Preconference Workshops

Arrive early and attend a preconference workshop on Friday, April 1. All preconference workshops are ticketed events. They are open to all conference registrants, and tickets must be purchased in advance. The capacity limit is 120–Register early to secure your spot.

• Full Day Workshops | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

  Preconference #1: Leading for the Future: Connecting Future Thinking to Change in the Present
  We all make assumptions about what the future will be like. Often without realizing it, we assume it will unfold in a predictable and linear way. By doing that, we limit our creative and innovative leadership capacity. Futures thinking enables us to examine our assumptions about the future and better understand how the changes that are happening today could affect our communities years from now. Join us to learn to use futures thinking tools, a thought network framework for relationship building, and policy advocacy tools to pursue your vision for the future of education.
  CUBE/NATCON: $290 | REGULAR: $345
  
  Preconference #2: Strategic Talent Leadership: The Silver Bullet of School Improvement Strategies
  Districts allocate 83% of their budget towards personnel. Teachers and principals have the largest impact on academic outcomes compared to ALL other factors, driving 58% of the variance in student achievement. Effective leaders understand that sustainable school improvement can ONLY occur when a strong talent leadership strategy is in place. Participants will receive interactive training and a resource book containing the tools to: (1) assess current talent leadership practices, (2) create a talent leadership action plan, and (3) track progress towards improved student outcomes. Book included.
  CUBE/NATCON: $310 | REGULAR: $355

  Preconference #3: Keeping Students Safe Every Day: A Practical Guide to Safer Schools
  Every child deserves to learn in a safe and supportive school environment. As schools emerge from the challenges of the pandemic, it’s more critical than ever to refocus on school safety. Yet, these conversations often fall short as they are heavily law-enforcement focused, political, or impractical to the realities of schools in a post-pandemic world. Board members and other educational leaders are uniquely positioned to be important catalysts for systemic improvement. This interactive and engaging workshop features an education-based examination of current concerns related to an all-hazards approach to safety, crisis response, and violence prevention combined with practical, low-cost strategies that can be effectively implemented throughout school districts.
  CUBE/NATCON: $290 | REGULAR: $345

• Morning Workshops | 9 a.m. – Noon

  Preconference #4: Becoming More Engaged & Inclusive Educational Leaders: Strategies for Supporting Our LGBTQ Students
  Given the importance and impact that diversity and equity issues play in the lives of students, it is imperative that school boards are prepared to meet the needs of diverse learners, such as LGBTQ students. There are key considerations for effectively supporting LGBTQ students that educators must be aware of. This preconference workshop features a highly customizable and interactive diversity and equity training that helps educators and school board members develop the competency necessary to support LGBTQ students.
  CUBE/NATCON: $200 | REGULAR: $225
  
  Preconference #5: Redefining Student Success
  There is no topic currently more relevant to school districts and their school boards than rethinking the purposes and outcomes of K-12 education. The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the frailties of the current system when it is based primarily on memorization and compliance and when access to technology and other resources is not equitable. In the post-COVID world, how do you help your district assemble and implement a coherent new set of outcomes for your 21st-century students that reflects your community values? This interactive workshop will help you take on this important challenge. Book included.
  CUBE/NATCON: $220 | REGULAR: $245

  Preconference #6: If You Don't Know Where You're Going, How Do You Know if You Got There?
  If you don’t know where you’re going, how do you know if you’re on the right path or if you’ve arrived? Learn how the Association of Alaska School Boards helps districts develop a strategic plan, set a vision and mission for the district, examine data, and monitor progress to ensure time and resources are focused on student achievement and moving the district forward. Attendees will identify ways they can apply lessons learned in their own district's strategic planning process.
  CUBE/NATCON: $200 | REGULAR: $225
  
  Preconference #7: Understanding the Key Work of School Boards
  In today’s high-stakes educational environment, the daily pressure on governance leaders is enormous. The more effective the board, the better a school district’s students perform. The Key Works of School Boards provides a framework that reflects “best governance practices” that are traceable to high-performing boards and high-performing school districts. This session provides an overview of a relevant and reliable governance guide with strategies and ideas that reflect board best practices. You’ll explore the five Key Work action areas. Book included.
  CUBE/NATCON: $220 | REGULAR: $245

  
  

• Afternoon Workshops | 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.

  Preconference #8: Equity in Schools: A Different Lens for School Boards
  For 150 years, schools have aimed to ensure a gateway to the American Dream. When discussing equity, people often focus on race, gender, community norms, and poverty. In our calls for equity, there are substantial differences in how we define the term. To work for collective action, we have developed shared metrics and measures to guide you in aligning your policies, procedures, practices, and plans into a new way forward.
  CUBE/NATCON: $200 | REGULAR: $225
  
  Pre-Conference #9: Dyslexia: Hiding in Plain Sight
  Gain a better understanding of and empathy for those children and adults who struggle with dyslexia. Join in a hands-on simulation to experience the difficulties and frustrations struggling readers face daily in a classroom. Dyslexia is more prevalent than realized, and addressing the needs of students with dyslexia may hold the key to all students' reading success. Discover how educator knowledge in the science of reading will ensure we meet the needs of all students, including those with dyslexia.
  CUBE/NATCON: $200 | REGULAR: $225
  
  Preconference #10: Sharing the Magic :Storytelling for Leaders
  Great leaders and communicators are also great storytellers! Learn how to tell the story of your school district and community in compelling stories that engage, motivate, influence, and expand your leadership abilities. Learn how to become a powerful storyteller to share the news of the great work going on in your district. You will leave the session with 3-5 powerful stories that you can immediately begin sharing back home.
  CUBE/NATCON: $200 | REGULAR: $225
  
  Preconference #11: Improve Achievement for All and Close Gaps
  Governance research shows a relationship between boards working well together as a team, high expectations, and accountability with the likelihood that students are improving in learning. Ongoing research in Texas suggests there can be a relationship between school boards engaging and leading their community and the likelihood their district is improving achievement for all students while closing gaps. Gain insights your governance team can apply to do the same.
  CUBE/NATCON: $200 | REGULAR: $225
  

Experiential Learning Visits

Experiential learning visits offer a rare opportunity to explore education in practice. Click below to learn more about each visit scheduled for Friday, April 1.

• The Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education

  Creating Cultures of Innovation in Your School and District
  Experience the latest in education innovation and EdTech by engaging in hands-on learning at The Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education at the University of San Diego. Throughout the day, participants will explore our Innovation Lab and experience creative ways to integrate emerging educational trends such as:

  • Creating Cultures of Innovation & STEAM in Today’s Schools
  • Recognizing Future Possible Selves & Innovator’s Mindset
  • Identifying & Understanding Global Competencies
  • Engaging in Social Good Innovation, Design Thinking & SDGs
  • Experiencing Virtual Reality & Immersive Learning
  • Learning about Visuospatial Learning, Research & More

  
  Join us to network and get new ideas on how to build a culture of innovation in your school or district. Lunch included.
  

  Participants should check in by 8:45 a.m. Buses will depart promptly at 9 a.m. from the San Diego Convention Center. The registration cut-off date is Feb. 28, 2022. There will be no on-site registration.
  
  Price: $200 | Capacity Limit: 100

• Cajon Valley Union School District

  Empowering Students for Life Beyond the Classroom: Student Success in Action at Cajon Valley Union School District
  The Cajon Valley Union School District (CVUSD) is pleased to host education leaders for school site visits at multiple school sites. CVUSD is a public school district of 28 schools with 16,000 students and has been advancing 1:1 technology for eight years across all grades. The district serves a wide geographic footprint of 66.3 square miles, located 15 miles east of downtown San Diego. Cajon serves a diverse community of learners, with 71% of CVUSD students eligible for free and reduced-price lunch, learning to speak English, or in the foster care system.
  
  Join the superintendent, board members, staff, and students to learn about the development and implementation of the modern curriculum. Hear how the district is integrating informal learning, career development, social and emotional learning, family, and community engagement, and blended and personalized learning to accomplish the district vision of developing happy kids who are engaged in healthy relationships and on a path to gainful employment.
  
  Participants should check in by 8 a.m. Buses will depart promptly at 8:20 a.m. from the San Diego Convention Center. The registration cut-off date is Feb. 28, 2022. There will be no on-site registration.
  
  Price: $200 | Capacity Limit: 100

Sessions

• Advocacy

  Advocacy and You: Why and How to Be Involved
  This session will be hosted by CSALS members from different states to talk about the importance of being involved at the state and federal level, no matter what your state looks like. All politics is local, and if board members don't share their experiences, concerns and comments, other groups will control the legislative narrative. We'll make it feel easy for you and hopefully inspire members to share their stories more widely.
  
  Advocacy as Engagement: Connecting Your Community with Public Education Policy
  How do you engage your community with advocacy for public education? Learn how the Sun Prairie Area School District (WI) (enrollment. 8,500) is working to bring their community (and others around the state) into the fight for public education in partnership with the Wisconsin Public Education Network.

• Equity & Diversity

  Addressing Equity with Trauma-Sensitive Schools
  Find out how Stonington Public Schools, a small coastal Connecticut school district serving approximately 2,000 students, accelerates student learning through the implementation of research-based practices in grades K-12. Stonington has benefited from partnering with EASTCONN consultants over the past three years to improve student engagement using trauma-sensitive instructional practices. EASTCONN provides support to each school using a responsive consultation model that informs the professional learning at each site based upon data unique to each school.
  
  African American Student Equity: PROUD Academy
  Powerful, Resilient, Outstanding, Unique, Determined (PROUD) Academy is a program that provides culturally relevant curriculum and mentoring for African American students. Large and diverse school districts frequently struggle to engage and provide meaningful support for African American students to increase student achievement. Empowering and building self-efficacy in students allows them to thrive despite challenges. Data shows that students enrolled in the PROUD program not only outperform academically but also have higher levels of school engagement.
  
  Becoming an Effective DEI Leader: The ABCs of DEI Leadership
  Participants will enhance and expand their understanding of what it takes to be an effective DEI leader and receive information for modeling and implementing DEI principles in their system and/or organization. We will cover the difference between technical and adaptive leadership, explore DEI leadership through a continuum framework, learn how to lead DEI conversations, and make a personal inventory for further work. Expect to be both challenged and encouraged that you can do this!
  
  Build a Blueprint for Linking Student Voice to Policy and Practice
  This workshop will provide a practical blueprint for district leaders to meaningfully connect student voice to district policy and practice. By using the two-year journey of the Tigard-Tualatin School District (a suburban district of 12,000 students outside of Portland, OR) as a case study, we will discuss the benefits and consequences of elevating student voice in a politically charged environment. Participants will learn how to: build student voice structures and systems, leverage storytelling with community and media partners, and bridge student input to policy change.
  
  Building Leadership Capacity to Ensure Equity "Sticks"
  Professional development usually focuses on “hard skills'' that can improve achievement. Technical content knowledge is not enough to create sustainable change. We have a responsibility to create equitable environments at all levels of educational organizations so that adults and kids alike can grow and thrive. Learn how the Pendergast School District (AZ)(enrollment8,500) prioritized leadership professional development around "soft skills" as the foundation for equitable learning environments that truly impact student achievement. We will share our journey, results, and what's next.
  
  Classism 101: Understanding the Impact of Socioeconomic Status in Our Schools and Classrooms
  Class and socioeconomic status are often social identities that can be invisible or can be hidden. However, issues of classism and socioeconomic status can have a profound and long-lasting impact on the growth and development of students. We encourage you to come learn more about the different levels of class and engage in conversations with other school committee members. This interactive and engaging session is also a customizable professional development opportunity for educators.
  
  Closing the Equity Gap: Innovative Strategies for Bilingual/Biliterate Learners
  Find out how Topeka Public Schools (enrollment 13,100) became the first district in the state of Kansas to offer innovative, tried-and-true educational best practices (PreK-12) to create bilingual and biliterate scholars as a pillar in its work to support marginalized communities. The program earned a 2022 Magna Awards Grand Prize.
  
  Diversity Recruitment
  Natomas Unified School District (CA)Board Policy 0100 - Theory of Action for Student Success, expects schools and the greater Natomas community to see the district's diversity as a strength and create a welcoming, student-friendly learning environment. To do this, particularly in today’s hiring climate with fewer people completing credential programs, NUSD in Sacramento (serving 16,000 students), developed an approach to creatively target-recruit teaching candidates that reflect the diversity of our community, using one-time funds.
  
  Educational Equity Is Board Governance Work - Is Your Board Ready?
  Maryland has developed a facilitated Educational Equity Board Governance Workbook and a Board Self-Evaluation Instrument to help determine where your board is on the journey towards providing educational equity for each of your students. The Educational Equity Board Governance Workbook (provided) will facilitate a step-by-step process to empower your board to use your governance role in the quest to provide equity for each child in your schools. This hands-on session will invite interaction with fellow board members from around the country in pursuit of the same goal.
  
  Family and Community Engagement: A Foundation for District-Wide Relationship Building
  Join us in our journey from disengaged to family-empowered engagement! Discover how Cajon Valley Union School District (CA) (enrollment 16,000) is using research-based engagement practices to empower our community so that every student is “happy, healthy, and on a path to gainful employment.” Learn the effective use of Gallup to empower learning, empathy conversations, and more. Find out how a district of many languages is building a community of one purpose.
  
  Indigenous Education in Canada
  Join Indigenous leaders and allies to learn about Indigenous education in Canada. Panelists will share expertise and experience: where progress has been made, frank discussions of where progress is lacking, and lessons learned. Participants will benefit from the leadership of the Assembly of First Nations, specifically the AFN Youth Leadership initiative, Raised Voices: Carriers of Hope They will hear about the efforts of the CSBA Indigenous Education Committee, as well as specific initiatives of the British Columbia School Trustees Association and the Ontario Public School Boards Association.
  
  One District's Equity Journey
  Find out how Rush-Henrietta Central School District (NY) (enrollment 5,293) engaged their school district community in a district-wide Equity and Inclusion priority focused on mitigating inequities throughout the district. During this session, Superintendent Lawrence Bo Wright and members of the R-H CSD Leadership Team will be presenting on ways their district priority of equity and inclusion has made positive impacts. The workshop will take participants on a journey through the district’s equity and inclusion strategic initiatives and outcomes.
  
  Opening the Door of Opportunity for McKinney-Vento Families
  Steger School District 194 (IL) (enrollment 1,464) is offering a chance for independence to qualifying McKinney-Vento families, shifting homelessness to hopefulness. This Illinois district’s practice is exceeding expectations by offering parents employment and closing district staffing gaps, resulting in encouraging student data. Through its story, learn about the model and understand how the Regional Office of Education, the South Cook Intermediate Service Center, is working to broaden this employment initiative to the 66 districts it serves.
  
  Parent Engagement for English Language Learners
  In this session, we will explore parent and community engagement strategies when collaborating with English Learner families. We will discuss how a district with over 5,000 ELs partners with families, speaking over 40 languages, to ensure they have the tools, resources, and equitable access necessary to thrive. Participants will explore potential cultural barriers and successful strategies that provide opportunities to welcome and authentically involve parents in the school community. We will explore culturally relevant strategies to promote equitable access for all.
  
  Promotion Process Transformation with a Lens on Employment Equity – Lessons from the Toronto DSB
  The Toronto District School Board (TDSB), the largest, most diverse school board in Canada, serves 247,000 students in 583 schools. The TDSB has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to equity through our innovative programs, inclusive curriculum, professional learning, and unique strategies to close achievement, participation, and opportunity gaps. We will discuss how we are dismantling the barriers and discriminatory institutional practices of employment and promotion aligns with our equity vision supporting all students and staff.
  
  The Necessity of Deeper Learning to Ensure Equity
  We will share our district’s equity journey, and how we intentionally moved towards deeper learning to ensure equity and excellence. District leaders will share the STEAM academy work at our schools and how they are intentionally increasing rigor and deeper learning instructional strategies as part of our strategy to improve outcomes for all students but especially Latinx and African American students. Participants will understand what deeper learning is, how to consider equity issues, and a planning strategy to make real progress towards providing deeper learning for all.
  
  

• Governance & Executive Leadership

  7 Habits of Peak Performing School Boards
  Discover gavel-to-gavel school board behaviors current research has found that correlates to high student achievement measured by state assessments. During this workshop, participants will engage in an inquiry process along with a deep dive into board effectiveness research. Participants will also be introduced to a model evaluation tool aligned with the research designed to help school boards become peak performers.
  
  A Systems Approach to Language and Culture Immersion in the Lower Kuskokwim School District
  Learn how the Lower Kuskokwim School District, serving 4,000 students across 22,000 square miles in remote, rural Alaska, has implemented a strategic thinking model and key measures of success that have resulted in quantifiable improvements district-wide. This includes the support of language and cultural enrichment models including a full Yup'ik immersion program and a Dual Language Enrichment Model program in 19 of LKSD's 29 schools.
  
  At the Table Together: The Collaborative Superintendent Evaluation Process
  The Kansas City Public Schools (MO) (enrollment 15,000) Board of Directors implemented a unique superintendent evaluation process that brings the superintendent and his team to the table during the deliberation and determination of his summative evaluation. Learn how the board has transformed the responsibility of completing the superintendent's evaluation from an event into a transparent, collaborative, and ongoing process based upon clearly defined standards, goals, and measures.
  
  Board Self-Evaluations Tied to The Governance Core and Coherence
  Campbell and Fullan’s The Governance Core provides a compelling roadmap for school boards in districts pursuing “6Cs” precepts outlined in Fullan’s acclaimed Coherence: The Right Drivers in Action for Schools, Districts, and Systems. The Troy School District (MI) board (enrollment 13,100) created a self-evaluation tool from The Governance Core’s primary themes. This tool drives an annual insightful conversation aligned with the district’s focus. Come see book highlights, the derived tool, and the impacts of its application.
  
  Don’t Be the Weakest Link
  The school district’s primary focus is student learning. Research supports that classroom teachers have the most influence on how well students perform than the principal, central administration, superintendent, and the school board. This session will discuss how school boards' actions can lead to improved student achievement.
  
  Engage, Inform, COMMUNICATE, Transform!
  speed, abundance, and scrutiny than ever before. Is there a path to harmony for all? Follow a motivated California district’s three-year journey building a “Strategic Communications Initiative" to reach higher ground with stakeholders and community. Learn how Torrance USD (CA), with 23,000 students, 3,000 employees, and 30 schools, combined vision, leadership, great strategy, and a deliberate focus on improved communications to earn and keep public trust and support – even during a pandemic!
  
  Leading Early Literacy from the Front
  Join representatives from California's top-ranked comprehensive school district and learn how Palo Alto Unified identified early literacy as an "all-in" priority area to positively impact students who have lagged behind their advantaged peers for decades. Learn how to identify the compelling "why" that leads to universal buy-in, accountability, allocation of resources, and clear messaging to the community. The vehicle in this case is early literacy, but the lessons and methodology for governance can be applied to the compelling "why" in any school district in the nation.
  
  Leveraging Shared Governance to Facilitate Board and District Priorities
  The collective efforts of school boards and stakeholders are vital to student achievement and district success. Applying shared governance structures can strengthen positive relationships, clarity for stakeholders, and encourage better performance. Join the Bakersfield City School District (CA) to learn specific, replicable, and sustainable structures that facilitate shared governance, increased collaboration, and facilitate implementation of board and district priorities.
  
  Life-Ready Graduates
  Lawton Public Schools (OK) uses a combination of organizational philosophy, structure, and collaborative agreements with local universities, career technical schools, and military to produce 100% Life-Ready Graduates. Life readiness is defined as having the skills, experiences, and confidence to achieve postsecondary goals. Lawton PS has aligned curriculum so that students across three different high school campuses have access to every AP course, all on campus and off campus concurrent collegiate courses, Vocational Career Technical programs, and STEM programs.
  
  Making Board Communication Effective and Efficient
  Discover how the Cape Henlopen (DE) Board of Education (enrollment 6,000) improved communication within their board and with the stakeholder groups in the district and community during the pandemic. Participants will learn easy strategies to keep the flow of information moving in effective and efficient ways. Keep everyone in the loop, from board member to staff member, to parent and community member.
  
  Modeling Civility in Your School District
  This session will help school board members put into practice NSBA's Policy and Belief calling on public officials and levels of government to model civil discourse in their deliberations. The board room, the classroom, and social media provide opportunities for board members to demonstrate civility and serve as role models that can help communities build relationships and consensus.
  
  Recruiting and Supporting Your New Board Members
  Are newly elected board members coming to your table unsure of their role? Are you having trouble getting people to put their name on the ballot or apply for vacancies? Are you unsure how to support your new board members? Come and hear how one state association is playing a role in recruiting and supporting new board members - from our statewide Get On Board campaign prior to the election filing deadline, to our year-long virtual New Board Member Series, and so much more. You'll also leave with new ideas that you can use at the local level to recruit and support your new board members.
  
  System, Process, and People Success Equals Student Success in a Rural School District
  How did a small rural, high-poverty, majority Black school district (enrollment 1,500) move up its state report letter grade by eight digits in one school year and continue upward movement during the COVID-19 pandemic? The strategies are developed through Bullock County School District’s (AL) strategic plan implementation process that yields systemic academic and culturally relevant and responsive programs and services, highly engaged stakeholders, and partnerships, and enables the implementation of a district-wide student learning improvement strategy.
  
  Ten Best Practices to Avoid Liability
  Board of education members are often faced with many challenging issues that could lead to your board becoming part of a lawsuit. This session will explore the common legal pitfalls boards face, the best ways to deal with them,, and the best ways to avoid them.
  
  The Happiest Place on Earth? Expanding Access to Pre-K
  Would you like to have a positive impact on your entire K-12 continuum by engaging more of your community's youngest learners? Through the conversion of a vacant box stores, North Kansas City Schools (MO) (enrollment 21,374) was able to reinvent over 115,000 square feet into a thriving learning environment for more than 900 3- and 4-year-olds. This was accomplished saving 33% of what it would have cost to start from the ground up. Hear about funding sources to make such an investment sustainable. We are proud to share our success in increasing pre-K options for the families we serve.
  
  The Radicalization of American School Boards
  School board elections are witnessing increasing political involvement from local community-based and traditional political parties as well as special interest groups, such as QAnon. This research shares the findings of a mixed methods study to understand the motivation, techniques, strategies, interests, and operations of such groups in school board elections. Once viewed as a training ground for future political aspirations, school boards have become the locus of political activism in furtherance of narrow political agendas.

• Innovation in District Management

  Creating Cultures of Inclusive Innovation in Your District or School
  In this session, we’ll explore the spectrum of inclusive educational innovation, and why it’s important to build innovation culture in educational communities for now and the future. Participants will be introduced to the Inclusive Education Innovation Framework, a model for considering the multiple contexts of equitable innovation, a research-based process that supports school-based innovation, and explore emerging trends in SEL, possible selves, global competencies and social innovation, learning space design, and emerging technologies.
  
  Delivering a Bond Issue on a 4-3 Board Vote
  In March of 2018, the Leavenworth Board of Education voted 4-3 in favor of a no tax-increase bond issue to provide facility improvements to the Leavenworth Unified School District (KS) (enrollment 3,800) focused on safety, security, collaborative learning, and kindergarten readiness. The board's split vote resulted in a sense of division to the community-at-large. The bond issue ultimately passed with 57.6% voter approval. Two members of the community Bond Visioning Group (district mothers) ran successfully in the next school board election and helped to see all work completed.
  
  Putting the "Prove" in Continuous Improvement: One District's Innovative Planning Process
  Find out how Anoka-Hennepin (MN) Public Schools (enrollment 37,719) implemented a process aligning annual strategic priorities based on data, a planning calendar with identified key decision points, and a system for measuring organizational effectiveness, incorporating opportunities for staff input and feedback. Ongoing collaboration between the school board and district administration is an important part of the process and is grounded in a philosophy of continuous improvement.
  
  The Implementation of a Transparent Budgetary Process with the Board of Education and the Community
  Learn how Dearborn Public Schools uses a transparent budget process to explain complex accounting information to the public. The Board of Education and administration collaborate to approve a budget that is aligned with the District Strategic Plan. Learn from professionals who will share how they communicate their budget and handle multiyear forecasting discussions with non-accountants, including tips for success. Dearborn Public Schools is the third largest district in Michigan, with 21,000 students.
  
  The Reasonable Accommodation Playbook
  The reasonable accommodation process under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is intended to be a flexible and interactive process, requiring clear communication between the employee and the employer. Discover how Aldine Independent School District in Houston, Texas (enrollment 66,854), developed its reasonable accommodations process to provide qualified employees with disabilities with equal employment opportunities, discuss how more difficult situations were successfully resolved, and how your district can implement similar processes to comply with the ADA.
  
  Tired of School Improvement Strategies That Don’t Yield Results?
  Learn how a Strategic Talent Leadership Assessment yielded Rowan-Salisbury Schools (NC) (enrollment 20,000), the information it needed to align personnel, funding, and talent development resources to inform a new district strategic plan and school improvement strategy that works. Participants will receive the Strategic Talent Leadership Framework, learn best practices for engaging in Strategic Talent Leadership, and understand how to identify and progress monitor the right metrics for yielding sustainable school improvement results.

• Personal Development

  Non-Defensive Communication to Build Relations, Increase Rapport, and Reduce Stress
  Most of us go into meetings, personal interactions, and electronic communications unprepared to bring about positive results, because we lack the knowledge about recently discovered, powerful non-defensive communication skills. Every school board and leadership group wants to work together as a team to bring about positive results. Many times, we sabotage our efforts with weak verbal electronic communication. Learn to use the eight research-based, innovative non-defensive communication skills to bring any group together as a team.
  
  

• Safe & Supportive Schools

  A Whole Child Framework
  Learn how a Whole Child Approach took Tacoma Public Schools (TPS) from a dropout factory to a nationally recognized model of a district that ensures every student is safe, healthy, supported, engaged, and challenged. Through a data driven framework, TPS (enrollment: 28,900) transformed its schools and community to raise graduation rates to historic rates and built a community culture that values the whole child.
  
  Community Wellness: Successfully Eliminating Barriers to Learning
  The CSBA Golden Bell Winner and 2020 Magna Award Grand Prize winner for the Community Wellness Center of the Moreno Valley Unified School District (CA) is successfully eliminating barriers to learning by providing students with a school-based program that promotes health, mental health, safety, school engagement and resources through community partnerships. MVUSD is the third largest school district in Riverside County, educating over 31,000 students in grades TK-12. Foster youth population is at 622 and the homeless rate is 18.61%.
  
  Crisis Communication: Building Trust When Information Is Changing Rapidly
  When a global pandemic disrupted education as we knew it, the need to keep our families and staff informed was a top priority. The information was changing day by day, and at times, hour by hour. We didn’t have answers to all the questions, but the demand for information was high. During this confusing time, we found a way to build trust with our audiences and deepen our connections with the community. Woodland School District 50 (IL) built a communications plan that was flexible, transparent, and human. Learn how we brought our learning community together when we were forced to stay apart.
  
  Emergency Preparedness for Students with Disabilities: Reducing Liability & Best Practice Solutions
  Schools and emergency management organizations are cornerstones of any community, yet their language and procedures surrounding emergency preparedness and crisis intervention can vary. These differences have the potential to complicate emergency situations and delay care. In addition, many such plans fall short in addressing the complex and varied needs of students with disabilities. Dr. Laura Sharp and Attorney William Zee team up to provide a comprehensive and practical overview of emergency preparedness from a school perspective and strategies for community and school partnerships.
  
  Leveraging Chronic Absence Data to Inform Covid-19 Recovery and Family Engagement
  COVID-19 separated schools from their families and students in an unprecedented way. Attend this session to find out how disaggregated chronic absence data, released in a timely manner by Massachusetts and Connecticut, offered critical insights into which grades and student populations lost out on learning from school and need extra outreach and support. Mass. State Board member Michael Moriarty, Hedy Chang, director of Attendance Works, and Mass. Association of School Committees Executive Director Glenn Koocher will highlight the data and its implications for district policy and practice.
  
  Leveraging Federal Resources to Enhance K-12 School Security
  Join representatives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to learn about existing and emerging threats and hazards facing the K-12 community, and the federal government resources available to combat them. The presentation will cover relevant Federal School Safety Clearinghouse and SchoolSafety.gov tools, guides, best practices, and grant opportunities for school administrators and board members. The session is designed to be highly interactive, with speakers soliciting input from the audience throughout the discussion.
  
  Navigating Legal Issues in Schools Related to LGBTQ Status
  Since the Supreme Court's historic Bostock decision in 2020 finding that the Title VII guarantees protections from workplace discrimination to people who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community, there have been major implications for employers nationwide, including school districts. We will discuss the Supreme Court’s recent decision on legal protections for LGBTQ workers, federal guidance on this issue, and accommodating students who identify as LGBTQ, as well as practical tips to navigate this complex area.
  
  Our School Has Gone to the Dogs! Using a Canine Companion to Seek School Improvement
  Come see how New Albany Plain Local Schools (OH) (enrollment 5,200) has used a canine companion to seek student well-being and school improvement. Learn how a school dog can increase student engagement, improve student behaviors, positively impact school culture and climate, stop student meltdowns in their tracks, and ultimately improve student achievement. Hear personal stories of student transformation toward academic success due to the help of a canine friend.
  
  Student Safety Coach Model: An Alternative to School Resource Officers
  In 2017, District 287 in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, replaced School Resource Officers with Student Safety Coaches (SSCs) and built a school safety model focused on relationships, de-escalation, and healing-centered approaches. This model is part of the district’s move to become a racially conscious, trauma-sensitive, and healing-centered school district. In the pilot year alone, student arrests dropped from 65 to 12 in one school and now the district averages only five student arrests across all schools. Incidents with police involvement decreased by over half over the first two years.
  
  Systems of Care: Connecting Child Welfare Services and Schools
  Washington Unified School District (CA) (enrollment 8,292) and San Juan School Unified School District (CA) (enrollment 50,545) have established best practices when coordinating services with school districts for foster youth, with a focus on equitable support post-COVID-19. One of the most critical needs magnified by the school closures was the gaps in mental health access and supports for children and youth in or at-risk of entering the child welfare system. Federal and state mandates that require districts to address the needs of foster youth and participants will learn about effective ways to meet these obligations.
  
  The School Social Work Role: A Holistic Approach to Supporting Student Success
  Trauma has increased during COVID-19, impacting children's attention span, memory, ability to process information, relationships, and school attendance. School social workers (SSWs) are prepared to address trauma and work with the whole child through tiered support designed to increase both behavioral and academic success. Their approach helps SSWs improve school climate and student outcomes by developing community resources and engaging families (tier 1), running therapeutic student groups (tier 2), and counseling children impacted by trauma or mental health challenges (tier 3).
  
  This is REAHL - Recovery, Education and Action for Healthy Living
  During the ongoing pandemic, we have all seen an increased need for substance use and mental health supports for our students and families. In this session, you will learn how your school district can implement a continuum of services and support for students; from prevention and intervention to treatment and recovery, as Portland Public Schools is doing in Oregon (enrollment47,314). This includes a review of district policies, budgeting, and system alignment.
  
  Trauma Informed Schools are Culturally Competent Schools
  We have all been through an unprecedented year in the history of education. Dr. Sadin is a school administrator, sitting school board member and trauma expert. Join her for this engaging, hopeful, and entertaining workshop that will identify the impact of the pandemic and subsequent quarantine on our staff and students. The role of the school board in building a resilient school community will be provided. Dr. Sadin will share her proven framework and strategies.
  
  Working Together for a Behavioral and Mental Health Support Program
  Support for students and teachers in the areas of behavioral and mental health is often difficult to find, especially in rural communities. This session will explore the partnership that has formed between a few schools and a local hospital to provide needed support for students, teachers, parents, and community members. Successes, pitfalls, and ideas related to starting a program in your area of the country will be shared and discussed.

• School Board/Superintendent Relationships

  Effective School Board Relations with School District Business Offices
  Develop strategic communication practices to encourage collaboration between school board members and district business officials by promoting financial transparency to all stakeholders of the district.
  
  It’s not Magic! It’s Transparency and Communication!
  As a new superintendent, you are balancing between the roles of CHO (Chief Happiness Officer) and MOD (Master of All Disasters.) Every day you face unchartered waters as we conquer the normal issues we face as well as the aftermath of COVID-19 and all the federal and state dollars and mandates that have come as a result. The relationship between the superintendent and school board members has proven to be either the support that schools have needed to press on, or in some cases, the reason many superintendents are retiring and leaving earlier than they might have otherwise.
  
  Making Every Voice Count: Effective Superintendent Evaluation
  Discover how the Cape Henlopen (DE) School District (enrollment 6,000) developed a superintendent evaluation process that strengthened the relationship between the board and superintendent, focused the work of the district and resulted in effective implementation of several innovative programs district-wide. Attendees will learn how to implement a superintendent evaluation program that captures the voice of all members of the board and the superintendent, which can be linked to strategic planning goals.
  
  Superintendent Selection: The Right Process and the Right Fit
  Selecting a new superintendent is the single most important decision the school board will make. When boards are seeking a superintendent who will fit their district and whose professional skills are outstanding, it is prudent to secure outside assistance. Superintendent searchers representing the National Affiliation of Superintendent Searchers (NASS) will outline key steps boards must take to find the right fit and have a smooth transition with their new superintendent. NASS represents over 35 state school board associations from across the nation.
  

• Student Achievement, Assessment, & Accountability

  A Career Development Approach to Advancing Literacy Growth
  COVID has amplified the need for new models of career development to overcome the factors that lead to unemployment. One such factor is poor literacy skills. In the U.S., nearly 44 million adults are functionally illiterate, lacking basic skills beyond a fourth-grade level. One new approach designed and integrated by Cajon Valley Union School District (CA) leverages a blended learning model and the use of modern technology to integrate literacy and career development that is leading to measurable career and Lexile growth by students.
  
  Being 4 today! It’s Not Like Your School Experience!
  The Pewaukee School District (WI) (enrollment 3,000) reimagined early learning through an immersive 4-year-old kindergarten experience. This model provides play-based learning using science and social studies themes, with deep infusion of literacy and numeracy. Students learn in each of 12 classroom experiences throughout the year. Since implementation, academic and social-emotional skill development have soared. Learn how classrooms can be physically transformed into a museum-like environment that is fiscally sustainable and yields positive learning outcomes.
  
  Bridging the Opportunity Gap: Career Pathways Resulting in Guaranteed Jobs for Students
  Discover how Lenoir County Public Schools (NC) (enrollment 8,300) formed innovative partnerships with the local manufacturing community to expand work-based learning experiences for students to include paid youth apprenticeship positions while in high school and guaranteed jobs after graduation. LCPS is piloting cutting edge, first-of-its kind internships, youth apprenticeships, and apprenticeship programs in partnership with Spirit Aerosystems, Crown Equipment Corporation, the North Carolina Masonry Association, and Lenoir Community College.

  Click Here: How Digital Resources Help Students, Teachers, and the Bottom Line
  The Oklahoma Library of Digital Resources is brought to you by the Oklahoma State School Boards Association in collaboration with Oklahoma teachers. It can help transform the classroom and engage students with free, high-quality digital resources. The library includes more than 5,000 resources curated by Oklahoma teachers that supports academic standards. Participants will be engaged with new technology and will learn a process to duplicate this resource in their state organization when they return home.
  
  Collaboration: The Key to a School District's Success
  Representatives from the Adams 12 Five Star School District (CO)will describe how collaboration across many stakeholder groups has led to success in a variety of goals including increased student achievement, cohesive employee group contract negotiations, and successful mill and bond proposals. The increased student achievement is demonstrated in improved assessment data and increased graduation rates.
  
  College Academy: Earning an Associate Degree Without Losing the High School Experience
  How can students earn an associate degree without losing the memorable experiences of high school? In this session, you will learn how Cypress¬-Fairbanks ISD, the third largest district in Texas, piloted the College Academy at one of the high schools and has now expanded the program to all its high schools. The College Academy, a program within a high school, is designed for students to be able to enjoy and participate in extracurricular activities, clubs, and other experiences unique to high school while earning an associate degree.
  
  Empowering Excellence and Success through Student Leadership
  The Pendergast Eighth Grade Superintendent's Student Council builds strong connections to schools and the district. Student members strive to be influential leaders and play an integral role in spreading positive messages about Pendergast Elementary School District (AZ). The goal of the council is to prepare for the future and learn about opportunities available beyond high school. The students also gain leadership, presentation, and teamwork skills. Session participants will learn how to build leadership capacity in students so they can engage in governance while working closely with the governing board and superintendent.

  Ensuring All Students Achieve: Tips for Board Action and Accountability
  If you ever tried on a "one-size-fits-all" shirt you probably already know the issue with this approach. At best, the shirt will fit most people, albeit not well, and at worse it won’t fit at all. When we apply the "one-size" approach in education, some students inevitably get left out.
  
  What can we do to ensure all means all? In this session, school board members and state association trainers Nikkie Whaley and Julie Bacon will discuss what role school boards play in student achievement and how they can improve outcomes systems-wide.
  
  Fostering Resilience Through Student Service Initiatives in a Post-Pandemic Era
  The Lincoln Intermediate Unit (PA) has implemented strategic student programming designed to effectively and comprehensively respond to concerns brought about by the pandemic. At the LIU, Dr. Laura Sharp impacted the way it handles student services, and plans to bring this experience to Southwestern School District. School entities may need to revisit infrastructure/policy considering the pandemic’s direct impact on student mental health. This session will use a trauma-informed framework to develop and integrate restorative approaches to enhance school climate in a post-pandemic era.
  
  How to Talk to Your Community about Student Achievement and Accountability
  This session provides inspiration and tools to support your important work of redefining student success through conversations with your community. School board President Ty Liddell and Superintendent Mike McCormick from the Val Verde School District (CA) describe how they are navigating these community conversations and putting students on new pathways for their future. To support your work, Ken Kay and Suzie Boss will help you to engage with two critical audiences: students and parents. Each participant will receive the Student and Parent Guides to 21st Century Learning.
  
  Insight into Career Immersion & Mentoring
  The Pewaukee School District (WI) has opened doors to the community through Pewaukee High School’s Insight program. Designed to give students hands-on, real-world experiences while immersed in a professional setting, students engage in personalized mentoring with a business professional, industry certification, post-secondary credit opportunities, cross-curricular co-teaching, and career immersion through business partnerships. For the past six years, Insight has been building the next generation of professionals while simultaneously supporting the needs of our labor market.
  
  Leveling Up in a Rural Community: Learning for All to Bridge the Equity Gap
  Attendees will leave energized and ready to raise expectations for teaching and learning in their districts no matter their struggles. Lenoir County Public Schools serves 8,300 students in rural Eastern North Carolina. In six years, LCPS has gone from the only low-performing district in the region to celebrating two outstanding district accreditations - the most recently with Cognia in March2021 with a nearly perfect score! Learn how you can bridge your equity gap with powerful strategies for school improvement and Level Up Learning for All in your hometown.
  
  Super Kids Super Ready
  The Educational Team, including teachers, administrators, and board members, from Hamilton Local Preschool will outline how the school district established, implemented, and continues to support a strong academic preschool. Hamilton Local Preschool infuses academics, social emotional learning, and literacy enrichment lessons that earned a 5 Star Rating from the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services. Come and learn how you can enhance your program or start a new one! Our kids are ready to learn!
  
  Using School Climate Data to Improve Schools
  No matter where learning takes place, students, staff, and families feeling safe, engaged, and connected at school is essential for students to learn and for staff to create positive conditions for learning. Learn how Alaska school districts are measuring school climate through the Alaska School Climate & Connectedness Survey. Discover how the survey is a tool to improve and strengthen school environments and relationships and explore the school boards' role in supporting positive school climate.
  
  Using the Portrait of a Graduate for District Transformation
  Hundreds of districts nationwide have engaged their communities in developing a Portrait of a Graduate to redefine student success. Learn how two districts – Val Verde Unified School District (CA) and Fallbrook Union Elementary School District (CA) are transforming their systems through this approach. Participants will learn how superintendents and school boards work together with their communities to create their Portrait of a Graduate and use it as a lever to equitably transform student learning.

  
  

• Technology & Digital Learning Solutions

  Artificial Intelligence. Your Schools Must Embrace the Inevitable: Teach It.
  Gen Alexa is entering our schools. Make them ready for their world. AI (artificial intelligence) is a reality; a massive wave transforming everything. Machine Learning (ML) makes it powerful. Jobs will be replaced or secured. Learn what AI and ML are and how they can be explained and explored in a classroom. You will take away simple, free, fun classroom integrations for elementary through high school, from AI computer science to algorithmic thinking. You will get curriculum supplements for SEL to STEM. This should be happening in classrooms. Make it happen in yours!
  
  Creating Future-Ready Schools
  How can schools and districts create the types of experiences today's modern learners need to thrive? School districts across the nation are becoming Future Ready. They are revamping teaching and learning, professional learning, learning spaces, the use of technology, and community partnerships. They are tackling issues around equity that have been ingrained in systems since inception. This session will inspire leaders to make the needed changes and provide a framework and free resources to support their work moving forward.
  
  Developing Teen Global Competence and Entrepreneurial Skills Using Inclusive, Social Good Innovation
  We believe teens and their teachers can build a better world. In this session, we explore data on problems with youth access to innovation culture. For two years, we've been working around the world to develop innovators’ mindsets using Pactful, our free, virtual solution. It facilitates social good innovation using a design thinking curriculum with 30+ learning activities, innovator and teachers’ guides, an annual teen innovation challenge event, supporting online community, and PD for educators.
  
  Embracing Heutagogy to Equip Students for the Innovations of the Future...Today.
  Curator, synthesizer, analyst…self-directed, self-determined, metacognitive learner. These are the kinds of learners who will be ready for the future. To create the education environment that will empower and nurture these learners, educators need to explore how their practice can simultaneously evolve with science, research, and technology. In this presentation, you will learn how students in a West Texas school district are using advanced virtual reality, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to solve complex questions, including how the brain works.

Conference Information

• Hotels & Rates

  You must be registered for the conference before you can reserve housing. All reservations should be made prior to March 18, 2022. Room availability and conference rates cannot be guaranteed after this date.

  View the San Diego hotel map and rates.

• Air Travel Discounts

  NSBA has negotiated special travel discounts with Delta Airlines and American Airlines for up to 5% off applicable tickets. Restrictions apply and not all classes of service apply for the discount. Discounts are valid to the meeting city 3 days pre/post meeting dates. To get the best rates and avoid service fees, it is recommended to make reservations online.
  
  San Diego International Airport (SAN)
  (Distance from the San Diego Convention Center, 3.3 miles)
  
  Delta Airlines
  1.800.328.1111
  Meeting Event Code: NMVL2
  Monday–Friday, 7 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. (CT)
  *Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation 800 number.
  
  American Airlines
  1-800-433-1790
  Code: A6132EJ
  Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. (CT)

• Getting Around

  Most of the official hotels are in walking distance to the San Diego Convention Center (SDCC), the primary meeting venue. NSBA will provide complimentary shuttle bus service between the convention center and official hotels that are not within walking distance. Click here for shuttle schedule.

  Walkable

  The SDCC sits just outside the city’s Gaslamp Quarter. This urban playground is home to a range of dining, shopping, and entertainment offerings. Also nearby is the Embarcadero, which is ideal for walks along the bay and enjoying several grassy parks.

  Public Transportation

  The MTS Trolley: Has two stops in front of the convention center and is a convenient public transportation option for exploring Little Italy, Old Town, Fashion Valley and more. All riders age five and older must pay with the PRONTO Card. For where to buy the card, trolley schedules, and trip planner tools go to the MTS website.

  FRED (Free Ride Everywhere Downtown): Completely free service that works through a mobile app. Visit the FRED website for the hours of operation and connection stops for these electric, open-air vehicles.

  Dockless, Motorized Scooters & Bicycles: The City of San Diego has partnered with a select number of companies to provide shared mobility devices for rent. Information on the authorized partners is available on the SanDiego.gov website.

  Taxis and Rideshare

  Guest Services in each hotel and the convention center will assist with securing taxi service. Multiple rideshare companies, including Lyft and Uber, operate in San Diego. Access your preferred provider through their mobile app.

  Parking

  For attendees with automobile access, an underground parking garage is below the convention center. It has capacity for 1,950 vehicles, including 31 ADA-compliant parking stalls. Entrance to the parking garage is on Harbor Drive. There are no in-and-out privileges and overnight and RV parking are not permitted.

  Parking rates range between $15-$35 (subject to change) and payment is due upon entry. Questions regarding the SDCC parking garage should be directed to ACE Parking at 619.237.0399.

  Off-site parking is available at numerous nearby parking lots and garages in downtown San Diego, and many are within walking distance of the convention center.

  Metered street parking is available in some areas. Parking meters are enforced Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., unless otherwise posted. Metered spots are free on Sunday and designated holidays. Meters accept nickels, dimes, quarters, and prepaid electronic debit cards.

• Safety Protocols & Requirements

  To mitigate risk of infection during the in-person event, our safety team is planning a range of measures such as contactless registration, physical distancing, face coverings, regular cleaning, designated entrances and exits, and seating limitations in meeting rooms. We will also promote good hygiene practices such as frequent handwashing and use of hand sanitizer.

  Conference participants are required to show proof of full vaccination or confirmation of a negative COVID test. Testing must be conducted within one day for an antigen test and two days for a PCR test. Here are the step-by-step instructions for uploading your proof of vaccination or negative test results:

  1. Text “UPLOAD TOOL” to number (866-331-1325).
  2. Upload your vaccination or negative test documents through your mobile device to our private and secure 42Chat HealthShield system.
  3. Staff will review and validate your documents. Once your information has been verified, you will receive a green check mark confirming your validation status.

   

  For more information, watch the tutorial or read the FAQs. 42Chat HealthShield will be available on Monday, March 14. As an additional safety measure, participants are strongly encouraged to wear a mask indoors regardless of vaccination status, except when actively eating or drinking.