Discover an NGSS-aligned, student-driven unit where students are conservation biologists who participate in rigorous opportunities by taking responsibility for their learning, reading scientific papers, analyzing real data, and developing a solution to propose in a culminating exhibition.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will leave with an understanding of how a unit can be designed with a blended approach to project-based learning, standards-based grading, and NGSS as well as with thorough unit resources such as assessments, proficiency rubrics, students exemplars, text sets, and learning tasks.

SPEAKERS:
Allison Wise (American Community School of Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates)

Learn how communicating student progress with standards based grading can improve achievement and drive student growth for all learners in science.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will learn how standards based grading can be applied in their individual classroom setting, regardless of grade level, subject, or local school grading policies, and how targeted feedback improves instruction and increases learning.

SPEAKERS:
Michael Kelly (Teacher: No City, No State)

How can we, as educators, promote life-long learning and a growth mindset? Provide opportunities for reassessment. Give students the chance to demonstrate their new learning of concepts and skills. This is not a retake or a “do-over”, but an honest demonstration of proficiency.

TAKEAWAYS:
Attendees will leave with an understanding of the importance of reassessment and tools for managing and facilitating the process in the classroom.

SPEAKERS:
Allison Wise (American Community School of Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates)

When returned tests end up crumpled in lockers, important learning opportunities are lost. Help build metacognitive awareness, identify trends, and reward students’ grit using assessment "wrappers."

TAKEAWAYS:
Leave with teacher-created modifiable documents you can use next week to help your students evaluate their learning, preparation, and performance on assessments to strengthen their learning experience and metacognitive awareness.

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Smith (Harpeth Hall School)