, and standardized. The new Texas Student Data System saves time and effort with a single data warehouse that lets you use the same data for multiple data collections. Learn how the new Texas Student Data System streamlines the data submission process and for the first time provides comprehensive, usable performance data back to educators in near-real time via the new studentGPS® Dashboards.
Save Money, Time, and Resources with Online Webinars for Employees – Room 10A
Future-Ready Leaders: Texas State’s Transformational Leadership Program – Room 12A
Lorette Williams, Director of Communications, Corpus Christi ISD
Steve Flores, Superintendent, Round Rock ISD
Learn how Corpus Christi ISD introduced a new online communication tool, Core Comm, to assist with information sharing between central office administrators and campus employees. Core Comm utilizes an online webinar format to connect with principals regarding non-instructional topics. Core Comm serves as an outlet for district departments such as finance, legal, employee benefits, etc., to share vital information with campus principals including the opportunity for direct, real-time feedback.
Sarah Nelson, Professor of Education and Community Leadership, Texas State University
Legal Issues in Dealing with the Media and Crisis Management – Room 10B Joseph Hoffer, Attorney, Schulman, Lopez & Hoffer, LLP Ricardo Lopez, Attorney, Schulman, Lopez & Hoffer, LLP
While circumstances and reactions to a crisis, or perceived crises, differ with each school, there is one constant: the presence of the media. Media-relations and the legal issues surrounding it, however, are one of the most overlooked areas of crisis management. This session covers methods schools can use to build a positive relationship with the media while avoiding the legal pitfalls. What’s New in Educator Certification? – Room 10C Melva Cardenas, Executive Director, Texas Association of School Personnel Administrators (TASPA) Annabel Pena, Program Director, Texas Association of School Personnel Administrators (TASPA)
This session provides critical updates one event changes to the educator certification rules in Texas. It includes changes to the “assignment chart” in 19 TAC Chapter 231. Additional information regarding the certification structure, emergency permit procedures, and career and technical education and their impact on employment practices are addressed.
Tuesday n 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Student E-Portfolios Powered by Google Sites – Room 9C
Barry Aidman, Assistant Professor, Educational Leadership, Texas State University Denise Collier, TASA Consultant, Lecturer, Texas State University
Texas State University has transformed its superintendent program with the purpose of developing superintendents and central office leaders who are prepared and credentialed to lead school districts today in preparing students for tomorrow. Foundational principles of the leadership development programs are aligned with the TASA vision document. Join us to learn how the certification and doctoral programs at Texas State University can help your district create and lead the schools we need. Opportunities and Challenges for DiscoveryBased Learning – Room 12B Luk Hendrik, Co-Founder, Aecern
The need to address low performance in secondary school STEM education in order to position our children to succeed in an increasingly technological and science-driven world is an apparent reality. It is widely accepted that discovery-based STEM learning is powerful and effective, especially in areas of science that are highly relevant, but complex and controversial, and where there is a significant disconnect between scientific evidence and public understanding. The Aecern Discovery Hub is a free, crowd-sourced resource to connect discovery to the curriculum that combines a customizable mobile data capture and sharing platform, with an online notebook and learning portfolio. This session focuses on initial findings using the Discovery Hub to support STEM education in grades 5–12, and describes an upcoming implementation of the hub to deliver Citizen Science learning experiences based on the JASON Learning curriculum.
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Tuesday n 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Tuesday Concurrent Sessions Achieving Equity and Success in College Readiness—How It’s Being Done – Room 13AB Reid Saaris, President/CEO, Equal Opportunity Schools
An innovative group of high schools around the country are finding effective ways to dramatically boost underrepresented student access and achievement in their most rigorous college-aligned courses. During this session we discuss the opportunity for successfully serving more Texas students in AP and IB by highlighting a handful of schools that, through their partnership with Equal Opportunity Schools, have fully closed AP/IB access gaps by using deep data analysis and thoughtful leadership STEM via POE, Robotics, and Solar Cars – Room 14 Donald Jefferies, Superintendent, Greenville ISD Anna Knutson, Solar Car Teacher and Coordinator, Greenville ISD Adrienne Emerson, Robotics Coordinator, Greenville ISD
Greenville ISD has a World Champion (1993 & 2008) FIRST Robotics program and an award-winning VEX Robotics program. We have greatly expanded our robotics program to the point of having several hundred students in grades 5-12 involved in the program. In addition, we have an award-winning Solar Car program. These programs are excellent examples of our Product Oriented Education program which is infused in all content areas. Learn how your district can replicate these programs.
and learn from our stakeholders. Join the presenters as we discuss why this survey should not be “just another requirement.” If you are tired of being the CCO (Chief Compliance Officer) then this workshop is for you. Keeping Students and Staff Healthy – Room 16B Kenneth Adix, Chief Financial Officer, Pflugerville ISD
In this world of serious health issues and widespread illness, what can school administrators do to create the best environment possible for keeping students and staff healthy? Information shared includes education of staff and community, data analysis, review of chemicals and procedures, public relations, and methods for disinfecting facilities and their contents. Come see what Pflugerville ISD and other school districts are doing to meet the needs of their students and staff. Update: Highly Qualified Educators – Room 17A Viviana Lopez, Director, Educator Initiatives, Texas Education Agency
Staff from the Educator Initiatives division of TEA update participants on current issues related to Highly Qualified Teacher requirements. Topics include annual reporting requirements and issues related to teachers of students with special needs. Being Prepared in Times of Crisis – Room 17B
Visionary Leadership for Student-Centered Schools – Room 15 Susan Borg, Associate Superintendent for Instruction, Klein ISD Angeline Anderson, Executive Director of Instruction, Klein ISD Stephanie Edgar, Director of Campus Instructional Support, Klein ISD Adam Hile, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Klein ISD
Using the “Creating a New Vision for Public Education in Texas” document, Klein ISD, a Texas High-Performance Schools Consortium district is transforming campus leaders from personnel managers to instructional visionaries. Focusing on differentiated leadership skills, the work of PLCs, and fostering innovation encourages an open dialogue between the central office and campus staff. This session describes the planning and implementation of organizational transformation in Klein ISD. HB 5, Section 46: Our Opportunity to Move Away from Compliance – Room 16A Greg Gibson, Superintendent, Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD Damon Edwards, Chief Instructional Officer, Schertz-CiboloUniversal City ISD Paige Meloni, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, SchertzCibolo-Universal City ISD
Participants in this session walk away with tools that are readily integrated into existing processes. HB 5, Section 46, is a golden opportunity to build capacity in the community, as well as listen
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Marquette Maresh, Attorney, Walsh, Anderson, Gallegos, Green & Trevino, P.C. Robb Decker, Attorney, Walsh, Anderson, Gallegos, Green & Trevino, P.C.
Whether it’s a hurricane or a communicable disease, school districts must be prepared when crisis hits. Two school lawyers walk you through the most common legal issues related to governance, personnel, and student issues. Potential school closures, student attendance concerns, employee leave, privacy issues, and salary concerns are just some of the issues that are discussed. With a special focus on practical advice, you won’t want to miss this discussion. Mustangs, Mash-ups, and Mishaps: Managing IP in Today’s High-tech Schools – Room 18A Merri Schneider-Vogel, Partner, Thompson & Horton, LLP Melisa Meyler, Associate, Thompson & Horton, LLP
Intellectual property (IP) in schools ranges from innovative instructional material to distance learning and training to good old-fashioned logos and mascots. Districts create income by licensing their own IP, but often create controversy when using others’ IP, as shown by recent copyright and trademark infringement actions against schools. Get practical guidance on the fair-use doctrine and the Technology, Education and Copyright Harmonization (TEACH) and Digital Millennium Copyright Acts.
Tuesday Concurrent Sessions
Donald Schmidt, Assistant Superintendent for Student, Family and Community Services, Northside ISD (ESC 20) Janna Lilly, Director of Governmental Relations, Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education (TCASE) Nona Matthews, Attorney/Shareholder, Walsh, Anderson, Gallegos, Green & Trevino, P.C.
Attendees hear the major components of national policy discussions related to special education as well as Senate Bill 1, Rider 70, as passed in the 83rd Texas Legislative Session, both of which are aimed at simplifying special education systems. The 2014 ‘TCASE Report in Response to Senate Bill 1, Rider 70’ by Moak, Casey and Associates is shared and attendees are given the opportunity to comment on the national and state topics discussed. Research-Based Strategies Focused on College and Career Readiness – Room 18C Keith McBurnett, Superintendent, Burnet CISD Adolfo Pena, Assisstant Superintendent, Rio Grande City CISD David Hill, Senior Advisor, Charles A. Dana Center
naysayers, district administrators lose ground, ultimately risking the very future of education. To build public trust — and gain support for difficult decision-making — superintendents must promote authentic dialogue with all stakeholders. The Richardson ISD Journey to PBL Implementation with Fidelity – Room 19B Tabitha Branum, Assistant Superintendent, Secondary Schools, Richardson ISD Shannon Buerk, Chief Executive Officer, engage! Learning
The RISD leadership and board have had a vision for engaging all students in relevant, project-based learning experiences for half a decade. This session outlines the journey through a few models and roll-out plans to a solid, scalable five-year implementation plan for all 800+ secondary classrooms. District vision, a TEKSaligned model, and internal capacity-building for coaching teachers as designers, facilitators, and leaders of learning while meeting state accountability demands are keys. Meeting the Challenge: Successful Strategies for Implementing the 2014 Revised Math TEKS – Ballroom D
Edna Carter, Director of Educational Partnerships, Agile Mind
Paul Gray, Cosenza & Associates; and panel of math leaders
Panelists discuss successful research-based initiatives and best practices that have proven to improve educational opportunities for all students by identifying strategies for raising achievement and closing gaps between white and minority students. Topics include research strategies focused on adolescent learners which are designed to improve achievement levels by transforming academic identities, inspiring leadership capacity, and creating a classroom culture of learning.
In 2014, Texas implemented the biggest change in the mathematics TEKS since 1997. Many teachers and districts are struggling with this change, while many others are finding ways to successfully implement the revised math TEKS. Come and hear a variety of successful strategies and programs that school district leaders are using to meet this challenge. A panel of math leaders share stories and strategies that you can take back to your school or district to help your teachers and students master the challenges presented by the shift in content in the revised math TEKS.
We Can See Clearly Now: Data That Drives Continuous School Improvement – Room 18D Misty Kainer, Principal, Klein ISD Pete Gonzales, Senior Account Executive, Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA)
Session attendees learn about the use of data to drive the entire instructional process. Quick and easy access to student performance data is critical in making timely strategic decisions. Analyzing data from various perspectives allows us to find patterns and see the big picture. Identifying potential problems early in the school year allows us to take appropriate perspective action or preventive measures to ensure each student is performing to the best of their abilities.
Behavioral Interviews: The Gold Standard for Hiring Excellence – Ballroom F Dan Korem, President, Korem & Associates
The behavioral interview is the gold standard in Fortune 500 companies—and most districts don’t use it. If you’re experiencing substandard hires, above-average attrition rates, and unexpected subpar performance from staff who looked great during their interview, it’s probably due to substandard hiring practices. People are hired because of their talent, but usually leave or are released because of behaviors and “issues.” Attend this session to learn how to develop and maximize the behavioral interview. The Best of Times and the Worst of Times – Ballroom G
Building Community Trust One Conversation at a Time– 19A
Lynn Moak, Partner, Moak, Casey & Associates
Steve Knobloch, Senior Vice President of Research and Advisory Services, K12 Insight
Curtis Culwell, Associate, Moak, Casey & Associates
Public school systems face two serious deficits — fiscal and trust. While everyone understands a lack of money, it’s difficult to communicate a lack of trust. As social media empowers vocal
Tuesday n 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Simplifying Special Education: A National and State Perspective – Room 18B
Daniel Casey, Partner, Moak, Casey & Associates
The 84th legislature begins with record amounts of surplus funds available—at the same time they face an unconstitutional school finance system. Calls for tax relief seem to be distracting the legislature from its constitutional duties with respect to public
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Tuesday n 2:15 p.m.–3:15 p.m.
Tuesday Concurrent Sessions education. This presentation examines the need for funding reform, the positions of policymakers, and the prospects for various outcomes.
Tuesday, January 27
2:15–3:15 p.m.
Update: Educator Preparation – Room 9AB Timothy Miller, Director of Educator Preparation, Texas Education Agency
This session provides an update on current issues related to the traditional and alternative certification educator preparation programs in the state of Texas. Topics include updates to educator preparation admission and program requirements, educator preparation program accountability, and the various ways that stakeholders can become collaboratively involved to ensure the highest quality of educators for Texas students.
Rick Howard, Superintendent, Comanche ISD Jackie Lain, President, Learning List
Have you ever purchased instructional materials that your teachers ultimately don’t use? You’re not alone. On average, districts purchase more than $500,000 of instructional materials that sit unused on closet or warehouse shelves. Instructional materials are generally a district’s largest annual purchase. Learn how to maximize your district’s ROI on IM purchases. Presenters discuss common mistakes, key criteria for assessing instructional materials, and essential questions to ask publishers. Rigorous Reading across Disciplines – Room 11AB Melanie Sangalli, Instructional Coordinator, English Language Arts, Irving ISD
District and Charter Collaborations – Room 9C
Daniel Millett, SpringBoard Coach, The College Board
Mike Feinberg, Co-Founder and Superintendent, KIPP Inc. Charter School
With an increased focus on text complexity and rigorous reading experiences, it is important to provide strategies and processes for teachers to use in a variety of subject areas, and to assist administrators in connecting those strategies to rigorous instruction. In this session, hear how AP and SpringBoard teachers have developed a clear process for accessing complex texts and scaffolding instruction to meet the needs of the college- and career-readiness standards.
Duncan Klussmann, Superintendent, Spring Branch ISD
This panel discussion on district-charter collaboration highlights overarching themes, local variability, and broad policy suggestions. Trends on Technology Use in Texas Schools – Room 10A Jennifer Bergland, Director of Government Relations, Texas Computer Education Association
Speak Up, an online national research project facilitated by Project Tomorrow, annually polls students, educators, and parents about key topics of importance to K-12 educators and policymakers. This session focuses on what the Texas data says about how students are using technology in and out of school to learn, the educators’ use of technology for instruction and their vision for 21st century classrooms, and the hot trends in emerging technologies. How to Develop, Implement, and Maximize a Comprehensive Energy Management Master Plan – Room 10B Bob Cervi, Executive Director of Maintenance and Operations, Eanes ISD Jason Turner, Energy Services, Texas Association of School Boards (TASB)
Having an Energy Management Master Plan allows you to squeeze valuable dollars out of inefficiently operated buildings. Does your district have a replacement schedule for HVAC, roofing, lighting, controls, security, etc.? Do you have a behavior management plan for occupants to reduce usage? Eanes ISD shares experiences and take-aways from the development of an in-house Energy Management Master Plan, including where to start, how to implement, and how to maximize the plan.
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Avoid a Million Dollar Mistake: What Superintendents Should Know about Instructional Materials – Room 10C
TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
Cy-Fair ISD’s 2020 Vision Long-Range Planning Process – Room 12A Roy Sprague, Associate Superintendent for Facilities, Construction, and Support Services, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Todd Spore, President, Facilities Consulting Division, PBK
As a part of CFISD’s LRP process, a comprehensive facilities assessment project was initiated in October 2013 to verify facility conditions and assess safety and security, technology, and transportation needs. Led by a multi-firm team comprised of CFISD representatives, architects, and engineers, this massive, fast-track project (encompassing 111 facilities, more than 5 million sq.ft., and approximately 2,100 acres) was completed in 2.5 months and provided the foundation for the 2020 Vision LRP endeavor.
Tuesday Concurrent Sessions
Tina Garrett, Elementary Science Coordinator, Garland ISD Jerri LaMirand, Director of STEM, Eanes ISD Danielle Reynolds, K-12 Science/Health Coordinator, Arlington ISD Cindy Moss, Director of Global STEM Initiatives, Discovery Education Kellie Lauth, Principal, STEM Launch K-8 and STEM Coordinator, Adams 12 Five Star Schools
Join Discovery Education Director of Global STEM Initiatives Cindy Moss and the leaders of diverse Texas school systems for an interactive panel discussion on how to engage various local stakeholders in the creation of successful STEM education programs. Attendees learn new strategies and tactics they can use in their communities to create engaging STEM programs that both prepare students for colleges and careers, and meet the growing economic needs of the nation. Helping Kids Separate a Troubled Past from a Bright Future – Room 13AB Gonzalo Salazar, Superintendent, Los Fresnos CISD Jesus Amaya, Board Member, Los Fresnos CISD Karen Watt, Professor, Educational Leadership, University of Texas–Pan American Javier Ibarra, Executive Director, AMIkids Rio Grande Valley
Experience the powerful testimonials of young men whose lives have been transformed through the positive impact of an effective behavior modification program and the perfect combination of prescriptive instruction. Los Fresnos CISD and AMIkids Rio Grande Valley—a nationally recognized, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing our community’s kids with an opportunity to transform into responsible young adults—have partnered to deliver a quality educational experience and behavior modification. Is Grit a Missing Piece? – Room 14 John Kelly, Superintendent, Pearland ISD Nyla Watson, Senior Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Programs, Pearland ISD Dana Miles, Principal, Pearland ISD
Transform Classroom Learning with Google Docs – Room 15 Bruce Ellis, Senior Director of Professional Development, Texas Computer Education Association
Most people have heard that Google Docs is a great tool for students but have you seen the features in action? Join us to learn about specific features of Google Docs that your teachers and students can (and should) be taking advantage of to make learning more engaging.
Tuesday n 2:15 p.m.–3:15 p.m.
Creating the Environment for Engaging STEM Education: Success Stories from Texas and Beyond – Room 12B
Leading Graduation Rate Improvement in Your School and Community – Room 16A Sandy Addis, Interim Director, National Dropout Prevention Center/Network
This presentation addresses strategies by which school and system leaders can effectively communicate about and address the dropout issue in their schools and communities. The presenter focuses on research findings, trend data, and effective intervention strategies that will focus educator and community attention on the issue, generate increased local support for dropout prevention efforts, and mobilize local resources to improve graduation rates. Restoring Public Trust—Lessons Learned from El Paso ISD and Others – Room 16B Vernon Butler, Superintendent, Beaumont ISD William Brown, Partner, Weaver LLP Adam Jones, Director, State Government Services, Weaver LLP
This session features a discussion of recent high-profile cheating scandals and financial frauds and the impact on the districts, employees, and communities. The presenters either investigated these scandals or were involved in post-scandal remediation. Presenters discuss how to develop and implement policies and procedures aimed at creating a culture of ethics and a related compliance program, and how this can help prevent future fraudulent behavior and restore or maintain the public’s trust. What Does Our District Need to Know about Chapter 41? – Room 17A Kimberley Wall, Chapter 41 Program Administrator, Texas Education Agency
The session highlights how TEA identifies districts as Chapter 41, any changes to the program, how to access and use the program This session shows how school leaders can change the culture manual, election requirements and procedures, how to submit the of a school district to a growth mindset. See how Pearland ISD required information through the Foundation School Program has started a grassroots effort to educate the “different” child in subsystem, and the future of the program. the 21st century through a districtwide initiative that includes non-cognitive traits such as grit, resiliency, integrity, and tenacity. Start the buzz in your district and start to see immediate results. Mandy Benedix, Teacher/Grit Program Coordinator, Pearland ISD
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Tuesday n 2:15 p.m.–3:15 p.m.
Tuesday Concurrent Sessions First Offender’s Program: Our Plan to Close the “Schoolto-Prison Pipeline” – Room 17B Patricia Walker, Superintendent, Angleton ISD Mark Comneck, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, Angleton ISD Stephen Davis, Assistant Superintendent of Operations, Angleton ISD
Legislation passed by the 83rd Legislature resulted in changes to the way school administrators and law enforcement handle student misbehavior. Angleton ISD, working closely with the local district attorney and judges, created the First Offender’s Program (FOP). This program increased the role of parents and students in accepting responsibility for misbehavior and resulted in a more effective discipline program. From Policy to Procedure: Connecting Legislators, Rulemakers, and Practitioners – Room 18A
Lessons from Moses (not Dr. Mike): What Effective Leadership Is and Is Not – Room 18D Michael Seabolt, Superintendent, Louise ISD Andrew Seigrist, Superintendent/President TREA, Tidehaven ISD
Superintendents and others are often accused of not being “good leaders.” There are some interesting lessons that can be learned from one of the greatest leadership exercises of all times: the leadership of Moses and the Israelite’s flee from Egypt. The parallels give superintendents and other leaders some tools needed in order combat misconceptions of what leadership is, and what it is not.
Edna Butts, Director, Intergovernmental Relations and Policy Oversight, Austin ISD
Roadmap to Blended Learning – Room 19A
Ashlea Graves, Director, Government Relations, Houston ISD
Mike Saenz, Lead Teacher, Marble Falls ISD
Bradley Domangue, Associate, Thompson & Horton, LLP
Comaneci Brooken, Blended Learning Specialist, OdysseyWare
Holly McIntush, Associate, Thompson & Horton, LLP
As blended learning models began evolving into more student-centered approaches to learning, creating conditions for success in planning, implementing, and evaluating blended learning programs is essential to encourage teachers and school leaders to implement these new learning models. The purpose of this session is to provide guidance to district stakeholders on implementing a blended learning model that will best meet the needs of the individual students within their district.
There is often a canyon between what policymakers think a law will do and what it actually does. By creating connections with legislators and their staff, you can help policymakers understand the real world affected by their policy decisions. Join ISD government relations directors and former legislative staff for a discussion of how to use your expertise to advocate for your school district and help lawmakers craft better policy. Personalized Learning: Bold Actions, Powerful Ideas, and District Successes – Room 18B Daniel Gohl, Chief Academic Officer, Houston ISD
Moving into the personalized, blended, and online learning frontier requires a system that includes both human and technology support with updated policies and strategies that reach beyond the traditional classroom model and across all curricula. Attend this session and learn how to outline the mechanics of how to successfully introduce technology to support the personalized and blended learning instructional models across the curriculum and districtwide. Short-Term, Teacher Self-assessment as a Means to Improving Student Learning – Room 18C Cathy Malerba, Associate Director of Research and Evaluation, Round Rock ISD Blake Barber, Teacher, Round Rock ISD Justin Harvey, Teacher, Round Rock ISD Christine Drew, President and COO, Syfr Corporation
We all know that teachers should critically examine their instructional practice, but the approaches we use frequently lack the
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timeliness and precision to meaningfully impact student learning. What does effective short-term self-assessment and student learning improvement actually look like in a classroom? This presentation outlines a process that teachers have used to identify possible changes in classroom activities and then to measure whether the changes improved student learning.
TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
Scaling Systemic Change in Clint ISD – Room 19B James Littlejohn, Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services, Clint ISD Denise Davis, Associate Program Officer, ECHS, Educate Texas Kristin Kuhne, Research and Evaluation Analyst, Educate Texas
Learn about Clint ISD’s journey to develop a college-going culture not only at our new early college high school, but also throughout the entire district. The session highlights ways that Clint ISD embedded instructional practices and strategies that will help students be successful in college, including Bound for Success partnership with the University of Texas at El Paso, dual credit partnerships with El Paso Community College, standardized dual credit offerings districtwide, the infusion of the Common Instructional Framework into the classroom settings, and the Cradle to College program.
Tuesday Concurrent Sessions 8:30–9:30 a.m.
A Triple Play Approach to Leadership – Room 11AB Diana Miller, Assistant Superintendent, Killeen ISD Robin Champagne, Executive Director, Secondary Schools, Killeen ISD Jo-Lynette Crayton, Executive Director, Leadership Development, Killeen ISD Sharon Davis, Executive Director, Elementary Schools, Killeen ISD
Learn an innovative, three-pronged approach to school improvement. Leaders engaged in the development of a framework focused on ensuring a guaranteed and viable curriculum in every class, for every student, every day. Professional Learning Communities provided principals with a deeper understanding of the instructional core as outlined in the framework. Implementation of the Instructional Rounds process served as a catalyst for the improvement and fostered an increased culture of collaboration. You Want a Stipend for What? – Room 12A
Statewide Pre-Kindergarten Professional Development and Child Progress Monitoring – Room 13AB Howard Morrison, Statewide Coordinator, Early Childhood Education, Texas Education Agency April Crawford, Director, State Initiatives, Children’s Learning Institute
In partnership with the Texas Education Agency, the Children’s Learning Institute at UT Health has developed a platform that houses professional development coursework, supplementary curriculum, and data-driven child progress monitoring tools. Known as Engage, the system is currently being piloted in three large districts and will be available statewide at no cost to all public pre-K programs in the fall of 2015. This session gives attendees an overview of the new platform and its tools. Developing an Administrator Pipeline: McKinney Aspiring Administrator Institute – Room 14 Joe Miniscalco, Assistant Superintendent of Learner Support, McKinney ISD
Ann Patton, Managing Compensation Consultant, Texas Association of School Boards (TASB)
Paige Hanks, Principal, Press Elementary, McKinney ISD
District administrators are frequently asked for numerous stipends for everything from coaching to operating the elevator. Are districts appropriately using or overusing stipends for employees performing extra duties beyond normal job duties? This session examines current practices with specific data and comments on common plans used by Texas districts. Summary stipend survey data and a framework for assessing your district’s approach are presented.
Jimmy Bowser, Associate Principal, McKinney ISD
Using Dual Enrollment to Offer HB 5 Endorsements – Room 12B Megan Parry, Partnership Coordinator, The University of Texas at Austin Suzy Lofton, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Lago Vista ISD Leslie Haack, Principal, Lamar CISD
How can we leverage the requirement to offer endorsements, particularly in STEM, and the goal of ensuring that students succeed in college? Come hear from several districts that are partnering with The University of Texas at Austin to offer dual enrollment courses that help students earn endorsements and provide students with learning experiences aligned to university-level expectations to accelerate their college success.
Wednesday n 8:30–9:30 a.m.
Wednesday, January 28
Chris Clark, Principal, Caldwell Elementary, McKinney ISD
McKinney ISD believes that building leadership capacity amongst its future administrators is key to maintaining a strong organization. This session focuses on McKinney ISD’s experience developing instructional leaders through a capacity building program called the Aspiring Administrator’s Institute. AAI is designed to prepare aspiring administrators to be leaders in the public school transformation movement. AAI utilizes problem-based and action-learning methodologies to develop leaders. How to Host a Successful Digital Citizenship Week – Room 15 Jay Sonnenburg, Digital Learning Coordinator, Katy ISD Merve Lapus, Sr. Education Program Manager, Common Sense Education
Hosting a digital citizenship week is a great way to build a positive culture around technology in your district. In this session, join Common Sense Education to learn how to host a successful digital citizenship week in your district. Presenters share strategies on how to engage students, parents, teachers, and leadership in setting goals, developing the program, and hosting activities. See examples from other districts, discover free resources, and get ideas for your own program.
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Wednesday n 8:30–9:30 a.m.
Wednesday Concurrent Sessions Inside the Texas Juvenile Justice Department’s Education Services – Room 18A Amy Lopez, Superintendent, Texas Juvenile Justice Department Luther Taliaferro, Assistant Superintendent of Education, Texas Juvenile Justice Department
Inside each TJJD secure facility is a school that looks like most Texas secondary schools, except that all students are incarcerated for felony offenses. Learn how our schools work, including legislation that makes TJJD the only district in Texas that must employ PBIS and a specialized reading program; successful academic and behavioral strategies used by our teachers and administrators; and transitional strategies that will assist your district in accepting TJJD students upon re-entry. Raising Student Achievement Using Adaptive Beliefs: Research on Growth Mindsets – Room 18B Gail Haterius, Superintendent, Mineral Wells ISD Jacquie Beaubien, Senior Project Manager, Department of Psychology, Stanford University
organization for objective and subjective approaches to selecting a new system. Learn how to gain buy-in and trust when resistance to change seems to be an insurmountable obstacle. Bridging the Aspirations Gap: Making College Readiness a Priority Districtwide – Room 19A Robert Bostic, Superintendent, Stafford Municipal School District Orlando Riddick, Superintendent, Cedar Hill ISD Nefertari Mundy, Director of Professional Development/ Academic Services, Tomball ISD Jonathan Bubb, Sr. District Account Executive, Hobsons
In schools all over the country, an aspirations gap exists. Middle school students describe the desire to attend college, but by the time they reach high school only certain students actually matriculate. Learn how two districts are addressing the issue of college readiness for all students and closing this gap. Discussion topics include best practices in college readiness, metrics for success, and successful strategies and stakeholders employed to collectively address this ever-pressing issue.
Mineral Wells JH has participated in a research study conducted by Stanford University on “Raising Student Achievement through School District Guide to Successful Media Academic Mindsets”. This session reviews the research and MinRelations – Room 19B eral Wells’ experiences. Presenters offer an overview of how subtle differences in the framing of praise, critical feedback, and en- Candace Ahlfinger, Director, Public Relations, Waxahachie ISD couragement can support students in developing adaptive mind- Bradley Domitrovich, Strategist, PR Zealot sets. This research shows that students can grow their abilities by Building a great relationship with the media is vital for every working hard. school district. How do you do it? There are unique challenges that exist in every market with every type of media outlet. It’s imSLOs: How Districts Can Design and Implement Systems portant to promote your district to reporters in a positive, consisto Measure Student Growth – Room 18C tent, and credible manner. Using topical examples, participants are led through a study on how the media influences the public’s Katie Schlesinger, Project Manager, Operation Public Education, perspective on education and what strategies you can use to be University of Pennsylvania successful. Tammy Kreuz, Executive Director, Texas Center for Educator Effectiveness, ESC Region 18 Denise Gowan, Director, Battelle for Kids
As Texas moves away from PDAS and towards T-TESS, student growth will become a required component of teacher evaluation throughout the state. This session explores how districts have designed and implemented SLO systems to measure student growth in non-tested grades and subjects with the support of TxCEE, Battelle for Kids, and Operation Public Education. The panel’s presentation includes key components of the process, as well as strengths and challenges faced during implementation. Getting the Buy-In: Implementing Systemic Change – Room 18D Victor Valdez, Executive Director of Technology, Pflugerville ISD David Greiner, Director of Information Services, Pflugerville ISD
System change projects often see the highest failure rates. Organizations struggle to successfully change systems that have been in place for many years. See how one district applied tools and techniques that comprehensively encompass all facets of the
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Your instruction, differentiated. Student success, personalized.
Visit us at Booth #239 sbls.co/mileposts
INNOVATE SUSTAIN DELIVER Today’s Tools for Tomorrow’s Schools
Southern Regional Conference A conference serving to enhance the educational environment through the involvement of Educators, Designers & Builders
April 8 – 12, 2015
Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk San Antonio, Texas Register Now – WWW.CEFPI.ORG
TA SA
Awards and Recognitions
MI D WI N T ER
Must see TASA Midwinter sessions Get the most out of your TASA Midwinter attendance. Learn from educational researchers and school administrators how to best drive systemic change. Dr. John Cronin Sr. Director, Education Research, NWEA
Thought Leader Session
A Consumer’s Guide to the New World of Teacher Evaluation: Understanding the Promise and Pitfalls Behind New Protocols for Teacher Observation and Measurement of Teacher Performance
The Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS), currently in pilot, is similar in many respects to others already in place across the country. Some of these seem successful, some resulted in unintended consequences. Like T-TESS, many states put in place more robust protocols for teacher observation, professional learning goals, and the use of growth measures as a percentage of the evaluation. How these variables are combined to formally evaluate teachers varies and is important as well. Tuesday, January 27, 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Room: ACC, Ballroom G
Misty Kainer Principal, Benignus Elementary, Klein ISD
Concurrent Session
We Can See Clearly Now: Data That Drives Continuous School Improvement
Session attendees learn about the use of data to drive the entire instructional process. Quick and easy access to student performance data is critical in making timely strategic decisions. Analyzing data from various perspectives allows us to find patterns and see the big picture. Identifying potential problems early in the school year allows us to take appropriate perspective action or preventive measures to ensure each student is performing to the best of their abilities. Tuesday, January 27, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Room: ACC, 18D
Doug Rawlins, Principal, Panhandle Elementary Steven Blair Brown, Superintendent, Panhandle ISD
Concurrent Session Using Digital and Formal Assessment to Individualize Students’ Instruction The session will explore how Panhandle Elementary, a high performing Title 1 school, analyzes data
from many sources such as NWEA/MAP, STAAR, Study Island, and others. This data is then used to create a specific growth plan for each student to ensure he/she achieves a year’s growth, which helps to monitor Index 2 on STAAR. Computer adaptive assessment results provide the basis for differentiated tutoring groups, measuring academic growth, monitoring college readiness and setting student goals. Tuesday, January 27, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
sponsored by
Exhibit booth #225
Room: ACC, 9AB
1-866-654-3246 nwea.org
TASA 2015 Honorary Life Members
Recognized at the First General Session Monday, January 26, 3:30–5 p.m., Exhibit Hall 5 With the approval of the Executive Committee, a member in good standing at the time of retirement who has 10 years of membership in the Texas Association of School Administrators and who has completed 25 years of active service in the teaching profession, may upon retirement from positions listed in Article III, Section 2, of the TASA Constitution, be given Honorary Life Membership. Honorees are listed by name, district/organization and position at time of retirement, date of retirement, and years in education. Kevy C. Allred Blanket ISD Superintendent 12/31/14 33
Thomas W. Harvey La Vernia ISD Superintendent 1/1/14 37
Clarke Boyd Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD Superintendent 1/28/14 30
Dennis S. Hughes Lingleville ISD Superintendent 12/31/14 36
Steven R. Burleson Tahoka ISD Superintendent 8/31/14 38
Donald W. Hughes Eastland ISD Superintendent 8/31/14 40
Darlene Callender Keene ISD Superintendent 6/30/11 30
J.D. Kennedy McKinney ISD Superintendent 12/31/2014 40
Ray M. Crass Mineral Wells ISD Superintendent 05/2013 37
Larry T. Lee Crane ISD Superintendent 8/31/2014 33
Darrell G. Floyd Stephenville ISD Superintendent 6/30/14 29
Mike Motheral Sundown ISD Superintendent 7/1/2013 37
John A. Grigsby Joshua ISD Assistant Superintendent 1/31/14 40
Hal Roberts London ISD Superintendent 7/1/2014 38 Guylene Robertson Goodrich ISD Superintendent 6/30/14 36
John E. Sawyer Harris County Department of Education County Superintendent 6/30/14 44 Jimmy Thomas Borden County ISD Superintendent 12/31/14 37 W.R. Tucker Prairie Valley ISD Superintendent 6/30/2015 42 Stephen F. Waddell Lewisville ISD Superintendent 1/31/2015 36 Frank P. Walter Olfen ISD Superintendent 8/31/2014 27 Nola Wellman Eanes ISD Superintendent 8/31/2014 32 Elbert D. Wuthrich Whiteface CISD Superintendent 1/30/2015 32
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Talk to your account manager at Corwin booth # 316 TASA members receive 20% off Corwin books at www.Corwin.com with promo code N138F1
Superintendents of the Year Recognized at the 1st General Session Monday, January 26, 3:30–5 p.m., Exhibit Hall 5 Texas Nominee, AASA 2015 National Superintendent of the Year The American Association of School Administrators’ National Superintendent of the Year program cosponsored by AASA, ARAMARK Education, and Valic, was established in 1988 to recognize superintendents who have demonstrated all-around outstanding leadership.
Michael McFarland, Lancaster ISD Michael McFarland, Lancaster ISD, has been selected to represent Texas in the AASA’s National Superintendent of the Year program. McFarland oversees a school district that serves more than 7,000 students, 96% of whom are African American and Hispanic, on the southern border of Dallas. With nearly 85% of the students identified as economically disadvantaged, McFarland’s commitment to student success is evident by the significant gains made in student achievement, increases in the graduation rate, and the increasing number of students taking more rigorous courses. In an effort to close the achievement gap in math and science and ensure that their students leave with more than a high school diploma, McFarland has overseen the design and implementation of a K-12 STEM For All Model. The strategy focuses on improving math and science instruction through comprehensive and embedded professional development in Problem-Based Learning with an emphasis on STEM disciplines.
TASB 2014 Superintendent of the Year The Texas Association of School Boards presents its Superintendent of the Year award annually to recognize exemplary superintendents who strive for excellence and achievement in educational leadership.
A. Marcus Nelson, Laredo ISD Serving approximately 25,000 students, Nelson has led Laredo ISD for five years and has 19 years of experience in education administration. Under his leadership, the district has enjoyed a 76 percent bond rate approval and moved its bond rating from A to AA in five years. The district has pushed for a rigorous curriculum, an emphasis on communication with parents, and a relationship with the community college to create a PreK-16 partnership. Nelson has taken a proactive approach to enhancing his skill set to meet the diverse opportunities for growth of the students, staff, and community, as evidenced by his collaborative bilingual efforts. While facing a multitude of challenges, he continues to exude a positive outlook for the students of his district and firmly believes that education is the great equalizer. He feels kids deserve the opportunity to learn, with a goal that all children in Texas have the same competitive advantages to succeed.
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2014 TAGT Award
Recognized at the 1st General Session Monday, January 26, 3:30–5 p.m., Exhibit Hall 5 The Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented (TAGT) presents its Administrator of the Gifted Award annually to a district/school administrator who demonstrates an ongoing commitment to the education of the gifted. This award is given in collaboration with the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science (TAMS) at the University of North Texas.
TAGT 2014 State Administrator of the Gifted Cecelia Boswell, former Executive Director of Advanced Academics in Waco ISD and currently an independent consultant and founder of Austin Creek Educational Systems, is the 2014 TAGT State Administrator of the Gifted for her outstanding efforts as a leader in the field of gifted education. Boswell, an educator with more than 40 years of experience, has worked with children in grades K-12 as a teacher of migrant and gifted children and has coordinated migrant, ESL, bilingual, and gifted education services. She wrote online courses and managed a variety of projects for TEA, consulted for the Florida Department of Education, and conducted research for the Texas IB Schools. Boswell is currently auditing gifted services in Texas districts, providing professional development in gifted education throughout the state and nation, and working with TEA on a project for teachers of the gifted.
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2015 TASA Scholarships
Recognized at the 1st General Session Monday, January 26, 3:30–5 p.m., Exhibit Hall 5 Johnny L. Veselka Scholarship Recipients The Texas Association of School Administrators established the Johnny L. Veselka Scholarship in 2013 to honor and provide financial assistance to outstanding doctoral students pursuing a career in educational leadership, with particular emphasis on the superintendency. The scholarship recognizes the ongoing leadership of Dr. Johnny L. Veselka, who has dedicated more than 40 years of service to the association, including 29 years as TASA’s Executive Director. TASA will award three scholarships in the amount of $2,500 each to these deserving individuals: n
Yvonne Hernandez, Texas State University; Assistant Principal, Edgewood ISD (ESC 20)
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Aaron Peña, The University of Texas at Austin; Principal, Midway ISD (ESC 12)
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Cynthia Webber, Dallas Baptist University; Principal, Northwest ISD
Congratulations to these accomplished doctoral students whose deep commitment to public education will guide them as they pursue careers in educational leadership.
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Complete Educator Evaluation & Professional Growth Solution for Texas School Districts
Manage multiple measures of evaluation including student growth inter-rater reliability among observers Establish Act on evaluation outcomes by recommending or requiring PD A technology solution that adapts to your district’s approach to educator effectiveness now and as it evolves.
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Proud Member
Principals of the Year
Recognized at the 1st General Session Monday, January 26, 3:30–5 p.m., Exhibit Hall 5 Texas elementary, middle, and high school principals are recognized through several programs each year. The National Distinguished Principal Award is sponsored by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), in cooperation with the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA). The Middle School, High School, and Assistant Principals of the Year are recognized through the Outstanding Principal Awards, sponsored by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals.
2014 National Distinguished Principal Kimmie T. Etheredge Kay Granger Elementary Northwest ISD
2015 Outstanding Principals Texas High School Principal of the Year Jerry Adams Coronado High School Lubbock ISD
Texas Middle School Principal of the Year Marcos M. Flores Calallen Middle School Calallen ISD
Texas Assistant Principal of the Year Herberto Hinojosa, Jr. Boerne Middle School North Boerne ISD
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Texas Teachers of the Year Recognized at the 1st General Session Monday, January 26, 3:30–5 p.m., Exhibit Hall 5 The Texas Teacher of the Year Program, coordinated by TASA in conjunction with the Texas Education Agency and the regional education service centers, recognizes and rewards teachers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence in teaching. Forty teachers—two from each regional education service center—are eligible for two titles, Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year and Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year. Texas’ finalist selection committee nominates one teacher to be considered for national honors.
2015 Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year Texas Representative, National Teacher of the Year Program Shanna Peeples Palo Duro High School Amarillo ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year
2015 Texas Elementary Teacher of the Year Whitney Crews E. J. Moss Intermediate School Lindale ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year
Since 1969, the Texas State Teacher of the Year (TOY) Program has honored excellence in classroom education and provided a forum to showcase many outstanding educators whose efforts and example have inspired their students, their colleagues and the communities they serve. Texas Teacher of the Year is the highest honor that the State of Texas can bestow upon a teacher. Facilitated by TASA, the Texas Teacher of the Year Program annually recognizes and rewards teachers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence in teaching. TASA will release the 2016 TOY nomination materials and application in February 2015. District nominations are due to the Education Service Centers in June 2015. Visit us online at www.tasanet.org to learn more.
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Regional Teachers of the Year ESC Region 1
ESC Region 5
ESC Region 9
Laura D. Taylor
Lori Burton
Hayley Langford
Angela G. Leal Elementary School
Few Primary School
Crestview Elementary School
San Benito CISD
Jasper ISD
Graham ISD
Elementary Teacher of the Year
Elementary Teacher of the Year
Elementary Teacher of the Year
Jesus Razo
Linda O’Brian
Danny Holman
Mission Jr. High School
Jasper High School
Burkburnett Middle School
Mission CISD
Jasper ISD
Burkburnett ISD
Secondary Teacher of the Year
Secondary Teacher of the Year
Secondary Teacher of the Year
ESC Region 2
ESC Region 6
ESC Region 10
Estella Campbell
Dion Rivera
Sara Kingsolver
Orange Grove Elementary School
Smith Elementary School
Finch Elementary School
Orange Grove ISD
Magnolia ISD
McKinney ISD
Elementary Teacher of the Year
Elementary Teacher of the Year
Elementary Teacher of the Year
Kathryn Wolff
Beth Bland
Jodie Deinhammer
Three Rivers Jr./Sr. High School
College Station Middle School
Coppell High School
Three Rivers ISD
College Station ISD
Coppell ISD
Secondary Teacher of the Year
Secondary Teacher of the Year
Secondary Teacher of the Year
ESC Region 3
ESC Region 7
ESC Region 11
Adriana Whitwell
Whitney Crews
Cindy Pearson
East Side Intermediate School
E. J. Moss Intermediate School
Dove Elementary School
Palacios ISD
Lindale ISD
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD
Elementary Teacher of the Year
Elementary Teacher of the Year
Elementary Teacher of the Year
Chrissy Amerson
Jennifer Hudnall
Kristen Bell
Travis Middle School
New Diana High School
Briarhill Middle School
Calhoun County ISD
New Diana ISD
Lewisville ISD
Secondary Teacher of the Year
Secondary Teacher of the Year
Secondary Teacher of the Year
ESC Region 4
ESC Region 8
ESC Region 12
Harvey Augustine III
Katherine Cass
Tammy Thornhill
Newport Elementary School
Chisum Elementary School
Clifton Park Elementary School
Crosby ISD
Chisum ISD
Killeen ISD
Elementary Teacher of the Year
Elementary Teacher of the Year
Elementary Teacher of the Year
Mark Lesmeister
Stephen Smallwood
Denise Gilbert
Glenda Dawson High School
North Lamar High School
Lake Belton Middle School
Pearland ISD
North Lamar ISD
Belton ISD
Secondary Teacher of the Year
Secondary Teacher of the Year
Secondary Teacher of the Year
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Regional Teachers of the Year ESC Region 13
ESC Region 17
Zoila Cardenas
Suzanne McCall
James Mitchell Elementary School Georgetown ISD
Cathelene Thomas Elementary School
Elementary Teacher of the Year
Slaton ISD
Kevin Korpi
Elementary Teacher of the Year
New Braunfels High School
Jessica Brown
New Braunfels ISD
Evans Middle School
Secondary Teacher of the Year
Lubbock ISD
ESC Region 14 Amy Cortez
Secondary Teacher of the Year
ESC Region 18
Southeast Elementary School
Stephanie Green
Sweetwater ISD
Hays Magnet Academy
Elementary Teacher of the Year
Ector County ISD
Joan Tolle
Elementary Teacher of the Year
Colorado Middle School
Candy Thompson
Colorado ISD
Advanced Technical Center
Secondary Teacher of the Year
Ector County ISD
ESC Region 15 Tara Salisbury
Secondary Teacher of the Year
ESC Region 19
Grape Creek Intermediate School
Donald Belknap
Grape Creek ISD
Marguerite Lundy Elementary School
Elementary Teacher of the Year Maria Hudgins Del Rio Middle School San Felipe Del Rio CISD Secondary Teacher of the Year
ESC Region 16 Allison Woodington Carver Early Childhood Academy Amarillo ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year Shanna Peeples Palo Duro High School Amarillo ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year
El Paso ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year Marlene Gallegos Parkland High School Ysleta ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year
ESC Region 20 Gina Reina Carl Wanke Elementary School Northside ISD Elementary Teacher of the Year Irene Kistler Ed White Middle School North East ISD Secondary Teacher of the Year
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H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards District Level Awards Recognized at Opening General Session Monday, January 26, 3:30–5 p.m., Exhibit Hall 5 H-E-B’s Excellence in Education Awards are designed to honor outstanding public school professionals and to thank them for their dedication and commitment. Through this program, H-E-B seeks to pay tribute to those school districts, principals, and teachers who go the extra mile each and every day to serve their students and communities and who inspire others to do the same. More than $600,000 in cash awards is presented each year to public school teachers, principals, districts, and campuses in Texas. NEW! School Board Award ($25,000 grant to the district they serve)
Temple ISD Steve Wright, Board President
District Awards Outstanding Large School District
Outstanding Small School District
($100,000 cash prize)
($50,000 cash prize)
Edinburg CISD
KIPP Houston
René Gutierrez, Superintendent
Sehba Al, Superintendent
Principal Awards ($10,000 cash prize each and a $25,000 grant for their schools)
Grace Graves
Jason Johnston
Elementary School Principal Winner Chilton Elementary, Chilton ISD
Secondary School Principal Winner Maurine Cain Middle School, Rockwall ISD
Teaching Awards Lifetime Achievement Salutes teachers with more than 20 years of experience
($25,000 cash prize each and a $25,000 grant for their schools)
Connie Bagley
Rosbel Peña
Elementary Winner Crockett Elementary, San Marcos ISD
Secondary Winner Alton Memorial Jr. High School, Alton ISD
Leadership Honors teachers with 10 to 20 years of experience
($10,000 cash prize each and a $10,000 grant for their schools)
Nicholas Solis
Bart Taylor
Elementary Winner Hillcrest Elementary, Austin ISD
Secondary Winner A&M Consolidated High School, College Station ISD
Rising Star Honors exceptionally promising teachers with less than 10 years of experience
($5,000 cash prize each and a $5,000 grant for their schools)
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Celena Miller
Mary Lagleder
Elementary Winner Cesar Chavez Elementary, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD
Secondary Winner Earl Warren High School, Northside ISD
TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
TA SA
Exhibit Hall
MI D WI N T ER
THE RIGHT CHOICE
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TASA Services
Member Services
Learning & Engagement Services
A wealth of information on TASA and your benefits as a member of the TASA community! Governmental Advocacy, Legal Support, Publications, Information Resources—we’ve got what you need to be a top-notch leader! Plus special services to enhance your district and its leadership team!
Districts across the state are engaging—at one level or another—in vision-driven school transformation. Some have taken their very first steps to build awareness among district stakeholders. Others have forged ahead with policy development and capacity building. Still others have embraced the imperative for school transformation, but have yet to begin the process.
TASA Accountability Forum A unique subscription service offered by TASA in cooperation with Moak, Casey & Associates, designed to assist superintendents and other school leaders in understanding and managing the upheaval of simultaneous transitions in all of Texas’ assessment and accountability systems. Forum subscribers benefit from a built-in network of expert advisors who bridge the gap between state and local school districts. In addition, subscribers become part of an active professional community where peers share information and solutions.
TASA has developed a comprehensive set of five learning and engagement session resources for use by districts at all levels of the process. The resources are founded on Creating a New Vision for Public Education in Texas, the original document that created the framework for the new vision in public education. All resources used within are aligned to the vision principles embedded in the document. Although they can be used separately and/or customized by district users, the learning and engagement resources have been designed as a set of connected, sequential tools to assist Legislative and Public Policy Services districts in moving from change awareness to deep, robust Legislative advocacy on behalf of the schoolchildren of Texas, levels of organizational transformation. Districts are able considered one of the most important benefits of association to determine appropriate entry points based on their own membership. TASA is able to remain highly visible and progress in school transformation efforts. successful in large part through the support of our members Districts may opt to purchase the learning and engagement who choose to subscribe to LPPS. sets, receive in-district training for their team, or have any of the sessions facilitated for their district, board, or community through TASA’s Direct Services.
School Transformation Network A collaborative network that embraces the new vision for public education embodied in MISSION: School Transformation. The network provides subscribers with multiple professional development opportunities focused on the development of innovative, next-generation learning standards and assessment and accountability systems for Texas public schools, applying the principles and premises in TASA’s Creating a New Vision for Public Education in Texas.
Professional Learning and Leadership Services Conferences and workshops to help your district staff strengthen their teamwork and reach their leadership potential. In addition, gain insight into our customized training and services, including Curriculum Management Audit™ Services (audits and audit training); classroom walkthrough training; First-time and Aspiring Superintendent Academies, academies for transformational leadership; capacity building for leading in the digital age; digital content creation and use through TASA on iTunes U®; and the TASA/ Schlechty Center Partnership—all designed to be tailored to your district’s needs!
After the Midwinter Conference, for information on any TASA service, contact us at 512.477.6361 or 800.725.8272, or visit us online: TASAnet.org
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Exhibitors Monday:
8 a.m.–3 p.m.
Tuesday:
8 a.m.–2 p.m.
TASA Corporate Partner TASA Innovation Zone Company 806 Technologies — 1031 877-331-6160 Creators of Plan4Learning; campus and district improvement planning software
Action Floor Systems — 1222 715-476-3512 Premium wood and synthetic sports floor surfaces
A. Bargas & Associates LLC — 1042 800-344-2821 Classrooms, libraries, science lab casework, cafeterias, fixed seating, lockers
aha! Process, Inc. — 1144 800-424-9484 Tools for engaging parents and community members in under-resourced schools
ABM Education Services— 103 850-564-2011 Custodial and facilities management services for K12 schools A&D Tests, Inc. (Alcohol & Drug Tests) — 608 888-845-8378 Develop custom drug & alcohol testing programs that fit schools’ needs & budget ABC Companies — 1431 507-334-1871 Provides transport solutions for your extracurricular activities Academic Partnerships Lamar University — 536 281-467-8231 Regionally accredited, affordable, and accelerated, 100% online degree programs Academic Partnerships:UTArlington — 817-980-3438 Online degree programs Accelerate Learning — 1106 713-348-5516 Boost learning with STEMscopes, a 5E + IA, 100% aligned, STEM curriculum
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Make your conference complete by visiting the state’s fastest-growing exhibit of school-related products and services. Education vendors from Texas and all over the nation offer solutions in athletic equipment, technology, instructional resources, food services, insurance, specialty services, building services, and more. Stroll the aisles, test out new products, and gather ideas to take back home.
All Aboard School Transportation — 1233 469-307-6265 Texas-based home to school and extracurricular student transportation contractor Alpha Testing, Inc. — 544 972-620-8911 x 160 Alpha provides geotechnical, construction materials, and environmental services Alton Lynch Associates — 810 800-937-3148 Issue up to $100,000 life insurance/school employees/ no health questions Amplify Education, Inc. — 221 212-796-2463 Tablet system; complete mobile learning solution for K-12 Angelo State University — 1251 325-942-2209 100% online master’s degrees and professional certification programs
Architects Rabe & Partners — 647 512-349-7173 Architectural planning, bond program, and design services Armko Industries, Inc. — 1037 972-874-1388 Engineering/architectural firm providing roofing consulting/waterproofing service ASCD — 645 703-575-5464 ASCD professional development services—PD In Focus, PD Online—and membership
BELFOR Property Restoration — 808 254-405-4833 Restoration after fire, water, storm damage; also providing Crisis Response Box
BuyBoard®/Local Government Purchasing Cooperative — 343 512-467-0222 Schools can purchase a large variety of products, services, and instructional materials through TASB’s BuyBoard® CADCO ArchitectsEngineers, Inc. — 1123 325-695-6281 Architectural design, master planning, facility evaluations
BloomBoard — 336 415-297-9945 Personalized professional development and observation tools
Camp Invention — 522 800-968-0478 K-12 enrichment programs using STEM as a platform for creativity and innovation
Ascend Education — 251 318-865-8232 Intensive instructional math intervention
Blue Star Bus Sales, Ltd. — 1122 806-794-1959 New Blue Bird school buses
AstroTurf — 945 706-313-2348 The inventor and leader of the synthetic turf market
Brienza’s Academic Advantage — 1045 917-885-2432 academic solutions: PD, student academic interventions, parent workshops
Carnegie Learning — 322 888-851-7094 x118 Personalized, studentcentered math instruction for grades 6-12
Audio Enhancement — 611 800-383-9362 Providing audio and video technology to empower learning at the highest level Austin Independent School District — 844 512-414-9819 Diverse, urban district; fifth largest school district in Texas
Apex Learning — 1025 206-381-5663 Leading provider of blended and virtual learning solutions
Background Investigation Bureau — 736 888-439-3900 Background screening solutions for employees and volunteers
Aramark K-12 Education — 1109 215-238-3533 School nutrition and facility services management programs
Bartlett Cocke General Contractors — 1208 210-655-1031 Construction managementat-risk, general contracting, design-build
TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
Bay-IBI Group Architects — 443 281-286-6605 Architecture, Interior Design, Strategic District-Wide Master Planning
BrightBytes — 1008 415-307-7528 Improving the way schools learn through researchbased analyses Brown Reynolds Watford Architects — 846 214-528-8704 Celebrating 30 years of education design success in Texas! BRS Labs — 1230 713-590-5166 Revolutionize districtwide camera systems with artificial intelligence analytics. BTC/Buford-Thompson — 543 817-475-7699 Construction manager for K-12 Texas schools
Carter Construction Company — 1331 817-244-3622 Athletic-field builder Castro Roofing — 911 214-381-8108 Commercial roofing, permanent leak repairs, storm disaster response, construction Chartwells — 1336 469-252-1704 Culinary company providing healthy, nutritious meals Children’s Learning Institute at UTHealth — 1221 713-500-3809 Free child-assessment and PD system for public schools CILPEX — 1324 469-279-1990 Enhanced procurement including E-Rate services and compliance assurance Cisco — 437 314-584-6015 Transforms how educational institutions communicate, collaborate, and educate
Exhibitors Civic Permits (SectorPoint, Inc.) — 552 707-344-2665 Cloud-based facility use-permit processing, calendaring, and billing software Claims Administrative Services — 1033 972-490-2001 Workers’ compensation program administration, claims management, and loss control Claycomb Associates Inc — 349 972 233 6100 Architectural design of educational facilities Climatec LLC — 1220 602-906-4161 Energy services, building automation, and technologies
Corwin — 316 805-4102661 Books, institutes, author consulting, on-line courses Creating & Managing Wealth — 330 972-831-8866 Integrated financial planning and superintendent contract negotiation assistance CrisisGo — 1450 618-997-2114 The CrisisGo mobile emergency response app with two-way communication tools CTCR Video — 537 254-776-8760 Video surveillance camera equipment, bus cameras, access control Curriculum Associates — 547 978-313-1272 Research-based products including i-Ready®, Ready®, BRIGANCE®
Colbi Technologies, Inc. — 308 714-505-9544 Software applications for Cutco Cutlery — 609 school building programs 716-790-7181 and other business processes Cutlery, culinary tools, College Board — 622 bbq tools, sporting knives, 512-721-1824 cookware, flatware, scissors Programs and services to Daikin North America — support college and career 805 readiness 713-263-5217 Combined Benefits Group — 507 800-749-6458 Employee benefit solutions
#1 in heating and air conditioning worldwide Daktronics — 149 605-692-0200 x56905 Scoreboards, displays, video, sound
COMBS Consulting Group — 744 510-698-7887 Dallas Baptist University Independent technology and — 151 security consulting services 214-333-5728 Compass Learning — 525 Providing information 512-481-3504 for master’s and doctoral Creator of K-12 curriculum education degree programs and assessment solutions Damand Promotions — Contrax Furnishings — 301 352-416-1336 Classroom and media center furnishings Corgan — 634 214-977-3446 Architecture, interior design, master planning, and bond planning services.
707 858-663-5129 Parent’s homework dictionary Darkness to Light — 1219 843-513-1626 Empowering people to prevent child sexual abuse
Davis Demographics & Planning — 912 (951) 270-5211 x215 Enrollment forecasting, long-range planning, demographics, boundary changes
Educational Technology Learning — 344 817-310-3900 Curriculum solutions for RTI, credit recovery, STAAR, alignment to Texas standards
DreamBox Learning, Inc. — 1234 877-451-7845 Rigorous K-8 math + intelligent adaptation = deeply personalized learning
Eduhero - Region 6 — 1010 936-435-8261 Eduhero is interactive, on-demand professional development platform for educators
DSA, Inc. — 213 817-307-1200 Construction management services to public schools and churches since 1965
eduphoria! — 643 972-468-0518 SchoolObjects:aware redefines student data analysis
Durham School Services — 1017 512-470-4870 Student transportation services
Ellevation Education — 504 617-307-5723 The only web-based platform designed for ELL educators and the ELs they serve
DynaStudy, Inc. — 1225 (877) 361-0550 DynaNotes Tools for Explosive Learning— because student effort is required Edgenuity — 530 877-202-0338 Engaging and flexible online and blended learning solutions Edlio — 310-598-2846 Custom designed websites with an intuitive content management system Edmentum — 411 214-294-9586 Innovative solutions to empower 21st century teaching
Exam Elf — 554 9173346498 Teaches key math exam skills in a fun, mobile app FieldTurf & Beynon Sports — 1135 5143752646 World leader in artificial turf and synthetic track surfaces Finally Pain Free — 1424 512-917-8917 Wellness Pro Plus, FDAcleared medical device for pain and sports injuries First Financial Capitol — 447 936 674 5276 Premier provider of personalized employee benefit solutions for our clients
Encore Technology Group — 1111 888-983-6267 CloudVoice, cloud services
First Public — 317 800-558-8875 Founded as the financial arm of TASB in 1987, First Public is a registered broker-dealer specializing in investments and employee benefits for local governments
Energy for Schools — 1142 2816477750 Energy procurement
FirstSouthwest — 324 214-953-4081 Financial Advisory
Engaging Solutions — 942 832-437-1320 CurriculumLoft digital content and/or tablet management solution; Android tablet
FisherTracks, Inc. — 837 515-432-3191 All-Weather Tracks-install, refurbish, stripe and designbuild CTB on staff
Enovative Technologies — 1118 800-742-5129 TENs units & accessories
Educate Texas — 419 512-536-1160 Creating transformational change for Texas students
EPS Literacy and Intervention — 350 617-547-6706 Provides K-12 blended learning solutions for reading and math
Education 2000 — 1019 713-683-8061 Trusted Mimio, Naiku, Rapids Wireless, and TabPilot partner
eScholar LLC — 1339 914-989-2995 The leading innovator in using data to support personalized education
Education Service Center, Region 20 — 934 210-370-5617 Administrative guides and instructional tools
Estes, McClure & Associates, Inc — 1223 903-581-2677 Engineering & consulting services to architects and educational owners
Fratto Engineering, Inc. — 1023 8174612337 Mechanical, electrical & plumbing consulting engineering and Arc Flash analysis Frontline Technologies, Inc. — 1007 866-574-9169 Aesop—Automated Sub Placement/Absence Management; VeriTime— time & attendance Fruhauf Uniforms, Inc — 909 316-263-7500 Fine marching and concert apparel since 1910
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Exhibitors Gabbart Communications — 533 580-931-9333 School district, campus, teacher websites Gallagher Construction Services — 817 972-633-0564 Construction management, facility assessments, bond planning Gallup & Learning Together — 866-921-0000 BLAST strengths-based education for struggling middle and high school students Game Court Services — 809 512-394-0461 Athletic equipment GCA Education Services — 631 865-824-1398 Custodial, facilities maintenance and operations, and grounds services Gerloff Company, Inc. — 1342 210-490-2777 Professional residential/ commercial restoration for interior/exterior GermBlast — 1444 806-771-3558 GermBlast Service Global Educational Ventures — 520 434-592-5404 Instructional materials in textbook form and in a learning management system Gold Star CE by Health.edu at TTUHSC — 1307 806-743-7007 Online continuing education provider and learning management system GoldStar Transit — 637 843-364-9981 Premier provider of school bus transportation in Texas Goodwin-Lasiter-Strong — 1036 936-637-4900 Architecture, engineering, interiors; high-value/ moderately priced design
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Government Capital Corporation — 924 817-421-5400 Leading provider of public finance solutions for equipment and capital projects Gravely & Pearson, L.L.P. — 939 210-472-1111 Construction defects/ insurance recovery services Great Expectations — 306 682-226-1985 PD model that incorporates a culture of respect and academic excellence
Hill Country Rocks — 1343 512-618-7561 Fashion jewelry HKS, Inc. — 737 (214) 969-3313 Architectual planning and design services for the Texas school community Hot Wheels® Speedometry™ — 534 512-344-2604 Hands-on curriculum engaging students in STEM
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt — 524 972-467-1355 A longest-established Grimes & Associates — 310 publishing house and 806-863-2462 x 199 provider of education Artchitecture-engineeringsolutions asbestos consulting Houston Independent Guardian Security Solutions — 1239 806-794-7767 Cameras, DVRs, panic system, access control, intercom/bell system GuideK12Ema — 706 651-592-2686 Online tool for proactively navigating change Harrison, Walker & Harper — 1217 903-905-0780 Construction and engineering as well as related consulting services HCDE/Choice Partners — 512 713-696-0754 Staff development; consulting for facilities, supplies, technology Heinemann — 710 6034317894 Professional development and classroom materials for K-12 educators Hellas Construction — 623 512-250-2910 Planning, design, construction, installation, & maintenance for sport surfaces Higginbotham Insurance Agency, Inc. — 607 817-347-7090 Property, casualty & workers’ comp insurance
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School District — 913 713-556-7372 Looking to hire the best people from multiple disciplines Houston ISD Medicaid Finance — 917 713-556-9125 Medicaid finance and consulting services (SHARS) Howard Technology Solutions — 545 601-399-5713 Computer hardware, interactive learning devices Huckabee — 137 817-377-2969 Architecture, engineering, bond planning, and management for Texas public schools Imagine Learning — 1243 801-717-4031 Language and literacy software solutions for struggling readers Imperial Construction, Inc. — 1009 817-341-8886 General contracting, construction management, design build Indeco Sales — 123 254-791-6906 Furniture for school, office, science, library, auditorium, lockers
Infinite Campus — 558 763-795-4401 Largest American-owned SIS software provider; designed to streamline educational processes, promote stakeholder collaboration, and meet demands of K12 education InfoSnap — 1434 5123754562 InfoSnap provides cloudbased registration management solutions Innovative Transportation Solutions — 413 713-744-4495 Transportation assessments, online training, benchmarking, consulting services Insuring Success — 106 12117 Grover Street Industry-leading provider of supplemental health insurance products to educators ISIMET — 1043 903-897-0737 Science classroom utility controller; promotes student and instructor safety JCPenney / IZOD — 806 877-301-6400 Schools can receive a 5% cash reward on IZOD schoolwear purchases Joeris General Contractors — 243 210-494-1638 K-12 construction manager, design build, general contractor JPW Learning Center — 1237 325-655-2331 Training for teachers and administrators to work with students with dyslexia
K12 Insight — 231 703-542-9632 Helps school leaders build trust by building a culture of customer service and leading by listening Kaplan Elementary — 1311 336-712-3203 Provides educational materials for school-age children KLC Video Security — 920 903-792-7262 Video surveillance equipment, electronic access control, student transport video Knowledge Universe — 1448 503-943-0161 Extra-curricular teaching services LaMarr Womack & Associates, LP — 508 361-884-7442 Educational facilities architectural services LBL Architects, Inc. — 1436 817-265-1510 x14 Architectural planning and design Lea(R)n, Inc. — 560 213-952-2074 Online platform providing the tools and researchbacked methods to make better decisions for budgets and instruction Lead Your School — 207 832-477-5323 Tools, training, and systems to optimize student, school, and district performance Learning List — 209 512-852-2131 Independent, instructional materials review service for schools and districts
JR3 Education Associates, LP — 203 254-744-1413 WebSmart finance/SIS software, iCAP digital records management system
Learning Sciences Marzano Center — 248 918-995-1112 Teacher and leadership development based on the work of Dr. Marzano
K-12 Dynamics — 1206 214-402-5314 Dynamic District Dashboardaffordable cloud-based business intelligence software
Learning.com — 1345 503-517-3213 Provides 21st century skills curriculum and assessments
Exhibitors LearnPad — 1332 8478527721 Classroom tablet solution to enhance and support teaching and learning Lee Lewis Construction, Inc. — 1224 806-797-8400 Construction management services; #1 educational builder in Texas LENSEC — 318 512-913-3907 Perspective Video Management Software (VMS)™—ideal for IP security video LifeTrack Services, Inc. — 417 509-758-6991 Graduate follow-up, exit surveys, and athletic surveys; customized questions Lightspeed Technologies, Inc. — 835 800-732-8999 Classroom audio provider Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP — 531 512-634-3843 A national law firm and leader in collection services for governmental entitites Listen Innovation, Inc. — 562 617-304-9057 Keeping classrooms connected to the real world through the power of public radio Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. — 1108 713-821-0338 Engineering, planning, and program management Lone Star Furnishings — 931 976-862-9900 Educational furniture and equipment Lone Star Investment Pool — 317 512-457-0222 Provides investment services to school districts, with a focus on safety, liquidity, and yield
Lone Star Learning — 1121 806-281-1424 Specialized STAAR preparation materials, easyto-use visuals and curriculum LRG Loss Recovery Group LLC — 351 409-670-8140 A public-adjusting firm that handles property-damage insurance claims. LTS Education Systems — 217 817-888-1216 LTS Education Systems— Stride Academy Mac to School — 564 408-420-1459 Leading provider of certified Macs and iPads to K12 schools Marathon Health, Inc. — 1309 802-857-0481 OnSite wellness centers Mark Elliott Designs — 947 936-371-0748 Arts integration delivered to teachers and students via iPad apps McGraw-Hill Education — 117 817-751-9146 Engaging, adaptive, personalized solutions that improve performance and results McLemore Building Maintenance — 510 832-201-6027 Custodial and building maintenance services and consulting McREL International — 847 303-632-5526 Personnel evaluation systems, leadership, classroom instruction Measurement Incorporated — 610 919-683-2413 PEG Writing™; web-based writing program Memory Science — 566 972-400-7601 E-learning platform to improve knowledge mastery of critical information
Mentoring Minds — 1323 903-509-4024 K-12 resources that integrate best practices for learning and instruction Merit Roofing Systems, Inc — 1216 972-664-0762 Full-service company specializing in roof replacement and repairs Milliken — 624 770-328-0692 Quality and design-driven manufacturer of modular and broadloom carpet Moak, Casey & Associates — 407 512-485-7878 School finance and accountability experts MOEMS - Mathematical Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools — 1235 516-781-2400 Worldwide math competition and publications to prep students for rigorous contests MOHAWK/APEX Flooring Services — 1349 214-793-2792 Carpet, tile, vinyl, laminate, and all your flooring needs Mullen Pension & Benefits Group, LP — 946 210-949-0002 Health (fully and selffunded), voluntary products, 457/403(b) admin and consulting Musco Sports Lighting — 1039 641-673-0411 Specializing in the design and manufacture of sports lighting MWM Architects, Inc. — 1416 806-745-7707 Architectural and structural engineering services My Learning Plan Inc. — 300 631-379-9934 Leading provider of educator evaluation and professional learning data solutions
National Dropout Prevention Center/ Network — 332 864-656-2675 Stop by and learn about the 2015 National Dropout Prevention Network Conference National Life Group.com — 206 972-809-6083 403(b)/457(b), retirement services, insurance, annuities Netchemia — 1410 913-789-0996 Leading provider of cloudbased talent management for K-12.
Organizational Health — 320 972-966-6197 Specific strategies for increasing the leadership capacity of principals and teams OverDrive — 1406 216-573-6886 x229 Make OverDrive your central digital content solutions PACE Purchasing Cooperative — 247 210-370-5204 Assisting districts in saving time, effort, and money Palomar Modular Buildings LLC — 1013 469-727-0727 Modular buildings and classrooms
Netvious — 568 214-287-7090 Dependable mobility solutions to address Wi-Fi capacity issues NextEra Energy Solutions — 630 972-834-9402 Innovative energy-efficiency solutions for education facilities NWEA Northwest Evaluation Association — 225 210-426-1886 Computer-adaptive assessments and professional development O’Connell Robertson — 516 512-478-7286 Architecture, engineering, and bond-planning services Odysseyware — 108 480-735-7936 Academic solution with technology-rich learning management
Panel Specialists, Inc. — 1012 254-774-9800 Wall panels, casework, and residential life furniture Paragon Sports Constructors — 709 817-916-5000 Turn-key athletic field and track construction, synthetic turf, and running tracks Parkhill, Smith & Cooper, Inc. — 742 806-473-3630 Architecture, engineering, interior design, landscape architecture, planning PARS — 843 949-250-6369 Alternative to Social Security plans and tax-deferred exit incentive plans Parsons Commercial Roofing — 918 254-881-1733 Duro-Last roofing
OnDataSuite — 1334 800-521-2563 Expanded data reporting capabilities via OnPoint, OnPar, OnView OpTerra Energy Services — 101 415-685-0480 Using energy as a foundation to develop programs that power progress
Patriotic Restoration — 746 817-988-6550 Improving patriotism utilizing American service members’ testimony and pledge PBK — 923 800-938-7272 Architectural and engineering services
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Exhibitors Pearson — 131 512-337-7461 Transforming lives through personalized learning solutions Penda Learning — 1348 888-919-0404 Leading provider of highly engaging online science and math content Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott LLP — 1231 512-913-8848 Delinquent tax collection, property-value study appeals/audits, school finance Perkins+Will — 342 214-283-8824 Architecture, interior design and planning for K-12 schools Pfluger — 145 210-227-2724 Architects/planners who build relationships, create solutions, and enrich lives Pogue Construction — 311 972-529-9401 Construction manager for educational and institutional building projects Powell & Leon, LLP — 825 512-494-1177 General school law firm offering bond counsel and government relations services ProComputing Corporation — 1313 512-745-5311 LearnPad, Promethean, Boxlight, SAFARI Montage, Justand, professional devlopment Progress Testing / STAAR Test Maker — 1112 800-930-8378 A predictive bank that allows administrators to guide assessment and instruction Proximity Learning Inc. — 1047 512-600-5233 Virtual staffing company; live certified teachers streamed into your classes
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Public Educators Association of Texas — 739 903-266-5619 Property and casualty insurance services for public schools and colleges
Renaissance Learning — 830 715-424-3636 Leader in computer-based assessment technology for schools
PublicSchoolWORKS — 201 513-631-6111 x7011 Staff and student safety; keeping administrators effortlessly in control
Responsive Classroom — 1350 413-863-8288 Nationally-used, researchbased approach to elementary teaching
RaaWee, Inc. — 1330 317-695-2338 Truancy and dropout prevention system
Responsive Services International Corp — 733 806-763-1586 x120 Full-service IT firm specializes in network equipment, wireless, VoIP, and security
Ramtech Building Systems, Inc. — 1131 817-473-9376 Design and construction of relocatable classrooms and permanent school buildings RBC Capital Markets — 307 214-989-1725 Municipal bond underwriting and financial advisory firm Records Consultants, Inc. (RCI) — 1044 877-363-4127 Fixed asset inventory and records management, document imaging, document shredding REDD Team by Sapa — 502 503-802-3469 Durable, lightweight aluminum ramps and stairs for code-compliant access. Region 10 ESC — 1249 972-348-1088 Professional development, programs, and services to improve student achievement Region 7 ESC - DMAC Solutions — 509 903-988-6880 Web-based software enhances STAAR data analysis, local assessments, and more Region One Education Service Center — 1146 956-984-6053 STAAR One™ Texas STAARAligned Item Bank; used to develop rigorous STAAR®align
TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
RevTrak — 937 817-251-8742 Credit card services for a school’s cashless campus Robbins Sports Flooring — 811 972-248-9001 Wood and synthetic sports flooring Romine, Romine & Burgess Inc. — 1238 817-336-4633 Mechanical, plumbing, and electrical design for school environments Rush Bus Centers — 1139 210-800-8916 Blue Bird, Microbird, Collins, Elkhart sales, services, and parts SafeDefend, LLC — 334 913-856-2800 Personnel protection system; prepare, notify, and protect your students and staff Schneider Electric — 638 972-323-4878 Energy services Scholastic Education — 111 800-221-5312 Literacy and math assesments and interventions; classroom libraries School Check In — 532 813-962-7264 School security system
School District Strategies — 1120 972-381-1400 Demographic studies, enrollment forecasting, housing data, and boundary planning
Schoolwires — 219 814-272-5191 Online solutions helping K-12 districts increase community engagement
SchoolDude — 523 919-816-8237 Educational Operations Management Software, featuring Crisis Manager
Scientific Learning Corporation — 233 480-699-8152 Fast ForWord®—a neuroscience-based intervention that improves literacy skills
School Improvement Network — 743 801-566-6500 Provides on-demand professional development for educators
SearchSoft Solutions, Inc. — 845 317-488-5240 Software for the selection, evaluation, and professional growth of K-12 staff
School Innovations & Achievement — 910 800-487-9234 Software and services supporting districts to create a culture of achievement
Shaw Sports Turf — 1247 706-217-9690 World-class engineered synthetic turf systems
School Lunch Systems — 1418 512-996-9035 MealTime Cafeteria Point-ofSale, online payments, and applications School News Guru — 944 832-661-6536 Hassle-free, funds and parent communication with our digital newsletter program
Shiver + Associates Architects — 819 940-484-8788 A full-service architectural firm Sibme — 570 713-202-6928 Private video and resource sharing platform Sika Corporation - Roofing — 208 781-332-3258 Roofing and waterproofing
School Specialty Inc. — 1218 920-882-5875 Educational Resources
Silverback Learning Solutions — 239 208-258-2580 The Mileposts Student Achievement Solution
School Webmasters — 1319 888-750-4556 Services include school websites, district websites and more
SJCF Architecture — 1344 316-250-3044 Architecture, master planning, interior design, community engagement
SchoolMessenger — 1116 8004771940 x268 A leading provider of communication solutions for education Schoology — 338 212-213-8333 x148 Innovative, user-centric LMS SchoolStatus — 1333 512-785-6571 Make your data actionable; track student data from all systems—in ONE system.
Skyward, Inc. — 1124 800-236-7274 Student, finance, and human resources administrative software SMART Technologies — 731 915-637-2489 SMART Boards interactive flat pPanels; SMART notebook collaboration
Exhibitors SmartSchool Systems — 450 281-312-1297 STEM tools for all grade levels; interactive, hands-on learning experience
Sports Design Group — 202 469-525-5060 Design and consulting for sports fields, running tracks and tennis courts
Smarty Ants, Inc. — 572 925-998-4258 Richly immersive virtual world providing a successful path to reading achievement for all learners
Sports Flooring Inc. — 445 281-332-5000 Everlast Fitness Flooring Inc. with NIke Grind, Tarkett products
SOCS—Website Solutions — 402-479-6661 Web hosting services Sodexo — 546 512-660-8195 Provider of world class food and facilities services Southern Regional Education Board — 435 404-879-5598 College- and careerreadiness pathway programs, professional development and tools Southern Sustainability — 1232 940-782-3938 Carlisle Syntec: 50 years of excellence in single ply roofing systems Southwest Foodservice Excellence, LLC — 906 480-206-0842 Specializing ONLY in K-12 child nutrition; putting child nutrition first! Special Olympics of Texas — 210 512-579-7737 Sports competition and training for intellectually disabled youth and adults Spectrum Scoreboards — 1117 713-944-6200 Scoreboards, video displays, and school signs with unsurpassed customer service Spirit Monkey, LLC — 606 210-978-0457 Embroidered patches used as rewards and incentives Sport Court of Texas — 930 512-335-9779 Suspended modular gymnasium and sports flooring for K-12 schools
SSC — 506 706-993-6163 Custodial, maintenance, grounds services Stantec — 431 713-548-5784 Architectural, engineering, and planning services for learning environments Star Tech Group — 574 432-349-5001 Cloud-based application to enhance parental engagement and student performance Stewart School Signs — 639 800-237-3928 Nation’s largest supplier of changeable letter and LED signs to America’s schools Stroke Scan, Inc. — 539 832-437-7355 Medical services for district employees Studer Education — 576 850-898-3949 TeacherReady, a stateapproved online alternative certification program Studies Weekly — 723 866-311-8734 Covers 100% TEKs content standards for grades K-5 Summit Integration Systems — 1110 713-468-8699 Smart Technologies, projectors, document cameras, speaker systems Sun Ports (a brand of USA SHADE & Fabric Structures) — 1006 972-354-6505 Modular shade covers and custom fabric structures for playgrounds, parks, and more
SunGard K-12 Education — 107 610-849-7221 SIS, curriculum and assessment, special education, financial/HRM systems SXSWedu — 110 512-467-7979 Join education’s most energetic and innovative leaders at SXSWedu 2015! Symmetry Turf — 1321 903-560-8090 Artificial turf, sports fields/ track construction T&G ID Systems, Inc. — 612 800-873-0045 Photo ID systems for student/faculty badges, custom lanyards, ID accessories Tandus Centiva — 518 512-585-3779 World-class, easy-tomaintain flooring solutions for the learning environment TASB - Facility Services — 337 512-467-0222 Offering consulting on energy solutions, environmental standards, facility assessments, longrange planning, and construction program management TASB Benefits Cooperative — 317 800-580-8272 Offering school districts affordable product offerings, employee benefits solutions and section 125 administration TASB Energy Cooperative — 337 800-580-8272 Helping members procure competitive electricity rates and fixed-rate transportation fuel and meet state procurement laws TASB Risk Management Fund — 331 512-467-3528 Providing comprehensive risk management, including Workers’ Compensation, Auto,Liability, Property, and Unemployment Compensation programs
TASBO — 245 512-462-1711 THE trusted resource for school finance and operations
Texas A&M-Commerce — 745 903-886-5520 Education leadership program ranking at the top for preparation of K-12 principals/superintendent
TCPN — 807 713-554-0437 A national governmental purchasing cooperative Teacher Retirement System of Texas — 211 512-542-6730 Information explaining the benefits of TRS and TRS-Care Teachscape — 425 415-748-3619 Helping schools and teachers measure, model, and sustain instructional excellence Techline Sports Lighting — 1145 800-500-3161 Outdoor sports lighting Technical Laboratory Systems, Inc. — 839 281-391-7010 K-12, state-adopted science software, 100% STAAR coverage Teen Success Messaging, LLC — 249 214-914-0839 Tools to engage parents in their children’s college and career readiness Templeton Demographics — 708 817-251-1607 Demographic studies, enrollment projections, facility planning, GIS mapping Terra Testing, Inc. — 538 214-502-6312 Geotechnical drilling, testing, foundation engineering, materials testing, and inspection Test Prep Seminars, LLC — 1130 262-344-7001 SAT/ACT boot camps held on campus, during a school day, targeting 10-12 grades
Texas ASCD — 1422 512-477-8200 Committed to being the premier source for professional learning Texas Association of Community Schools (TACS) — 212 512-440-8227 Insurance and educational programs for small, mid-size and rural school districts Texas Association of Public Schools — 712 210-557-6213 Risk management services for school districts, ESCs and community colleges Texas Association of School Boards — 323 800-580-8227 Providing reliable, costeffective products, services, consulting, and training for Texas school boards/districts Texas Association of School Personnel Administrators — 246 512-494-9353 Providing professional development opportunities for HR professionals and staff Texas Comptroller - Texas Tuition Promise Fund — 832 512-463-1696 Texas Tuition Promise Fund and Match the Promise Foundation Scholarship Texas Computer Cooperative - TxEIS/iTCCS — 1143 210-370-5286 Comprehensive business and student administrative software for Texas schools Texas Correctional Industries — 1322 936-437-6033 Prison made goods
TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
89
Exhibitors Texas Department of Agriculture — 423 512-463-5400 Information about the National School Lunch Program and Breakfast Program
Texas Schools Property Casualty Cooperative — 916 979-299-9945 Property, liability, auto, and workers’ compensation insurance
Texas Educational Solutions — 250 866-236-2466 Instructional software for reading and math intervention
Texas Unclaimed Property — 834 512-463-5883 Find missing cash on the state database for unclaimed property, ClaimItTexas.org
Texas Facilities Commission - Surplus Property Program — 1134 512-463-4551 Offers federal and state surplus government equipment at highly discounted fees
TexasSUCCESS/TexQuest/ Education Service Center, Region 20 — 936 210-370-5434 Support center for two state-funded programs: TexasSUCCESS/TexQuest
Texas Kids First — 1432 405-608-0174 Student accident insurance—school athletics, non-athletic activities, camps Texas Mac Repair — 831 512-837-7775 Apple repair, parts, service warranty contracts; buy old Apple equipment Texas Multi-Chem, Ltd — 738 210-446-9988 Sports field construction, products and services for turfgrass maintenance Texas Political Subdivisions, JSIF — 747 972-419-2647 Complete workers’ comp and property/casualty solutions since 1983 Texas Retired Teachers Association — 237 512-476-1622 TRTA membership has advantages; membership benefits you Texas Rural Education Association — 922 903-575-2719 Statewide organization representing educational needs of Texas rural schools
90
TexBuy Purchasing Cooperative/Region 16 ESC — 312 806-677-5042 Statewide purchasing coop; free to join and we offer a rebate! TexPool — 943 412-288-8492 Investment service for public funds The BrokerageStore Inc. — 833 210-366-4800 Student/accident insurance The Faulk Company — 1442 817-614-6246 Complete contracted school custodial services The Gift Solution — 602 512-656-4436 Unique women’s clothing and accessories; petite to 3X The New Book Press, LLC — 1337 212-245-1964 WordPlay™ Shakespeare eBooks for TEKS The University of Texas at Austin UTeachEngineering — 836 512-471-3017 Training teachers to deliver design-based engineering instruction
TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
Think Through Math — 1420 866-357-8664 A learning system providing math instruction for grades 3 through Algebra 1
U.S.Employee Benefits Services Group — 242 8176859888 Employee benefit administration and online enrollment services
Thinking Maps, Inc. — 907 817-745-1061 Thinking Maps endeavors to transform schools and student performance
University of North Texas — 644 940-565-4172 UNT educational leadership learning technologies accelerated online programs
Thomas Bus Gulf Coast GP, Inc. — 1417 713-580-8601 School bus sales, service, and support TimeClock Plus — 109 325-223-7552 Time and attendance systems TIPS — 821 866-839-8477 Cooperative purchasing program specifically designed for Texas schools Trane — 1107 972-460-3677 Energy management, performance contracting, ESCO, NC3, Heathing, A/C, controls Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc. — 1346 (806) 202-2764 Retired Educator Educating Educators. Financial Planning. Staff Development. True North Consulting Group — 143 512-451-5445 Security and technology design services (AV, networking, public safety, cabling) Truenorthlogic — 439 801-453-0136 x163 Software solutions to support an educator’s entire professional growth cycle Tyler Technolgies — 1113 972-713-3770 x113123 Financial and education management software and services to schools U.S. Retirement Partners — 244 214-704-2789 Retirement planning; 403(b) and 457 plan offerings
UT Dallas and Wake Forest School of Medicine — 646 682-365-3934 Problem and project-based learning resources and professional development UTeach — 838 512-232-2770 Professional development for STEM teachers Vanir Construction Management, Inc. — 1021 9165758888 Professional program, project, and construction management services Vector Concepts, Inc. — 1236 972-399-1303 Multi-purpose sports flooring and lowmaintenance flooring Virco Inc — 1245 5122179704 Classroom furniture with a focus on movement VitalSmarts — 421 801-724-6324 Visit us and receive a free NYT bestselling book of your choice VLK Architects — 613 817-633-9652 Exemplary facilities, unique structures, & sustainable communities W. B. Kibler Construction Co., LTD — 513 817 235 8363 Construction Walch Educational Consulting — 200 210-414-0826 Tax Ratification Election (TRE) consulting; 96% success—113 wins, 5 losses
Walker Quality Services — 346 832-892-4404 Consulting services for schools Weaver — 1244 817-882-7342 Forensics and litigation services for school districts Whatley Sign Company — 1438 870-773-2139 Marquees, LED, monument, and electronic message signs Wi-Five Broadband — 348 321-749-6646 Broadband internet and school intranet connections; Texas family owned 11 years WIN Learning — 223 940-312-3867 College- and careerreadiness system to support middle and high school learners WoodStock Designs, Inc — 500 479-632-5965 Wood carved podiums and seals with exotic woods used on artwork Worthington Contract Furniture — 449 512-331-1628 Furniture—classroom, library, science lab, gym bleachers, auditorium seating WRA Architects — 713 214-750-0077 Full-service architect, 60 years in continuous operation as a K-12 specialist YellowFolder, LLC — 1317 214-431-3597 Education documentation experts offering districwide cloud-based services Yokel Scholastic Network — 1347 512-507-7048 Content management platform for schools, students and advertising sponsors Young Potential Development LLC — 1413 832 530 8086 THE YPD BOX: unique 21st century skills and entrepreneurship program; 100% Digital
TASA Innovation Zone
INNOVATION ZONE
Now in its second year, the TASA Innovation Zone features early stage education market companies, selected by a panel of experts through an application process, that are searching for meaningful input and guidance about their products and services. TASA’s Midwinter Conference is the perfect venue to unite these companies with top education leaders who have a sincere desire to be knowledgeable about leading-edge innovations.
Thirteen companies were selected to present their product/service in front of a three-member panel of superintendents and/or district-level school leaders on Sunday, January 25, immediately preceding the Midwinter Conference. A report summarizing those presentations will be shared with TASA members following the conference. Participating companies are listed in the Exhibitors section of the Midwinter program book, and are represented in the Exhibit Hall’s Innovation Zone area (Booth #551–564). Representatives look forward to discussing their unique products and services with conference attendees.
Innovation Zone Companies Civic Permits (SectorPoint, Inc.)
Memory Science, LLC
Exam Elf
Netvious
Infinite Campus
Sibme
Lea(R)n, Inc.
Smarty Ants, Inc.
Listen Innovation, Inc.
Star Tech Group
Mac to School
Studer Education
The TASA Innovation Zone is administered by High STEPS, LLC.
TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
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Showcase of School Architecture These special exhibits, located inside the exhibit hall, recognize architectural firms for excellence in planning and design for new construction and/or renovation projects in Texas. The showcase features firms that were 2014 TASA/TASB Caudill or Special Award Winners. Visit this exhibit to gain new vision and expanded design ideas for your own district.
Caudill Award for New Construction
Caudill Award for Adaptive Reuse
Citation of Special Honor
Pflugerville ISD
Plano ISD
Garland ISD
Cele Middle School Alex Torrez, Superintendent Stantec
Plano Academy High School Richard Matkin, Superintendent Stantec
Daugherty Elementary School Bob Morrison, Superintendent Corgan Associates
Architecture Exhibits by District Winners of Criteria Awards are identified as follows: D
92
= Design
PP
= Process of Planning
EA =
V = Value
I
= Innovation
S = Sustainability
Superintendent Architect
Educational Appropriateness
District
Project
Criteria Awards
Arlington ISD
James and Barbara Adams Elementary School Marcelo Cavazos
VLK Architects, Inc.
D, EA, I
Austin Community College
Austin Community College Elgin Campus
O’Connell Robertson
S
Collin County Community College Spring Creek Library
PBK
D
Dallas ISD
Thelma Richardson Elementary School
Mike Miles
Brown Reynolds Watford Architects I, S
Denton ISD
Bettye Myers Middle School
Jamie Wilson
VLK Architects, Inc.
PP
Donna ISD
Donna North High School
Roberto Loredo
PBK
D, EA
Garland ISD Daugherty Elementary Bob Morrison Corgan Associates
Citation of Special Honor: PP, D, EA, I, S
Georgetown ISD
Georgetown High School
Fred Brent
Huckabee
PP
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD
GCISD Technology Education and Career Center Robin Ryan
Huckabee
EA
Katy ISD
Katy High School West Campus
Alton Frailey
VLK Architects, Inc.
I, S
Liberty Hill ISD
Liberty Hill High School
Robert Hart
Huckabee
PP, D, I
Pflugerville ISD
Cele Middle School
Alex Torrez
Stantec
Caudill Award for New Construction
Plano ISD
Plano Academy High School
Richard Matkin
Stantec
Caudill Award for Adaptive Reuse
Temple ISD
Jefferson Elementary School
Robin Battershell
Stantec
PP, D, EA, I
TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
Look at what’s strong, not what’s wrong Flipping the table on remediation
Years of not quite making it leaves many secondary students frustrated and unmotivated. Now schools can provide a course that combines fundamental reading and math skills with career and college preparedness. BLAST doesn’t just keep kids in school – it incorporates GALLUP® strengths-based education to engage them, build on their natural talents and give them pathways to more positive futures.
Don’t miss
Bradon Busteed Executive Director Gallup® Education
Hope, Engagement & Well-Being: Texas Students Speak Up Third General Session Wednesday, January 28 9:45 - 11:15 AM
Learn more about BLAST at the Gallup/Learning Together booth. 866.921.0000 www.learningtogether.com
TASA Midwint
Exhibit Hall Floor Plan
January 25
Austin Convention C
Book Signing
F
FX
Storage
FX
8' High Drape
KEEP CLEAR
250
151
FS
350
450
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20'
20'
149
REGISTRATION
FS FX
20'
145
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338
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137 Exhibitor Registration
20'
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FS
231
MAIN ENTRANCE
TASA/ TASB
330
36" High Drape
TSPRA
545
646
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742
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738
637
736
20'
543
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439
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20'
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534
638
20' 40'
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630
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20'
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20' 324
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210
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123
CEFPI Friends of Texas Schools
544
443
20'
334
225
20'
FS
547
20'
343
20' Digital Gateway
FX
546
HALL 4
Lead Retrieval
FX
445
20'
332
233
20'
TASA Member Services
447
20' 20'
LOW CEILING AREA 8'11"
30'
449
20'
20'
HIGH CEILING AREA 21'5"
Info Desk
251
20' 20'
117
20' 20'
323 20' 20'
317
FS
20'
623 80'
Showcase of Sch Architecture
20' 114 Exhibitor Conference Room
112
20'
20'
311
20'
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613
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6Mx4M
20'
20'
110
TO/FROM 4th LEVEL NORTH
206
l
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608
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602
20'
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20'
Charging Station
20'
FS
Dra
FX
igh
500
FX
8' H
FS
FS
FX
301
pe
directiona
106
6Mx4M
306
207
108
Exhibitor Conference Room
FS
107
508
FX
502
504
FS FX
FX FX
LOW CEILING AREA 8'11"
40'
94
TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
FS
FX FS
FS
40' 23'
FX
FS
9'
ter Conference
5-28, 2015
Center / Austin, Texas CONCESSIONS
FX X
8' 8' High High Drape Drape
Innovation Zone (26' (26' xx 160') 160')
Charging Charging Station Station
1350 1251 1350 1251
1351 1450 1351 1450
1451 1451
1348 1249 1348 1249
1349 1448 1349 1448
1449 1449
(20'x20') (20'x20')
Freeman Freeman Service Service Desk Desk Freeman Freeman Service Service Desk Desk Electrical Electrical Desk Desk
747 747 745 745
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1230 1131 1131 1230
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20' 20'
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20' 20'
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8' High High Drape Drape 8'
15' 15'
20' 20'
20' 20'
20' 20'
20' 20'
BUS BUS 50' 50'
1434 1434
1432 1333 1333 1432 20' 20'
1331 1331
1431
20' 20'
HALL 2
20' 20' 825 825
20' 20'
723
20' 20'
924 924 922 922
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1122 1023 1122 1023
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1124 1025 1124 1025
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20' 20'
20' 20'
20' 20'
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BUS BUS 50' 50'
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713 713
CONCESSION AREA
FOOD
HALL 3
hool e
Floral Floral Desk Desk
20' 20'
743 743
20' 20'
1346 1247 1346 1247
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20' 20'
BONE BONE YARD YARD
1416 1317 1416 1317
1417
20' 20'
Lounge/ Lounge/ Coffee Coffee
1313 1313
1413 1413
1410 1311 1410 1311
1411 1411
Exhibitor Exhibitor Lounge Lounge (20'x30') (20'x30')
(20'x40') (20'x40')
709 709
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20' 20'
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ENTRY WITH BADGE ONLY!
directiona directiona l l
Drawing As Of: 1/9/2015 deleof
TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
95
Advertiser Index
CEFPI 66 Corwin 70 Creating & Managing Wealth
82
Discovery Education
24
FirstSouthwest 4 Hotwheels Speedometry
79
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
20
Learning Together
93
National Dropout Prevention Network Conference
7, 17
NWEA 68 Silverback Learning Solutions
65
SXSW Education
32
Truenorthlogic 74
96
TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
TA SA
Getting Around
MI D WI N T ER
Convention Center Parking
Shuttle Bus Information
Hotel Information
Locations: A. 5th Street Garage
FREE shuttle bus service is provided between the Convention Center and most official hotels used for housing conference attendees.
See map on opposite page.
Located at the northeast corner of the Convention Center at 601 East 5th Street. The entrance is on 5th Street between Red River and Sabine streets. B. 2nd Street Garage
Located two blocks west of the Convention Center at 201 East 2nd Street (between Cesar Chavez and 2nd streets). Entrances are on Brazos Street and San Jacinto Blvd. Hours of Operation:
Shuttle Bus Hours of Service Sunday, January 27
1:30–7:30 p.m.
Monday, January 28
7 a.m.–6 p.m.
Tuesday, January 29
7 a.m.–6 p.m.
Wednesday, January 30
7 a.m.–noon
Shuttle Bus Hotel Routes Route 1 Embassy Suites Downtown (front of hotel)
Sunday–Thursday
6:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m.
Hyatt Regency
(front of hotel)
Friday and Saturday
6:30 a.m.–2 a.m.
Radisson
(curbside on Congress)
Route 2
Parking Fees: 2–7 hours:
$7
7–9 hours
$9
9–12 hours
$12
Weekend rate
*
Lost ticket
$30
*During the weekend (Fridays and Saturdays, 6 p.m.–2 a.m.) and special events, rates will be posted. “Pay on entry” method will be used. The Convention Center Parking Garages accept cash, local checks, and the following credit cards: MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Diners Club, and Discover.
Hampton Inn & Suites
(curbside on San Jacinto at 2nd Street)
Hyatt Place Downtown
(curbside on San Jacinto at 3rd Street)
Omni Downtown
(curbside on San Jacinto at 8th Street)
Route 3 Hilton Garden Inn
(5th Street at access road)
Sheraton Austin
(front of hotel)
Route 4 Holiday Inn Lady Bird Lake (curbside on access road) Radisson
(curbside on Congress)
Courtyard by Marriott Downtown 300 East 4th Street 512-236-8008 Embassy Suites Downtown 300 South Congress Avenue 512-469-9000 Four Seasons 98 San Jacinto Blvd. 512-478-4500 Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown 200 San Jacinto Blvd. 512-472-1500 Hilton Austin 500 East 4th Street 512-482-8000 Hilton Garden Inn Downtown 500 North IH-35 512-480-8181 Holiday Inn Lady Bird Lake 20 North IH-35 512-472-8211 Hyatt Place Downtown 211 East 3rd Street 512-476-4440 Hyatt Regency 208 Barton Springs Road 512-477-1234 Omni Downtown 700 San Jacinto Blvd. 512-476-3700 Radisson 111 East Cesar Chavez Street 512-478-9611 Residence Inn Austin Downtown 300 East 4th Street 512-472-5553 Sheraton Austin 700 East 11th Street 512-478-1111
98
TASA Midwinter Conference 2015
AT&T EXECUTIVE EDUCATION & CONFERENCE CENTER (297 rooms)
14TH ST
Texas State Capitol Building
CONGRESS AVE
IDE
DR
TO SOUTH CONGRESS AVENUE ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
er Riv
ERS
o rad
EMBASSY SUITES DOWNTOWN AUSTIN – TOWN LAKE (259 rooms)
RIV HOMESTEAD STUDIO SUITES (130 rooms)
olo
HYATT REGENCY DOWNTOWN AUSTIN ON THE LAKE (448 rooms)
C
3RD ST
RED RIVER ST
Palm Park
DRISKILL ST
DAVIS ST
RAINEY STREET ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT RIVER ST
RAINEY ST
S 1ST ST
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL AUSTIN (291 rooms)
Auditorium Shores
BARTON SPRINGS RD
AUSTIN VISITOR CENTER (opening 2014)
SAN MARCOS ST
Lady Bird Lake
HILTON GARDEN INN AUSTIN DOWNTOWN (254 rooms)
HILTON AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER (800 rooms)
CONVENTION CENTER
RADISSON HOTEL & SUITES AUSTIN – TOWN LAKE (413 rooms)
BOULDER AVE
NECHES ST
Square
TRINITY ST
CESAR CHAVEZ ST
WESTIN AUSTIN DOWNTOWN (366 rooms; opening 2015) Brush
HYATT PLACE AUSTIN 3RD ST DOWNTOWN (296 rooms) JW MARRIOTT AUSTIN (1,012 rooms; opening 2015) 2ND ST HAMPTON INN & SUITES DOWNTOWN (209 rooms)
SECOND STREET ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
TO EAST AUSTIN ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
SIXTH STREET ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
6TH ST
COURTYARD & RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT (449 rooms)
W AUSTIN (251 rooms)
35
7TH ST
BRAZOS ST
3RD ST
SAN ANTONIO ST
Republic Square
RED RIVER ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT SABINE ST
WAREHOUSE ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
5TH ST
4TH ST
TRINITY ST
CONGRESS AVE
LAVACA ST
GUADALUPE ST
EXTENDED STAY AMERICA DOWNTOWN (101 rooms)
AUSTIN VISITOR CENTER
THE DRISKILL HOTEL (189 rooms)
8TH ST
9TH ST
MEDINA ST
T CT
NUECES ST
RIO GRANDE AVE
6TH ST
INTERCONTINENTAL STEPHEN F. AUSTIN (189 rooms)
OMNI AUSTIN HOTEL DOWNTOWN (392 rooms)
9TH ST
SAN MARCOS ST
MARKET ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
SHERATON AUSTIN HOTEL AT THE CAPITOL (365 rooms)
10TH ST
12TH ST
9TH ST
11TH ST
EAST AVE
COLORADO ST
Wooldridge Square
T
HS
12T
BRANCH ST
LA QUINTA AUSTIN CAPITOL (130 rooms)
10TH ST
7TH ST
Waterloo Park 12TH ST
11TH ST
T
HS
13T
TRINITY ST
DOUBLETREE SUITES BY HILTON (188 rooms)
HOTEL ELLA (48 rooms)
SAN JACINTO BLVD
14TH ST
15TH ST
L
15TH ST
35
CLERMONT AV
E
HOLIDAY INN AUSTIN LADY BIRD LAKE (322 rooms)
(.5 MILE OR 10-MINUTE WALK)
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Austin Convention Center Floor Plan ONE WAY>>>> Trinity Street
ONE WAY>>>>
BUS LOADING/UNLOADING
BUS LOADING/UNLOADING
First Aid
CIRCLE DRIVE
Fourth Street <<<< ONE WAY
Cesar Chavez Street
<<<< ONE WAY
Solar Atrium
N 19
Red River Street
M5
M6
M7
M8
Speaker Ready Room
M M M 9 10 11
M2
12
M1
13 14
15 16
NOTE: Mezzanines are accessed by separate elevators.
Level 2
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10 C SKYWAY TO LEVEL 4
SKYWAY CONNECTOR TO LEVEL 4
Atrium
LOWER LEVELS
Level 3
LOWER LEVELS
Level 4
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Hilton Austin Hotel Map
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NOTES:
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TASA Officers and Executive Committee
President Alton L. Frailey Superintendent Katy ISD (04)
Daniel Treviño, Jr. Superintendent Mercedes ISD (01)
Fred Hayes Superintendent Nacogdoches ISD (07)
President-Elect Karen G. Rue Superintendent Northwest ISD (11)
Troy Mircovich Superintendent Ingleside ISD (02)
Rex Burks Superintendent Simms ISD (08)
Vice President Kevin Brown Superintendent Alamo Heights ISD (20)
Vicki Adams Superintendent Palacios ISD (03)
Louis L. Baty Superintendent Knox City–O’Brien CISD (09)
Past President Darrell G. Floyd
Trish Hanks Superintendent Friendswood ISD (04)
Alfred Ray Superintendent Duncanville ISD (10)
Shannon Holmes Superintendent Hardin-Jefferson ISD (05)
G. Wayne Rotan Superintendent Glen Rose ISD (11)
Morris Lyon Superintendent North Zulch ISD, 6
John Craft Superintendent Killeen ISD (12)
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Douglas Killian Superintendent Hutto ISD (13)
Jose G. Franco Superintendent Fort Hancock ISD (19)
At-Large Members Jay M. Baccus Superintendent Anson ISD (14)
Brian T. Woods Superintendent Northside ISD (20)
Jodi Duron Superintendent Elgin ISD (13)
Leigh Ann Glaze Superintendent San Saba ISD (15)
Gena Gardiner Assistant Superintendent Curriculum and Instruction Highland Park ISD (10)
Robert McLain Superintendent Channing ISD (16)
LaTonya Goffney Superintendent Lufkin ISD (7)
Kevin Spiller Superintendent Seagraves ISD (17)
Legislative Committee Chair Buck Gilcrease Superintendent Alvin ISD (4)
Andrew Peters Superintendent Marfa ISD (18)
Executive Director Johnny Veselka TASA
Al Hambrick Superintendent Sherman ISD (10)
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Texas Professional Standards for the Superintendent/Principal Certificate Continuing Professional Education (CPE)
TASA Midwinter Conference Eventsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;January 25-28, 2015 Name: Organization:
Title: Session Title
SBEC Standard Number (1-8)
Length of Session (hh/mm)
I certify that this form accurately indicates the record of my attendance at this event. Signature
Date
Note: A summarized description of the SBEC standards (Texas Professional Standards for the Superintendent/Principal) for superintendent/principal certificate renewal is provided on the back of this form. It is the responsibility of the administrator to keep an accurate account of CPE credit hours earned. Texas Association of School Administratorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; SBEC Provider Number: 500101
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Requirements for the Standard Superintendent Certificate Texas Administrative Code §242.15 (See note at the bottom of this page for educators who hold the Lifetime Superintendent Certificate)
The Superintendent/Principal is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by practicing learner-centered … S 1 2
P 1 2
3
3
Human Resources Leadership and Management
4
N/A
Policy and Governance
5
4
Communications and Community Relations
6
5
Organizational Leadership and Management
7
6
Curriculum Planning and Development
8
7
Instructional Leadership and Management
Values and Ethics of Leadership Leadership and District Culture
Acts with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner Facilitates the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the school community Implements a staff evaluation and development system to improve the performance of all staff members, selects appropriate models for supervision and staff development, and applies the legal requirements for personnel management Understands, responds to, and influences the larger political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context; and works with the board of trustees to define mutual expectations, policies, and standards Collaborates with families and community members, responds to diverse community interests and needs, and mobilizes community resources Provides leadership and management of the organization, operations, and resources for a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment Facilitates the design and implementation of curricula and strategic plans that enhance teaching and learning; provides for alignment of curriculum, curriculum resources, and assessment; and uses various forms of assessment to measure student performance Advocates, nurtures, and sustains a district culture and instructional program conducive to student learning and staff professional growth.
Effective September 1, 1999, individuals who have not completed all requirements for the Lifetime Superintendent Certificate will be issued the Standard Superintendent Certificate that must be renewed every five years. Current holders of the Lifetime Superintendent Certificate are not required to participate in the renewal process but may voluntarily choose to do so. The renewal process for superintendents, principals, and assistant principals includes obtaining 200 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) credit every five years. The local school board will be notified at the end of a five-year period of any employed superintendent participating in the renewal process, as required or voluntarily, who has not met renewal requirements. Complete information on SBEC rules for educator certificates and renewal requirements for superintendents, principals, and teachers can be found on the Texas Education Agency’s website, www.tea.state.tx.us.
Texas Association of School Administrators’ SBEC Provider Number: 500101
Conference at-a-Glance Sunday, January 25 2–6 p.m. 2–4 p.m. 2–4 p.m. 5:30–7 p.m.
Registration Preconference Session–Fred Bentsen Preconference Session–Yong Zhao Welcome Reception
Exhibit Hall 4 8C 9AB Hilton Austin Hotel–Governor’s Ballroom, 4th Floor
Monday, January 26 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m. 8–9:30 a.m. 8 a.m.–3 p.m. 9:30–10:30 a.m. 9:30–10:30 a.m. 9:30–10:30 a.m. 10:45–11:45 a.m. 10:45–11:45 a.m. 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. 1–2 p.m. 1–2 p.m. 1–2 p.m. 2:15–3:15 p.m. 2:15–3:15 p.m. 2:15–3:15 p.m. 3:30–5 p.m.
Registration Designated Exhibit Viewing Exhibits/TASA Marketplace/Member Services Concurrent Sessions Thought Leader Session – Todd Whitthorne Thought Leader Session – Fenwick English Concurrent Sessions Thought Leader Session – Deborah Delisle Designated Exhibit Viewing Concurrent Sessions Thought Leader Session – Cindy Moss Thought Leader Session – John Tanner Concurrent Sessions Thought Leader Session – George Thompson Thought Leader Session – Yong Zhao 1st General Session –Doug Christensen
Exhibit Hall 4 Exhibit Hall 4 Exhibit Hall 4 Ballroom F Ballroom G Ballroom G Exhibit Hall 4 Ballroom F Ballroom G Ballroom F Ballroom G Exhibit Hall 5
Tuesday, January 27 8 a.m.–5 p.m. 8 a.m.–2 p.m. 9–10 a.m. 9–10 a.m. 9–10 a.m. 10:15–11:15 a.m. 10:15–11:15 a.m. 10:15–11:15 a.m. 11:15 a.m.–2 p.m. 11:30–12:30 p.m. Noon–5 p.m. 2:15–3:15 p.m. 2:15–3:15 p.m. 2:15–3:15 p.m. 3:30–5 p.m.
Registration Exhibit Hall 4/First Floor Foyer Exhibits/TASA Marketplace/Member Services Concurrent Sessions Thought Leader Session – Aaron Alford Ballroom F Thought Leader Session – Richard Erdmann Ballroom G Concurrent Sessions Thought Leader Session – Eric Sheninger Ballroom F Thought Leader Session – John Cronin Ballroom G Education Expo Viewing Exhibit Hall 4 Concurrent Sessions Aspiring Superintendents’ Academy – Part One * 8AB Concurrent Sessions Thought Leader Session – CEFPI Ballroom F Thought Leader Session – Kelly Young/Michael Hinojosa Ballroom G 2nd General Session – Michael L. Williams Exhibit Hall 5
Wednesday, January 28 7 a.m.–noon 8 a.m.–noon 8:30–9:30 a.m. 9:45–11:15 a.m.
Registration Aspiring Superintendents’ Academy – Part Two * Concurrent Sessions 3rd General Session – Brandon Busteed
First Floor, Fourth Street Foyer 8AB Exhibit Hall 5
* Additional registration fee
Mark Your Calendar! TASA 2016 Midwinter Conference January 24–27 • Austin Convention Center