**ATTENTION !** 

Conference has SOLD OUT. 

If you are still interested in attending, call 800-757-3878 to inquire about cancellations.

You may also choose to attend a second SLC conference in Las Vegas co-sponored by the NEP and several other organizations.  >>>>

The conference hotel is sold out. 

See options below.

Breakout Session Schedule

Conference Schedule

Who should attend?

• State policy makers
• District leaders
• Site-based administration
• Lead teachers

DID YOU MISS THE NEP'S CONFERENCE IN LAS VEGAS?  YOU HAVE ONE MORE CHANCE!

June 23-25, 2008 at the

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

In partnership with the National Educator Program (NEP), National Academy Foundation (NAF), the Career Academy Support Network (CASN), the National Career Academy Coalition (NCAC), and the Small Schools Workshop, the Smaller Learning Communities National Conference is designed by practitioners for practitioners.  It will help provide teachers, administrators and district staff with tools and strategies to strengthen their SLC practice.

Participating teams will leave the conference with customized plans to share with colleagues at their local schools and districts.

Be sure to check out the session by Joe Gunty, Principal of the Morton Freshmen Academy in Cicero, Illinios.  See why his school was named an NEP School of Promise!  Also, be sure to stop by the NEP booth for valuable information on upcoming events and support for your school initiative!

To learn more and to register, please go to www.nwrel.org/events.  You may also contact Suzanne Hay at hays@nwrel.org or 800-547-6339 extension 634.

Steve Shekell

Connecting With Each Student

Through Mr. Shekell’s interactive, energetic dialogue all participants will experience the deep meaning of relationships and how they impact student achievement.  Explore the rationale for creating positive relationships with each student and why it is so important for educators.  Steve will utilize a number of models addressing and demonstrating the recognition of diversity, learning preferences, attitudes, and behaviors.  He will explore the commonly held idea of “how you believe is how you behave” and it shows!  Steve’s enthusiasm and student advocacy contributes to his belief that all students can be

successful in their respective learning environments.  This leads to the creation of a positive learning experience for both educators and students.

About Steve . . .

Steve Shekell is an energetic and motivating international speaker.  A dedicated professional with a strong conviction to the concept of “student centered” schools, he has had the opportunity to serve as a consultant, keynoter, and facilitator throughout the United States, Canada and Micronesia. 

He draws from his twenty three years in public education as a classroom teacher, counselor, director of guidance, and an adjunct faculty member for numerous universities.  In addition, he will be shares from his seventeen years of experience working with Performance Learning Systems as an instructor, consultant, and highly sought-after presenter.  Open, humorous, and enthusiastic, Steve shares his experiences and passion for the student learner with educators to help them enhance learning for all students.

Steve presently resides in Cadiz, Kentucky where he serves as Chief Operating Officer for Performance Learning Systems, Inc. 

Theresa Spangler

Educating "Generation Y"

In her rousing and highly-charged energetic style, Ms. Spangler shows you the characteristics and "uniqueness" of today's students and offers practical suggestions to prepare these students for life after high school.  Learn to engage the squatters, the socialites, and the skeptics in interactive learning. This engaging keynote session demonstrates successful contextual teaching strategies that target Gen Y's hyper-tasking learning style and can be implemented in any classroom. Theresa will share "best practices" to teach basic etiquette, good work ethics, conflict-resolution, and technical writing/documenting skills.  Participants will receive ready-to-use activities and handouts, as well as a healthy shot of adrenaline in a way only Theresa Spangler can provide.

About Theresa . . .

Theresa Spangler is a highly energetic and sought-after national speaker.  She is currently a high school English teacher and has been for the past 33 years, teaching Applied Literature and Composition and College Preparatory English to twelfth grade students at Brunswick High School in Glynn County, Georgia.  Believing that students learn best when they experience the application of knowledge, Theresa is a strong advocate of applied academic curricula. She has trained thousands of teachers in 42 states in contextual teaching/learning methodology and regularly presents workshops at state and national conferences. Theresa is a past president of the Georgia Applied Communication Consortium and a former member of the Georgia Tech Prep State Action Team. Theresa is the Tech Prep Site Team Leader and the Senior Project Coordinator at Brunswick High School.

Penny Jadwin

Going Beyond Grades: Assessment FOR Learning, Self-Reflection & Goal Setting

Twenty years of research prove the principles of assessment FOR learning increases student confidence as learners.  It also increases desire to learn and improves academic performance – especially with under-performing students.  Participants in this innovative post-conference session will learn how to quickly apply these techniques in working with students, designing assessments lined to standards-based instruction, teaching students to evaluate their own progress and set their own goals.  See how to give students ownership of the learning process and watch their achievement soar!

About Penny . . .

Penny Jadwin is a classroom veteran and national speaker who specializes in raising student reading comprehension and differentiating instruction for all types of learners.  Engaging and passionate about her work, Penny will help your team make great progress in a short amount of time.  Penny is based in Panama City, Florida and works for Performance Learning Systems.

Educators from twenty-eight states  converged on the birthplace of liberty to foment revolution in student achievement via career academies and small learning communities.  District leaders, administrators and classroom teachers explored sturctures, outcomes, standards-based learning, powerful classroom instruction, effective teaming and - always an NEP focus - student achievement. 

Thank you for making our event in Boston a success.  Keep the revolution going!

Here is what our participants had to say about their experience with the NEP in Boston:

"The sessions were practical, candid, and productive. This gave us the focus and momentum

we needed."

- Asst. Superintendent, Idaho

"We felt like we were doing a great job already and that was reinforced by the presenters we heard and met with.  It feels good to know we are on the right track and now have tools we can use to make ourselves even better."

- Teacher, Georgia

"Where do you find all of these great schools?  Their presentations made everything so practical."

- Guidance Counselor, Washington

"This is the kind of professional development we have been wanting but began to wonder if it was really out there. We have been to plenty of trainings that talked about structure, but your conference explored structure AND how to help student performance.  We are struggling with AYP and are excited about what we learned here.  Thank you for helping our staff and our students!"

- Asst. Principal, Ohio

In March 2006, the National Educator Program (NEP) hosted the Los Angeles SLC Success Con-

ference in partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD).  This successful event

include site visits to local high schools which were arranged by the Career Ladder Office at LAUSD. 

Our appreciation goes to Reseda High School and Carson High School for hosting our participants!

Here is what our participants had to say about their experience with the NEP in Los Angeles:

"This was the best SLC conference I've been to.  THIS one should be required."

- Principal, Florida

"I wish we had heard you guys sooner so we wouldn't have wasted our time and money the last

three years!"

- Principal, California

"I'm glad we got to attend a conference on what SLCs are supposed to actually DO."

- Assistant Principal, Oregon

"I can't wait to get back and try some of this stuff at home!"

- SLC coordinator, South Carolina

"I love how the presenters were willing to spend time with you and help you, even after the session

was over.  That showed they really cared about my school's success."

- Lead Teacher, Washington

To our conference participants, the NEP thanks YOU.  We can't do it without your attendance,

participation, and sharing of your knowledge and experience.

The 2006 Leadership Conference participants had an opportunity to tackle issues confronting

school leaders.  These included long-term change, school climate & culture, reform, accountability

and policy issues.  Extended session times allowed for a richer understanding of new research as

well as time-tested techniques for leading your school to better student achievement.  The unique

conference schedule let participants immerse themselves in concepts of how to structure their

schools for long-term increases in student achievement. 

Here's what participants had to say about the NEP's leadership conference experience:

"All of the NEP staff bent over backward for us. The materials were excellent and I am leaving

with many new ideas to try."

"The extended length of the sessions was valuable.  We are going to revisit the goals of our

two academies and make them even better."

"We were truly treated like professionals.  Thank you!"

"I like the size and scheduling for the conference.  There was time to interact with presenters

and all the other participants and focus on issues I needed to talk about."

"I appreciate the individualized attention and the way all of the presenters included me."

"I thought this was great.  Next time I will bring my whole team!"

"This was the most practical conference I have ever attended.  I got help with the issues that

were important to me and my own district." 

"I can't wait for next year!"

With natural hardwood hammocks overlooking the intimate white sand beaches of Key Largo, the picturesque Sheraton Beach Resort Key Largo was an ideal location for the retreat-like structure of our National Leadership Conference.

Here's what participants had to say about the NEP's conference experience:

This really gave us a start - a reason - a motivation.  We came skeptical at a new idea.  We are

leaving with a plan to implement a fresh program!

I liked the presentation from schools who were using SLC's in their districts.  It's much more

convincing to hear from people who are actually doing it now.

This was a great way to show that how we teach is what's important.  Then SLC's are just the

vehicle or schedule we use is an instrument for utilization.

Practical strategies from practitioners who do them were provided.  This was not "fluff & theory."

I loved the energy of the presenters and the value/practicality of their ideas and tips.

Thanks, thanks, thanks!  Our academy team had the time to collaborate to discuss shared

experiences and get on track.

There was a wealth of information about education; not just one particular school reform movement.

Here's what participants said about the optional Post-Conference Session

"Common Roadblocks for Career Academies (and How to Clear Them):"

The post-conference session was the most productive day for me.  It was well worth the extra day!

This is the first time I have attended a planning session after a powerful conference.  This means

this information will go forward!

Great tools for discussion.  Great ideas & plans for sharing with groups.  You guys know what you

are doing!