Through analysis of rapidly improving schools, the International Center has identified tools and processes for school improvement. Participants will have the opportunity to hear how model schools have implemented these processes and learn about strategies to achieve them.

Rigor, relevance and relationships are at the heart of school improvement. Learn how to:

• create a culture and learning environment that promotes high achievement
• increase student engagement and build strong relationships between adults and students
• use data effectively to make instructional decisions
• increase academic success for special education students
• employ practices that actively engage English language learners
• teach reading across the curriculum
• establish innovative strategies for collaboration between administration and teachers
• become an instructional leader to improve student performance

Teams will have time to work and develop action plans around the four dimensions of the Learning Criteria to Support 21st Century Learners™:

• Core Academic Learning
• Stretch Learning
• Learner Engagement
• Personal Skill Development

Elementary and Secondary strands will focus on instructional practices to engage learners and strategies to increase student performance.

Themes include:

• Using the Rigor/Relevance Framework
• Smart Spending to Make the Most of your Resources
• Leadership Behaviors that Build Positive Relationships and Instill a Culture of High Expectations
• Making Data-Driven Decisions
• Body-brain Compatible Instruction to Increase Student Performance
• English Language Learners Meet Rigor and Relevance
• Defining Success for Schools in the 21st Century –
  It’s More than Meeting AYP

A key component of this three-day event is the analysis of school results for the We Lead — Whole Staff Survey. Prior to the Symposium, each staff member at your school will be asked to complete this 15-minute survey. The aggregate findings for all schools will be presented at a General Session. You will receive your individual school results at the Symposium so your team can develop actions around the findings. You can learn more about the survey at www.LeaderEd.com/09symposiumWeLead.html.