teacher of the year finalists - horizon science academy · 2014. 6. 26. · of education since 2004...
TRANSCRIPT
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the ohio alliance for Public Charter Schools is a non-profit, non-partisan and independent membership organization dedicated to the enhancement and sustainability of quality charter schools through its commitment to quality, standards, values, best practices, management resources and technical assistance programs. ohio has the fifth-largest charter school enrollment in the nation.
our memBerSHiP current School members: 180 charter schoolsassociate members: 54 organizationstotal members: 234
our State currentnumber of Charter Students: 110,000
teaCHer oF tHe yearfinAliStS
nataSHa GalBraitH Horizon Science Academy Youngstown
dan WaKeField Connections Education
JenniFer FelBaum Columbus Collegiate Academy
SCHool leader oF tHe year finAliStS
FatiH Sumer Horizon Science Academy Cleveland
CHad Carr Columbus Preparatory Academy
CatHerine WHiteHouSe The Intergenerational School
Roetzel: Meeting the Legal Needsof Schools Throughout Ohio
With more than 100 years of combined legal experience, our School Law attorneys are steadfastly committed to working collaboratively with schools to achieve organizational sustainability and to support delivery of high-level educational services within each school’s budgetary limitations.
To demonstrate our continued dedication to Ohio community schools, we are proud to offer the Roetzel Education Advice Line as a member benefit to Ohio Alliance for Public Charter School community school members. Our School Law team is just a phone call away from becoming your school’s full-service legal department.
N E W Y O R K • C H I C A G O • C L E V E L A N D • T O L E D O • A K R O N • C O L U M B U S • C I N C I N N A T IW A S H I N G T O N , D . C . • T A L L A H A S S E E • O R L A N D O • F O R T M Y E R S • N A P L E S • F O R T L A U D E R D A L E
Our School Law attorneys, including Fred Compton, Renee Richard, Amanda Gordon, Sarah Moore, Lewis Adkins and Helen Carroll, are just a phone call away on the Roetzel Education Advice Line at 330.762.7773.
ralaw.com
R&A_914 Support-31_4.indd 1 9/30/11 9:41 AM
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Table of Contents2 Thank You Sponsors
3 Welcome Letter from Bill Sims
4 SAVE THE DATE / Next Year’s Events
5 OAPCS Board of Directors, Conference Planning Committee, Advisory Board, Staff
6 Convention Center Map
7 The Conference at a Glance
8 OAPCS Membership
9 About OAPCS / Award Finalists
10 Keynote Address Bios
12 Tuesday, December 6 Breakout Sessions at a Glance
14 Breakout Session Details – Day One
27 Wednesday, December 7 Breakout Sessions at a Glance
28 Breakout Session Details – Day Two
35 Conference Sponsor Profiles
38 Exhibitor Booth Numbers
39 Exhibitor Profiles
45 Ads
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Premiere SPonSor
Gold SPonSor
Silver SPonSor
Silver SPonSor
General SeSSion SPonSor
General SeSSion SPonSor
NETWORKING RECEPTION SPONSORConnections education
VIP RECEPTION SPONSOR
ohio Council of Community Schools
WELCOME RECEPTION / EARLY REGISTRATION SPONSOR
Buckeye Community Hope Foundation
SCHOOL AWARDS SPONSOR american Federation for Children
VIDEO SPONSOR
nicola, Gudbranson & Cooper
REFRESHMENT SPONSORmcGraw Hill
REGISTRATION SPONSOR
mosaica education and Jones day
TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD SPONSORHuntington Bank
SCHOOL LEADER OF THE YEAR AWARD
SPONSORohio Council of Community School
VIP MEETING SPONSOR
vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease, llP
EXHIBITOR REGISTRATION SPONSORBuckley King
LANYARDS SPONSORPSi
Thank You Sponsors
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33 N. Third Street, Suite 600 | Columbus, OH 43215 | Phone: (614) 744-2266 | Fax: (614) 744-2255 | http://www.oapcs.org
Conference Participants: December 6, 2011
Welcome to the fifth annual Ohio State Charter School Conference!
Size does matter. Given the anticipated size of this year’s conference, we have secured one of Ohio’s largest convention facilities, the Greater Columbus Convention Center. And speaking of size, how about this statistic: community school student enrollment in Ohio has broken through the 100,000 barrier, a truly remarkable school-choice milestone.
This annual convening is more than just an event. It’s a community gathering of like-minded charter school teachers, leaders, school board members and stakeholders who work very hard every day to demonstrate the value of school choice to Ohio’s parents and children. Over the next two days we will share our ideas, our best practices, make new friends, and we will expand our professional networks.
With all that’s happening on the technology side of education, this year’s conference will have a bit of an accent on digital learning; and why not? It’s certain to be a big part of our profession’s future.
Make the most of the rich opportunities in Columbus’ arena district. Walk just a few steps west and you’ll find yourself in the trendy “Arena District,” a few steps to the north and you’re into Columbus’ famous “Short North,” a restaurant, entertainment and art gallery wonderland.
Learn from one another, grow your network and enjoy Columbus!
Sincerely,
William J. Sims
President and CEO
Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools
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S i x t h A n n u A l
State ConferenCeOctOber 9 – 10, 2012
Greater ColumbuS Convention Center
AlSo coming next yeAr…
topicS to include:
Charter Law
FinanCe and OperatiOns
speCiaL eduCatiOn
teChnOLOgy
grant writing
teaCher QuaLity
data and perFOrmanCe
ViSit www.oApcS.org for more informAtion
SAVE THE DATE…
20122012
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OHIO ALLIANCE FOR PuBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS
Board oF direCtorSChad readler, Chairman of the Board Jones Day
Greg Brown, Secretary/Treasurer of the BoardThe Graham School
William Sims, Ex OfficioOhio Alliance for Public Charter Schools (OAPCS)
Steve Burigana Resource Network, Inc.
John (Jack) Sherwin, Jr. Lakeland Community College
Susan Stagner Connections Academy
Kristi Phillips Schwartz Cincinnati Business Committee
ConFerenCe PlanninG Committee
Becky leija Contract Conference Coordinator
Brian terrell Academic Acceleration Academy
darlene Chambers Ohio Council of Community Schools
doug mangen Mangen and Associates
Frank Stoy Ohio Council of Community Schools
Gerald Horak Summit Academies
Jim mcCord Virtual Community School of Ohio
Julie overholt K12 Inc.
lisa Hamm Cincinnati College Prep
lyman millard Citizens Academy
Staci mcdaniels Citizens Academy
thomas Fletcher ECOT
adviSory Boarddarlene Chambers Ohio Council of Community Schools
tracie Craft Black Alliance for Educational Options
edwin Hogan New Visions Group, LLC
Cornell lewis The Expanding Visions Foundation
daniel S. Peters Ruth & Lovett Peters Foundation
Keith Pomeroy Olentangy Local Schools
mark real KidsOhio.org
alan rosskamm Breakthrough Charter Schools
William J. Sims Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools
elizabeth t. Smith Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease, LLP
StaFFlindsey Blackburn
Director, Curriculum and Assessment
Jacob Christy Administrative Assistant
Crystal Craig VP, Finance and Administration
robert “Bob” Green Coordinator, Information Technologies
andrew “a.J.” Hoffman Coordinator, Data Teams
Stephanie Klupinski VP, Legal and Legislative Affairs
marianne lombardo VP, School Performance and Accountability
Cecilia Shanahan Director, New and Renew School Development
William “Bill” Sims President and CEO
Jesse truett Senior Director, Performance Management Program
Jennifer Wall Senior Director, Membership and Operations
ashley Wilson Fiscal Associate
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GREATER COLuMBuS CONVENTION CENTER MAP
Exhibit Hall DExhibit Hall C
Exhibit Hall E
Exhibit Hall F
Main Concourse
C110–125
E150–172
D130–145 GrandBallrooms
1–3
Admin.
Offices
B200
–201
Second
to TerraceBallrooms
to TerraceBallrooms
Java Café Complex
Patio 4, 5
4, 5
to D-POD 200’s to C-POD 200’s
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THE CONFERENCE AT A GLANCE
monday, deCemBer 5, 2011
5:00 – 6:30 p.m. exHiBitor reGiStration Sponsored by Buckley-King C-110
6:30 – 8:30 p.m. early attendee reGiStration C-110
7:00 – 9:00 p.m. WelCome reCePtion Sponsored by Buckeye Community Hope Foundation Grand Ballroom
tueSday, deCemBer 6, 2011
8:00 a.m. reGiStration oPen Sponsored by Mosaica Education and Jones Day C-110 8:00 – 6:30 p.m. exHiBitS oPen Grand Ballroom, C-Pod Foyer 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. BreaKFaSt / General SeSSion Grand Ballroom Stan Heffner Keynote Address Teacher of the Year Award Sponsored by Huntington Bank
10:30 – 11:30 p.m. BreaKout SeSSion one C-110 – C-125
11:45 – 12:45 p.m. BreaKout SeSSion tWo C-110 – C-125
1:00 – 2:15 p.m. lunCH / General SeSSion Sponsored by Piper Jaffray Grand Ballroom Bob Sommers Keynote Address
2:30 – 3:30 p.m. BreaKout SeSSion tHree C-110 – C-125 3:30 – 4:00 p.m. reFreSHment BreaK Sponsored by McGraw Hill Grand Ballroom
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. BreaKout SeSSion Four C-110 – C-125 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. netWorKinG reCePtion Sponsored by Connections Education Grand Ballroom
WedneSday, deCemBer 7, 2011
8:00 a.m. reGiStration oPen Sponsored by Mosaica Education and Jones Day C-110
8:00 – 3:00 p.m. exHiBitS oPen Grand Ballroom, C-Pod Foyer 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. BreaKFaSt / General SeSSion Sponsored by K12 Inc. Grand Ballroom Susan Patrick Keynote Address School Leader Award Sponsored by OCCS
10:30 – 11:30 a.m. BreaKout SeSSion Five C-110 – C-125 11:45 – 12:45 p.m. BreaKout SeSSion Six C-110 – C-125 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. lunCH / General SeSSion Grand Ballroom Bill Sims Keynote Address School Awards Sponsored by American Federation for Children 2:30 – 3:00 p.m. exHiBitS oPen Grand Ballroom, C-Pod Foyer
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BECOME AN OAPCS MEMBER…
… because unity is paramount.
… because you can’t afford not to.… because quality matters. … because your school and students are important.… because dollars and cents count.
Because oaPCS understands and advocates for you.
Check out our “Find a School” tool on the OAPCS website at www.oapcs.org
Click on the FIND A SCHOOL map, add the Address or Zip Code and Distance, then click Search Locations. The schools that meet that criteria will appear on the map. Click on the hand, and specific information about the school will be displayed.
LOOKING FOR A CHARTER SCHOOL BASEDON A GEOGRAPHICAL AREA?
GET YOuR DIRECTORY TODAY!
Members receive their first Directory FREE. Each additional Directory is $25.00, $30.00 for non members. Visit the OAPCS or Registration table at the conference to pick up your copy, TODAY!
Please make check payable to:
OhiO AlliAnce fOr Public chArter SchOOlS33 n. third Street, Suite 600 columbus, Oh 43215
www.oapcs.org(614) 744-2266 ext. 205
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Stan HeFFnerSuPerintendent oF PuBliC inStruCtion
Stan Heffner was named Ohio’s 36th State Superintendent of Public Instruction on July 12, 2011. He had been Interim Superintendent since April after serving with the Ohio Department of Education since 2004 as Associate Superintendent for Curriculumand Assessment.
Heffner is an innovative leader in the national effort to create model curricula and common assessments aligned to the national Common Core State Standards in English language arts and mathematics. He transformed curriculum and assessment in Ohio by leading an international bench-marking project that applied best practices in curriculum and instruction and multiple-measure assessments from the world’s top performing countries to new world class standards for Ohio’s classrooms. Heffner has also provided oversight for the state’s career-technical education policy and implementation, blending awards of academic and career program credits and expanding use of career-technical education facilities to support workforce development strategies. He was also responsible for the state’s accountability system, currently under development to rank schools in performance and efficiencies and to convey more robust feedback on the academic progress of Ohio’s schools.
under Heffner’s leadership, his center launched a pilot project for a new generation of assessments that relies less on single, paper-pencil tests and infuses student performances among other, multiple measures of student achievement. He is committed to including performance assessment projects as part of Ohio’s next generation of assessments. In addition, he led the effort to develop online support tools for students and teachers, and to provide teachers with more research-based instructional best practices.
Heffner began his career teaching in South Dakota where he became the state’s youngest high school principal. He later served as South Dakota’s deputy secretary of education and cultural affairs. In Ohio, he served on the local school district level beginning in the mid-1980s, including 15 years as superintendent of the Madison Local School District in Lake County.
Heffner completed doctoral course work at the university of Idaho after receiving his master’s degree in school administration and his bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Northern State university in South Dakota.
dr. roBert SommerS, PH.d direCtor, oFFiCe oF 21St Century eduCation oHio Governor’S oFFiCe
Dr. Robert Sommers was appointed Director of the Governor’s Office of 21st Century Education and as such has major leadership responsibility for reshaping educational policy and direction for Ohio Schools in the Kasich administration. Sommers comes to the Governor’s Office with more 25 years of experience in education. Over the course of his career, Sommers has a proven track record of success in developing innovative programs that prepare students for academic and career challenges. As the Chief Executive Officer of Butler Tech in Hamilton, Sommers helped propel the school from the 41st-ranked career center in the state in overall student performance to first.
Most recently, Sommers served as Chief Executive Officer of Cornerstone Charter Schools in Detroit. After only its first year in existence, Cornerstone Charter Academies’ two schools were named in the top 10 charter schools in the first-ever study of public, charter and private schools in the Detroit metro area.
Sommers received his Ph. D. in Research and Leadership from The Ohio State university. He also has earned a Masters in Agricultural Education from Ohio State and received his bachelor’s degree in Education from Miami university in Oxford, Ohio. He is a member of the Association for Career Technical Education, the united Way, and the American Association of School Administrators.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS FOR TuESDAY, DECEMBER 6
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SuSan PatriCKPreSident and Ceo oF inaCol
Susan Patrick is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL). iNACOL is the international K-12 nonprofit association representing the interests of practitioners, providers and students involved in online learning worldwide.
She is the former Director of the Office of Educational Technology at the u.S. Department of Education. As Director, she published the u.S. National Education Technology Plan for Congress and managed research and technical assistance programs on educational technology. In addition, she co-chaired the federal government’s Advanced Technologies Working Group for Education and Training; and served as a member of the Secretary’s Rural Education Task Force.
In 2008, Susan Patrick was named by eSchool News, a leading national education technology journal, as one of the top 10 national education leaders who “have had a profound impact on educational technology” in the past decade for her work at iNACOL and at the u.S. Department of Education. Prior, Patrick worked in Arizona on government technology policy and legislation under Governor Jane Dee Hull. She received the 2001 Governor’s Spirit of Excellence Award.
She is a former Site Director for Old Dominion university’s TELETECHNET distance learning program. Patrick holds a master’s degree from the university of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication in Los Angeles and a bachelor’s degree from the Colorado College. Patrick was the first woman to play in the men’s intramural football league at the Colorado College.
Susan Patrick has published articles and appeared in a variety of national news media such as CNN, Newsweek, uSA Today, ABC News, NBC, CBS, uS News and World Report, Christian Science Monitor, CSPAN, Comput-erworld, Forbes, National Public Radio, Education Week, New York Times, London Times, eSchool News, Converge, and numerous other publications.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS FOR WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7
Bill SimSPreSident and Ceo oF oHio allianCe For PuBliC CHarter SCHoolS
Bill’s career has spanned the fields of education, non-profit organizations and the private sector. Before joining the Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools in early 2007, he served as vice president of school management for K12 Inc., a Virginia-based curriculum and school management company with associated charter schools located across the united States. He began his tenure at K12 Inc. as founding head and superintendent of the Ohio Virtual Academy, a statewide virtual charter school based in Toledo.
In all, he spent 14 years as a teacher, history department chair, admissions director, school principal and head of school in both public and private education. Bill has also served as executive director of the Cisneros Foundation (New York City), executive director and president of the Denver Council on Foreign Relations, founder of the Denver Institute of International Studies, and founder of the publication World News Digest. In addition, he has been vice president of administration and customer relations at Onesoft Corporation, a Virginia-based e-commerce company, and senior program officer at The Brookings Institution’s Center for Public Policy Education in Washington, D. C.
Bill received his bachelor’s degree from the university of Colorado and earned a master’s degree in education and international relations from the university of Denver. During the Nixon-Kissinger era of “ping-pong diplomacy” and détente with China during the 1970s, Bill led the very first groups of American students (more than 100 private and public school students from Denver) into the People’s Republic of China.
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TuESDAY, DECEMBER 6 BreAkout SeSSionS
room
C-111
C-112
C-113
C-114
C-115
C-120
C-121
C-122
C-123
C-124
C-125
SeSSion one 10:30 –11:30 a.m.
the HiP-HoP Culturemedia awareness SeminarStrand: Leadership and Instruction
role of the Charter School boardin High achieving SchoolsStrand: Leadership
Google benefitsStrand: Leadership and Operations
using Data to enhance on-line learningStrand: Instruction
How to avoid legal Claims over Special education/finance 101 for Community Schools Part oneStrand: Leadership and Operations
engaging and understanding the learnerStrand: Instruction
room closed for meeting
Putting it all together – Creating a Comprehensive fund Development Plan for Charter School networksStrand: Leadership and Operations
edWorks innovative Start up and High intensity turnaround Strand: Leadership and Instruction
facilities financingStrand: Leadership and Operations
bring Citizenship to lifefor Your Students!Strand: Leadership and Instruction
SeSSion tWo 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
engaging the e-Student: impact We Can SeeStrand: Instruction
avenues to achievementStrand: Leadership and Instruction
High Stakes Gaming: a Case Study from Creativity through engagementStrand: Instruction
Community School facilities finance 101Strand: Leadership and Operations
reading, ‘riting, ‘rithmatic, rock & rollStrand: Instruction
overcoming the leadership Crisis for Student SuccessStrand: Leadership
Special education managementStrand: Leadership What’s Your Story?Strand: Leadership and Operations
increase Student opportunitieswith a District-Charter PartnershipStrand: Leadership and Instruction
unique elective opportunitiesStrand: Leadership
Performance Pay for educators —Will You be ready?Strand: Leadership
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TuESDAY, DECEMBER 6 BreAkout SeSSionS
room
C-111
C-112
C-113
C-114
C-115
C-120
C-121
C-122
C-123
C-124
C-125
SeSSion tHree 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
illuminate the effectiveness of Your School: oaPCS Presents a Groundbreaking Solution for managing Data and assessmentsStrand: Leadership and Instruction
build better learning and leading teamsStrand: Leadership
learning expeditionsStrand: Leadership and Instruction
improving Student Performance through “memorable” teaching!Strand: Instruction
High-Quality Charter School PlaybookStrand: Leadership and Operations
ohio’s medicaid in Schools Program (mSP)Strand: Leadership and Operations
room open for networking
Staff Development and instructional leadershipStrand: Leadership and Instruction
Partnering with Parents on reading SuccessStrand: Instruction
Creating a Culture of achievement in a City of DespairStrand: Leadership and Instruction
Professional Development that WorksStrand: Leadership
SeSSion Four 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Tips for Selecting and DevelopingGreat TeachersStrand: Leadership and Operations
Charter Law and Legislation updateStrand: Leadership and Operations
Mondokio: An Educational Tool for Teaching Global PerspectivesStrand: Leadership and Instruction
A Recipe for Success: 21st Century Skillsand TechnologyStrand: Leadership, Operations and Instruction
Fun and Easy Instructional Strategies to Engage the Reluctant LearnerStrand: Instruction
Building a Data-Driven CultureStrand: Leadership and Instruction
Decide to Dominate the Dynamic Common Core with Differentiated Instruction! Strand: Leadership and Instruction
Accelerated LearningStrand: Instruction
If I Can Say It, I Can Write ItStrand: Instruction
Room open for networking
Brain Teasers and Activities toDevelop Mathematical ConceptsStrand: Instruction
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DECEMBER 6 BreaKout SeSSion one detailS 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
HiP-PoP Culture media aWareneSS Seminar
alonzo edmundo and omowale ‘Wali’ CrowderStrand: Leadership and Instruction
The seminar is to promote and encourage educators to integrate technology into the classroom, develop positive engagement online, understanding digital reputation, and empower students to think critically when exposed to potentially harmful and dangerous media messages. The workshop is designed to arm educators, parents, and professionals with essential research based information regarding digital media while also empowering them to build healthy, positive, relationships on and offline with students.
A native of Columbus, Ohio, Alonzo has over ten years of experience in marketing and promotions. Alonzo obtained his bachelor of science degree in accounting and marketing from Tuskegee University. Upon graduation, he embarked on a successful and lucrative career in marketing and promotions. Understanding the negative influences impacting today’s youth and the strong need for positive role-models in the urban community, Alonzo transitioned into the role of mentorship coordinator for Community of New Direction, a non-profit social service organization specializing in drug/alcohol and violence prevention, with a strong emphasis on culture diversity. Alonzo is the co-founder and COO of Clarity Creative Institute, a digital literacy organization, specializing in educational consulting, multi-media presentations, professional development and digital citizenship advocacy.
Omowale ‘Wali’ Crowder is Clarity Creative Institute’s senior social media strategist. He has worked as director of Discovery Summer Camp for New Directions, where he was head of all summer groups and activities while leading a staff of 20 and overseeing a population of 175 youth. In his current role, he delivers keynote speaking engagements and seminars across the nation dealing with critical thinking skills as well as leadership and digital citizenship.
role oF tHe CHarter SCHool Board in HiGH aCHievinG SCHoolS
Panel moderator: Sally PerzStrand: Leadership
Does the governing board have a role in the achievement level of its school or schools? These diverse panelists—including counsel to numerous boards, two board chairs, and an EMO representative who also attends board meetings—will openly discuss this question. They have each experienced, from their unique perspectives, the value of the Board in assisting a charter school to achieve greater academic
success. Best practices will be shared as well as some practices that really don’t work. Practical examples of segments of board meetings and information shared at these meetings will be given. This lively session will invite audience participation in the form of questions and further sharing of experiences that matter!
Sally Perz is the author of the original charter school bill allowing these schools to open in Ohio. She is president of The Capitol Link, LLC, which is a consulting firm specializing in advancing school choice, especially the charter school movement. Capitol Link works with charter schools, boards, authorizers, and EMOs. Her company advocates for the movement, consults with charter organizations, produces annual reports and other publications for the charter school world, represents companies doing business with charter schools, and staffs Buckeye Charter School Boards, Inc. Sally was the 2010 OAPCS winner of its Distinguished Public Service Award for her “visionary leader-ship and stalwart support for the community school movement in Ohio” both while in the legislature as well as for her continued and consistent advocacy.
PaneliStS:arthur l. (tim) Clements, iii, esq., partner with the law firm of Nicola, Gubranson, and Cooper, LLC, and legal counsel to numerous Ohio charter school boards;
marlene mills, regional director for Imagine Schools and a BCSB associate member;
Gene Schuster, Chair, Connections Academy School Board and Treasurer, BCSB;
mr. lamont Stewart, Chair, Lake Erie Academy School Board and Financial Advisor, MultiFinancial Securities Corp., BCSB member Board;
mr. dave Walrod, Chair, The Knight Academy, Insurance Consultant, BCSB member Board.
GooGle BeneFitS
onder SechenStrand: Leadership and Operations
As a school administrator, you are able to move your email domain to Google for FREE. Get the full benefit of Gmail features for your school email. With that move, you also get the benefits of using google calendar, google docs and limitless opportunities for collaboration. As an administrator, it helps you to open up and streamline the communication channels and make information easily accessible to your staff, realtime and accurate. Powerful and superb Gmail features for your emails, shared school calendar between your staff, google presentation for storing activity pictures
and stories to be used for your newsletters and school website, document sharing and more are just some of the advantages to be explained in this session.
Mr. Sechen has been working for Horizon Science Academy Columbus Middle School in the last 4 years and he has been the director for the last two years. Before that he was the founding director of Horizon Science Academy Cincinnati for 2.5 years. After receiving his Master in Applied Mathematics from Purdue, Mr. Sechen worked as a software engineer about 4 years before he started teaching. He has been using technology extensively in the classroom and as an administrator.
uSinG data to enHanCe on-line learninG
Christine Wohlwend and Jessica HusseyStrand: Instruction
The presenters are experienced teachers in both the “brick and mortar” and the online environment, who have developed programs to support students who have not achieved proficiency as measured by state tests. The process of accurate and ongoing formative assessment of these students, combined with appropriate informed instruction, interventions and data tracking, has allowed us to provide effective support as evidenced by state testing data. The online environment allows teachers to have student data at their fingertips throughout the instructional process. Collecting, interpreting and utilizing this data allow us to provide the instruction and support for each student. The presentation will provide participants with a structured approach to ongoing data collection, interpretation, and utilization. The information shared will be pertinent to any online school environment. Although the discussion applies for all grades, the presenters will be focused primarily on the 3 -8 grade range.
Christine Wohlwend is currently a lead teacher with Ohio Connections Academy. She holds a bachelor’s of science in elementary education (grades 1-8) and has a master’s degree in instructional technology from the University of Akron. She is recognized as a master teacher by the state of Ohio. Her teaching experience includes public, private, online and homeschool environments. She has a passion for serving students whose needs may not be effectively addressed through standard curriculum.
Jessica Hussey currently teaches middle school math at Ohio Connections Academy. She received her bachelor of arts in business from the University of Alabama and her master’s in arts education (grades 4 – 9) from Ursuline College. Her enthusiasm and compassion have made her a favorite for many students in both the “brick and mortar” and online environment.
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HoW to avoid leGal ClaimS over SPeCial eduCation/FinanCe 101 For Community SCHoolS Part one
Helen S. Carroll and amanda e. GordonStrand: Leadership and Operations
This two part session will cover two important topics within the hour breakout session.
How to avoid legal Claims over Special education
Special education disputes represent enormous potential liability for schools, economically and in terms of lost instructional and administrative time for staff members. For that reason, the best defense is prevention! This program will explore how to identify parents who will seek a legal solution rather than work with educators, how to recognize the warning signs that accompany due process requests and what schools can do to resolve disputes when they arise. (45 minutes)
Finance 101 for Community Schools Part one
Financing for operating and capital needs will be explored to gain a basic understanding of the options available to community schools. (15 minutes)
Helen Carroll routinely represents schools in special education disputes, including complaint resolution through the Ohio Department of Education or the United States Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, IEP meetings, due process hearings and subsequent state or federal litigation. She has appeared before Ohio courts as well as the United States District Court (Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio), the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and is admitted to the United States Supreme Court. Ms. Carroll serves as general counsel and assists clients in contract negotiations and administration. She has local and international experience speaking to professional groups on school law.
Amanda Gordon has more than 20 years of experience in the practice of public law and public finance. She also has extensive experi-ence in economic development incentives, cooperative developmental structures and public/private partnerships. Ms. Gordon has represented public bodies across Ohio including schools, counties, cities, villages, libraries, townships, port authorities and transit authorities, as well as the State of Ohio. Ms. Gordon’s public finance experience includes: federal tax law and federal and state securities laws in connection with general obli-gation financings, revenue obligations, special obligations and complex structures involving a myriad of securities sources and structures.
enGaGinG and underStandinG tHe learner
dr. dennis J. KowalskiStrand: Instruction
This presentation will be an overview of learning theories and strategies to apply these theories into practice. Participants will be engaged in activities that will ask them to apply strategies proposed by Robert Marzano in Classroom Instruction That Works (2001) and The Highly Engaged Classroom (2011), Ruby Payne in under-resourced Learners (2008), and Eric Jensen in Teaching with Poverty in Mind (2009). Discussion and engaging activities will also cover classroom climate and student motivation and techniques to enrich teacher student relationships.
Dr. Dennis J. Kowalski has enjoyed the last 43 years as a teacher and teacher-leader. He has been an elementary teacher, a university professor, a trainer, an elementary and secondary principal, and a superintendent. His experiences include the inner-city setting, the inner ring suburban environment, and a high-end suburb. Currently, he is the director of the Greater Cleveland Educational Development Center, a professional development center in the College of Education and Human Services at Cleveland State University. He hosts over 3,000 people per year in teaching and learning workshops. Dr. Kowalski has taught a variety of college courses in learning and leadership at local universities during the last twenty years. He also conducts workshops for teachers and administrators in the area of learning and leadership. Dr. Kowalski is committed to guide workshop participants and his graduate students to apply content to enrich their understanding of their students and themselves so that they become better teachers and teacher-leaders. He will grow your skill, prompt your reflection and motivate your focus. You will get better together. Dr. Kowalski’s motto is, “I am a teacher; I am a learner. When one teaches, at least two learn.”
PuttinG it all toGetHer – CreatinG a ComPreHenSive Fund develoPment Plan For CHarter SCHool netWorKS
John Zitzner and Susan ertleStrand: Leadership and Operations
Charter School Management organizations face many challenges due to limited financial resources, the moving needle of public funding and rapid growth. A comprehensive, yet flexible development plan can provide charter school networks with the additional funds necessary to enable outstanding results in quality education in the charter school realm.
A balanced, comprehensive development program – including foundation, corporate, and especially individual fundraising strategies – is the most efficient and sustainable way to provide the significant additional resources necessary to fund quality.
This presentation, will provide development staff, charter school leaders and volunteer board leadership with an overview of effective strategies for building an effective fund development program, including:
• IdentifyingFundingPriorities• BuildingaComprehensiveDatabase• CultivationandStewardshipofMultiple
Constituencies• Corporate,CommunityandFoundation
Research and Relations • MessagingandtheCaseforSupport• FinancialsandReporting• PuttingitallTogether–theDevelopment
Plan
John Zitzner is a successful entrepreneur whose recent work has focused on urban education and the impact that entrepreneurial thinking can have in an educational setting. John is the Founder of Entrepreneurship Preparatory School (E Prep)- a grade 6-8 Ohio community school (aka “charter school”) and Village Preparatory School- a grade K-5 elementary
DECEMBER 6 BreaKout SeSSion one detailS 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
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school, located in the City of Cleveland and authorized by the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. E Prep successfully boosted the academic performance of the majority of its students despite the fact that 98% are minorities and 84% are low-income. Both schools are modeled after other high-performing urban charter schools in cities around the country, and are characterized by high expectations and a “no excuses” attitude toward proving that all children can learn and advance to college. More recently, John began a formal collaboration with two other high-performing Cleveland charter schools- Citizens Academy and The Intergenerational School. Together, the schools formed a management organization known as Breakthrough Charter Schools that will allow each school to operate more efficiently and will become a platform upon which each can replicate, to meet a goal of having 20 schools that serve 7000 Cleveland students, by the year 2020. As President of Friends of Breakthrough Schools, John oversees the fundraising and advocacy activities for all of the schools in the Breakthrough network.
Susan Ertle is Executive Director of Develop-ment for Friends of Breakthrough, the fundraising entity for Breakthrough Schools; a network of high performing, public non-selective, urban K-8 schools sponsored by the Cleveland Metropolitan School District in Ohio. Susan has thirteen years of Ohio not for profit corporation, executive level management experience involving numerous and varied issues in the areas of fundraising, institutional policy and procedure, fiscal operations, human resources, strategic vision and planning. Prior to joining Friends of Breakthrough, Susan led the advancement programs for several Cleveland nonprofit organizations ranging from education to health and human services, with annual operating budgets of $5m to $20m. Current and past responsibilities include oversight of staffs, volunteers, annual and capital funds, endowments, deferred giving programs, grant-seeking, and events. Susan has successfully implemented development efforts to achieve annual and long term fundraising goals through comprehensive planning for organizations as well as directing their marketing, communica-tions and public relations efforts. Susan served a six year term as board member and course instructor for the Cleveland chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), and is a lifelong Cleveland resident dedicated to growth and rebirth of the region.
edWorKS innovative Start uP and HiGH intenSity turnaround
Harold Brown and michelle timmonsStrand: Leadership and Instruction
Need innovation? Get EdWorks! Are you planning a new school and need help creating an innovative design to entice families to your school? Does your school’s achievement need a little lift? or a major overhaul? If you answered yes, join us to learn more how EdWorks can partner with your school to create an innovative design for a new school or “move your numbers” to create increases in AYP, attendance and graduation rates, achievement test scores and decreased achievement gaps. Visit our exhibitor booth and you can also register to win a free Introduction to Grant Writing Training for your staff/partners!
Harold Brown is the President of EdWorks, a not-for-profit organization established by KnowledgeWorks Foundation to provide school districts with the strategies, support, and technical assistance needed to improve the high school experience and boost student achieve-ment and opportunity. Prior to assuming the role of President of EdWorks, Harold Brown was Vice President of KnowledgeWorks, managing the Foundation’s $100 million investment in the Ohio High School Transformation Initiative (OHSTI), a nearly $100 million dollar initiative to transform large, struggling urban high schools into smaller, more successful schools, and the Early College High School Network, an initiative devoted to giving underserved students the opportunity to gain an associate’s degree, or 60 hours of college credit upon high school graduation.
Brown has a long history with KnowledgeWorks Foundation, even working for its predecessor, Student Loan Funding Corporation, Inc., as corporate communications & media coordinator.
Michele Timmons is a career educator with over 20 year experience. Mrs. Timmons has a master’s degree in educational administration and a bachelor’s degree in secondary education both from The Ohio State University. She has a vast array of experience at all levels of education including teacher, administrator, special education director, charter school founder, Educational Service Center Director and is currently the Manager of Partnership Development/Technical Assistance Coach for EdWorks.
Mrs. Timmons led Muskingum Valley Educational Service Center’s Care Team Collaborative from 2004-2011. Mrs. Timmons and her staff supported 51 schools in 6 Ohio counties (11 public school districts, 2 Career & Technology Centers and 4 community schools) in their efforts to improve academic achievement by building a Comprehensive Systems of Learning
Supports to address both the academic and non academic needs of all children. Michele was co- founder and first Executive Director of Foxfire Center for Student Success, a drop-out recovery conversion charter high school. During Mrs. Timmons’ tenure at Foxfire (2002-2007) the school’s graduation rate rose from 69% to over 90%. The program design and strong focus on achievement created by Mrs. Timmons and her staff led to Foxfire being identified by the US Department of Education as a Model Dropout Recovery School in 2009.
FaCilitieS FinanCinG
Steve SaltzmanStrand: Leadership and Operations
This session will provide a comprehensive review of financial and facilities planning. This is an interactive workshop where the facilitator encourages participation by providing participants with step-by-step budget formulas and worksheets to produce individualized budgets. The workshop covers revenue projection, calculating square footage needs, hidden operating costs, red flags, and buying vs. leasing. At the end of the workshop, participants will have a solid understanding of how to plan for a facility and how lenders assess a school’s ability to repay loans.
Steve Saltzman works for the Self-Help Credit Union and has lent money to charter schools and charter school developers across the country to acquire, renovate and build facilities. He is a frequent speaker and trainer on rural finance, charter school budgeting and facilities financing. Steve is a graduate of Duke University and the University of Virginia.
DECEMBER 6 BreaKout SeSSion one detailS 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
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BrinG CitiZenSHiP to liFe For your StudentS!
Jared Reitz, M.Ed. and Kate StricklandStrand: Leadership and Operations
Teachers are empowered and students are excited by programs offered by the Ohio Center for Law-Related Education. Educators can feel confident that OCLRE programs are classroom-ready and provide students with challenging experiences as they discover and practice their roles as citizens! Students participate in mock congressional hearings and mock trials, and they learn how to influence public policy. All programs align with Ohio’s Academic Content Standards for Social Studies and English/Language Arts and allow students to have authentic experiences related to government, democracy, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Professional development opportunities provide teachers with the proper training to implement programs. This session will be interactive, which will give teacher a fuller understanding of the programs – come and learn by doing!
Jared Reitz is director of programs at the Ohio Center for Law-Related Education (OCLRE). Mr. Reitz holds a B.S. in Comprehensive Social Studies from Urbana University and a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Dayton. He taught in the Piqua City Schools for 30 years and was the district’s Teacher of the Year in 1990. In 1995, Mr. Reitz was recognized as the Ohio Council for the Social Studies’ Middle School Teacher of the Year.
Kate Strickland is director of resources at the Ohio Center for Law-Related Education. Ms. Strickland holds a B.S. in Social Work from Miami University. Ms. Strickland served as a program coordinator for both OCLRE’s annual conference and its Youth for Justice program prior to her current position as director of resources. Before joining the staff of the Center, Ms. Strickland practiced as a licensed social worker in Butler County and supervised the status offender mediation program at the Butler County Juvenile Court.
DECEMBER 6 BreaKout SeSSion tWo detailS 11:45 – 12:45 p.m.
enGaGinG tHe e Student: imPaCt We Can See
amanda magora and Jennifer GerlachStrand: Instruction
In an online setting, we cannot “see” our students in the traditional way that teachers in a brick and mortar classroom can. How do we know that students are on task? Engaged? Getting it? Educators are faced with these uncertainties every day, but student engagement is particularly challenging for teachers in a virtual setting. Attendees in this session will take away tangible ideas for incorporating strategies that promote student engagement. Topics such as lesson design, the integration of technology, and formative assessment practices that promote student involvement throughout the learning process will be explored. Strategies shared will be based upon researched-based instructional practices, principles of universal Design for Learning (uDL), and peer teacher success stories. Multiple e-school vehicles will be discussed from elements of classroom lessons/websites and teaching materials to live teaching sessions. Engagement ideas discussed will also be relevant and applicable to a brick and mortar setting. Teachers of all settings and content backgrounds are invited to attend.
Amanda Magora began her teaching career as a 5th grade teacher in Reynoldsburg City Schools. Amanda has worked for the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow (ECOT) for the past four years. She currently serves as teacher on special assignment. In her role, she provides resources and professional development opportunities to support middle school teachers in the areas of instruction, assessment, and curriculum.
After receiving a master of education degree from The Ohio State University, Jennifer Gerlach served as an 8th grade teacher in Whitehall City Schools. She currently works as a 6th grade language arts and social studies teacher.
avenueS to aCHievement
Carlene Blake and mary minor-FowlerStrand: Leadership and Instruction
As educators, we are always looking for tools to improve student achievement. This presentation will examine how to motivate students to achieve by incorporating their tools into our traditional teaching methods. Tools such as utilizing social media, finding different options for paper/pencil tests, developing portfolios, or completing research projects motivate students to remain engaged in earning their high school diploma. Building communication links between family and school, using technology to enhance student/teacher communication, and taking advantage of social media to increase classroom collegiality will be explored. Enable student success by providing them the freedom to reach their goals through an avenue that fits their non-traditional learning style.
Carlene Blake is an English/Technology/CBI instructor at Mound Street Academies. She has a B.S. in communication education from Miami University, M.S. in technology from the University of Dayton, and CCNI from Sinclair Community College. She has presented at conferences in Ohio and nationally, including the National Technology Conferences in Atlanta and Dallas.
Mary Minor-Fowler is a Math/CBIiInstructor at Mound Street Academies. She received her B.S in family studies and a master’s in education from the Ohio State University, and she was a past recipient of an ACTE Fellowship. She has presented at conferences since 2006 including OAPCS, SOITA, Etech Ohio, and CBI.
HiGH StaKeS GaminG: a CaSe Study From Creativity tHrouGH enGaGement
Beverly Beutell, Patricia lanum and amy CasenhiserStrand: Instruction
Ever hear a student return to your class enthusiastically reminiscing about the instructional activity you hosted the last time he set foot in your room? Perhaps she, and many of her classmates, even asked, “When are we going to do that again?” Would that not be the most desired reaction to your important review lesson in which you hoped each student was actively participating from start to finish? Charter schools are nothing if they are not creative. Find out how a group of math teachers at ECOT brain-stormed and teamed to very successfully engage students in a special OGT preparation game – a brand new electronic-age version of everyone’s old favorite Bingo. Many have asked, “How did they do that?” We will share with attendees our algorithm and what we learned in controlling flow of play. SuperStandard Bingo is adaptable to various subjects and school environments in addition to providing inspiration for teachers’ own original re-workings of other age-old games. Session participants will receive a CD with self-populating Excel Bingo card and student achievement certificate templates.
DECEMBER 6 BreaKout SeSSion one detailS 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
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Beverly Beutell, Instructional Supervisor, has been with ECOT in the math department for ten years. In addition to her educational career, Mrs. Beutell has 15 years of engineering experience in the electric utility industry. She has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Cleveland State University and is currently pursuing a master’s in educational leadership at the University of Dayton.
Patricia Lanum, a licensed mathematics and computer science teacher, is currently in her third year teaching high school math at ECOT. She has five years of past experience teaching in bricks-and-mortar schools. In addition to a background in education, Mrs. Lanum has over ten years’ industry experience developing telecommunications network software interfaces for Dublin-based OCLC, Inc.
Amy Casenhiser, a licensed mathematics teacher, is currently in her third year teaching high school mathematics at ECOT. In addition to a background in education, Mrs. Casenhiser has over twelve years of accounting and management experience in public accounting and industry as a Certified Public Accountant. She has an undergraduate degree in accounting and a master’s degree in math education.
Community SCHool FaCility FinanCe 101
Jay Hromatka and marc t. KamerStrand: Leadership and Operations
Many Ohio Community Schools are unaware of the ability to access cost effective, long-term financing to meet their facility needs through the issuance of tax-exempt bonds. This session will provide attendees with: 1) a basic knowledge of the bond finance process; 2) an understanding of what lenders will be looking for in their credit assessment of the school; 3) a familiarity of the costs and benefits associated with a facility financing; and 4) the opportunity to ask industry experts specific questions regarding the bond process.
Jay Hromatka is a senior public finance banker for PiperJaffray & Co. He has more than 20 years of experience in the investment banking industry. For the past 12 years, he has worked exclusively as a banker specializing in structuring and underwriting charter school transactions. Throughout his career, Jay has acted as lead banker on financings across the county and has developed a significant base of experience and relationships with diverse clients ranging from charter schools to general governmental issuers. Mr. Hromatka has been the lead banker and underwritten approximately $500 million of facility financing for some 80 charter schools across the country. He is currently working with a number of Ohio Community Schools to provide low cost facility financing.
Marc Kamer is a partner with the law firm of Peck, Shaffer & Williams LLP. Peck, Shaffer has offices in Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky and Ohio. Marc works in the firm’s Columbus, Ohio office. His municipal finance law practice includes tax-exempt and economic develop-ment transactions for the State of Ohio, political subdivisions, hospitals and educational institu-tions. Marc worked on the first investment grade rated, tax-exempt charter school transaction in the State of Ohio. Marc regularly services as bond counsel, underwriter counsel and bank counsel on a variety of tax-exempt financings, including financings for traditional governmental purpose borrowers and nonprofit entities.
readinG, ‘ritinG, ‘ritHmatiC, roCK & roll
maureen J. montgomeryStrand: Instruction
Providing examples of lessons from across the curriculum and including all four core subject areas, Maureen will provide participants with a presentation emphasizing the importance and benefits of using popular music in the classroom. From teaching fractions with percus-sion rudiments, to literary devices and social impact with hip-hop and the physics of motion and energy with break dance, these lessons capture the students’ attention and trick them into learning while providing a strong basis for retention and recall.
Maureen Montgomery is a neglected and delinquent educator and intervention specialist for the Zanesville City Schools and the Education Coordinator at the Muskingum County Juvenile Detention Center. She holds a bachelor’s of science in education from Ohio University. From bouncing to Jimi Hendrix as an infant, dancing to Jethro Tull as a kid, drumming to Metallica as a teenager, to keeping the beat alive in the math classroom and using the words of the MC to teach the mechanics and beauty of the English language, Maureen’s life has been permeated by music. Though she declines to name her favorite artists, her cat, James Bond, admits he is particularly fond of Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, and Eminem.
overCominG tHe leaderSHiP CriSiS
dr. lisa HammStrand: Leadership
The lack of successful leadership in urban charter schools has resulted in a leadership crisis, the lack of ability to transform schools, and low student achievement. This study sought to identify characteristics and behaviors of successful urban charter school leaders that can be linked to student academic achievement.
This study was similar to the previous studies that identified leader characteristics attributing to their success; however, the purpose of this study was to identify characteristics and behaviors specifically of successful urban charter school leaders. Participants were Ohio urban charter school leaders with enrollments of more than 200 students, grades 4-8, with a 60% or higher poverty rate. Successful leaders were those who have achieved and sustained a school rating of effective or better for more than three years, while comparison leaders were those of like demographics that have not achieved or sustained an effective rating, as identified by the Ohio Department of Education. This study was a qualitative exploratory multiple case study with an inductive approach using interviews and observations of three successful charter school leaders and two comparison leaders in Ohio to identify emerging themes. Open and axial coding was used throughout the data analysis process. Seven themes emerged that identified common characteristics and behaviors of successful leaders that were minimally present or completely absent in comparison leaders. If action is taken on the outcomes of this study, social change will occur by minimizing the urban charter school leadership crisis, transforming schools, and significantly raising academic achievement. This presentation was done at the National Charter School Conference last summer in Atlanta.
Dr. Lisa Hamm is the Superintendent of Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy (CCPA). She is the founder and developer and opened the school in 1999 because of a vision she had for what urban education could be and should be. Lisa’s leadership has improved the lives of hundreds of students, parents, and educators with her unique ability to make a positive impact. She believes leadership is the difference maker and deal breaker. It’s not just an idea, but an action we live out through service—and Lisa is leadership in action.
Lisa earned a bachelor’s in elementary education from Northern Kentucky University, a master’s in educational administration from Xavier University, and a PhD in Educational Leadership K-12 from Walden University. Lisa has authored three books related to teacher development and preparation for educators today in a series called the Teacher Boot Camp Series. The books are titled, How to Teach So Kids Will Learn; How to Connect with EVERY Student; and Teaching is a Science, Teaching is an Art. Lisa is also the president of Education Catalysts, a non-profit organization that trains and coaches educators and schools to success.
DECEMBER 6 BreaKout SeSSion tWo detailS 11:45 – 12:45 p.m.
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SPeCial eduCation manaGement
Summer allisonStrand: Leadership
SpedTrack provides special education management software to charter schools. The software covers everything from Referral through Dismissal, allowing staff to enter all information for Evaluation Team Reports and IEPs in the web-based program.
This presentation will be an interactive discussion on how SpedTrack is currently helping charter schools ‘muddle through’ the special education process. SpedTrack’s software contains multiple tools for both administrators and teachers which help minimize time spent on paperwork and maximize time with students.
Through this presentation you will see how teachers are able to utilize several tools which help them navigate the special education process. Here are a few key tools:
• Teachershavetheabilitytoviewupcomingdeadlines immediately upon entering the program.
• Calendars,tasks,andreminderemailshelpensure due process timelines are met.
• Templateandlibraryfunctionsprovideeasyaccess to standardized text and goals.
• AnnualrevisionofIEPsisstreamlinedbysimply editing a copy of the previous IEP.
• AutomaticarchivalofallcompletedIEPsandEvaluation Team Reports.
As the Director of Sales and Marketing, Summer is responsible for SpedTrack’s growth, strategic initiatives, customer service, implementation, and assisting with product development. For the past six years, Summer has taken SpedTrack from its six original pilot schools to over 150 school districts. She has implemented ideas and programs that have set a new standard in customer service. Summer has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and fourteen years of experience working with or for public agencies.
WHat’S your Story?
Sylvia ewingStrand: Leadership and Operations
We all agree on the importance of being a great school, but no school operates in a vacuum. From press conferences to broadcast interviews, in times of celebration or crisis, you should always have your best spokesperson on the job, and this session will teach you to get your message out effectively. Nationally-recognized PR expert, event planner and former journalist Sylvia Ewing will give you all the tips and tricks you need to keep your communications team at the top of their game for your school and the charter community. Practice your message in a safe space. Learn when to say no to an interview request, and how to get all of your people on the same pager. Sylvia shares perspective on integrated strategic communications, which means making sure that all messages are on point and advance the story you want to tell. Why does this matter? Because it impacts funding and public policy. Serve your school well by knowing how to tell your story!
Sylvia Ewing is the Director of External Affairs for the Illinois Network of Charter Schools. Ms. Ewing has worked for social change in the non-profit sphere at the Center for Neighborhood Technology, where she worked over the years as a leader of sustainable development and industry transformation in an EPA-funded program to create “greener” dry cleaners. She led the communications and public education efforts for the Community Energy Cooperative, I-Go car sharing, and at Access Living, a center for disability rights. Sylvia Ewing has also worked on both sides of the microphone, helping nonprofits communicate effectively and covering issues on radio, television, in print and online. She is an award-winning journalist who has worked as a producer and reporter for Chicago Public Radio, WTTW (Chicago’s public TV station), and other outlets.
inCreaSe Student oPPortunitieS WitH a diStriCt-CHarter PartnerSHiP
dr. timm mackley and Bonny BuffingtonStrand: Leadership and Instruction
When students are forced to choose between their home school district and an online charter school, they miss the full range of experiences that are available to them. Knox ESC and Virtual Community School have collaborated to offer high-quality instruction in a setting rich with multi-media experiences. In this session, you will learn how you can offer rigorous lessons offered by highly-qualified teachers using the latest technology while students remain enrolled in their home district. Anecdotal data on the current VCS-Knox ESC partnership will be shared, as well as a brief description of problems and solutions associated with establishing a district-charter partnership. Participants will acquire information on a unique partnership between charter and district schools that is increasing student opportunities in Ohio. They will walk away with data to support a blended model (online plus in-class) and learn how to access these opportunities for their own students.
Dr. Timm Mackley is an enthusiastic advocate for the use of on-line, computer-based instruction to enhance traditional teaching methods and to provide learners with a broad range of options. He believes that collaboration between on-line charter schools and local school systems can result in a more versatile, thorough, and engaging school experience. Timm has worked as a teacher, principal, and superintendent in local and charter school districts in Ohio and Pennsylvania. A former band director, he maintains his connections to music by performing with the Ohio State University Marching Band Alumni. He pursues his interest in school improvement as superintendent of the Knox Educational Service Center in Mount Vernon, Ohio
Bonny Buffington Bonny has experience serving as LD teacher, regular education high school math teacher, and finally as director of special education and state and federal programs. Over the past five years, she has also presented in-service training at the Battelle’s Making Ohio Schools Work conference, ODE’s School Improvement Institute, and many local schools. She is an adjunct professor for Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Since August of 2007, Mrs. Buffington has been serving as secondary education consultant for the Knox County Educational Service Center. She has recently developed and produced a tool for use by educators in differentiating instruction.
DECEMBER 6 BreaKout SeSSion tWo detailS 11:45 – 12:45 p.m.
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unique eleCtive oPPortunitieS
anthony Gatto and richard albeitStrand: Leadership
At ACPA, we offer a variety of extra-curricular and elective classes. Additionally, we have implemented a brand new program this year (Wednesday Workshops) and completely revamped an existing program (Volunteer Experience) that are providing ACPA students with unique opportunities to experience nontraditional teaching and learning inside and outside of our school walls. Wednesday Workshops allow teachers to co-teach with other members of the faculty and/or members of our community. Volunteer Experience combines character with service learning to prepare ACPA students to successfully work with mentors in the Columbus community one day a week. A three-time Ohio Depart-ment of Education Dissemination grant award winner, ACPA’s Volunteer Experience program is a recognized leader in preparing students for life after high school. Mr. Albeit and Mr. Gatto will speak to challenges and successes of these two unique programs from the program’s creator/administrator standpoint.
Mr. Gatto has taught mathematics at ACPA since ACPA first opened its doors in 2002. Last year, he taught math and served as the dean of students in preparation for this year when he was named principal. He thinks that his most pressing challenge is keeping the momentum behind the ACPA sails by enabling teachers and students to be creative in programming and in teaching and learning.
Richard Albeit serves as vice-principal of The Arts & College Prepara-tory Academy. He joined the ACPA staff four years ago after starting his teaching career in a traditional school district. Last year, he was appointed to serve alongside Mr. Gatto as co-dean of students. Additionally, he has developed and implemented ACPA’s Volunteer Experience, Service Learning program.
PerFormanCe Pay For eduCatorS-Will you Be ready?
tim ClementsStrand: Leadership
This session will describe the legal requirements and deadlines for charter schools receiving RttT funds to implement Performance Pay for teachers and principals. Since traditional public school districts will be implementing Performance Pay, can all charter schools be far behind? This session will be of interest to school leaders and board members.
Tim graduated from Yale University in 1979 and from The Ohio State University College of Law in 1984. From 1984-1991, he worked as an Assis-tant District Attorney in the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office where he tried more than 35 cases. Tim has represented charter school governing boards in Ohio since 1998 and counsels them on incorporation and 501(c)(3) applications, facility acquisition and financing, board governance and policy development, employment matters, Sunshine Law compliance, sponsor and management company contract negotiations and disputes, and special education and disciplinary matters. He also provides both in-person and electronic Board training. Tim currently chairs the Board of Trustees of the Suicide Prevention Education Alliance and serves on the Board of Trustees for University School, a K-12 school in Cleveland.
DECEMBER 6 BreaKout SeSSion tHree detailS 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
illuminate tHe eFFeCtiveneSS oF your SCHool: oaPCS PreSentS a GroundBreaKinG Solution For manaGinG data and aSSeSSmentS
lane rankinStrand: Leadership and Instruction
The Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools has partnered with Illuminate EducationTM and Intel-Assess to develop a next generation, web-based software solution specifically tailored to Ohio’s charter schools. You won’t believe how quickly and easily you’ll move from data gathering to informed decision making!
An educator perspective drives Illuminate’s technology solution, designed to maximize efficiency with instant feedback and incorporate user-friendly interfaces which support the practical and progressive needs of sponsors, boards, management companies, schools, classrooms, parents, and students.
This innovative product easily consolidates K-12 assessment data from multiple sources, not limited to Scantron, NWEA/MAP, DIBELS, OAA/OGT, and classroom-level assessments.
Illuminate also houses a rigorously vetted test bank from Intel-Assess. Teachers can easily create their own standards-based assessments. When complete, a WebCam is used to instantly score and store student results. Rationales are also provided to explain why a student missed a question. This session is a unique opportunity for both school leaders and teachers to preview the Illuminate product and give feedback before the project is officially launched with pilot schools.
As Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President of Illuminate Education, Inc., Lane Rankin brings his visionary leadership and passion for education and technology to new endeavors. With a reputation as an innovator, Rankin’s leadership and ability to develop effective strategies to solve complex problems make him a highly sought after consultant in the educational business communities. His proven track record of success in bringing several revolutionary products to market, combined with his passion for education, has made him a highly respected leader in both the business and educational sectors.
DECEMBER 6 BreaKout SeSSion tWo detailS 11:45 – 12:45 p.m.
Rankin has enjoyed a rich career in education, including being honored as Educator of the Year by the California League of Middle Schools. His love of fusing teaching with technology gained him recognition as a mentor teacher, department chairperson, district technology coordinator, school site administrator, university professor, and county office administrator where he led CTAP and the STEP project (a multimillion dollar grant from NASA).
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Build Better learninG and leadinG teamS
dr. dennis J. KowalskiStrand: Leadership
This workshop will provide an overview of team building and ways to enrich performance. Reference will be made to Patrick Lencioni’s work, The Five Dysfunctions of Team. Teaming areas will include trust, conflict, communication, commitment, accountability, and use of results. Participants will analyze their individual and their school’s team functionality and discuss ways to enrich team performance as it relates to self, staff, and students.
Dr. Dennis J. Kowalski has enjoyed the last 43 years as a teacher and teacher-leader. He has been an elementary teacher, a univer-sity professor, a trainer, an elementary and secondary principal, and a superintendent. His experiences include the city, the inner-ring suburban environment, and a high-end suburb. Currently, he serves as the director of the Greater Cleveland Educational Development Center, a professional development center in the College of Education and Human Services at Cleveland State University. He hosts over 3,000 people per year in teaching and learning workshops.
Dr. Kowalski has taught a variety of college courses in learning and leadership at local universities during the last twenty years. He also conducts workshops for teachers and adminis-trators in the area of learning and leadership. Dr. Kowalski is committed to guide workshop participants and his graduate students to apply content to enrich their understanding of their students and themselves so that they become better teachers and teacher-leaders. He will grow your skills, prompt your reflection, and motivate your focus. You will get better together. Dr. Kowalski’s motto is, “I am a teacher; I am a learner. When one teaches, at least two learn.”
learninG exPeditionS
James Kutnow, Hadley Bachman and mary Pat amentStrand: Leadership and Instruction
The session will provide information about the elements of learning expeditions, planning projects and case studies, and resulting high quality products. Expeditionary Learning (EL) is a national school transformation organiza-tion operating in 165 schools in 30 states and reaching over 45,000 students. Working in both district and public charter schools across the full K-12 spectrum, EL partners with schools to improve student achievement through an inquiry and project-based approach. EL schools inspire the motivation to learn, engage teachers and students in new levels of focus and effort, and transform schools into places where students and adults become leaders of their own learning. GEMS currently partners with Expeditionary Learning as it develops into a strong urban charter school serving students in Columbus, OH. A second EL charter school for elementary school students is in the planning phase.
James Kutnow James is the dean of the Graham Expeditionary Middle School (GEMS). He helped open the school last year. James received his M.S. in student affairs and higher education from Indiana State University. James has worked for the Graham Family of Schools for four and a half years. Other past work expe-rience has included time at Franklin University, Trine University, and Messiah College.
Hadley Bachman received her B.A. in English from Goshen College in Goshen, Indiana. Later, she earned her M.Ed. from the Ohio State University in 2007. Her first teaching job was as a volunteer with the Peace Corps in Cape Verde, West Africa, where she taught English as a Foreign Language to over 200 students each year. After graduating from OSU, she taught 10th and 11th grade English, Newspaper, Yearbook, and 9th grade Language Skills at Lakewood High School in Hebron, OH. Hadley has been with GEMS since its beginning, helping in the process of opening a new middle school and teaching English.
Mary Pat Ament graduated from Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa, with a BA in Sociology and Elementary Education. Her MA in Education is from Walden University. Mary Pat has taught elementary and middle school for 32 years. She has been an Expeditionary Learning School Designer for the past eight years.
imProvinG Student PerFormanCe tHrouGH “memoraBle” teaCHinG!
Pat terry and Pam terryStrand: Instruction
Leaders and teachers - join Pat and Pam in this down-to-earth presentation filled with use-it-tomorrow strategies to help prepare students for Language Arts assessments, including the OAA! Discover how to coach students to answer open response and multiple choice questions. Discover the power of using “real world” items such as cereal boxes, snack foods and media clips to teach difficult skills in an engaging and practical manner that moves instruction from “memorized” to “memorable!”
“Twin Towers Training” is a consultant-based business owned and operated by twins Pat and Pam Terry. They design, develop, and deliver educational training that is memorable and engaging for K-8 teachers AND students in the area of Language Arts. All training is designed as ongoing, embedded professional devel-opment to support the long-range goals of schools as well as State Language Arts Standards. They specialize in conducting teacher observations, providing fact-based feedback and personalized coaching.
HiGH-quality CHarter SCHool PlayBooK
lyman millardStrand: Leadership and Operations
Citizens Academy, one of the highest performing public schools in Ohio, has developed an on-line tool cataloging their best practices, including documents and videos. This workshop will preview that tool, including sections on Citizens Academy’s approach to Curriculum and Instruction, Professional Development, Assessments, Teacher Recruitment and Selection, Fundraising and Communications, Strategic Partnerships, and Organizational Culture.
Lyman Millard has over fifteen years of non-profit and charter school management experience. As a Citizens Academy leadership team member, he helped develop one of Ohio’s most successful urban public charters schools. This particular workshop was presented in June at the National Alliance of Public Charter Schools Annual Conference. Lyman presents frequently on charter school management at state and national conferences and is currently serving on the 2011 OAPCS Conference Committee.
DECEMBER 6 BreaKout SeSSion tHree detailS 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
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oHio’S mediCaid in SCHoolS ProGram (mSP)
mark SmithStrand: Leadership and Operations
Come learn how Medicaid Revenue can signifi- cantly offset special education costs. The purpose of this presentation is to give commu-nity schools an understanding of the potential of the Medicaid in Schools Program (MSP) in offsetting costs for special education costs without increasing Maintenance of Effort (MOE). The presentation will give an overview of the program’s major aspects, including avail-able covered services, provider responsibilities, and fiscal requirements. Currently, the majority of traditional school districts participate in MSP; however, only a small portion of commu-nity schools are actively enrolled. MSP makes no distinction between the status of traditional and community schools, as both are held to the same IDEA-B requirements. MSP is a reimbursement strategy, not a funding stream, meaning the program is to cover costs that are already a responsibility given their inclusion in the IEP. MSP is a medically-focused program: it will cover therapy costs, but only those IEP therapies that are of a medical or therapeutic focus (vs. education only). MSP gives higher returns for IEP costs based on a number of vari-ables, including levels of poverty in the special needs and overall general population. By participating in MSP, community schools have an opportunity to maximize their resources in delivering required special education services. Given the financial reality of today’s economy, it makes sense to use existing resources to their fullest potential by bringing federal Medicaid revenue to offset a school’s therapy costs.
Mark Smith is the agency program coordinator of the Ohio Medicaid in School Program. Mark brings seventeen years of Medicaid experi-ence to his role as lead for Ohio’s Department of Education Medicaid activities. In additional to his current role, he also has extended experience working including developmental disabilities field. Mark’s past work has centered on needs assessments, vocational and employ-ment service development, and stakeholder consensus on systems redesign. Mark also has developed a number of web-based applica-tions to monitor and track various Medicaid initiatives. Mark has both his B.A. and M.P.A. from the Ohio State University. His master’s thesis focused on community-based need assessments and funding strategies for Ohio’s developmentally disabled populations. Mark is a Certified Public Manager, as well as a Qualified Developmental Disabilities Profes-sional. Mark currently serves as CMS Region V director for the National Alliance of Medicaid Educators (NAME) and as agency liaison to the Ohio School Based Health Care Association (OSBHCA).
StaFF develoPment and inStruCtional leaderSHiP
ed ingman, david Hall, and Greg BrownStrand: Leadership and Instruction
In an era of shrinking funds and changing licen-sure requirements, how does a public charter fulfill its professional development obligations and improve its students’ academic perfor-mance? The Charles School at Ohio Dominican university sought to improve its staff’s work around writing instruction using web 2.0 tech-nologies to communicate and archive the work. In this workshop, we introduce participants to a different paradigm for staff development and instructional leadership. We will discuss the creation of our foundational ideas for this work and then discuss the various face-to-face and on-line processes we used to further our professional development work. We will review some of the key findings of our results. Finally, we will provide some concrete ideas for how participants might take these ideas back to their buildings. You will believe, as we do, that some of the greatest assets that you have as a school are the power and potential of your teachers.
Ed Ingman has been the Dean of Academics at The Charles School at Ohio Dominican Univer-sity since 2009. Prior to that, he taught science both at TCS and its partner school, The Graham School, both in Columbus, Ohio. While at the schools, Ed has worked on the 21st Century Skills curriculum, taught college readiness skills, and assisted in the development of this successful early college high school that serves Central Ohio students.
David Hall has been teaching English at The Charles School for the past four years and been involved in education for the past twenty. He holds four degrees, including a master’s in Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia in England. During the summer breaks, he acts as director and instructor for the
Kenyon Young Writers Program, sponsored by Kenyon College and The Kenyon Review. He is currently at work on a novel and plans for a study abroad trip with his students to England.
Executive Dean Greg Brown has been associ-ated with public education nearly his entire life. He currently is executive dean at The Graham Family of Schools, which include The Graham School, The Charles School at Ohio Dominican University, and the Graham Expeditionary Middle School. Mr. Brown is a co-founder of all three of those schools, which are all public charter schools located in Columbus. His career began as an English teacher for four years in Australia. He also worked at The Ohio State University for sixteen years in various public relations assignments, including editing the faculty and staff newspaper, as “tour guide” of Ohio for the President, and as a senior staff member for the Dean of the College of Educa-tion. Additionally, he worked at Columbus City Schools for three years in the Superintendent’s Office. Greg is a graduate of North High School in Columbus. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English from Miami University, a master’s degree in journalism from The Ohio State University, and he has completed extensive graduate coursework in education.
PartnerinG WitH ParentS on readinG SuCCeSS
Julie overholtStrand: Instruction
For students who struggle to read at their grade-appropriate level, content area reading is even more daunting, to the point of being nearly impossible, in subjects such as history, math, and the sciences. We all know that reading is a key skill for students—without it, our students cannot function successfully in the world. As math scores are low, many math
DECEMBER 6 BreaKout SeSSion tHree detailS 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
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issues, especially in the middle school grades, are due to lack of reading ability. The bulk of reading strategies are presented during reading only. As e-schools, we need to provide reading strategies to our students and parents to use throughout all content area—strategies that are easy-to-use and understand, but that also make a difference in reading proficiency. Imagine how reading success would soar, if we ALL (all teachers and parents) encour-aged reading strategies no matter what subject area the student is working in. What are the basic reading strategies parent educators need in order to assist their students with reading success, no matter the subject? In order to “Grow A Culture of Achievement,” as the title of this conference encourages, students must be successful in the area of reading. Join me to discuss best practices in using reading strategies for students and parent educators throughout all subject areas.
Julie Overholt is currently the K12 Senior Manager of Assessment. Julie joined K12 in September 2002 during Ohio Virtual Academy’s Inaugural year. During her career at K12 she has served as Northern Region Manager of Academics, Manager of Federal Entitlement Programs OHVA, Lead Title I Teacher OHVA, and K-2 Teacher OHVA. Prior to joining K12 Julie taught in both public and private schools grades 1-8 where she special-ized in ‘at-risk’ populations. She also spent five years in business as a manager/district manager. She has a bachelor of arts in elemen-tary education from the Ohio State University and a master’s in education reading/literacy and educational leadership from Walden University. She speaks at various conferences and professional developments around the country. Julie served on the 2011 OAPCS State Confer-ence Planning Committee.
CreatinG a Culture oF aCHievement in a City oF deSPair
Chris mathesonStrand: Leadership and Instruction
This session will focus on the process-driven plan implemented by the International Academy of Flint that drives this school’s academic success. During this presentation we will walk participants through a step-by-step process that will improve their school culture. We will begin by identifying the current culture of participants respective schools and then determining the distance between what is and what is desired. At this point participants will begin identifying the daily practices and behaviors that will get them to their destination — a culture of achievement in their respective schools. Throughout this presentation we will provide real life examples from my twelve years at the International Academy of Flint. I will point out possible stumbling blocks and I will describe best practices. In addition, I will discuss the importance of the three Rs in establishing the culture of achievement we created at the International Academy of Flint: Respect, Relationships, and Results. Moreover, we will discuss the importance of expectancy theory in a school setting and share some proved classroom management strategies that will assist in the creation of a culture of achievement.
Chris Matheson is the student life coordinator at the International Academy of Flint and has been worked there for the past twelve years. During this time, the International Academy of Flint was recognized three times by US News & World Report as one of our nation’s best high schools. Chris earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan-Flint and a Master’s from the University of Alabama. He is working on an MBA with concentrations in International Business and Finance and expects
DECEMBER 6 BreaKout SeSSion tHree detailS 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
to complete it in 2012. Chris founded The Nile Project earlier this year, which is an educational consulting firm specializing in establishing cultures of achievement in America’s schools. Chris has facilitated numerous training sessions on personal development, team building, and leadership for students and staff both domestically and internationally.
ProFeSSional develoPment tHat WorKS
debbie HenryStrand: Leadership
How can you ensure Educator Professional Development improves classroom instruction, contributes to a culture of learning for staff, and ignites student learning? You may be surprised to learn what PD works and what won’t. Based on research and 20 years of job-embedded work, Professional Development experts, Editure Professional Development, provide an overview of our PD services with inspirational stories of transformation. From PLC structured learning content to ensuring your technology investments are integrated into instruction, you’ll discover Editure’s scope of services that truly work.
Through her years of experience working in the education industry as both a classroom teacher and instruction and assessment consultant, Debbie Henry has come to understand the need schools have for high-quality professional development solutions that truly impact classroom instruction and propel student achievement. Debbie is excited for this opportunity to present Editure Professional Development’s effective PD solutions to Ohio charter school educators and can’t wait to share how these resources help teachers work together to refine their practices and improve student learning.
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tiPS For SeleCtinG and develoPinG Great teaCHerS
Jesse truettStrand: Leadership and Operations
It is imperative that we have strong teachers in every classroom in every school. The Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools understands that school leaders must be able to recruit, support, assess and retain effective teachers. Join us on this journey of excellence as we share tips and research to support the development and sustainability of a highly effective corps of teachers that will insure high levels of student learning and success. This workshop will present techniques to structure your teacher recruitment, hiring, and support practices to promote student achievement.
Jesse currently serves as OAPCS Senior Director, Performance Management Program. Jesse received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Otterbein University and his Masters Degree in Education Policy and Leadershipfrom Ohio State University. Jesse has also been certified in the use of teacher selection and development instruments by both Ventures for Excellence and Ken Cardinal & Associates.
As a former principal at Newark High School and Grandview Heights High School, Jesse is an experienced and proven academic and administrative leader who has played a key role in developing evaluation and support instruments throughout his administrative career.
CHarter laW and leGiSlation uPdate
Stephanie KlupinskiStrand: Leadership and Operations
In this session, OAPCS’ vice president of government and public affairs will provide an overview of recently-passed and pending legislation that affects charter schools. Stephanie will also go over some litigation from Ohio and around the nation that is relevant to Ohio’s charter school operators. The session will also provide a good opportunity for attendees to discuss their current questions and struggles and offer recommendations as to what topics should be include on OAPCS’ advocacy agenda.
Stephanie is the vice president of government and public affairs for OAPCS. She is responsible for overseeing advocacy, communications, and legal affairs.Stephanie graduated from the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in 2010. While there, she served as a managing editor of the Ohio State Law Journal. Her article on student speech in the digital age was recently published in that journal. During law school, she interned at the New York City Law Department, the Ohio Attorney General, and the American Federation of Teachers. Prior to law school, Stephanie was associate editor at Catalyst Ohio, an education policy magazine. In this role, she won numerous awards for journalism excellence, including the Clarion Award from the Association for Women in Communications and the Best Social Justice Reporting award from the Ohio Society of Professional Journalists. Stephanie began her career in education reform as a Teach For America corps member. She taught English and journalism at Locke High School in Los Angeles, which has since been converted to a charter school. Stephanie received a masters’ degree in public policy from the University of Michigan and a bachelor of arts in English from the University of Pennsylvania.
mondoKio: an eduCational tool For teaCHinG GloBal PerSPeCtiveS
Brady CalestroStrand: Leadership and Instruction
Learn about piloting Mondokio in your school. Mondokio launched in February 2009 and since then it has served thousands of users in over 90 countries. The Harvard Business Review heralded it as the next generation’s alternative to mainstream news. Since its inception, the site has been a collaborative partnership with the Ohio State university, which has offered over 150 accredited internships with Mondokio.
Mondokio is an international news website based on the premise that you cannot under-stand an international news story through only one, culturally-specific news source. Given this, the site allows users to compare and contrast how news sources all over the world cover the SAME topic. On a daily basis, articles are trans-lated from the most influential news sources all around the globe and organized around the issues facing the 21st century global citizen. The site, therefore, develops a user’s “world eye” for reading international news, which is what “Mondokio” means in Italian.
Starting in October 2012, Mondokio will be piloted as a teaching tool in 13 Columbus Public Schools classrooms. Fulfilling the require-ments of Ohio’s Department of Education’s Social Study Global Connections Curriculum, Mondokio provides the perfect tool to connect the students to the rest of the world. Students will be able to experience how people from other countries are impacted by what we do in our country, thus providing more information about other cultures, societies, and govern-ments. This knowledge builds connections that may well impact how the students will interact with others in their lives.
Toward that end, an activity guide and other materials are provided that will help the teacher/facilitator to create a connected classroom/learning environment, one in which students can engage in open discussion with each other, as well as students around the world. An arena is provided in which students develop and practice critical thinking skills, communication skills, and social interaction skills leading to increased knowledge and heightened self-efficacy—skills essential for 21st century citizens of the world.
Brady Calestro is the founder of the inter-national news website, Mondokio.com. As a transformational activist, his work has addressed the social and personal changes inherent to globalization. A graduate of the London School of Economics and Fort Hayes Arts High School, he formerly worked in the entertain-ment industry at Abrams Artists Agency in Los Angeles, as well as in movie production. He is a writer and speaker on news, media, globaliza-tion, social sciences, and the arts.
DECEMBER 6 BreaKout SeSSion Four detailS 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
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a reCiPe For SuCCeSS: 21St Century SKillS and teCHnoloGy
deborah munis, Jen Korte, liz lampert and Jim HerrholtzStrand: Leadership, Operations and Instruction
With the expectation of employers wanting workers with 21st century skills and the ability to use technology, how do you do it all? This session will provide you with an understanding of what 21st Century skills are and how technology can help you use them in your instruction every day. Topics will include project based learning, cooperative learning, differentiated instruction, personal learning networks, and universal design. The participant will be able to see how these can be incorporated with technology to provide a rich and robust educational experience for students. Technologies that will be shared include Moodle, GoogleDocs, Fuze, Skype and more websites than anyone person can collect. This session will be very interactive, and participants will get to participate in lessons as a student would and then assist in the development of a course that incorporates all of these 21st Century elements and technology so that you walk away with already having the experience of developing a module that meets the needs of all students. We will show you how and where you can ‘steal’ some great lessons, and, with some minor tweaking, have a module of your own. This is the workshop that will make your life easier!
Deborah Munis Director of Educational Options. Deborah works with sponsored community schools. She has special education and gifted licensure and has taught with and without technology.
Jim Herrholtz is a superintendent. He works with sponsored community schools and advocates for the use of both 21st century skills and the use of technology in the classroom.
Jen Korte is a lead teacher reading specialist. She works with community school on use of technology and data.
Liz Lampert is a special education teacher who works with teachers on assisting alternative methods of instruction for Tier 2 and Tier 3 students.
Fun and eaSy inStruCtional StrateGieS to enGaGe tHe reluCtant learner
Bonny BuffingtonStrand: Instruction
Participants will acquire several brain-based strategies that promote active engagement by students, encourage higher level thinking skills, and can be used with a diverse student population. Teachers will understand theory and realize that students need movement, relevance, active participation and different-iated lesson activities, but HOW does this look in the classroom? This workshop takes you from theory to practice as you participate in activities that are derived from brain research. Participants will have fun as they acquire easy- to-implement strategies that they can take back and immediately put into practice in their classrooms.
Bonny Buffington Bonny has experience serving as an LD teacher, regular education high school math teacher, and director of special education and state and federal programs. Over the past 5 years, she has also presented in-service training at the Battelle’s Making Ohio Schools Work conference, ODE’s School Improvement Institute, and many local schools. She is an adjunct professor for Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Since August of 2007, Mrs. Buffington has been serving as secondary education consultant for the Knox County Educational Service Center. She has recently developed and produced a tool for use by educators in differentiating instruction.
BuildinG a data-driven Culture
Brandy Flack and aundray BrooksStrand: Leadership and Instruction
High-stakes testing and Ohio’s Local Report Cards standardize performance demands that add to the challenges faced by struggling urban schools. This session will detail how the implementation of curriculum mapping, short-cycle assessment, and collaborative data analysis helped Richard Allen Academy dramatically increase value-added growth in one school year and continue the trend. Simple-yet-effective techniques for mapping and creating common assessments, processes for data analysis, and suggestions for maximizing teacher involvement in the process will be discussed. These common-sense systems for informing instruction and improving student achievement can be tailored for use in individual classrooms or at the school and district levels.
Brandy Flack is the director of academics for the Richard Allen Schools. Her responsibilities within the district include short-cycle assess- ment and data analysis, curriculum, and professional development. She is the facilitator for the district’s leadership team, the adminis-trative representative for the local professional development committee, and also leads the local Race to the Top transformation team. Brandy is a graduate of both the University of Cincinnati and the University of Chicago, and is currently in her final quarter of completing research for a second master’s degree. Brandy’s belief that education is the great equalizer for all children, regardless of the challenges they face, is the driving force behind her work in schools.
Aundray Brooks is the principal of the Richard Allen Academy (Edgemont Campus). Prior to working with Richard Allen Schools, Aundray served in a number of capacities for the Dayton Academy, including writing and language arts curriculum coordinator, lead teacher, trainer for Edison Schools, and assistant principal. Aundray leads the district’s consolidated junior high campus, which serves 120 students in grades 7 through 9. Detroit-born Aundray is a graduate of Central State University, holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from Antioch University, and began doctoral studies in the fall. Aundray’s core values as an educator support a strategic vision for school reform that successfully reaches each and every child.
DECEMBER 6 BreaKout SeSSion Four detailS 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
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deCide to dominate tHe dynamiC Common Core WitH diFFerentiated inStruCtion!
Greg ShannonStrand: Leadership and Instruction
Getting and maintaining high student perfor-mance is tough. And it’s getting even harder according to the new Common Core ELA standards adopted in Ohio. The new Common Core calls for more Rigor, Critical Thinking, Persuasive Writing, using Technology, more Informational Nonfiction in the curriculum, and for students to graduate from High School to be college and career-ready with the ability to read at the 1350 Lexile level! Achieve3000 can help! Achieve3000® is the leader in differentiated instruction. Our proven solutions, KidBiz3000™ (grades 2-5), TeenBiz3000® (grades 6-8), Empower3000™ (grades 9-12), and Spark3000® (for adult learners), are Web-based reading programs that improve reading comprehen-sion, fluency, vocabulary, and writing skills for all learners—from ELL and Special Ed to Gifted. We deliver daily nonfiction, standards-based reading content that is precisely matched to each student’s individual learning profile. These solutions are based on decades of scientific research to dramatically improve literacy and high-stakes test performance. Attend this session to learn how to Dominate the Dynamic Common Core with Differentiated Instruction! one attendee from this session will win a new iPod to be raffled at the end!
Greg Shannon is the Regional Director for Achieve3000 based in Columbus Ohio and is a former science teacher and editor.
aCCelerated learninG
dr. Kathleen BrewerStrand: Instruction
Dr. Kathleen Brewer, the Ohio representative for Renaissance Learning, will tell you how the new Renaissance School Excellence Program can create a culture and climate that accelerates learning. In a supportive partnership with Renaissance Learning, teachers will be empowered to use data to identify, monitor and accelerate the academic achievement of every student. It is a structured process employing technology to make the curriculum more effective, increase time for practice of core skills and develop a culture of learning throughout the school.
Dr. Kathleen Brewer taught for Columbus City Schools for 37 years. She also taught at The Ohio State University and Otterbein University. Kathleen used STAR Reading, STAR Math, Accelerated Reader and Accelerated Math in the classroom. She has seen firsthand the importance of data driven instruction and effectiveness of personalized practice for all students.
iF i Can Say it, i Can Write it
michael BidwellStrand: Instruction
With these words, we begin the process of developing authors. Not just writers of short journal pieces or quickie prompts, but authors. In the company of Eric Carle, Maurice Sendak, Jan Brett and others, we are developing authors. Authors? Exactly. The people who write books. In my kindergarten classroom, as soon as we begin to understand that letters create words, we begin encoding. As we develop this skill, we realize that we can write any word that we can say. No more “mad,” “sad,” and “happy.” We can write “angry,” “frustrated,” and “thrilled.” Nothing can slow us down! With this new-found freedom, we become authors. We explore many kinds of books to see what authors do when they write. We consider all the different kinds of books that there are and, then, we write. At first this comes with lots of support, but soon, indepen-dently, kindergarten students (and other students, too!) are writing about the things that matter to them. When student books are published for pleasure or classroom reading, motivation to write soars. In this workshop, you will receive a step-by-step process for developing authors. I will present and discuss how I have taught writing to K-2 students over the last eleven years. Examples of students’ work and practical suggestions for developing your own version of the writing workshop.
Michael Bidwell has been an educator in Kentucky and Ohio for the past 30 years. As a regular and gifted education teacher, district technology administrator, college professor and state department consultant, he has enjoyed a
wealth of opportunities and experiences. For the past eleven years, he has taught in lower primary (K-2) classrooms in rural and inner city settings. He is currently a kindergarten teacher and the K-2 Team Leader at Horizon Science Academy. As a teacher of writing, Mr. Bidwell believes that children need to explore language from the earliest years not as a recipient, but as an author. To create and express language and ideas allows children to know language on a deeper level and to become what we want for them, better readers and writers.
Brain teaSerS and aCtivitieS to develoP matHematiCal ConCePtS
ayhan CaputluStrand: Instruction
In this session, participants will be introduced to math games that are very interactive and fun and that help develop the ability to think rationally and analyze things in a systematic way. Games help foster a positive, enjoyable attitude about mathematics. In math, as in much of life, attitude is important. Games and math activities provide motivation. A variety of studies have been able to prove that people who periodically solve a few riddles and mental faculties teasers a day are for much more likely to score higher on any IQ tests, even once they begin to get older, as their mind is still very well exercised and healthy due to all with the critical thinking. Math games and algebra activities are great means to teach the simple, as well as slightly difficult, math rules and concepts.
Ayhan Caputlu is the Director of Math Education at Concept Schools.
DECEMBER 6 BreaKout SeSSion Four detailS 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7 BreAkout SeSSionS
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SeSSion five 10:30-11:30 a.m.
the Critical role Sponsors Play in ohio’s Community SchoolsStrand: Leadership
improving achievement and Closing Gaps in urban SchoolsStrand: Leadership
illuminate the effectiveness of Your School: oaPCS Presents a Groundbreaking Solution for managing Data and assessmentsStrand: Leadership and Instruction
understanding how investors and rating agencies analyze SchoolsStrand: Leadership and Operations
engaging the Disengaged Student in the Digital ageStrand: Leadership and Instruction
technology and Social media in our Schools/ finance 101 for Community Schools Part twoStrand: Leadership and Operations
Shared inquiryStrand: Instruction
unique Community Partnerships & Programming lead to Student & School SuccessStrand: Leadership, Instruction and Operations
national trends and vertical alignment of StandardsStrand: Leadership and Instruction
Cultivating achievement through Good Corporate GovernanceStrand: Leadership and Operations
Communication for School leadersStrand: Leadership
SeSSion SiX 11:45-12:45 p.m.
room open for networking
How to use the Science of employee selection to put the right person in the principal’s jobStrand: Leadership
Community PartnershipsStrand: Leadership and Instruction
Development means more than raising moneyStrand: Leadership and Operations
Calming the ChaosStrand: Instruction
Performance Data + best Practices = excellent ratingStrand: Leadership and Instruction
Starter Charter: Day one and beyondStrand: Leadership and Operations
the Daily routine: using Phonemic awareness, Dictation and Handwriting to Support early reading instructionStrand: Instruction
national Geographic learning
on-line mentor ProgramsStrand: Leadership and Instruction
effective management of Your Special education Staff – What should you be monitoring?Strand: Leadership and Operations
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tHe CritiCal role SPonSorS Play in oHio’S Community SCHoolS
Panel moderator Frank StoyStrand: Leadership
Effective sponsors have a large responsibility in the success of community schools in Ohio. This panel presentation will demonstrate how they walk a ‘fine line” between providing oversight and technical assistance and not “micromanaging” their sponsored schools. Charter school sponsors also play a critical role in the Ohio Education landscape. Our panel will share how school proposals are reviewed and approved or denied; how schools are monitored; and how decisions are made as to which schools are closed or opened. Sponsors will show how they encourage school autonomy, innovation and excellence in Ohio’s challenging community school environment.
Frank Stoy currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer for the Ohio Council of Community Schools (OCCS). Frank’s 35 years of experience is a blend of service in the fields of business, government, and public education. In his most recent position as a coordinator of school compliance, he was responsible for the oversight of charter schools. Frank was also responsible for developing and supporting data collection systems and evaluating how they impact the fiscal and academic success of charter schools. Throughout his career, Mr. Stoy has implemented seminars, workshops and professional develop-ment programs for multiple charter school stakeholder groups. He has also testified before the Ohio Senate and Ohio State Board of Education on multiple issues involving public education and school choice. Frank is a graduate of The Ohio State University College of Social Work and has served on the Board of Directors for YMCA Camp Storer and TARTA.
Dr. Darlene Chambers is currently the Executive Director of the Ohio Council of Community Schools (OCCS). She has over 40 years of education experience accumulated in seven different states and internationally at the elementary, secondary, and university levels both as a teacher and in leadership. She was a practicing Social Worker in Lubbock, Texas. For the last five years with charter schools, she has specialized in school improvement, professional development, leadership coaching and special education. Darlene was a founding board member of a Toledo-based charter elementary school. She has achieved the Senior Professional in Human Resources’ (SPHR) certification, and is a certified Scantron Trainer, District Value Add Specialist (DVAS), and an Ohio Improvement Process (OIP) Facilitator. As an organizational development consultant, she offers national and international experience in talent and performance management, strategic change implementation, executive leadership coaching, and self-directed work team implementation.
Dave Cash founded Charter School Specialists in 2004, but his commitment to helping children learn, grow and succeed is a life-long passion. His experience working for the Ohio Department of Education, where he was involved in supporting Ohio’s community school program in its early years, spanned all aspects of school development, contracts, evaluation, compliance and technical assistance. Early in Dave’s career, he served as a school leader working with disadvantaged and troubled youth, gaining a special appreciation for the difficult roles of administrative and teaching staff.
Jennifer L. Robison has served community school developers, operators, sponsors, parents, and students throughout Ohio for over 10 years. Currently, she serves as the Associate Director of the Education Division of Buckeye Community Hope Foundation working with over 40 community schools throughout Ohio.
Jennifer is a leading expert in community school sponsorship, auditing, school operations, and compliance monitoring with local and national community school rules and regulations. Jennifer has previously held the position of NCLB compliance officer, Federal programs administer, sponsor representative, and commu-nity school board member. Jennifer worked on the planning committee for the national project: Building Charter School Quality. She most recently presented at the National Association of Charter School Authorizers 2011 conference - State Wide Authorizing Organizations: Supporting Improvement in Multi-Authorizer States.
Ethel Harris, is the Executive Director, of Kids Count of Dayton. Kids Count of Dayton sponsors 12 community schools located in Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton and Hamilton, Ohio. Kids Count of Dayton is ranked 16th among all sponsors in the State of Ohio. Ethel retired from the Dayton Power and Light Company after 36 years of service and is very active in her community.
imProvinG aCHievement and CloSinG GaPS in urBan SCHoolS
Crissy SimsStrand: Leadership
Drastically accelerate student progress in reading with new generation assessment and accountability framework inclusive of students, parents, teachers and school leadership. Leverage your school’s existing literacy framework with formative assessment and on-ongoing, embedded professional development that allows school families to take ownership of data and shape instruction and action plans for students. This continuous improvement model, combined with a comprehensive literacy approach, creates teachers and leaders capable of diagnosing reading difficulties as a part of formative assessment aligned to Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Discover how this framework is working to increase teacher quality, strengthen school leadership, and identify Tier 2 and Tier 3 students in need of intervention.
Crissy Sims is a former elementary teacher and literacy coach with 11 years of experience in Ohio, specifically in Akron Public Schools. She has earned her Masters Degree in Reading Specialization from Kent State University. Currently she is an Account Manager & Staff Developer for the American Reading Company working with schools across the state of Ohio with their School Improvement and RtI initia-tives. Crissy enjoys working with students, teachers and administrators to increase student achievement and build teacher capacity in regards to reading.
illuminate tHe eFFeCtiveneSS oF your SCHool: oaPCS PreSentS a GroundBreaKinG Solution For manaGinG data and aSSeSSmentS
lane rankinStrand: Leadership and Instruction
The Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools has partnered with Illuminate EducationTM and Intel-Assess to develop a next generation, web-based software solution specifically tailored to Ohio’s charter schools.
You won’t believe how quickly and easily you’ll move from data gathering to informed decision making!
An educator perspective drives Illuminate’s technology solution, designed to maximize efficiency with instant feedback and incorporate user-friendly interfaces which support the practical and progressive needs of sponsors, boards, management companies, schools, classrooms, parents, and students.
This innovative product easily consolidates K-12 assessment data from multiple sources,
DECEMBER 7 BreaKout SeSSion Five detailS 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
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not limited to Scantron, NWEA/MAP, DIBELS, OAA/OGT, and classroom-level assessments. Illuminate also houses a rigorously vetted test bank from Intel-Assess. Teachers can easily create their own standards-based assessments. When complete, a WebCam is used to instantly score and store student results. Rationales are also provided to explain why a student missed a question.
This session is a unique opportunity for both school leaders and teachers to preview the Illuminate product and give feedback before the project is officially launched with pilot schools.
As Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President of Illuminate Education, Inc., Lane Rankin brings his visionary leadership and passion for education and technology to new endeavors. With a reputation as an innovator, Rankin’s leadership and ability to develop effective strategies to solve complex problems make him a highly sought after consultant in the educational business communities. His proven track record of success in bringing several revolutionary products to market, combined with his passion for education, has made him a highly respected leader in both the business and educational sectors.
Rankin has enjoyed a rich career in education, including being honored as Educator of the Year by the California League of Middle Schools. His love of fusing teaching with technology gained him recognition as a mentor teacher, department chairperson, district technology coordinator, school site administrator, university professor, and county office administrator where he led CTAP and the STEP project (a multimillion dollar grant from NASA).
underStandinG HoW inveStorS and ratinG aGenCieS analyZe SCHoolS
richard HarmonStrand: Leadership and Operations
The decision to acquire, build or renovate a school facility often requires financing (or refinancing) with debt held by public investors. This presentation will provide perspectives about investment decisions from an investor’s viewpoint with the goal of helping school leaders understand what makes a particular school an appealing investment and what that means for school operators. Charter school executives will leave this presentation with an understanding of: • whatquantitativeandqualitativemeasures
are assessed by creditors and investors; • whichfinancingstructuresandcovenantsare
preferred by investors; and
• howaddressinginvestorpreferencesfitsinto a financing strategy with the goal of obtaining lower interest rates.
Richard Harmon joined the religion and education team at Ziegler in 2002. He serves as a managing director and specializes in underwriting bond financings for private schools and universities, including religiously sponsored institutions. Richard spent 15 years in corporate banking and prior to joining Ziegler, he was at a regional banking firm based out of Columbus, Ohio. His area of expertise complements Ziegler’s services to faith based organizations. Richard received his B.A. from Denison University and his Juris Doctor from Capital University Law School in 1988.
enGaGinG tHe diSenGaGed Student in tHe diGital aGe
nancy BrewerStrand: Leadership and Instruction
In the digital age, your students have the ways, means, and speed to gather any information they want. But they need your guidance more than ever. Their brains are developing differently from past generations, and teaching is more of a challenge today than ever before. Find out how teaching styles must adapt to this new age and explore the challenges and opportunities of teaching in the digital times we live in today. Discover how digital technology is actually changing your students’ brains. Learn why this creates new obstacles for teachers, but also opens up potential new pathways for learning. You will understand the new realities of teaching in a world filled with ipods and the Internet, and where teaching fits into our new educational realities. Strategies include: how to help students work toward strengthening cognitive development and bridge the learning gaps created by our modern technological society; how to match teaching strategies to our students’ rewired brains and create new learning techniques to meet the needs of the technology savvy student; and how to strengthen social relatedness and sustained attention adversely affected by the digital age Steps necessary to transform our schools to meet their academic, social and emotional needs.
Nancy Brewer, M. Ed. has had over 25 years of experience as an educational specialist and school administrator. She studied under leading neuroscientists at Purdue University and has presented brain-based teaching strategies to educators both locally and nationally focusing on the latest national research in the area of student learning and emphasizing best practices based on successful strategies. She currently works for PSI as an educational supervisor and specialist.
teCHnoloGy and SoCial media in our SCHoolS/ FinanCe 101 For Community SCHoolS Part tWo
Sarah moore and renee richardStrand: Leadership and Operations
This two part session will cover two important areas within one session.
technology and Social media in our Schools
The legal issues surrounding the use of technology and social media in our schools will be examined to develop a fuller under-standing of how schools must approach these matters. Specific attention will be given to the constitutional concerns involved in addressing on-campus versus off-campus speech, as well as the seizing and searching of electronic devices in school. The potential for other legally protected speech will be explored. (45 minutes)
Finance 101 for Community Schools Part two
Financing for operating and capital needs will continue to be explored to gain a basic understanding of the options available to community schools. (15 minutes)
Sarah Moore represents boards of education, governing boards and educational institutions in Ohio state courts and federal courts, before administrative agencies (U.S. Department of Education, Ohio Department of Education, EEOC, OCRC, SERB, SPBR, civil service commis-sions and ODJFS) and as general counsel. Her labor experience includes collective bargaining, grievance administration, arbitrations, media-tions, fact-findings, and strike preparation. Ms. Moore regularly counsels and provides legal support on: labor relations, personnel, school operation, technology, social media, facilities, transportation, pupil regulation and discipline, contracts and general business, constitutional issues and state and federal compliance, as well as drafting and implementation of policies and procedures.
Renee Richard focuses her practice on public law and public finance. She has experience serving as bond counsel, underwriter’s counsel, bank counsel and placement agent’s counsel. She has managed both tax-exempt and taxable bond financings from the initial structuring session to the bond funding and closing. Her financings have included various revenue and general obligation financings, including industrial development revenue bonds, housing revenue bonds, special assessments, water revenue bonds, airport revenue bonds, conduit financings and 501(c)(3) bonds. Ms. Richard has worked extensively with schools, municipal and state governments, nonprofit organizations, housing finance agencies, housing authorities and community development corporations.
DECEMBER 7 BreaKout SeSSion Five detailS 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
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diSCover HoW and WHy tHe “SHared inquiry” metHod oF learninG HelPS imProve readinG, ComPreHenSion and CommuniCationS SKillS
mike WolfkielStrand: Instruction
In this session, you will see how a sequence of interpretive activities and in-depth Socratic-style questioning engages all students at higher levels of literacy. Participate in a Shared Inquiry Discussion and reflect on the research base for this proven approach to increasing student achievement. Find out why Great Books Foundation programs and professional development were named “What Works” at middle and high school levels by the National Staff Development Council. The structure of this presentation will be 25 percent lecture and 75 percent participation in discussion. By means of a modeled lesson, video, and discussion, participants in this session will learn how teachers can routinely set up learning tasks and discussion that scaffold these skills and mobilize them to build reading comprehension and critical thinking. Participants will also explore how these skills can be assessed.
Mike Wolfkiel, Sr. Professional Development Specialist and Central Region Training Director, at The Great Books Foundation, has an M.A. in philosophy and a B.A. in philosophy and religious studies from Marquette University. He taught high school for four years in Mundelein, Illinois, and for several years in Wisconsin. He has taught over 300 BLTCs and has been a project consultant for special projects in urban schools in Milwaukee and Chicago, as well as a senior instructor who assists in the training of new instructors. Mike is also currently serving as a member of the developmental team for new JGB programs.
unique Community PartnerSHiPS & ProGramminG lead to Student & SCHool SuCCeSS
eric mcGarvey and Silvia Kruger-GaliczStrand: Leadership, Instruction and Operations
At The Intergenerational School (TIS), we have over 60 on-site volunteers and mentors. We have an additional 250+ off-site that we work with on a regular basis throughout the year. Collaboration with community partners plays a major role in the success of our student and school performance. We work with area univer-sities, high-performing college preparatory schools, assisted living facilities, sustainability groups and more to create enrichment oppor-tunities and educational experiences for our students. This takes a great deal of program and logistical planning including shopping for the best prices in transportation and ensuring
there is a “champion” representing each organization we work with who is willing to work toward making these mutually beneficial experiences successful. Senior volunteers, as reading mentors and co-learners, come to rediscover a powerful purpose in their own lives. They become engaged adults and have a powerful impact on students, encouraging them to love books and preserve memories. At TIS, seniors and other community members share their time and wisdom with TIS students through a number of intergenera-tional learning programs including reading mentors, computer/art, museum explorers, gardening, narrative histories, and area senior home partnerships. During this session, we will discuss how these activities have made a positive impact on our school and students while working with attendees on how to imple-ment this type of programming at their school including types of programming, expenses, funding, logistics and more.
A Cleveland-area native and graduate of Western Carolina University, Eric McGarvey has an extensive background in commu-nity relations and leadership development training which support his work with The Intergenerational School (TIS). Eric is respon-sible for all intergenerational programming and community relations at TIS, in addition to running admissions.
Silvia Kruger is a National Board Certified Teacher and Vice Principal at the Intergen-erational School (TIS). She originally hailed from Toronto and received her BA from Trent University. After working in her family’s furniture business for ten years, she attended Ursu-line College to pursue her life –long passion
of becoming a teacher. Upon graduation, she obtained a position as a Primary Cluster teacher at The Intergenerational School during its second year of operation. She was excited to be at the ground level of an innovative educational concept spearheaded by Cathy Whitehouse. As the school grew, Silvia moved along with the students and ended up teaching all the stages of the school. In order to enhance her classroom resources, she obtained several grants to create a Critical Thinking Lab and a Multicultural Library. She wrote an article entitled, Intergenerational Intelligence, which was published in Intercom Magazine (2005) that highlighted the benefits of TIS intergenerational programming for students. She presented at ETech conference, the Western Reserve Asso-ciation on Aging and Ohio Literacy Conference.
national trendS and vertiCal aliGnment oF StandardS
dr. Christine mason, dr. david Silverberg, and Kathy Ward-CameronStrand: Leadership and Instruction
Join your colleagues in a session that will help you plan for modifying curriculum pacing guides in light of the Common Core Standards. At this Administrator Session you’ll hear about the work in reviewing the “vertical alignment” of standards, compare the current Standards to the Common Core Standards, consider the 4C’s (critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and communication) and implications for curriculum revision and curriculum pacing as well as consider the implications for testing and test prep. Common Core has to be fully adopted by 2014 and we will provide leaders examples of
DECEMBER 7 BreaKout SeSSion Five detailS 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
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implementing the common core. We will also discuss their concerns about the common core and how to prepare and support their teachers.
Dr. Christine Y. Mason is a nationally recog-nized expert in the area of educational reform, teacher mentoring, and special education. As Executive Director of the Center for Educa-tional Improvement, she is also the director of a newly-formed consortium: The Consortium to Improve Ohio Schools (CIOS). Dr. Mason serves as a consultant to several schools in Ohio and Washington, D.C., providing technical assis-tance and professional development. With CIOS, she is leading a team responding to a State-Improvement Grant (SIG) initiative to improve student outcomes for students in Ohio. She is passionate about helping schools capitalize on their strengths and student inter-ests. Dr. Mason has experience directing and evaluating national projects; guiding strategic planning; designing Response to Intervention systems for schools; and researching and implementing reforms in the areas of student-directed IEPs, teacher mentoring, IDEA and services to youth with disabilities, school-to- work transition, HIV-AIDS prevention, secondary school leadership, teacher recruitment, universal design and adapting/assistive technol-ogies, and inclusive education for all students.
Dr. David Silverberg, author of STEPS Standard Themes for Educational Progress™, and Associate Professor of Curriculum & Instruction in the Schar College of Education at Ashland University (OH).
Kathy Ward-Cameron is the founding president of the Early Literacy Institute. Ms. Ward-Cameron will discuss implications for Early Childhood Programs.
CultivatinG aCHievement tHrouGH Good CorPorate GovernanCe
elizabeth t. Smith, martha Brewer, and Chris ingramStrand: Leadership and Operations
In a changing political landscape where community schools have become a lightning rod, it is all the more important for community schools to abide by the ethics laws and practice good corporate governance. Participants will hear about the recent legal and political changes that impact community schools and will learn (or re-learn) certain nuts and bolts about Ohio laws that impact community schools. Participants will learn about best practices for board meetings and board governance, and additional policies that the board can implement to allow for efficient, informed decision-making.
Elizabeth Smith is a partner with the law firm of Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease. She also served for over 2 years as the Chief Counsel to Ohio Attorney General Jim Petro. In that capacity, she became familiar with Ohio law governing community schools, as well as the interaction of such schools with the Ohio Department of Education, the Auditor of State and the office of the Ohio Attorney General. She also became involved in corporate governance issues for the State’s pension funds as part of her role in overseeing the State’s class action securities litigation. Elizabeth has also practiced for 25 years as a business and commer- cial litigator which allows her to bring to the community school practice, an understanding of the importance of good business practices which are transferable to this educational service industry. Elizabeth has represented sponsors and community schools in a variety of issues, including school closures, audits, special education law and government compliance.
Martha Brewer is an associate with the law firm of Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease. Martha practices in the litigation group and has focused on ethics issues in developing her practice.
Christopher Ingram is an associate with the law firm of Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease. Prior to working at Vorys, Chris served as a legislative aide to Sen. Jeff Jacobson, President Pro Tempore of the Ohio Senate.
CommuniCation For SCHool leaderS: it’S all in WHat you Say and HoW you Say it!
mark B. thogmartinStrand: Leadership
Effective leaders are visionaries who enable those with whom they work to accomplish to great things. But if a leader’s communication skills are lacking, their vision cannot be accurately articulated and thoroughly executed. In this workshop, leaders and aspiring leaders will be challenged—through movie video clips, comics, quotations, group discussions, and reflective activities—to consider the Four P’s of Effective Communication.
Participants, as a result of attending this session, will have an increased awareness of and appreciation for the following:
• Whyaccuracy/precisionincommunicationisimportant.
• Whyleadersshouldbeselectivewiththeirwords.
• Howtocommunicateinpositiveways,turning problems into opportunities.
• Thebenefitsoffrequentlycommunicatinginways that transmit respect for persons while solving problems.
• Whyitisimportanttocommunicatesimpleyet lofty goals.
Prior to his employment with the Ohio Virtual Academy/K12 Inc., Mark Thogmartin served as a classroom teacher, reading and math tutor, technology coordinator, headmaster, and building principal in both private and public schools. He earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Kentucky, a master’s degree in reading from the Ohio State University, and a Ph.D.in leadership from Andrews University. Mark’s book, Teach a Child to Read With Children’s Books, has gained wide acceptance among reading tutors and those teaching their children at home. He also has written articles for several magazines and journals on the topics of home schooling and reading instruction. Mark is starting his 32nd year as an educator, and he has been with the Ohio Virtual Academy since the founding of the school in the fall of 2002.
DECEMBER 7 BreaKout SeSSion Five detailS 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
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Community PartnerSHiPS; StronG rootS For GroWinG a Culture oF aCHievement
mary minor-Fowler and ron CothranStrand: Leadership and Instruction
Building a culture of support for students who have little guidance outside of the school setting is critical to their success. This presentation will examine how to further enhance strong community partnerships to help students achieve, become career focused, and develop critical thinking skills. We will examine ways to build strong community partnerships, find untapped resources you may be missing, and provide incentives that truly motivate credit recovery students to achieve.
Mary Minor-Fowler is a Math/CBI Instructor at Mound Street Academies. She received her B.S in Family Studies and M.Ed. from Ohio State University and was a past recipient of an ACTE Fellowship. She has presented at conferences since 2006 including OAPCS, SOITA, Etech Ohio and CBI.
Ron Cothran is the Principal of Mound Street Health Careers Academy. He received a B.A from Grambling State University and his M.Ed. from Wright State University. After retiring with 23+ years of experience in the Army, Ron joined the field of education. He has served in many capacities from teacher to the director of transportation for Dayton Public Schools, to his current position as principal of Mound Street Health Careers Academy.
develoPment meanS more tHan raiSinG money
martin S. GriffithStrand: Leadership and Operations
At ACPA, there is a strategic decision as part of the overall development plan to invest significant energy and resources toward the development of projects and programs with high-profile part-ners in central Ohio. Come learn the tools and tricks that ACPA uses build these relationships and then hear specifics on two of these relation-ships; the Sustainable Rain Garden collaboration with COSI and the Art in the Environment collaboration with the Wexner Center.
Marty Griffith was trained as an attorney. He then decided to get a real job and went back to school to become a social studies teacher. After teaching for several years, an opportunity to become a school leader emerged, and he went on to serve as a lead teacher and principal for two different community schools for six years. Most recently, Marty has served as Director of Development and Business Partnerships for The Arts & College Preparatory Academy. During his two-plus years at ACPA, the school has successfully designed and launched unique, ground-breaking programs and projects with some of Columbus’ most successful and most popular nonprofits including the Columbus Museum of Art, COSI, and the Wexner Center. Marty is now the CEO and Founder of Franklinton Preparatory Academy, which is a 9–12 high school opening in Franklinton in 2013.
HoW to uSe tHe SCienCe oF emPloyee SeleCtion to Put tHe riGHt PerSon in tHe PrinCiPal’S JoB
dr. Glenn deBiasiStrand: Leadership
The decision about who to hire or promote into a principal position has far-reaching effects, impacting student achievement and school performance. Yet half the time, the decision is not optimal. Mistakes are expensive and disruptive. This presentation applies the science of employee selection to the position of principal. The result is more accurate hiring and promotion decisions and fewer hiring mistakes. This translates into higher student achievement and better school outcomes. I will cover the WORK of the principal, characteristics of high-performing principals, and use of predictive candidate assessment methods such as structured interviews, in-basket assessments, and validated assessments of personality and cognitive ability. I will discuss how to use a decision guide to arrive at a more accurate decision.
Glenn DeBiasi, Ph.D. is an industrial/organizational psychologist and an HR executive. He is president of RightSchoolLeader and works with charter schools on the selection and development of principals. Dr. DeBiasi was the chief human resource officer for a 10,000- employee company, the director of management development for a division of PepsiCo, the director of human resources for a large hospital. He also taught at Old Dominion University. He worked with the Chamber of Commerce on teacher recruitment and retention, served as board chair for a non-profit, and served on the executive and finance committees for a Tenet hospital. He currently serves as mentor with the Citadel and Chamber and is active in the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary. Dr. DeBiasi received his Ph.D. in industrial/organizational psychology from Michigan State University. He is a member of the American Psychological Association, the Society of Industrial/Organizational Psychologists, and the Society for Human Resource Management.
DECEMBER 7 BreaKout SeSSion Six detailS 11:45 – 12:45 p.m.
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CalminG tHe CHaoS
Karen and mark WagnonStrand: Instruction
In Response to Intervention (RtI), this Positive Behavior Support (PBS) philosophy will be a foundation for improving student behavior at all levels of prevention. Connecting with students, especially our more challenging students, allows us to reduce stress and increase attendance, academic achievement, and on-task instruction time. This workshop is sure to bring new insights to understand and connect with even the most difficult students. This fun, informative, and interactive session, facilitated with Love and Logic® Skills, will enhance your ability to connect, communicate and teach more effectively as we “grow a culture of achievement.”
Karen and her husband Mark founded Teaching Our Youth, a staff and professional development group, in 2004. Their passion and drive is to empower and equip educators and parents with the tools to improve communication, increase productivity, and reduce stress and conflict in our relationships. Karen’s energetic presentations, seminars and workshops have assisted individuals in understanding their own behavior traits as well as those of others to build more effective “educational teams” and improve relationships in their professional and personal life. Karen’s presentations have been enjoyed by public, private, and charter schools, as well as other educational organizations in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois.
Mark Wagnon is the co-founder of Teaching Our Youth. After completing certification and advanced studies in human behavior study courses at Personality Insights and The Insights Institute, Mark assisted in training and product development as a staff member of The Person- ality Insights Professional Consulting Group. Mark’s commitment is to effectively commun-icate management and leadership techniques using personality and coaching resources.
PerFormanCe data + BeSt PraCtiCeS = exCellent ratinG
Staci mcdanielStrand: Leadership and Instruction
Educators know that student data can be extremely powerful in driving high-quality instruction. But what data? How often? And how do you translate data into results? Learn the data-driven approach that propelled Citizens Academy from Academic Emergency to an Excellent rating. This presentation will contain practical methods for collecting high-quality student performance data, including short-cycle assessments, diagnostics, and nationally-normed assessments. It will also detail how to use the data generated by these assessments to make individual student, class-wide, and grade-level decisions around instruction. Finally, participants will also learn how to link this data with specific instructional practices to drive success among teachers and students.
Staci McDaniel is in her ninth year as the curriculum coordinator at Citizens Academy. To achieve academic excellence, she monitors students’ academic achievement data as well as value added data. Staci has designed short cycle assessments to monitor students’ progress in meeting grade level indicators in mathematics. She has increased student achievement on the math state assessments from 2 percent to 98 percent proficient. Staci provides professional development with best practices in math all over the U.S., including the National and Ohio Council for Teachers of Math. She has been recognized by the Maverick 2 Mainstream organization as a master teacher in the U.S. and was been featured in the winter 2008 of Catalyst Ohio magazine.
Starter CHarter: day one and Beyond
marshall emerson iii and Bob longoStrand: Leadership and Operations
Part of the strategic plan of any great 21st Century school must be a well-thought out direction about how to aggregate, analyze, disaggregate, and apply information from the student to the classroom, school and to the charter management team, and back again. School information systems have transitioned from simple automation that focused on staff productivity and efficiency to complex, transformative, smart systems that inform continuously improving administration, teaching, and learning. On “Day One” in a new charter school, the leadership team must be ready to go with a sophisticated information system that is multi-faceted, including providing information that assists with financial reimbursement, teacher effectiveness, and, most importantly, student success. Marshall and Bob have partnered together in two different Ohio-based charter organizations and will provide battle-tested advice about “Day One,” and then what to plan for longer-term as you lay the foundation for a strategic, data-driven, school information system framework for a new or growing charter school organization.
Marshall Emerson is the co-founder and CEO of I Can Schools in Cleveland, Ohio. He is also the co-founder and principal of Entrepreneurship Preparatory School Fellowship and Building Excellent Schools.
Bob Longo is the President of SchoolOne in Cleveland, Ohio. He has also served as the President of Apple’s PowerSchool Division (acquired by Pearson), CEO of Carnegie Learning, Co-founder of Revive Technologies and President of Surefind Information.
DECEMBER 7 BreaKout SeSSion Six detailS 11:45 – 12:45 p.m.
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DECEMBER 7 BreaKout SeSSion Six detailS 11:45 – 12:45 p.m.
tHe daily routine: uSinG PHonemiC aWareneSS, diCtation and HandWritinG to SuPPort early readinG inStruCtion
emily larsenStrand: Instruction
Welcome to the Daily Routines! Join us as we actively engage in quick morning routines of sequentially-organized practice in key essential skill areas targeted in K-2: phonemic awareness, blending, decoding, dictation and handwriting. Important for emerging readers, this multi-modal progression (“hear it, see it, say it, write it”) in a concise daily routine helps reinforce critical skills. These routines also provides excellent immediate assessment to support differentiated instruction. In this session educators will experience Daily Routines for grade kindergarten, first, and second. They will also see a video of these routines in action.
Emily Larsen has been in education for 10 years, teaching kindergarten and second grade in Illinois as well as tutoring primary students in reading and writing. She has also served as a team differentiation coordinator, new teacher trainer, and the trainer of trainers for reading. Emily holds a master’s degree in educational administration from Governors State University in University Park, Illinois, and endorsements in gifted education and music theater.
on-line mentor ProGramS
dr. maria Boyarko and Heather townleyStrand: Leadership and Instruction
Building an online virtual mentor program provides new teachers with a vast support system by utilizing full-time mentors. As new teachers typically enter the field in “survival” stage, they require more support and guidance during that first year of induction. This presentation will demonstrate a fully developed online mentor program where the level and intensity of support is based on the developmental needs of the teacher. This mentoring program is conducted virtually through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous communication through methods and strategies that are optimal in online teaching.
Maria Boyarko, PhD, is the director of curricular technology and an assistant principal at the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow. Dr. Boyarko has worked in the virtual environment for ten years as a teacher, mentor, research fellow, and administrator. She was also a member of the iNACOL research committee and has focused her research on online professional development.
Heather Townley has been in the education profession for the last nine years, graduating from the University of Toledo in 2002. She began her teaching career in the Toledo Public School system teaching at Woodward High School for two years. In 2004-05, Heather had the opportunity to teach GED, Pre-GED and ABE to adult male offenders in the high security Toledo Correctional Institution. She has been working at the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow since 2006, teaching high school language arts in the Success Academy and the Year-Long 10th Grade Program. In the last year, Heather has been a teacher mentor at ECOT, working with resident educators, new teachers to ECOT, and veteran ECOT teachers.
eFFeCtive manaGement oF your SPeCial eduCation StaFF — WHat SHould you Be monitorinG?
layla nelson and Colleen m. lorberStrand: Leadership and Operations
Many charter school administrators have only limited experience monitoring a special education department. As a result, special education departments in charter schools are often given too much autonomy. This can result in expensive errors or liability issues that could ruin a school. This session will teach non-special education administrators how to monitor the most important components of special education departments. Participants will learn the most important questions to ask their
special education supervisors and teachers, and they will learn the signs of common special education problems. The presenters will also review the most commonly misunderstood special education laws in order to prevent costly mistakes. A healthy special education department will help build the school’s culture of achievement.
Layla Nelson, PhD, serves as the special education coordinator at Dayton Leadership Academy. She is an experienced charter school special education teacher and administrator. For the past ten years, she has also taught graduate school and professional development courses in education.
Colleen M. Lorber, Ph.D., currently serves as the director of PSI’s Educational Support Services Team, managing an extensive staff of school psychologists, school counselors and speech therapists. With experience in all facets of special education, Colleen ensures special education compliance is met for all PSI-related services.
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Premiere SPonSor imaGine SCHoolSAfter first opening schools in Ohio in 2005, Imagine Schools has grown to currently operate 16 Ohio campuses, providing quality education to over 6,500 students in Akron, Canton, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Toledo. Imagine Schools also operates nationally with over 60 schools throughout 11 other states and the District of Columbia.
Imagine Schools’ vision is for every student to reach his or her full potential and discover the pathways for life-long success. Each school in the Imagine Schools’ family is uniquely tailored in curriculum and structure, but share a common culture based on shared values. Students at Imagine receive a strong educational balance, integrating instruction in math, reading, history, science, critical thinking, writing, music, art, and technology, with a strong emphasis placed on academic achievement and character development.
At Imagine, the academic achievement of each student is evaluated primarily through same student learning gains. Students are tested at the start of the year to give teachers a basis of what areas need the most improvement. Testing again at year-end shows how far each student advanced individually during the school year. Imagine Schools is always looking to improve learning gains further by developing effective methods to help students reach even greater academic success.
Positive character development is also a central part of the educational experience for students attending Imagine Schools. Each school emphasizes the development of caring, trusting relationships between students and staff, and elements of citizenship, service, and leadership are also incorporated to achieve success in school and in life.
Imagine Schools aspires to serve the educa-tional needs of as many students as possible and is constantly involved in the development of new schools. The organization is grateful to the parents, community leaders, and local boards who are helping achieve this goal by choosing Imagine Schools as their educational partner.
Gold SPonSor roetZel & andreSSSince 1876, attorneys at Roetzel & Andress have been guided by core values – innovation, excellence in practice, client service and integrity. With more than 200 attorneys and 13 offices in Ohio, Florida, Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C., our School Law attorneys handle virtually any issue a school might face, including: governance; ethics; policy; labor relations; personnel; operations; technology; social media; public relations; construction; transportation; special education; student matters; contracts; public finance; real, personal and intellectual property; bonds; constitutional issues; and compliance with state and federal law. In addition to serving as general counsel, we routinely litigate in federal and state courts and advocate for schools before administrative agencies.
We work collaboratively with school leaders to support organizational sustainability and the delivery of high-level educational services while recognizing the reality of budgetary constraints. To demonstrate our dedication to schools, we are proud to offer the Roetzel Education Advice Line: 330-762-7773 as a member benefit to Ohio Alliance for Public Charter School community school members.
Our School Law team --Lewis W. Adkins, Jr., Helen S. Carroll, G. Frederick Compton, Jr., Amanda Gordon, Sarah J. Moore and Renee Richard-- looks forward to providing the superior legal services you expect and deserve.
Silver SPonSor ConCePt SCHoolSBased in Chicago, Concept Schools is a not-for-profit charter management organization that manages 27 successful K-12 charter schools in the Midwest, proudly serving more than 8300 students led by over 900 dedicated staff members.
All located in urban areas, Concept Schools developed a college preparatory curriculum that not only focuses on math, science and technology, but also ensures all students master state-required core education classes. Data-driven instruction with formative assessments, increased student engagement, sustainable relationships, compassionate staff, community partnerships, and increased parental involvement are some components of the Concept design.
For the past 12 years, Concept managed schools have made the u.S. News & World Report rankings, received the prestigious Blue Ribbon Award and National Distinguished Title 1 School Award, and been recognized for closing the achievement gap. As our high schools maintain over 95% graduation rate and 100% college acceptance rate, middle and elementary schools continue to have higher proficiency rates than their counterparts in state standardized tests. Concept’s model has consistently proven to lead to high student achievement.
Silver SPonSor edvantaGeSThe mission of EdVantages Academies is to prepare students in grades K to 8 for success in high school and beyond. EdVantages stresses the values of academics, as well as lifelong health and fitness, to address the needs of the whole child. The Academies use Open Court Reading and Saxon Math materials to deliver high quality instruction in an extended school day environment.
General SeSSion SPonSor K12 inC.K12 Inc. is the nation’s largest provider of online school programs for students in kindergarten through high school. using 21st century tools to prepare 21st century students, K12 provides a new choice for children of all backgrounds to learn in a flexible and innovative way, at an individualized pace. K12 provides its curriculum and academic services to school districts, public and private online schools, traditional classrooms, blended school programs, and directly to families. K12 is revolutionizing schools by integrating technology and rigorous curriculum into classrooms, and designing new blended school models that offer students engaging online courses and personalized learning programs.
Accredited through AdvancedED, the world’s largest education community, K12 has delivered more than 3 million courses to hundreds of thousands of students worldwide. For more information on K12, visit: www.K12.com.
SPONSORS PROFILES
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General SeSSion SPonSor PiPer JaFFrayPiper Jaffray is a national leader in charter school finance. We help our clients achieve their objectives through our comprehensive investment banking services, in-depth charter school industry knowledge, debt structuring, trading expertise and strong distribution channels. In Ohio, we are enabling our Community School clients to have facility finance options by providing them with access to the capital markets. These efforts are assisting the schools with the acquisition and improvement of their school facilities. At Piper Jaffray, our focus is not simply the execution of the transaction at hand, but rather the delivery of superior client service and the establishment of enduring, long-term relationships. For your facility financing, let us be your guide. Contact either Jay Hromatka, Senior Vice President at (612) 303-6608, or Nick Hagen, Vice President at (612) 303-6661 or toll free at (800) 333-6000, extension 36608 or extension 36661.
netWorKinG reCePtion SPonSor ConneCtionS eduCationConnections Education is a leading, fully-accredited provider of high-quality, highly accountable virtual education solutions for students in grades K–12. Since 2001, its Connections Academy division has delivered individualized learning to students through virtual public schools and a private online academy. The Connections Learning division works with charter schools, school districts, and other institutions looking to develop and enhance their online learning programs by delivering a full range of targeted digital learning solutions including online courses, a digital learning platform, and more. Connections Education is committed to expanding quality education through technology and helping students achieve academic and personal success.
viP reCePtion and SCHool leader oF tHe year SPonSor oCCSOCCS The Ohio Council of Community Schools (OCCS) is a not-for-profit organiza-tion, the official designee of the university of Toledo Board of Trustees, responsible for issuing and overseeing charters for Commu-nity Schools throughout Ohio.OCCS views the sponsorship of a school as a partnership.
We believe that through strong partnerships with our schools, governing boards and management partners, we can create effective learning environments where knowledge come together and thrive. The dedication of excellence and commitment to children are hallmarks of the schools sponsored by OCCS.
www.ohioschools.org phone: (419) 720-5200.
reFreSHment SPonSor mCGraW Hill McGraw-Hill Education a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, is a leading innovator in the development of teaching and learning solutions for the 21st century. Through a comprehensive range of traditional and digital education content and tools, McGraw-Hill Education empowers and prepares professionals and students of all ages to connect, learn and succeed in the global economy. McGraw-Hill Education has offices in 33 countries and publishes in more than 65 languages.
WelCome reCePtion SPonSor BuCKeye Community HoPe FoundationBuckeye Community Hope Foundation (BCHF) was chartered in 1991 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation with the mission of developing and facilitating affordable housing for low-income families. In 2004, BCHF was approved as a community school sponsor in Ohio fostering strong partnerships with community schools geared toward the success of their students. BCHF brings to its sponsorship role an unparalleled understanding of both teaching and the business of teaching. The Sponsorship team, under the leadership of Peggy Young, Director and Jennifer Robison, Associate Director, is uniquely qualified to assist operators of community schools in creating educational systems that are effective.
viP meetinG SPonSor voryS, Sater, Seymour and PeaSe, llPVorys, established in 1909, has grown to be one of the largest Ohio-based law firms with nearly 375 attorneys in six offices in Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Akron, Ohio; Washington, DC; and Houston, Texas. Our attorneys have represented charter schools and worked with school management companies in regard to a broad range of issues including, special education, student funding, state audits, sunshine laws, ethics, board governance and public contracting. Learn more about us at vorys.com.
SPONSORS PROFILES
37
lanyard SPonSor PSi PSI has a highly skilled and experienced team of educational specialists that set us apart from other service providers to Ohio schools! It is the support and coordination of our internal team that enables PSI school consultants to ensure our services are uncompromised. Whether it’s conforming with general education, special education, school health mandates or best practice standards, we partner with our client schools in solving their varied needs:
• SchoolPsychology• SchoolHealth(Nurses,CertifiedClinic
Aides, Medical Assistants)• SchoolWellnessPrograms• InterventionSpecialistsandTutors• Speech/LanguagePathologyandTherapy• RTITrainingandImplementation• Prevention/InterventionPrograms• SchoolImprovementTeams• SpecialEducationComplianceand
Administration• LanguageCultureConnection© • TESOLServices(TeachingEnglishto
Students of Other Languages)• SchoolMarketing
You benefit from our thirty five years of experience! As a Winner of Ohio’s BEST Practices Award, PSI also offers child abuse training, anti-bullying modules, family life classes, and many other professional development seminars for Ohio’s Community Schools. Our nation-wide network of education experts is available to our partner schools.
Learn how these programs can be customized to fit your school’s needs and budget: 1-800-841-4774, ext 240, or [email protected], or visit us at: www.psi-solutions.org.
video SPonSor niCola, GudBranSon & CooPerNicola, Gudbranson & Cooper, LLC has been providing legal services to charter schools for over ten years – helping schools, educators, parents and students achieve their educational goals. We have extensive experience partnering with start-up and existing charter schools in all phases of their development and growth – including negotiation with Sponsors and Management Companies, compliance with Sunshine Laws, real estate purchases, tax exemptions and leases, applications for tax exempt status, special education matters, student discipline, employment disputes and investigations, board policies, board training (live and via webinar), transportation and audit issues.
SCHool aWardS SPonSor ameriCan Federation For CHildrenThe American Federation for Children (AFC) seeks the fundamental transformation of public education through parental choice. We believe public education must be defined as providing families, particularly low-income families, with the public funding they need to choose the education they determine is best for their children.
teaCHer oF tHe year aWard SPonSor HuntinGton BanKWe are Huntington. We were founded right here in the Midwest, and more than 140 years later, we still bear our founder’s name. From generation to generation we have served the people of this region. This heartland. Our home. Welcome to our corner of the world.
exHiBitor reGiStration SPonSor BuCKley KinG Buckley King is a business law firm located in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Atlanta, Phoenix, and Las Vegas. Producing optimal results for clients starts with our five guiding principles. Clients retain us to: get straight answers; think big picture; be heard loud and clear; take a creative angle; and complete the project on time/on budget. Proficient in charter school funding, regulations, and corporate guidance, Buckley King can help you shape the future of education. www.buckleyking.com
reGiStration SPonSorS JoneS day and moSaiCa eduCation Jones Day, a legal institution with more than 2,500 lawyers on five continents, is based on a set of core principles – the most critical of which is a relentless focus on client service that transcends individual interests. We are One Firm Worldwide. Ranked among the world’s most integrated law firms and best in client service, Jones Day has locations in centers of business and finance throughout the world.
Mosaica Education, Inc. (www.mosaicaeduca-tion.com) is a global leader in education reform. Mosaica has served more than 45,000 students since its founding in 1997. We currently operate over 90 elementary, middle and high school public and private programs in nine states, the District of Columbia and internationally.
Mosaica offers a wide range of educational services including:
• Wholeschoolmanagementdomesticallyand internationally
• Turnaroundconsulting• Leadershipandprofessionaldevelopment• Online,hybridandtraditionalschool
formats
SPONSORS PROFILES
38
BootH ComPany
1 Therapy Source, Inc.
2 Schoolbelles School uniforms
3 Benchmark Education Company
4 Edlio
5 Sadlier
6 Sadlier
7 Zaner-Bloser
8 CTB McGraw-Hill
9 McGraw-Hill Education Group
10 Innovative Modular Solutions
11 The Center for Learning
12 Saxon Publishers
13 ICS
14 Abrams Learning Trends
15 Ziegler
16 Study Island
17 Hamilton County ESC
18 American Reading Company
19 Taylor Consulting Services, LLC
20 Renaissance Learning
21 Editure Professional Development
22 Staples Advantage
23 Connections Education
24 Live School, Inc.
25 Nicola, Gudbranson & Cooper, LLC
26 Mosaica Education, Inc.
27 SMARTSolution Technology
28 HMH Specialized Curriculum (Great Source, Rigby, Steck-Vaughn)
29 Preferrd Meal Systems
30 e-Tech Academy
31 Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools
32 EdVantages
33 EdVantages
34 Herff Jones I Nystrom
35 Illuminate Education
36 Verizon Wireless
37 ATD-AMERICAN CO
BootH ComPany
38 ATD-American Co.
39 TinyEYE Therapy Services
40 Easy Graphics Corp.
41 Frontline Technologies
42 Pearson Education
44 S&S Worldwide
45 Signature Learning Resources
46 Frey Scientific
47 Triumph Learning
48 Association of American Educators
49 Total Education Solutions
50 School Pathways, LLC
51 Achieve3000
52 Charter School Specialists
53 Charter School Specialists
54 Summit Academy Management
55 Houghton Mifflin Harcourt & Holt McDougal
56 Miles Ahead Technology
57 Mobilease Modular Space, Inc.
58 Jarvis & Associaties, Inc
59 SuperKids Reading Program
60 Piper Jaffray
61 Imagine Schools
62 Imagine Schools
63 Concept
64 Concept
65 K12 Inc.
66 Smart Solutions
67 Ben Franklin Payroll
68 SpedTrack
69 EdWorks
70 School Insurance Consultants
71 Hertz Furniture
72 Measured Progress
73 eSchoolView
74 National Geographic Learning
75 PSI Associates, Inc.
77 Portage County Educational Service Center
EXHIBITOR BOOTH NuMBERS
39
aBramS learninG trendS Abrams Learning Trends is a pre-k through grade 5 publisher of literacy, math and science materials designed for intervention and students struggling with their basal materials.
Abrams Learning Trends, 16310 Bratton Lane, Suite 250, Austin TX 78728, 1-800-227-9120
Booth 14
aCHieve3000Achieve3000® is the leader in differentiated instruction. Our proven online literacy solutions, KidBiz3000™ (grades 2-5), TeenBiz3000®(6-8), Empower3000™ (9-12), and Spark3000® (for adult learners), improve reading comprehen-sion, fluency, vocabulary, and writing skills for all learners—from ELL and Special Ed to Gifted. KidBiz®, TeenBiz®, Empower® and Spark® deliver daily nonfiction, standards-based reading content precisely matched to each student’s individual learning profile. These solutions, based on decades of scientific research, dramat-ically improve literacy and high-stakes test performance. Achieve3000 uses a proprietary Lexile assessment for accurate placement, and we support teachers with ongoing evaluation tools and Common Core State Standards-linked content, assignments and reports.
Booth 51
ameriCan readinG ComPanyBuilt and managed by teachers, curriculum specialist and literary activists, American Reading Company uses an integrated frame-work for assessment and instruction based on the Common Core Standards. For over a decade, ARC’s experienced team has worked with school leaders and instructors to transform school cultures creating sustainable academic achievement through training, management and monitoring. Today, more than a million students in 2,200 schools across 43 states participate in the company’s RtI formative assessment suite of offerings.
Booth 18
aSSoCiation oF ameriCan eduCatorS The Association of American Educators is the country’s largest, national NON-union educator association. AAE provides educators with professional benefits including liability insurance, legal services, member discounts on supplemental insurance plans, and more for only $15 per month. AAE does not engage in collective bargaining and AAE does not endorse or give money to political candidates or political parties.
Booth 48
atd-ameriCan Co ATD-American Co. provides furniture solutions for schools in the united States and interna-tionally. The company provides school desks and chairs, outfit classrooms, science labs, art rooms, locker room and gymnasium, and stages and music rooms; and systems furni-ture, computer furniture, ergonomic chairs, executive and managerial office chairs, leather chairs, lecterns and podiums, and mailroom furniture. Further, the company provides space planning and design, and installation services. ATD-American Co. was founded in 1931 and is headquartered in Wyncote, Pennsylvania.www.atdamerican.com
Booth 37 and 38
Ben FranKlin Payroll Booth 67
BenCHmarK eduCation ComPanBenchmark Education Company produces research-based, proven-effective literacy mate-rials for core, supplementary, and intervention use with PreK–12 students, including gifted, on-level, and struggling readers; students with learning disabilities; and those still mastering English as a second language. Standards-aligned products and Professional Development are designed to help teachers enable each learner to succeed academically. BEC materials are used in over 20,000 schools and districts. Contact BEC at (877) 236-2465 or visit www.benchmarkeducation.com.
Booth 3
CHarter SCHool SPeCialiStS Charter School Specialists has a proven track-record of success in partnering with school leaders and boards. We assist developers, educational management organizations, and “organic” school leaders and teams, and provide sponsorship services to nearly 50 Ohio schools authorized by St. Aloysius Orphanage.
Our experts provide technical assistance related to the development of charter school applica-tions and contracts, and guide developers through the school start-up process. We deliver technical assistance to charter schools, from pre-operation planning and early operations, to ongoing school improvement and data management and analysis.
Charter School Specialists has assisted in the successful development and implementation of more than 80 schools. We have an outstanding reputation in the charter school movement and continue to provide value to the school choice public education system.
Our specialists are subject matter experts in finance, federal student programs, special education, school authorizing, and curriculum and professional development. We also coordi-nate a variety of special projects unique to the individual schools we serve, and we can even manage your entire education environment.
Turn to the experts at Charter School Special-ists for a wide range of quality support, from sponsorship and professional development, to federal programs, special education and treasurer’s services.
Booths 52 and 53
CtB/mCGraW-Hill CTB/McGraw-Hill is the leading provider of high quality educational assessment products and services for the early learner, K-12, and adult education markets, helping learners of all ages meet their potential. Working collab-oratively with our customers, we innovate successful solutions that play a vital role in teaching and learning.
Booths 8 and 9
ConCePt SCHoolS Based in Chicago, Concept Schools is a not-for-profit charter management organization that manages 27 successful K-12 charter schools in the Midwest, proudly serving more than 8300 students led by over 900 dedicated staff members.
All located in urban areas, Concept Schools developed a college preparatory curriculum that not only focuses on math, science and technology, but also ensures all students master state-required core education classes. Data-driven instruction with formative assessments, increased student engagement, sustainable relationships, compassionate staff, community partnerships, and increased parental involvement are some components of the Concept design.
For the past 12 years, Concept managed schools have made the u.S. News & World Report rankings, received the prestigious Blue Ribbon Award and National Distinguished Title 1 School Award, and been recognized for closing the achievement gap. As our high schools maintain over 95% graduation rate and 100% college acceptance rate, middle and elementary schools continue to have higher proficiency rates than their counterparts in state standardized tests. Concept’s model has consistently proven to lead to high student achievement.
Booths 63 and 64
EXHIBITOR PROFILES
40
ConneCtionS eduCation Connections Education is a leading, fully-accredited provider of high-quality, highly accountable virtual education solutions for students in grades K–12. Since 2001, its Connections Academy division has delivered individualized learning to students through virtual public schools and a private online academy. The Connections Learning division works with charter schools, school districts, and other institutions looking to develop and enhance their online learning programs by delivering a full range of targeted digital learning solutions including online courses, a digital learning platform, and more. Connections Education is committed to expanding quality education through technology and helping students achieve academic and personal success.
Booth 23
eaSy GraPHiCS CorP Booth 40
eSCHoolvieW eSchoolView is the best Content Management System (CMS) for education web sites! We stand above the rest with our outstanding service, punctual service, easy onsite training and regular updates. Our CMS allows you to engage your community, inform parents and increase students’ school pride. We have committed to the success of over 100 Ohio educational organizations.
CALL 1.888.932.6460, CLICK www.eSchool View.com, WRITE [email protected]
Booth 73
e-teCH aCademy Career Exploration for Your Students – A Dynamic Virtual Elective
e-Tech Academy provides virtual vocational education electives for students 8th through 12th grades to explore career paths, learn skills and apply in their daily lives. Classes are delivered virtually, making it convenient in a very busy life to experience different careers and prepare a future in the workforce. Courses relate to a specific trade, occupation, or voca-tion, including Workforce Skills, Retail Customer Service, Construction Trades, Office Skills and much more.
Booth 30
edlio Edlio builds more Charter School Websites than anyone else in the World. We don’t believe in using templates like most companies, everything is custom designed to your liking! Edlio has it’s own content management system that allows ANYONE (with appropriate access) to update the site with ease. Features include: news, calendars, teacher pages, polls, video, social media integration, mobile phone capability, and much more! No need to be frustrated with your website again!
Booth 4
editure ProFeSSional develoP-ment Editure Professional Development offers comprehensive and customizable Professional Development solutions that increase teacher effectiveness and drive student achievement. We are specialists in impactful, job-embedded consultancy and web-based learning content for educators.
Booth 21
edvantaGeS Booth 32 and 33
edWorKS, llC EdWorks, LLC is a not-for-profit, fee-for-service subsidiary of the nationally recognized KnowledgeWorks Foundation. EdWorks brings field-tested experience from more than 40 districts, across seven states. EdWorks empowers first generation college-goers and traditionally underserved students to graduate from high school prepared to succeed in college and careers. We help turn around struggling schools and we design and implement Early College and STEM schools that set high expectations and develop challenging curricular for all students.
Booth 69
Frey SCientiFiC Frey scientific provides K-12 educators with innovative technology products including iNeo/SCI, our new web-based virtual labs programs for Biology, AP biology and Chem-istry; Inquiry Investigations standards-based programs hands-on modules that includes CD-ROM virtual labs and NeoSCI hands-on kits; expert lab design and planning services; and an extensive offering of lab equipment, supplies and safety materials. Disciplines include all areas of science including biology, chemistry, physics, environmental, forensics, earth and space sciences.
Booth 46
Frontline teCHnoloGieS Booth 41
Hamilton County eSCHCESC provides school districts in Ohio with numerous services with a focus on innovation and in response to meet challenging demands and changing needs of today’s students and educators. HCESC provides expertise in literacy, technology, early childhood education, gifted programs, English language learners, students with special needs, math, science and social studies coaches, physical and occupa-tional therapists, speech pathologists, nurses and attendance officers.
Booth 17
HerFF JoneS i nyStrom Booth 34
HertZ FurnitureHERTZ carries the furniture Charters need. Classroom, cafeteria, lab, and more — we have it all: products from over 125 manufacturers with added a 25-Year Warranty. We offer free space planning services: product selection/specification; CAD drawings; layouts; custom furniture design — all at no charge to you with our Hertz Design Center.
We stand for excellent service, great selection, superior quality, on-time delivery, and value second to none. Your Regional Sales Manager, David Nezri, is just a phone call away at 800-526-4677.
Booth 71
HouGHton miFFlin HarCourt and Holt mCdouGalHoughton Mifflin Harcourt offers educational and related instructional materials for grades pre-K through 8th, programs include science, reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies and professional development. Holt McDougal Company offers secondary educa-tional solutions for language arts, science, health, social studies, math and world language, as well as advanced and elective materials for arts, humanities, and music for Grades 6 through 12.
Booth 55
HouGHton miFFlin HarCourt SPeCialiZed Curriulum Booth 28
EXHIBITOR PROFILES
41
iCS ICS is “Your” Facilities Guy at no charge to you, we handle Electric, Gas, Telecom, Internet, Cable, IT, Cabling, Fire Alarm Moni-toring and Service/Inspections, along with Security Services, We have over 300 Quality Vendors that will quote your services (Vendors pay us), we do all the work and save you time and money. We also do ERate Services and Consulting Services for those opening new locations. One Call Does it all 614-285-4901
Booth 13
illuminate eduCation Booth 35
imaGine SCHoolS After first opening schools in Ohio in 2005, Imagine Schools has grown to currently operate 16 Ohio campuses, providing quality educa-tion to over 6,500 students in Akron, Canton, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and Toledo. Imagine Schools also operates nationally with over 60 schools throughout 11 other states and the District of Columbia.
Imagine Schools’ vision is for every student to reach his or her full potential and discover the pathways for life-long success. Each school in the Imagine Schools’ family is uniquely tailored in curriculum and structure, but share a common culture based on shared values. Students at Imagine receive a strong educa-tional balance, integrating instruction in math, reading, history, science, critical thinking, writing, music, art, and technology, with a strong emphasis placed on academic achieve-ment and character development.
At Imagine, the academic achievement of each student is evaluated primarily through same student learning gains. Students are tested at
the start of the year to give teachers a basis of what areas need the most improvement. Testing again at year-end shows how far each student advanced individually during the school year. Imagine Schools is always looking to improve learning gains further by developing effective methods to help students reach even greater academic success.
Positive character development is also a central part of the educational experience for students attending Imagine Schools. Each school emphasizes the development of caring, trusting relationships between students and staff, and elements of citizenship, service, and leader-ship are also incorporated to achieve success in school and in life.
Imagine Schools aspires to serve the educa-tional needs of as many students as possible and is constantly involved in the development of new schools. The organization is grateful to the parents, community leaders, and local boards who are helping achieve this goal by choosing Imagine Schools as their educational partner.
Booths 61 and 62
innovative modular SolutionS Innovative Modular Solutions is a leading provider of temporary and permanent educa-tional space. From high quality single classroom solutions, to fully designed and built school or campus projects, IMS provides complete solutions for learning space, including schools, colleges, universities, dormitories, gymnasiums, laboratories, and dining facilities. We create modern, effective environments for nurturing, learning and development. We can provide a total solution including managing the whole project from site development to furnishing. We also provide a wide range of financing options to meet short and long term requirements.
Booth #10
JarviS and aSSoCiateS At Jarvis and Associates, we recommend and implement strategies to improve educational services provided by Ohio schools. Teaming up with Jarvis and Associates will assure that you are running an efficient, accurate, and successful operation. Our clients experience peace of mind in knowing we possess the knowledge, experience, and commitment required to provide them successful solutions. Please check out our website: www.jarvisandas-sociates.com for additional information about our services.
Booth 58
K12 K12, Inc is the nation’s largest provider of online school programs for students in kindergarten through high school. using 21st century tools to prepare 21st century students, K12 provides a new choice for children of all backgrounds to learn in a flexible and innovative way, at an individualized pace. K12 provides its curriculum and academic services to school districts, public and private online schools, traditional classrooms, blended school programs, and directly to families. K12 is revolutionizing schools by integrating technology and rigorous curriculum into classrooms, and designing new blended school models that offer students engaging online courses and personalized learning programs.
Accredited through AdvancedED, the world’s largest education community, K12 has deliv-ered more than 3 million courses to hundreds of thousands of students worldwide. For more information on K12, visit: www.K12.com.
Booth 65
live SCHool, inC. LiveSchool is an intuitive web-based application that will change the way your school manages student data. LiveSchool gives teachers the tools they need to communicate with students and hold them accountable to high expectations for behavior, homework comple-tion, and more. LiveSchool makes it easy to manage a school-wide incentive system, such as paychecks, scholar dollars or PBIS, and is completely customizable to your school culture and values. LiveSchool automatically generates weekly reports that give families personal-ized feedback on student progress. For school leaders, LiveSchool means that consequences are consistent, student excellence is rewarded, and teachers can focus on students, not spread-sheets. Visit us at www.liveschoolinc.com to learn more, or email us at [email protected] to get started today!
Booth 24
EXHIBITOR PROFILES
42
meaSured ProGreSS For nearly 30 years, Measured Progress has provided schools, districts, and states with assessment and professional development services. As a not-for-profit organization, it’s our dedication to students that allows us to provide solutions that are creative, time-saving, and cost-effective. With student learning as our bottom line, it’s no wonder so many educators trust us to help them “connect the dots” between assessment, technology, data, research, and classroom learning.
Booth 72
mileS aHead teCHnoloGy Miles Ahead Technology is a unique tech-nology and facilities solution provider that works directly with educational institutions. We consult with educational entities to custom tailor efficient solutions based on each orga-nization’s technology needs. By combining installation and maintenance services for multiple systems, we reduce installation costs and improve efficiency of technology systems. Miles Ahead Technology allows organizations to reduce systems maintenance costs while gaining budget flexibility to invest in upgrading technology for the future.
Booth 56
moBileaSe modular SPaCe, inC. From temporary classrooms to permanent multi-story buildings, Mobilease Modular Space, Inc. serves educational institutions often and well. We provide excellent space need solutions with mobile and modular buildings. With changing educational space needs and today’s tighter and tighter budgets, our build-ings are quick, flexible, and cost-saving answers. www.mobileasemodular.com
Booth 57
moSaiCa eduCation, inC. Mosaica Education, Inc. (www.mosaicaeduca-tion.com) is a global leader in education reform. Mosaica has served more than 45,000 students since its founding in 1997. We currently operate over 90 elementary, middle and high school public and private programs in nine states, the District of Columbia and internationally. Mosaica offers a wide range of educational services including:
• Wholeschoolmanagementdomestically and internationally
• Turnaroundconsulting• Leadershipandprofessionaldevelopment• Online,hybridandtraditionalschoolformats
Booth 26
niCola, GudBranSon & CooPer, llC Nicola, Gudbranson & Cooper, LLC has been providing legal services to charter schools for over ten years – helping schools, educators, parents and students achieve their educational goals. We have extensive experience partnering with start-up and existing charter schools in all phases of their development and growth – including negotiation with Sponsors and Management Companies, compliance with Sunshine Laws, real estate purchases, tax exemptions and leases, applications for tax exempt status, special education matters, student discipline, employment disputes and investigations, board policies, board training (live and via webinar), transportation and audit issues.
Booth 25
oHio allianCe For PuBliC CHarter SCHoolS Booth 31
PearSon eduCation Pearson, the industry leader in SIS solutions, is the only education technology provider to offer districts an unparalleled selection of technologies that address the challenges of achievement, reporting, growth and scalability. Pearson’s Power-School® and Chancery SMS Solutions® provide an integrated, flexible and customized technology infrastructure to power individualized learning. www.pearsonschoolsystems.com
Booth 42
PiPer JaFFray Piper Jaffray is a national leader in charter school finance. We help our clients achieve their objectives through our comprehensive investment banking services, in-depth charter school industry knowledge, debt structuring, trading expertise and strong distribution chan-nels. In Ohio, we are enabling our Community School clients to have facility finance options by providing them with access to the capital markets. These efforts are assisting the schools with the acquisition and improvement of their school facilities. At PiperJaffray, our focus is not simply the execution of the transaction at hand, but rather the delivery of superior client service and the establishment of enduring, long-term relationships. For your facility financing, let us be your guide. Contact either Jay Hromatka, Senior Vice President at (612) 303-6608, or Nick Hagen, Vice President at (612) 303-6661 or toll free at (800) 333-6000, extension 36608 or extension 36661.
Booth 60
national GeoGraPHiC learninG Booth 74
PortaGe County eSC Portage County ESC Community Schools can benefit by working with specialists like the Portage County Educational Service Center. Since 2003, PCESC has been the one-stop, primary community schools source for a wide variety of support services that include e-learning, educational planning, fiscal and business management, building operations support, EMIS management, creation and operation of gifted and special education programs, federal and state grant writing, professional development programs, as well as marketing and business development assistance and related services.
Booth 77
PreFerred meal SyStemSPreferred Meal Systems provides a quality unitized meal program which includes all the “components” of a full service operation without a major financial investment. The “component meal system” includes individual packages of entrees, side dishes, fresh fruits, vegetables, fresh bread, milk, condiments and a spork kit along with trays and liners combined with services like delivery, menu planning, nutritional analysis, equipment, maintenance, training, marketing and promotions. The system is easy to implement, administer and affordable.
Booth 29
PSi aSSoCiateS, inC.PSI has a highly skilled and experienced team of educational specialists that set us apart from other service providers to Ohio schools! It is the support and coordination of our internal team that enables PSI school consultants to ensure our services are uncompromised. Whether it’s conforming with general education, special education, school health mandates or best practice standards, we partner with our client schools in solving their varied needs.
You benefit from our thirty five years of experi-ence! As a Winner of Ohio’s BEST Practices Award, PSI also offers child abuse training, anti-bullying modules, family life classes, and many other professional development seminars for Ohio’s Community Schools. Our nation-wide network of education experts is available to our partner schools. Learn how these programs can be customized to fit your school’s needs and budget: 1-800-841-4774, ext 240, or [email protected], or visit us at: www.psi-solutions.org.
Booth 75
EXHIBITOR PROFILES
43
renaiSSanCe learninGRenaissance Learning™ is the world’s leading provider of computer-based assessment technology for Pre K–12 schools. Adopted by more than 70,000 North American schools, Renaissance Learning’s software provides daily formative assessment and periodic progress-monitoring technology to enhance curriculum, support instruction, and personalize practice in reading, writing, and math. Renaissance Learning is also a leading provider of school-improvement solutions.
Booth 20
S&S WorldWide S&S Worldwide provides Classroom Supplies, Furniture, Sports & PE Equipment, and Arts & Craft Supplies to educators and learning institutions nationwide. We offer many services such as real time sourcing and procurement, innovative technology solutions & quality assurance and product testing to name a few. Contact us today to learn more!
Booth 44
William H. Sadlier, inC. William H. Sadlier, Inc. is recognized and respected in dioceses,schools, and parishes throughout the united States for its outstanding catechetical and educational publications. Sadlier’s tradition of quality for more than 175 years has been nurtured by the vision, integrity, and dedication of the same family. Today we are honored to carry on that family tradition of excellence. www.sadlier.com
Booths 5 and 6
Saxon PuBliSHerS Saxon Math is the nation’s best selling and most thoroughly researched skills-based mathematics program for grades K-12. Saxon’s unique pedagogical approach, based on instruction, practice and assessment distributed across the grade level, incorporates 25 years of research and classroom experience. This same successful, classroom-tested approach is also applied to the popular Saxon Phonics and Spelling K-3, Phonics Intervention for older, struggling readers and Saxon Early Learning programs.
Booth 12
SCHoolBelleS SCHool uniFormS Schoolbelles School uniforms specializes in dress codes, uniforms, shoes, gym wear, spirit wear, and faculty wear. We are a family-owned business of three generations that continues a tradition of manufacturing and providing modern styles and classic designs with great service for reasonable prices.
Booth 2
SCHool inSuranCe ConSultantS School Insurance Consultants is the only full service consulting firm for property/liability insurance in Ohio representing over 100 Charter and Public schools. In business since 2003 with over 30 years in the insurance business.
We are consultants, not insurance salesmen, who are employed by the schools to represent them. We provide our clients with the insur-ance needed at the lowest possible premium. Our average premium savings for the Charter Schools we represent has been 67%.
Booth 70
SCHool PatHWayS School Pathways is more than a student infor-mation system. We understand the need for combining Multiple Technology Products into ONE Powerful Integrated Database solution. Our technologies meet – then exceed – educa-tional industry software standards. The goals of integration, communication, student engage-ment and collaboration monitored from one centralized web-based location are reality for us. Visit us today to learn more about our Longitu-dinal Data Reporting, Virtual Learning Platform, Curriculum Management Software, Online Student Registration, Online Class Registration, Electronic Document Archiving, Personalized Learning System, and so much more!
www.schoolpathways.com
Booth 50
SiGnature learninG reSourCeS Signature Learning Resources provides school- based therapy and special education services and has been a leader in charter school staffing for over 10 years. We provide an interdisciplin-ary approach to the evaluation and treatment of the children we serve. We are able to offer your school the highest quality professionals in speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, special education, and counseling. We can assist your school in developing and executing a successful special education and/or related therapy service program while holding paramount the educa-tional needs of the child.
Booth 45
Smart SolutionS K-12 Smart Solutions K-12 offers IT services, profes-sional development, and hardware to many Ohio charter schools. We are one of Ohio’s leading service providers for the federal E-rate program. In 2011, our charter school clients made requests for E-Rate projects totaling $4.6M (over $115,000 per school). If you are starting a new charter school, or if you need
technology upgrades at your established charter school, contact us to learn how we can help you! Contact: Paul Karlin, [email protected], (216) 765-1122 EXT 8371
Booth 66
SmartSolution teCHnoloGySMARTSolution Technologies L.P. specializes in technology for the classroom. Our product lines include Smart Technologies Smart boards and other products, along with projectors, distance learning products such as Polycom video conferencing, document camera’s, and most audio-visual equipment. We also offer instal-lation of our products and offer training and professional development on all our products, including how to integrate technology into the classroom. (440) 893-9330 Fax: (440) 893-9331 7207 Chagrin Road, Suite 6, Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023. Please visit our website at www.smarterguys.com
Booth 27
SPedtraCKSpedTrack™ is a web-based suite of modules that revolutionizes the management of your Special Education program. SpedTrack central-izes your information and processes into one user friendly application, easing the burden of managing Special Education for both teachers and administrators. The Special Education Module covers everything from referral to dismissal and provides a secure, central location for all data. Staff will spend less time on paperwork and more time with their students.
Booth 68
StaPleS advantaGe Staples Advantage is dedicated to your schools:
One source for all of your needs:
• Office&ClassroomSupplies,Facilities, Furniture, Spirit-ware, and Technology.
• Awardwinningcustomerserviceteam.• Easyandefficientonlineorderingthrough
our proprietary Web sites.• Cost-reductionstrategiesthathelpyou
achieve lowest total delivered cost.• Ourcommitmenttoeducationasshown
by our Staples Foundation for Learning® which helps fund K-12 educators and school programs nationwide (learn more at staples-foundation.org)
Booth 22
EXHIBITOR PROFILES
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Study iSland Study Island is a web-based state standards mastery program that helps students in kinder-garten through 12th grade master grade-level academic standards in a fun and engaging manner. Study Island is utilized by over 10 million students in approximately 22,800 schools in the united States and Canada.
Booth 16
Summit aCademy Summit Academy Schools is a FREE, non-profit Public Community School for students K-12 with Aspergers Syndrome, AD/HD and related disorders. We have 26 schools in 14 communities throughout Ohio. Our therapeutic curriculum includes targeted social skills training and is fully aligned with the Ohio Content Standards. We offer a safe and nurturing environment. Our teachers understand the specific academic and social challenges that students with Aspergers and AD/HD face every day. Visit us at www.summitacademies.com
Booth 54
SuPerKidS readinG ProGram Rowland Reading Foundation publishes the Superkids Reading Program, a core reading program designed just for kindergarten through second grade that teaches all aspects of reading seamlessly integrated with the language arts. Happily Ever After is the Foundation’s motivating, literature-based reading readiness program.
Booth 59
tHe Center For learninG Full-Circle Online Professional Development from The Center for Learning provides educa-tors with thought-provoking instructional strategies from today’s most important authors and researchers. Coursework is designed to produce real outcomes in improved teacher effectiveness and student learning. Our Digital Lessons Plans are proven, standards-aligned lessons designed to promote 21st-century skills and higher order learning, conveniently available in an online, searchable database.
Booth 11
taylor ConSultinG ServiCeS, llCAre you looking to create a high-quality learning environment? Are you looking to enhance what you’re already doing? Let us help you achieve the results you want. At Taylor Consulting LLC we can:
• Increasegrades/GPA’s• Increaseacademicachievementontest
scores• Increaseschoolclimateandschool
improvement• Increasehighschoolcompletion• Increasesustainability• Increasecommunityandparentengagement• Increase21stcenturyskills• Andmore!COMESEEUSTODAY
Booth 19
tHeraPy SourCe, inC. Therapy Source is a premier therapy staffing and special education services provider offering highly qualified speech, occupational, physical, behavioral health, psychological and related therapy services to educational organizations nationwide. TheraWeb, our real-time, online therapy delivery solution, enables cost contain-ment, compliance, increased goal progression and flexibility. For more information, please visit www.txsource.net. To learn more about TheraWeb or to view a demo: www.txsource.net/theraweb.
Booth 1
eaSy GraPHiCS CorP Booth 40
total eduCation SolutionS Total Education Solutions provides innovative, quality educational services to individuals with exceptional needs. In homes, communities, schools, clinics, and online, we foster opportuni-ties for success. We work with public, charter, and private schools to ensure that special education programs comply with IDEA 2004 and local and state education standards. We develop IEP goals and objectives, provide in-service training and workshops for staff, and offer an array of therapeutic services. Visit www.tesidea.com or call (877) TES-IDEA.
Booth 49
triumPH learninG Buckle Down/Options Publishing is the undis-puted #1 provider of OAA/OGT review product. Buckle Down provides review materials covering grades 2-8 in all subjects tested by the OAA and grades 9 & 10 for subjects test by the OGT. Buckle Down/Options Publishing also provides
wide range of instructional materials for the classroom covering the Common Core State Standards, skill based intervention materials for ELA, Math, and Science, and strategies for success: Math Problem Solving.
Booth 47
tWin toWerS traininG Twin Towers Training is a consultant-based busi-ness owned and operated by twins Pat and Pam Terry. They design, develop, and deliver educa-tional training that is memorable and engaging for K-8 teachers AND students in the area of Language Arts. All training is designed as ongoing, embedded professional development to support the long-range goals of schools as well as State Language Arts Standards. They specialize in conducting teacher observations, providing fact-based feedback and personal-ized coaching.
veriZon WireleSS Booth 36
Zaner-BloSer Zaner-Bloser is a premier publisher of research-based handwriting, reading, spelling, writing, and vocabulary programs for Pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade. The company strives to create high-quality, dynamic, and appealing educational programs and services that inspire all students to become engaged, literate participants in the global society. Zaner-Bloser Handwritinghas been a national institution for several generations. The company’s other programs include Spelling Connections; Voices Literature and Writing; Voices Leveled Library; Reaching All Readers; Read for Real; Word Wisdom; and the award-winning Strategies for Writers. The company continues to grow through the addition of technology products.
Booth 7
ZieGler Ziegler Ziegler is a full-service investment banking firm that specializes in financing charter school facilities nationwide. The Ziegler Educa-tion Finance Team can help schools sort through the myriad of financing options available in the marketplace, including, Build America Bonds, New Market Tax Credits, Recovery Zone Bonds and Qualified School Construction Bonds. Once a plan of finance is in place we can help assemble and coordinate a financing team and, finally, execute on the financing.
Booth 15
EXHIBITOR PROFILES
45
INNOVATED WITH 21ST-CENTURY TOOLS.EDUCATION BUILTON TRADITIONAL WISDOM,
K12 is strengthening the promise of American education with individualized, online learning solutions steeped in decades of education research.
For parents, it’s powerful public school choices that release each child’s personal potential. For students, it’s individualized learning delivered through an award-winning mix of traditional offline materials and today’s engaging digital media. For teachers, it’s technology-powered learning systems that enable them to deliver targeted instruction right when it’s needed. For districts and schools, it’s online solutions both within and outside the walls that address the hardest challenges and tightening budgets. And for America, it’s a brighter future.
The school of tomorrow is here today. Discover why K12 is the leader in K–12 online education—and trusted by schools, districts, and parents nationwide.
Visit K12.com today to explore our individualized education options.
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for optimal resultsget straight answers
It’s our philosophy – when
you make informed
decisions, we can respond
on time and on budget.
216.363.1400 • buckleyking.com
Cleveland
Columbus
CinCinnati
atlanta
Phoenix
las vegas
800.255.2825
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Education is not a one-size-fits-all solution.Neither are authorizers.
Ohio Council of Community Schools Darlene Chambers, Ph.D., SPHR (866) Kids-Ohio Toll-Free (419) 720-5200
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Call your local school to find out more about open enrollment.
www.edvantages.com � www.performanceacademies.com
BUIDING STRONG MINDS AND STRONG BODIES.
You Have a Choice!Serving Grades K-8
State Approved CurriculumChallenging Curriculum
and Daily Sports Instruction!
1875 Morse Rd. • Columbus OH 43229E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 614-318-0600
3474 Livingston Ave. • Columbus OH 43227E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 614-324-4585
1258 Demorest Rd. • Columbus OH 43204E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 614-318-0606
2220 Hamilton Ct. E. • Columbus OH 43232E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 614-318-1037 K-8
K-8 K-8K-8
274 E. 1st Avenue, Suite 200 • Columbus, Ohio 43201E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 614-318-0720 K-6
7601 Harrison Avenue • Cincinnati, Ohio 45231E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 513-587-6280
1615 Selma Road • Springfield, Ohio 45505E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 937-323.6250
816 Second Avenue • Middletown, Ohio 45044E-mail:[email protected]
Phone: 513-424-6110 K-8 K-8K-8
No Tuition! • All Students Wear Uniforms • Strong Academics/State Approved Curriculum • Small Class sizes –No more than 18 students per class • All Day Kindergarten • Extended School Day from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. • Daily Fitness Regimen
in Martial Arts, Soccer and Tennis • Participation in all State Mandated Academic Testing Programs
3100 Shiloh Springs Road • Trotwood, Ohio 45426E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 937-854-4100
3001 Hill Ave. • Toledo, Ohio 43607E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 419-535-3700 K-8K-8
EdVantages_Ad_10.29_Columbus Flier 10/28/11 2:02 PM Page 1
Sound Management Sound Results
Managing 27 K-12college preparatory
charter schools in the Midwest,with math, science,
and technology emphasis
100% College AcceptanceBlue Ribbon AwardBest High Schools List by US News & World ReportFederal Title I Distinguished School Award
www.conceptschools.org
