CESNW Calendar

This day-long symposium will begin with a keynote speech by Pat Wasley, Dean of the College of Education at the University of Washington. Pat is a former senior researcher for the Coalition of Essential Schools, and a passionate advocate for powerful teaching.

The remainder of the day will consist of sessions developed and offered by teachers, administrators, and others that illustrate the very best practices that support the CES Common Principles. Participants will have the opportunity throughout the day to work with, learn from, and be inspired by the work of friends and colleagues.

We are actively inviting presentation proposals for the day, and will waive fees for one presenter for each session accepted.

The Institute is designed to engage K-12 teachers in the exploration of the principles of effective service learning practice. Sessions will include presentations by researcher Shelley Billig, author Kathleen Cushman, and Quest High School teacher Kim Huseman, as well as the opportunity to network with other K-12 teachers and exchange resources, tools, and lessons learned. Experienced practitioners, as well as those new to service learning, are welcome!

To learn more about our Network, or see examples of service learning projects from our Network, go to: http://www.cesnorthwest.org/servicelearningexchange/

These two days of hands-on work and dialogue will explore how close listening to adolescent learners can both deepen our own understanding of equity and also strengthen students' skills and motivation. We'll uncover cross-cultural issues that block meaningful learning (by youth and their teachers) and educational advancement for low-income youth. And we'll get a close look at curriculum projects that boost both literacy and engagement as they stimulate "powerful learning with public purpose."

Current research in effective professional development indicates that the best way to support sustainable change in instructional practice is through the support of an instructional coach. Many schools across the state and nation are utilizing teachers as teacher leaders, coaches, mentors in a variety of formal and non-formal coaching positions.

This three-day institute will help mentors and school-based coaches develop facilitation skills, learn and practice tools for looking at student and teacher work, and reflect on the unique role various teachers have in providing instructional leadership. Participants will have multiple opportunities to engage in active practice with the skills and tools needed to be an effective instructional coach or mentor.

This workshop is designed to give K-12 teachers the experience of Socratic Seminars first hand. Participants discover the power of Socratic Seminars to actively engage students of all ability levels in close and critical reading of difficult texts. Participants learn how to use Socratic questioning techniques and dialogue to teach students to improve the reading skills of comprehension, analysis, and interpretation in all disciplines.

Imagine looking down at your school or district as you would a game of chess. What would you see from that balcony view? How are the pieces working together? What vital connections are missing? What can you learn about leadership from this perspective? Join us in an opportunity to reflect and consider your "system" as a powerful lens for decision-making.

You will leave this session with new tools, frameworks, and critical resources that can help you see more clearly where the key gaps and opportunities are to ensure your system's (be it your school or your district) effectiveness in significantly improving teaching and learning. Through this daylong session, we'll provide you the opportunity to develop a robust picture of how your system is, or isn't, supporting teaching and learning. You may be surprised about what you learn!

This session is recommended for school and/or district leaders. We strongly encourage the attendance of leadership teams (from any part of the system) for a more meaningful learning experience that can be transferred back in your context.

How can a culminating project be a rigorous and authentic learning experience for each student? The culminating project can be a powerful learning experience for adults and students. This workshop will provide participants with an opportunity to examine several examples of culminating projects and the key/ critical components as well as strategies to prepare students for their demonstration of learning. We will focus on models that have strong civic conponents.

This 4-day workshop will prepare teachers, administrators and other school staff to coach or participate effectively in a Critical Friends Group. CFG's are a professional development initiative that focuses on developing collegial relationships, encouraging reflective practice, and engaging in inquiry-based discourse in support of increased student achievement and equitable outcomes for all students. This workshop will present the philosophical goals for CFG's, then move on to the practical ways to operate and structure CFG's in your school. Participants will have several opportunities to facilitate small groups sessions as well as leave with a set of protocols and activities and a plan for starting CFG's.