Hacking Assessment: Empowering Educators for Student Success

Keynote Description:

Join us for an inspiring journey into the heart of assessment innovation with Starr Sackstein, a renowned educator and author who is redefining the way we measure student learning. In this thought-provoking keynote, Starr will share practical strategies and insights from her bestselling book, "Hacking Assessment". Get ready to challenge your perspective on assessment and discover how to empower both educators and students in the process.

Learning Outcomes:

• Reimagine Assessment: Explore fresh approaches to assessment that move beyond traditional testing, and learn how to create assessment methods that capture a more comprehensive understanding of student learning.

• Promote Student Ownership Discover techniques to shift the assessment process from something done to students to something they actively engage in. Learn how to foster a sense of responsibility for their own learning journeys.

• Foster Growth Mindset: Gain insights into how assessment can encourage a growth mindset in students. Understand how to create a culture where mistakes are seen as opportunities for learning.

• Effective Feedback Strategies: Learn to provide actionable and timely feedback that drives student improvement. Explore the power of feedback in the assessment process and how it can be a catalyst for growth.

• Assessment for All: Discuss inclusive assessment practices that address the diverse needs and abilities of all students. Learn how to adapt assessment methods to create equitable learning opportunities.

• Technology and Assessment: Explore the role of technology in modern assessment. Understand how digital tools can enhance assessment and support a more data-informed, personalized learning approach.

• Practical Implementation: Leave with a toolbox of practical strategies that you can immediately apply in your classroom. Gain the confidence to start hacking your assessment practices to better serve your students.

Starr Sackstein's "Hacking Assessment" keynote is a call to action for educators who want to engage, inspire, and empower their students through innovative assessment practices. Join us and be part of the assessment revolution that is shaping the future of education.

You have Impact!: Affecting Change Through Personal Goals

Brief Description

Every educator has the power to impact the lives of those around them truly - in the classroom, their school community, and the world. When we intentionally take steps to foster our impact, we can create incredible change that transforms the spaces we exist in together and the lives around us. Teachers, leaders, and staff will be inspired to connect to what makes each of them truly unique and then will be encouraged to nurture and reflect on goals set in the coming year.

Learning Objectives:

• Define what impact is and what it looks like.
• Determine what your impact is.
• Set goals to nurture and track personal impact throughout the year.

All Kids Can Learn, and We Can Teach Them

As each of us is unique in the way we learn and teach, so are our kids. In this talk, we will be reminded of the importance of belonging and creating environments that promote student voice as a means to engage every child. The relationships we build with each other and with our kids inspires the confidence to take risks and grow as learners together.

Learning Objectives:

• Determine what impactful relationships look like.
• Explore how these relationships cultivate meaningful learning.
• Reflect on our own strengths as learners and teachers.

We Are All Learners: Putting the Focus Back on the Teacher

Adults are learners, too and as educators, we have a moral obligation to model our beliefs and practices. In this session, we will explore the ways we learn best to continue demonstrating vulnerability to students and colleagues and create a learning culture. Teachers will be inspired to consider their goals and aspirations for this year and their future. What could school look like if everyone was given the support they need?

Learning Objectives:

• Define a culture of learning.
• Explore ways that these cultures are developed.
• Create a safe space for vulnerability and goal-setting.
• Set goals to drive growth for the year.