RSAC 2024

In this workshop, participants will learn practical strategies and insightful approaches aimed at diffusing heightened situations and fostering a sense of calm in interpersonal dynamics. Explore proven techniques for effective communication, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence, equipping yourself with valuable skills to navigate challenging moments for better outcomes.

Maps can be used in any subject area to provide a unique look at the world - to visualize data, observe patterns and relationships, and seek new insights based on analysis. This session will introduce you to two free, GIS mapping platforms that only require Internet connectivity.

MapMaker, a National Geographic and Esri, Inc. collaboration, allows teachers and students to explore and design maps, using basic GIS tools. Students can add map symbols and layers of curated data to show information. Swipe and filtering tools make it easy to compare and analyze data.

GeoInquiries™ are free, ready-to-use, GIS-based mapping activities, based on inquiry methods. An amazing array of introductory GIS map activities, created by Esri’s Education Team, connect to curriculum for various subjects at multiple grade levels. You can present an activity with one computer or as a hands-on activity for students. They gently introduce the teacher and the students to the interactive world of digital maps and help you see traditional content in new ways.

See how a map can enhance a topic you are teaching and engage your students in GIS mapping and inquiry.

If you're a Google school looking to increase student engagement and accountability for academic progress, as well as improve communication with families, this session is for you! We will dive deep into an extension called Autocrat.

With Autocrat, you can merge information from any Google Sheet into a Google Doc or PDF and send it to any email address or share the documents with a data team.

The possibilities are endless: weekly newsletters, student reflections, SEL data, 9-week feedback, grading projects and essays, organizing student data, and much more.

Finding ways for students to communicate with their families is often a challenging Domain 4 task, but it becomes much easier with Autocrat.

By the end of this session, you will leave with a product you can use in your class as soon as tomorrow!

Successful partnerships with colleagues and families are built on effective collaboration. This is crucial for implementing inclusive practices and promoting student academic and social-emotional learning. In our discussion, we will cover communication styles, challenges to collaboration, and strategies for improving partnerships with general educators, special educators, paraprofessionals, administrators, and families. We will also provide resources that can be implemented immediately.

Differentiation is a method of approaching teaching and learning that takes into account how students learn and their level of preparedness before the lesson. In this session, participants will learn how to plan for differentiation by making adjustments to the content, process, product, and learning environment based on students' readiness, interests, and learning profile. Additionally, resources for implementing differentiation will be provided.

Join us for an enlightening breakout conference session centered on leveraging Asset-Based Education to elevate student achievement. In light of recent data from the CDC advocating for enhanced mental health literacy and the promotion of social-emotional learning (SEL), our session will explore innovative strategies that prioritize the well-being of both students and staff. We'll delve into how asset-based approaches empower students to navigate challenges and thrive academically. By delivering classroom-based mental health education, promoting mindfulness practices, and offering targeted SEL instruction, educators can create a nurturing environment conducive to academic success. We'll also highlight the importance of enhancing connectedness among students, staff, and families. Fostering supportive relationships focused on strengths, well-being, and hope cultivates a culture of achievement and resilience. Furthermore, we'll discuss supporting staff well-being through well-being and Hope check-ins, recognizing its direct impact on effectively supporting student achievement. Join us as we explore how asset-based learning empowers students to reach their full potential and succeed academically.

Ready to highlight successful strategies and celebrate best practices within your school setting? We’ll show you how to provide opportunities for colleagues to showcase their craft and learn from one another. See how we embrace five-star instruction and foster shared leadership through peer visits, share fairs, and more! It’s time to let your staff take the stage and shine!

What is Executive Functioning, and why is it important? Executive functioning involves skills needed in the classroom, workplace, and everyday life. Today’s students, and adults, are continuously surrounded by information and expectations. During the pandemic, students missed out on opportunities to learn and develop vital executive function skills needed to succeed. This session will provide an overview of the different executive function skills, age-appropriate skill development (elementary through high school school), and provide various strategies to support students in developing executive function skills.

School improvement planning does not need to be complicated to yield results in student achievement. Join us to learn about a simple, yet effective way to structure focused improvement planning efforts. While our plan focuses on writing across the content areas, the process can be applicable to any area of focus.

This is an advanced restorative practice experience. The participants will experience several opening activities that create a sense of community quickly. The participants will then examine the activity and its potential uses.