VATLL Annual Conference

Most educators experience evaluation as something done to them. This practical
session reframes observation as one part of a living learning ecosystem that grows adults at every level. We move beyond forms to the conditions that actually develop people: Culture, trust, collaboration, dialogue, peer conversation, norms, and meeting structures. You will explore an approach that works with whatever evaluation model your district uses and leave with practices to strengthen one part of your ecosystem.

Teaching is a challenging profession. No matter how much preparation one has, there are so many moving pieces and it can be overwhelming. This session will explore many of the non-academic challenges teachers face (student engagement, data collection, management of paperwork, etc.) and discuss ways to address those challenges.

Freshmen have the highest rates of discipline, failure, retention, and truancy.  If a school alters its ninth grade culture, it can transform itself from the bottom up.  This change happens when teachers are empowered to meet student needs, when the school focuses on impacting student worldview, and when the essential freshman transition components are implemented into all ninth grade classes.  Learn how the Ninth Grade Initiative model can turn your Ninth Grade Problem into the Ninth Grade Opportunity!