ASCD in Orlando
ASCD will host its 64th Annual Conference and Exhibit Show, March 13–16, 2009, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The theme is "Learning Beyond Boundaries."
More than 10,000 educators are expected to attend the event, which will feature approximately 500 sessions presented by well-known consultants and educators. General session speakers include Greg Mortenson, best-selling author of Three Cups of Tea and a cofounder of the Central Asia Institute; Eileen Collins of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; and Sir Ken Robinson, an internationally recognized leader in the development of creativity and innovation.
New This Year
ASCD is collaborating with the National Urban Alliance to feature sessions that promote higher student achievement in urban districts. The alliance will present several of the nearly 50 sessions that promote ASCD's focus on urban education. ASCD has also teamed up with the Partnership for 21st Century Skills to offer sessions that give attendees an in-depth experience with critical thinking and creativity.
To respond to the increasing emphasis on evidence-based practice in education and to support school personnel in identifying and implementing programs and practices that use scientifically based research, ASCD will highlight three types of research sessions. Twenty sessions will focus on either peer-reviewed research, impact evaluation studies, or action research.
Look for an increased focus on technology this year, with more than 60 sessions on technology management, hardware, software, and online programs. Wireless Internet will be available to conference attendees in all meeting rooms and hallways in the convention center.
Extend your conference stay by signing up for a one-, two-, or three-day Pre-Conference Institute or, new this year, a one-day Post-Conference Institute. This is a great way to be a part of an intensive learning experience on curriculum, instruction, assessment, classroom management, or school leadership.
See you in Orlando!
Lawmaker Receives Whole Child Leadership Award
ASCD has presented Representative Dave Loebsack (D-IA) with the Whole Child Leadership Award to recognize his sponsorship of the Getting Retention and Diplomas Up Among Today's Enrolled Students (GRADUATES) Act. The award honors elected officials who have distinguished themselves by working closely with ASCD and its membership to ensure that each student is healthy, safe, engaged in learning, supported by caring adults, and challenged academically.
As part of its initiative to promote the development of the whole child, ASCD has made innovative high school redesign a top legislative priority. The Association has called on Congress to support the efforts of states and local education agencies to increase student engagement and lower dropout rates using research-based approaches that ensure high school graduates become productive citizens. The GRADUATES Act reflects much of what ASCD has proposed, including smaller, more personalized learning communities; mentoring programs; flexible scheduling; and learning opportunities outside the classroom.
Loebsack also recently introduced the Working to Encourage Community Action and Responsibility in Education (WE CARE) Act, which addresses the nonacademic factors that contribute to student success, and he has voted for other education-related legislation aimed at meeting the needs of the whole child.
ASCD Resources on Data
- Accountability for Learning: How Teachers and School Leaders Can Take Charge. (2004). By Douglas B. Reeves. Stock No: <LINK URL="el200812_ginsburg_relevencerub.doc">104004</LINK>. Price: $18.95 (member); $23.95 (nonmember).
- What Works in Schools: Translating Research into Action. (2003). By Robert J. Marzano. Stock No. <LINK URL="http://shop.ascd.org/productdisplay.cfm?productid=102271">102271</LINK>. Price: $21.95 (member); $25.95 (nonmember).
- Guiding School Improvement with Action Research. (2000). By Richard Sagor. Stock No. <LINK URL="http://shop.ascd.org/productdisplay.cfm?productid=100047">100047</LINK>. Price: $20.95 (member); $24.95 (nonmember).
- A Visit to a Data-Driven School District. (2006). One 35-minute DVD with Viewer's Guide. Stock No. <LINK URL="http://shop.ascd.org/productdisplay.cfm?productid=606059">606059</LINK>. Price: $145 (member); $170 (nonmember).
- Balanced Assessment: Improving Student Achievement and Standardized Test Results. (2004). Three 30- to 40-minute video programs on one DVD with an online Facilitator's Guide. Stock No. <LINK URL="http://shop.ascd.org/productdisplay.cfm?productid=604451">604451</LINK>. Price: $445 (member); $545 (nonmember).
- Examining Student Work. (2002). One 100- minute DVD with Facilitator's Guide. Stock No. <LINK URL="http://shop.ascd.org/productdisplay.cfm?productid=601283">601283</LINK>. Price: $420 (member); $540 (nonmember).
