2025 Celebrating the Challenges

Check & Connect is a research-based Tier 2 intervention designed to re-engage marginalized and disengaged K-12 students by fostering strong relationships, building problem-solving skills, and promoting persistence in learning. This comprehensive approach supports school completion by enhancing both academic and social competence.

At the heart of Check & Connect is a dedicated mentor who:
-Conducts regular student check-ins using existing school data on behavior, attendance, and academic progress.
-Implements timely, data-driven interventions to strengthen students' connection to school and learning.
-Engages families as essential partners in student success.

This session will explore how Check & Connect transforms student outcomes through relationship-based interventions and practical strategies that drive lasting engagement.

How can we design learning experiences that engage and support all students, including those with diverse learning needs? In this interactive session, Dr. Chandra Lebenhagen will share innovative and practical strategies for differentiation, ensuring every student can access, engage with, and succeed in their learning. Grounded in evidence-based and neuro-affirming approaches, this session will focus on designing flexible, meaningful tasks that promote skill development and personalized success.

This presentation is designed to provide strategies and insights for educators supporting English as an Additional Language (EAL) students in Levels Proficiency 1 and 2 (LP1 & LP2) within the upper elementary and middle school settings. Focusing on the unique needs and challenges of these learners, the session will explore practical approaches to foster linguistic development and academic engagement. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of tailored instructional methods, differentiated resources, and inclusive classroom practices aimed at nurturing a supportive and inclusive learning environment for EAL students at these critical educational stages.

Key Points:
- Understanding LP1 & LP2 EAL students' linguistic needs
- Tailored instructional strategies for linguistic development
- Differentiated resources and materials for diverse learning styles
- Promoting academic engagement and success for EAL learners

Creativity and innovative thinking are extraordinary skills that reflect successful learning in your classroom. Students that learn and possess a broad spectrum of skills demonstrate better retention of information and confidence in their application of knowledge beyond the curriculum and your classroom. This session will focus on how to ignite all your students curiosity and the innate human desire to learn across the educational spectrum. Fun, engaging and proven classroom examples will be shared throughout the session. Participants will receive multiple lesson examples, assessment rubrics and online (AI) resources ready to use in the classroom.

Innovative assessment practices and reporting that provide feedback to students, parents and teaching colleagues that are easily shared, understood and proactive. The workshop will change the way you think about the impact assessment has on a childs' engagement in their own learning. Learn new ways of witnessing growth, improvement, transference and retention. These assessment practices will reinforce your content, recognize student challenges and expand on their strengths and passions