Engineering challenges are a fun way to engage students in creative problem solving. But many teachers are daunted by the open-ended possibilities of design challenges. This workshop will introduce key concepts and strategies for implementing engineering design challenges in brief classroom challenges, passion projects, or in afterschool programming. You will gain skills in using engineering design challenges to create new opportunities for students to demonstrate potential in STEM, creativity, leadership, and other areas of talent.
Dr. Lakin is Professor of Educational Studies at The University of Alabama University. She conducts educational measurement research related to test validity and fairness. She is lead author of the Cognitive Abilities Test (Form 8). Her federally funded research on developing new... Read More →
Friday November 1, 2024 10:15am - 11:00am CDT
Room 167
Highly effective teachers in advanced programs often say that their task is that of a “talent scout”, flexibly using a variety of data to recognize potential. This session will equip you with the knowledge to confidently use assessment data to better identify potential in students who might otherwise be overlooked. We will build the skills to confidently and flexibly interpret assessment data, explore different ways to combine multiple measures, assess equity, and distinguish effective assessment tools.
Dr. Lakin is Professor of Educational Studies at The University of Alabama University. She conducts educational measurement research related to test validity and fairness. She is lead author of the Cognitive Abilities Test (Form 8). Her federally funded research on developing new... Read More →
Friday November 1, 2024 11:15am - 12:00pm CDT
Room 167
How well do your students understand the problem-solving processes they use in math? My district has developed a tool that allows students to demonstrate their understanding in four ways: by completing math operations, drawing diagrams, writing explanations, and finding an alternative way to solve a problem. I have found it especially helpful in the accelerated 4th/5th math sections I teach, where students often rely on algorithms rather than deep understandings of math.
In Pleasantdale, we believe all students deserve the opportunity for enrichment and exploring their interests. Our talent development program in kindergarten-3rd grade provides equitable opportunities for all students to excel and nurture skills that support high achievement in all academic domains. Join us to learn how we developed this program by incorporating resources and best practices. You’ll also find out what the program looks like in action, including curriculum, scheduling, logistics, and guiding values.
In this session, participants will learn about different ways to scaffold lessons or projects that engage all students in the classroom, regardless of point of entry. Teachers are encouraged to bring a unit, a lesson, a project, or even a scope and sequence to use to identify where scaffolds and compacting can be used to provide every student with a respectful opportunity to learn, grow, and enjoy math!
