Analyzing Data From Multiple Sources

Presenters: Cindy Gray, Elkhorn Public Schools and Toby Boss, ESU #6
Presenters will discuss ways in which information from a variety of assessment sources can be used to inform instruction and school improvement initiatives. This session will explore uses of assessments designed specifically for formative purposes as well as uses of information from large-scale standardized assessments.

Preparing for Online Assessment

Presenters: Lynne Klemke, Garden County Schools and Patricia Crum, Millard Public Schools
This session will provide information concerning online testing from the view point of both large and small school districts. Topics to be discussed include: what to expect from online testing, practical tips for computer-based assessment, and experiences from the field. 

Continuous Improvement: It Takes "All of Us"

Presenters: Jeremy Christiansen, Fairbury Public Schools; Mary Knight, Papillion-LaVista Public Schools; Freida Lange, Nebraska Department of Education; Brenda Beachler, Fairbury Public Schools
If Continuous Improvement is truly a part of a district's culture, everyone, from the superintendent, to the classroom teacher, support staffs, and community members, have a part to play. This session will explore strategies being used at Papillion-LaVista and Fairbury Public Schools to authentically involve "All of Us" in their efforts to continuously improve student achievement.

Curriculum Alignment

Presenter: Jan Hoegh, Nebraska Department of Education
The process of curriculum alignment is the basis of all other district processes. This session will showcase varying-sized districts and how they go about articulating learner outcomes. Those who attend can plan on seeing different curriculum formats and having an opportunity to network.

Communicating to Stakeholders

Facilitator: Jim Walter, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Panelists: Jamie Isom, Valentine Community Schools; Jackie Kelsay, Johnson-Brock Public Schools; John Skretta, Norris School District 160 and Terry Snyder, Fremont Public Schools
Every school system is challenged with making sure that they communicate effectively with the various stakeholder groups in their community and district.  Communication about student assessments has always been a challenge.  The recent decision to conduct state wide assessments in Reading and Mathematics will make that communication even more important.  Stakeholder groups include the local school board, the local media, students, parents, teachers, local business and the community at large. This session will be a panel discussion that will share some strategies used by members in their districts to meet the challenges of communicating with various stakeholder groups.

Using Professional Development to "Figure Out the Data Puzzle"

Presenter: Mitzi Hoback, Educational Service Unit #4 and Carla Noerrlinger, Omaha Public Schools
This presentation will describe how districts, small to large, organize their professional development to further assist school staffs in the use of demographic, academic and programmatic data to inform teaching and learning decisions.  Presenters will describe sample data analysis models utilized in their educational environments that assist teachers and administrators in their efforts to "figure out the data puzzle" and support school improvement planning.