Back to School Seminar

Presenter: Ming Shelby, Ed.S.

Time: 10:00 – 11:00 AM CDT

Description: We’re all familiar with the 4Cs of 21st Century Learners: Critical and Creative Thinking, Collaboration, and Communication. But here’s the overlooked question: do our students have the courage to implement these skills?

There’s a direct connection between the willingness to take risks in learning and the effort students invest. In this session, you’ll gain insight into strategies to create a nurturing and secure learning environment. It’s all about making students feel safe, supported, and motivated to step out of their comfort zones and acquire new skills. Let’s dive into the essential ingredient for preparing the next generation for the challenges of the future!

Learning Outcomes:

• Foster Student Courage: Learn how to cultivate an environment where students feel encouraged and safe to take risks in their learning, enabling them to apply critical and creative thinking, collaborate effectively, and communicate confidently.
• Implement Proven Strategies: Discover and master five concrete strategies that effective educators use to empower students with the courage to embrace the 4Cs of 21st Century Learning, ensuring that your teaching goes beyond theory and into practical application.
• Enhance Learning Engagement: Explore techniques to increase student engagement by creating a supportive and motivating classroom atmosphere. Understand how a nurturing environment can lead to greater student effort and commitment to their education.
• Boost Student Skill Acquisition: Gain insights into how to motivate students to step out of their comfort zones, embrace challenges, and acquire new skills. Learn how to foster a growth mindset that encourages continuous learning and development.
• Prepare Students for the Future: Acquire the essential ingredients for preparing the next generation to thrive in an ever-changing world. Equip yourself with the tools to inspire students to become courageous, confident, and adaptable learners who are ready to face the challenges of the future head-on.

Time: 11:00 – 11:45 AM CDT

Description: Get the inside scoop on the latest innovations from iCEV! Discover new courses, certifications, alignments, and platform features to help you get the most out of your iCEV subscription.

Learning Outcomes:

• Discover new and updated courses added to the iCEV platform, including curriculum updates to six subject areas.
• Learn about the SFMA Turfgrass Science Certification, the newest certification on the iCEV Testing Platform.
• Explore new certification alignments, including Adobe and AutoCAD certification preparation materials.
• Discover new platform features, such as custom exams, simulations/gamification, pre- and post-tests, text-to-speech, time-on-task, and standards-based grading.

Time: 12:00 – 12:45 PM CDT

Description: As the CTE command center, Eduthings improves student outcomes by revolutionizing data management and reporting. Join this session to discover the value of efficient, effective CTE data management. See firsthand how Eduthings can track student achievement, measure program effectiveness, simply data collection, reporting, and analysis, and help you comply with laws and regulations.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the importance of efficient and effective CTE data management for improving student outcomes.
• Identify strategies for utilizing CTE data to inform instructional practices and program improvements.
• Explore the features and capabilities of the Eduthings platform in tracking student achievement and measuring program effectiveness.
• Gain insight into how Eduthings helps ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations governing CTE programs.

Time: 12:00 – 12:45 PM CDT

Overcome the challenge of CTE data management with Eduthings! You’ll learn about how Eduthings can save teachers and administrators time and better plan and assess CTE program performance. We’ll cover reporting for industry certifications, managing work-based learning (WBL) opportunities, and tracking participation in career and technical student organizations (CTSOs).

Time: 1:00 – 1:45 PM CDT

Description: Join us for an engaging workshop aimed at tackling one of the most pressing challenges in education today: attracting and keeping talented teachers. This session will explore innovative approaches and proven techniques for not only recruiting top-tier educators but also creating a supportive environment that fosters their professional growth and long-term commitment to your district.

Learning Outcomes:

• Identify key recruitment channels and develop targeted strategies to attract diverse candidates with the skills and passion to excel in the classroom.
• Explore best practices for interviewing and selecting candidates who align with your school's mission, values, and educational objectives.
• Learn effective onboarding processes to ensure new hires feel welcomed, valued, and equipped for success from day one.
• Discuss actionable methods for ongoing support and professional development that empower teachers to thrive in their roles and contribute meaningfully to the school community.
• Discover retention strategies that go beyond salary and benefits to create a culture of appreciation, recognition, and continuous improvement.

Time: 1:00 – 1:45 PM CDT

Description: In today's rapidly evolving world, preparing students with the skills they need for success is more critical than ever. Join us for an insightful workshop focused on equipping educators with tools and strategies to cultivate 21st Century skills in their students. Participants will explore innovative teaching methods that foster creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and digital literacy. Discover practical approaches for integrating these skills across your curriculum, empowering students to thrive in an ever-changing landscape. Whether you're a seasoned educator or just starting your teaching journey, this workshop will provide you with the knowledge and inspiration to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st Century.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the importance of 21st Century skills in preparing students for success in today's world.
• Identify the key components of 21st Century skills, including creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and digital literacy.
• Explore innovative teaching methods and pedagogical approaches that promote the development of 21st Century skills in students.
• Learn practical strategies for integrating 21st Century skills across various subject areas and grade levels.
• Develop an understanding of how to assess and measure student proficiency in 21st Century skills.
• Gain insights into the role of technology in fostering 21st Century skills and digital literacy in the classroom.

Time: 2:00 – 2:45 PM CDT

Description: Elevate your CTE programs to new heights by joining us for an engaging workshop focused on maximizing funding opportunities. This workshop will arm attendees with the knowledge and tools needed to harness the financial resources essential for nurturing students' career readiness and success.

Learning Outcomes:

• Uncover untapped funding sources specifically tailored to support CTE programs, including grants, partnerships, and government initiatives.
• Learn how to strategically allocate existing resources to maximize impact and efficiency in CTE program delivery.
• Discover best practices for developing compelling grant proposals and securing competitive funding to expand and enhance your CTE offerings.
• Explore creative fundraising ideas and community engagement strategies to garner local support and investment in your CTE initiatives.
• Discuss practical approaches for tracking and measuring the return on investment (ROI) of your CTE programs to demonstrate their value to stakeholders and attract additional funding opportunities.

Time: 2:00 – 2:45 PM CDT

Description: Explore iCEV's new custom exam feature and master the art of crafting impactful assessment questions in this dynamic workshop. Learn how to tailor assessments to your curriculum, while discovering best practices for designing questions that truly measure student understanding. Gain practical skills and insights to enhance your assessment strategies and drive student success. Whether you're new to iCEV or a seasoned user, this session will empower you with valuable tools for creating meaningful assessments in your classroom.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the functionalities of iCEV's custom exam tool and its potential for enhancing assessment strategies.
• Develop proficiency in crafting tailored assessment questions aligned with specific curriculum objectives.
• Evaluate and implement best practices for designing effective assessment questions that accurately measure student comprehension and learning outcomes.
• Gain confidence in utilizing iCEV's custom exam feature to customize assessments to suit diverse instructional needs and learning styles.