Our objective for the afternoon is to provide leaders with ideas of what needs to be considered when implementing “big” change at the school or district level. Participants will look at ways leaders can advocate at the state level by seeing examples of how other states have approached change initiatives, and then bring it specifically to Alaska. Leaders can see how the pieces fit together and identify actions that can be taken to support school improvement.
Part 1: 1:30-2:30
Presenter - Scott Johns, Education Elements
Topic: Scott Johns will discuss practices to consider when leading a shift or implement change in a school or district toward personalized learning. Participants will engage in a personalized model as they identify specific strategies to apply in their own settings.
Part 2: 2:45-3:45
Presenter - Jim Lewis, Silverback Learning/Milepost
Topic: Dr. Jim Lewis will explain how a small idea about individualizing instruction became a district and regional effort prior to developing into both an in-state and multi-state movement of personalized learning. Both Idaho and Montana created legislation to help fund this concept and it continues to grow across the Intermountain Region and most recently into Alaska. At the same time, a simple solution to provide on-line classes for students on an international ski team in his district emerged as a co-concept to provide personalized learning for students on the road. See how it has become an intra-state success story of quality on-line instruction for students as well as professional development for educators. It is now ready to expand into a multi-state offering with all secondary classes from 6-12.
Part 3: 3:45- 4:30
Presenter: Bob Williams, AK DEED
Topic- Bob Williams will provide an overview of the strategic planning work of Governor Walker’s Alaska Education Challenge which is being led by Commissioner Johnson and the State Board of Education. Bob will also share the work of the Division of Educator and School Excellence and the strong need for teacher leaders to increase capacity, build trust, and improve the quality of public education for all Alaska students.
