The mission of the Minnesota Staff Development Council is to champion the success of all learners by promoting consistent application of effective, research-based staff development, and facilitating collaboration by maintaining integrity in all relationships.

Annual Spring Forum

Learning Communities:
Creating, Extending, and Deepening the Work

Featuring Rob & Kathy Bocchino, who we are excited to introduce to our Minnesota colleagues 

Thursday - May 1, 2008
8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

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OVERVIEW OF THE DAY

Keynote: Rob Bocchino
What is a True Professional Learning Community?

Morning Break Out Sessions
Professional Learning from Experience: the Learning Cycle
Data Protocols for People Who Think They Don’t Like Data

Afternoon Break Out Sessions
Coaching as a Means to Create Systemic Change
Data Protocols for People Who Think They Don’t Like Data
LOCATION:
TIES Building
1667 Snelling Ave. N.
St. Paul, MN  55108

http://www.ties.k12.mn.us/Find_TIES.html
(directions and map)

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION: $115.00
Lunch will be provided

ONLINE REGISTRATION ONLY: Closes April 24, 2008

http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=WEB227JQ25LZ56

QUESTIONS:
Contact Jeff Ronneberg: 763-785-5524 or jronne@district16.org

Keynote and Breakout Session Descriptions
Minnesota Staff Development Council
Annual Spring Forum
May 1, 2008

Keynote

What is a true Professional Learning Community?     
The keynote sets the stage for understanding the developmental steps that all schools go through when developing and maintaining Learning Communities. This session will provide insights and solutions to some of the most challenging issues for new or established PLC’s. We will introduce key concepts and provide a diagnostic template and protocol that lets members of a PLC determine where they are, and what they must do to move forward. 

AM Breakout Sessions

Professional Learning from Experience:
The Learning Cycle
This session provides a deeper understanding of the fundamental processes that support Professional Learning.  We have fun examining the concept of “Professional Learning” and how it relates to teacher practice. We also provide a useful framework for reflective and collaborative practices.

Data Protocols
for People Who Think They Don’t Like Data
This is a powerful session that brings together the latest research about individual and systems change.  We explore the “gameboard of change” and new insights about the causes of and ways to manage resistance. We also provide a specific diagnostic tool that can be used to identify the non-intuitive leverage points for getting individuals or systems “unstuck.”

PM Breakout Sessions

Data Protocols
for People Who Think They Don’t Like Data
This session introduces user-friendly data protocols. These teacher-tested approaches make data discussions engaging, interesting and truly useful. We provide protocols that can be used with different sources and kinds of data, reports and student work.

Coaching as a Means to Create Systemic Change
Many leaders overlook one of the most powerful resources and leverage points for creating significant, meaningful growth and change not just with individuals but with schools overall. In this session we explore what successful schools have done to improve culture, and to change structures so that teaching and learning are the central focus of school improvement. This session provides new, compelling ideas for utilizing coaching to create even more effective systemic change.

OUR BELIEFS

We believe that ongoing improvement is essential

We believe that change provides opportunities for growth

We believe the most meaningful changes in people occur when hearts, minds, spirits and feet are touched

We believe example is a powerful teacher

We believe expectations influence accomplishments

We believe that shared power benefits all

We believe diversity strengthens

We believe cultural norms have a powerful influence

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