LCA Conference

Building an Understanding of State and National Tests

Presenters: Mitzi Hoback, ESU #4 and Carla Noerrlinger, Omaha Public Schools

Transitioning from STARS to NeSA will bring changes. Is your district ready? How will you interpret results on the new state test? What does the data you receive from NRT's really mean? Please join us as we explore the ins and outs of data analysis and how insights gained from this analysis can be applied to school improvement planning. Informaton will be shared from both the large and small school perspectives.

Focus on Student Learning Through Collaboration

Presenters: Troy Loeffelholz, Hastings Public Schools and Cynthia Wendell, Holdrege Public Schools

This session will provide information on types of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) that focus on student learning and student achievement that are currently in Hastings Public Schools and Holdrege Public Schools. These district models will provide insight to benefits and pitfalls of improving student learning through collaboration.

Don't Let the Tail Wag the Dog! Lead to Achieve with Classroom-Based Assessments

Presenters: Mary Knight, Cindy Case, Kelcy Currin, Laura Miller and Kim Larson, Papillion-La Vista School District

This session will detail how Papillion-La Vista Schools have developed a foundational balanced district assessment system that focuses on measuring the depth of student understanding. Our teacher leaders in all grade levels and subject areas apply Understanding by Design concepts to create curriculum that identify clear learning targets and essential knowledge and skills. Teachers then develop common summative assessments to measure students' transferable understanding through performance and essay-based assessments. As a district, Papillion-La Vista Schools is committed to gathering assessment data that is aligned to instructional practices instead of mirroring the format of statewide tests. In this presentation, we will share actual examples and data of how classroom-based assessments challenge students to apply their learning in multiple ways while also preparing them for the demands of state and federal mandated testing. 

Building a Pre-K System for Continuous Improvement

Presenters: Vernon Fisher, Grand Island Public Schools; Angela Zabawa, Lincoln Public Schools; Kim Jonas, Carolyn Troxel and Mary Jane Garner, Broken Bow Public Schools

This session will focus on how the Lincoln Public Schools and Broken Bow Schools have taken various initiatives such as School Improvement, PLC's, formative and summative assessment, and improving classroom instruction and developed a coherent plan of action.