partners for rigor through relavancy

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Challenging 21st Century Learners —Connecting Classrooms
2009 Conference

On June 23, 2009, the Fifth Annual Partners for Rigor through Relevancy Conference, Challenging 21st Century Learners—Connecting Classrooms, took place at Northwest High School in Germantown, Maryland.  More than 750 leaders representing education, business, and the community attended.  Conference highlights are posted below including remarks by keynote speaker, Ronald Ferguson, Director of the Achievement Gap Initiative at Harvard University, and information provided by featured presenters.  

Check this Website in the future for video clips, photos, and PowerPoint presentations and materials.

Ronald Ferguson
Ronald Ferguson Director of the Achievement Gap
Initiative at Harvard University

Keynote Address
“Racial Achievement Gaps in High Achieving School Districts: Working Toward Excellence with Equity”
Resources: PPT
Forum Sessions:
Strand A: Leading Innovative Change to Enhance Student Success...more
Breakout Session
Description
Resources
Decoding Generational Differences: Strategies for Creating Dynamic Workplace Teams   PPT  
Effecting Change through Effective Leadership   WEB  
Youth Safety: Protecting Students Within and Outside Our Schools      
Leading Change: Secrets of an Award-Winning Principal      
Fixing the Freshman Factor   PPT  
Wall-to-Wall Academies: Visioning, Implementing, Sustaining   PPT  

Strand B: Engaging 21st Century Learners...more
Breakout Session
Description
Resources
Engaging Learners: Secrets of Award-Winning Teachers      
Brain Smarts: Nurturing Critically-Thoughtful Learners Materials related to additional critical thinking sessions listed under strand E.   PDF  
STEM 2.0: The Plan for Action      
Engaging Athletes: In the Classroom, On the Field…and In Life      
Laboratory for Experiential Education and Design      
Creating an Award-Winning Character Education Initiative   PPT  
How to Get Kids Excited About Summer Reading (and Faculty and Staff, Too)      

Strand C: Valuing Diversity through Actions...more
Breakout Session
Description
Resources
Understanding Latino Youth High Achievement Parenting   PPT  
Changing Educator Beliefs      
Community Partnerships that Make a Difference      
Making a Connection: Employing Modern Culture to Engage Students   PPT  
Making Special Education Work      

Strand D: Navigating Transitions to College and Careers...more
Breakout Session
Description
Resources
Partnering for Success: Winning Secondary and Postsecondary Partnerships      
Building a Family-Friendly School Successfully      
Navigating the Transfer Pathway: Achieving Your Four-Year Degree without Leaving Montgomery County   PPTX  
Historically Black College/University Partnerships   PPT  
Career Pathways: Creating a Collaborative Road map for Student Success   PPT  
Preparing a Broad Spectrum of Students for College-Level Academic Work Without the Need for Developmental, or Remedial , Courses.   PPT  

Strand E: Transforming Teaching and Learning Using Technology...more

Breakout Session
Description
Resources
Building an Online Learning Community   WEB  
The New Math—Interactive, Engaging, Collaborative— and Taught Using the Promethean Board   FLP  
eLearning: 21st Century Learning for 21st Century Learners      
Critical Thinking: Making Learning in Elementary and Middle School a Transformative Experience   PDF FLP
Critical Thinking: Making Learning in High School and College a Transformative Experience   PDF FLP
Acknowledgements

Thank you to the many presenters, facilitators, and conference supporters who shared their time, talent, and resources to make this conference possible.

Contact: Laura R. Grace, Laura_R_Grace@mcpsmd.org or 240-632-6937.