2012 TCTA Convention Mini-Conferences
February 10, 2012
Westin Galleria Hotel
Houston, Texas
SESSION 1 8:00–9:15 a.m.
(three concurrent sessions)
Teach Like a STAAR (Part I)
Presented by Dr. Ervin Knezek, president of lead4ward, LLC
This high-energy, interactive session will help you keep moving enthusiastically forward on the path to success in a more rigorous testing system. You will have an opportunity to explore tools and resources to inform your instruction as well as get the most up-to-date information on STAAR. Learn from an expert who has extensive working knowledge of the challenges and opportunities presented by a new testing system as a teacher, principal, and leader of curriculum development and assessment in Texas. Leave this session feeling empowered to enter the new testing frontier well equipped to master the challenges.
The Aftermath: How Educators’ Legal Rights Are Being Impacted by Legislative Changes
Presented by members of the TCTA legal staff
The TCTA legal staff has fielded numerous calls from members affected by major legislative changes to their legal rights and benefits as well as extraordinary budget cuts. From furloughs to extra duties to how teacher contracts are being handled, come hear from the experts what’s going on out there and how to handle the “new normal” in the shift in the balance of power between educators and their employers.
Communication and Respect
Presented by Sheldon M. Barr, education specialist, Region 4 Education Service Center, Houston
Sometimes, it’s all in the way you say it – as teaching becomes more complex, it’s more important than ever to keep the lines of communication open with everyone involved, including parents, peers and supervisors. Participants in this session will explore communication and respect and how to walk the fine line of pragmatic communication where respect for the listener and speaker are promoted and protected. Learn from an expert how to get across the information you need in a way that will be heard. Acquire strategies that support effective communication – be it direct, indirect, purposeful, corrective, commending, formal or informal – and leave with the tools you need to support the work you do on a daily basis.
SESSION 2 9:30–10:45 a.m.
(three concurrent sessions)
Teach Like a STAAR (Part II)
Presented by Dr. Ervin Knezek, president of lead4ward, LLC
Part II is a continuation of Part I; content will not be repeated.
Differentiating for Gifted Students
Presented by Dr. Lynette Breedlove, Spring Branch ISD Director of Advanced Academic Studies & Secondary Counseling
Gifted and talented students have unique needs due to their asynchronous development, exceptional ability to learn rapidly and make connections, and internal need to know things. You will learn how to consider an individual’s gifted traits in offering effective differentiated instruction and strategies for keeping gifted learners challenged in the classroom. Leave with multiple strategies and resources for immediate use in your classroom to engage GT students and allow them the opportunity to grow.
A Special Education Legal Update
Presented by Cynthia Buechler, attorney with Buechler & Associates, P.C., Austin
This experienced education law attorney and popular presenter among TCTA members will bring you up to speed on recent developments pertaining to disabilities law, including significant court cases and new state and federal regulations that affect special education. With the growing presence of special needs students in both regular and special education classrooms, this session will be relevant to all teachers.
SESSION 3 11:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
(three concurrent sessions)
Curing the Culture of Disrespect in the Classroom
Presented by Jan Thornton, associate, Time to Teach
Behavior problems are common occurrences that result from the growing “culture of disrespect.” When bullying and other challenging behaviors occur, you must be equipped to handle them in a professional, mutually respectful way. You must also hold offending students accountable while minimizing disruptions to learning. Discover strategies that significantly increase instructional time and decrease office referrals.
Current Events Update
Presented by members of the TCTA legislative staff
Now that the legislative session is over and the dust has settled, what else has been going on? Plenty! Learn the latest and greatest about what’s been happening in the education arena at the state and federal levels. From school finance lawsuits, to major policy changes with federal education law, to new rules from TEA, to changes in TRS benefits and policies, we’ve got it all! Come get informed on the up-to-date doings of the policymakers who affect you in the classroom.
What Works for ESL in the Classroom?
Presented by Libby DeLeón, Renner Middle School teacher and former Secondary ESL Coordinator, Plano ISD
As the number of English Language Learners in the classroom continues to grow, teachers need to be prepared for the important role they play in educating these students. This session will provide practical strategies and tools you can use in instructing ELL students and will focus on instructional ideas to implement as well as additional supports for these students. You will leave this presentation with an array of tools and resources for use in the classroom.
Mini-conference topics, presenters and times are subject to change.
Share details of the sessions offered with your administrator now and request leave time early.
