Conference Strands

STEM: Cutting Edge Programming
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are subjects that today's students must master in order to compete in the global economy. Join us for informative, interactive workshops that provide the tools and knowledge you need to engage students in hands-on STEM learning. Discover how to stimulate interest and engage students' innate curiosity through creative science investigations, interactive games, experiments, space exploration, nature projects, and more.

Supporting Reading, Language, and Learning
Learning to read is, by far, the most crucial academic accomplishment in a child's life, but too many of our nation's youth fail to achieve this milestone. Join us and learn how to excite, engage, and support striving readers and English language learners of all ages. Side by side with national experts, peers, and educators from across the country, gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to integrate technology into literacy, differentiate instruction, and align extended day programming with in-school, summer, and community-based learning.

Charter and Turnaround Schools
The number of students enrolled in public charter schools has more than tripled in the past ten years. The families of these youth - approximately 1.4 million – have high hopes for both the schools and their children. But running a successful charter school is no easy task. Under the guidance of national experts, acquire the tried-and-true strategies needed to create quality educational opportunities for charter school students. Learn how to use the latest in research and technology to optimize operations and governance, develop high-quality staff and programming, and create a culture of ongoing improvement and assessment.

Leadership for Program Quality
Research shows that having a quality teacher is the biggest factor in creating a positive learning experience for a child; this is true for both in school and after school programs. Through interactive sessions, learn how to recruit, train, and supervise a committed and high-quality afterschool team. From educational leaders, hear about effective professional development models and discover creative strategies for motivating and retaining staff. Participate in workshops and discussions that will expose you to the latest research and technology and equip you with the skills and confidence to update and improve your afterschool programs.

Best Practices for Supporting All Youth
Certain student populations present special challenges for educators. Side-by-side with colleagues and peers, acquire specific strategies and practical tools to enhance cooperation, responsibility, and self-discipline among low-income, at-risk, and special needs' students. In interactive workshops, discover how to promote learning, motivation, and positive student behavior. Learn holistic approaches for encouraging self-empowerment in all students by connecting them with supplemental services, social supports, and health and wellness initiatives.

Working with Diverse Communities
Schools are not islands; they lie nestled in communities filled with diverse populations. Learn firsthand from national experts how to communicate effectively and build enduring relationships with parents, businesses, colleges and universities, faith-based institutions, cultural centers, and social service agencies. Acquire new approaches and techniques that will help you leverage these partnerships to create high-quality and dynamic programming. And, discover multicultural materials and activities proven to engage students from diverse backgrounds, encourage global learning, and build 21st century skills.

Working with Older Youth
Many middle and high school students lack basic literacy and numeracy skills; yet capturing their interest and harnessing their energy can be a formidable challenge for today's time- and budget-strapped educators. Through lively presentations and hands-on workshops, learn tried-and-true strategies, practical yet modern techniques, and 21st century programming models proven to increase student engagement and achievement. Return home equipped with the resources and know-how to keep older youth on track for graduation, higher learning, and gainful employment.