Summer Institute for School Superintendents - Topics and Agenda (tentative agenda)

Crystal Mountain Resort, Thompsonville, MI

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2008

12:30 p.m. Registration, CEU sign-in

1:00 p.m. Welcome

Dr. Barbara Markle, Assistant Dean, K-12 Outreach, Michigan State University

Dr. Kristi Holmstrom, Senior Research Associate, Study of Instructional Improvement and the Teacher Education Initiative, University of Michigan

1:30 p.m.   The Role of the Superintendent as a Skillful Instructional Leader: Creating a Culture of Accountability

James Warnock, Consultant, Research for Better Teaching

Jim Warnock will provide participants with an overview of the professional knowledge base on teaching as a foundation for establishing a common language for good instruction.

District level beliefs will be examined to support administrators in identifying key ways in which teachers and administrators can effectively communicate high expectations to students and the accountability of all educators to support these expectations.

Reaction and Discussion

4:30 p.m. Adjourn

6:00 p.m. Reception

7:00 p.m. Dinner

THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2008

7:30 a.m. Breakfast, CEU sign-in

8:30 a.m. Setting the Pace

8:45 a.m. What Do Teachers Tell Us They Know about Mathematics: Implications for School District, State and National Policy

Dr. William Schmidt, University Distinguished Professor, Michigan State University Co-Director, U.S. China Center for Research on Educational Excellence

Bill Schmidt’s research over the past five years has focused on how to reach rigorous outcomes in science and mathematics for all students. At the Summer Institute for Superintendents, he will describe the results of a study of teacher preparation in 14 countries, focusing on how the U.S. differs in its preparation of mathematics teachers and the qualities of teacher preparation that result in higher student achievement. Dr. Schmidt will also share results of an NSF-funded study in which teachers what they know about mathematics. The results of this study have implications at the district level for teacher hiring, professional development and the effective use of teacher time.

Reaction and Discussion

Break

10:30 a.m. A Disruption Is Coming: A Primer for K-12 Educators on the Impending Mobile Technology Revolution

Dr. Elliot Soloway, Arthur F. Thurnau Professor, College of Engineering School of Information, School of Education, University of Michigan

Dr. Cathleen Norris, Professor, Department of Educational Psychology, University of North Texas

11:15 a.m. Time to communicate with your office (your decision)

11:30 p.m.   Lunch

12:15 p.m. Mobile Technology Workshop

Dr. Elliot Soloway, Arthur F. Thurnau Professor, College of Engineering School of Information, School of Education, University of Michigan

Dr. Cathleen Norris, Professor, Department of Educational Psychology, University of North Texas

1:45 p.m.   Intermediate School District and Statewide Superintendent Breakout Meetings (with cookies and milk)

5:00 p.m. Adjourn

Dinner on your own. If you dine at the resort, this meal is included in the package for participants.

FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 2008

7:30 a.m. Breakfast, CEU sign-in

8:30 a.m. Setting the Pace

8:45 a.m. Comparing the American and Chinese Systems of Education: What the Superintendent Need to Know

Lynn Paine, Associate Professor, Department of Teacher Education, Michigan State University

In this interactive session, participants will be introduced to the possibilities that comparative and international education offer U.S. educators. After considering what and why we compare, an introduction to the system and structure of K-12 education in China will be provided, with a particular focus on issues related to K-12 teacher quality, professional development, curriculum reform, closing the achievement gap, and teacher assessment--all hot topics today in China and very much on the minds of Chinese district leaders, very much as they are for U.S. superintendents. Dr. Paine will lead an exploration of where U.S. and Chinese educational leaders share common ground in terms of problems and solutions, as well as how approaches differ in the two countries. Discussions in table groups will consider more concretely, with examples of education tools, local policy instruments, evaluation rubrics, etc. how Chinese and U.S. educators approach these issues.

Break as needed

11:30 a.m. Closing Comments

Dr. Philip Cusick, Professor, College of Education, Michigan State University, Moderator

Evaluation

12:00 p.m.   Boxed Lunch and Adjourn (You must sign out at 12 p.m. in order to receive CEUs)