HUNDREDS OF AREA EDUCATORS TO ATTEND
"HIGH PERFORMING SCHOOLS" CONFERENCE BEGINNING AUGUST 1
WACO, TEXAS – Thousands of local students will benefit from the special trainings offered to selected educators at this year’s “High Performing Schools Conference,” located at ESC Region 12 on Aug. 1-10 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
With close to 1,000 total participants, each day of the conference will feature breakout sessions that focus on strategies specific to grade levels ranging from PK to high school. This year’s “High Performing Schools Conference” features over 30 breakout sessions for each age group focusing on curriculum with the goal of helping teachers understand the TEKS and laying the foundations for TAKS success.
The first two days, “In the Wings: Best Practices for PK-2,” will include sessions on centers for math, social studies and TAKS, music and movement and centers for ELA. Keynote speaker, John Irvin, will provide “Hilarity Therapy,” a fun and entertaining program designed to remind individuals of the power of seeing the positive side of life in today’s stressful age.
“A Class Act: Best Practices for Elementary Grades 3-6” will take place Thursday and Friday where outstanding teachers from the region will make presentations in the fields of math, science, social studies, ELA, fine arts, instructional strategies, classroom management and technology integration. Educators will have the opportunity to listen to Brad Newton’s KidProv, an improvisational comedy troupe, which blends the art of improvisation with the process of education to create an environment where the students and teachers can laugh and learn.
Dr. Sharon Faber will share her ideas about how to motivate young people
to become literate adults and to succeed in life on Aug. 7 and 8 during “Intermission: Best Practices for Middle School.” Faber is a well-recognized speaker who routinely addresses audiences in more than half of the state middle school associations in the country. Sessions will include uses of graphing calculators, adolescent literature, UIL tips, motivational strategies, time management and ideas for classroom projects.
The conference will conclude with “Grand Finale: Best Practices for High School” on Aug. 9 and 10. Sessions will expand on the previous areas including strategies for struggling learners, U.S. history, research papers, thematic units and other ideas for classroom management. The widely recognized former superintendent, principal and special education director, Dr. Gary Fields, will deliver his expertise in creating conditions for school civility and establishing authentic partnerships with parents and communities.
Note to Media: Interviews and photos are welcome. Best photo opportunities are Aug 1-4 between 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. A conference schedule is available for more specific details.
For more information, contact Joan Berry at 254/297-1113 or jberry@esc12.net.
About ESC Region 12
One of 20 centers throughout Texas, the Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12 provides professional training and technical assistance for the purpose of improving student performance for all students. Based in Waco, with offices in Copperas Cove, Corsicana, Goldthwaite, Hillsboro, and Teague, the ESC Region 12’s service area includes Bell, Bosque, Coryell, Falls, Freestone, Hamilton, Hill, Lampasas, Limestone, Mills, McLennan and Navarro counties.
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