Mississippi Department of Education (MDE)

This event is the second of a planned series of three meetings in which key Mississippi stakeholders will develop policy recommendations regarding the use of restraint and seclusion in Mississippi public schools.

Contact: Dale Lewis
Phone: (800) 476-6861
E-mail: dale.lewis@sedl.org
Web site >

Georgia Department of Education (GDE): Thinking Maps Training

Members of the Georgia Department of Education will learn to use the Thinking Maps process and develop the knowledge and skills needed to support others in the use of this process throughout the state.


NOTE: This is a 3-day training that will take place November 2-3 and December 14, 2009.

Contact: Glenda Copeland
Phone: (770) 803-0880
E-mail: glenda.copeland@sedl.org
Web site >

Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) Professional Development Session I

The Instructional Services Division of the Alabama State Department of Education (SDE) will sponsor a shared professional development session, facilitated by the Southeast Comprehensive Center (SECC) at SEDL.

Participants will:

• Gain knowledge of the role of Problem Solving Teams in the implementation of the RtI process
  
• Gain knowledge of the timeline for implementation of RtI in Alabama
  
• Engage in section-specific discussions and develop goals and strategies for supporting the implementation of RtI in Alabama
  
• Gain knowledge of what other SDE sections will do to support the implementation of RtI in Alabama
  

Contact: Sherrill Parris
Phone: (334) 353-1389
E-mail: sparris@alsde.edu
Web site >

Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) - Restraint/Seclusion Policy Development

This event is the first of a planned series of three meetings in which key MDE stake-holders will develop policy recommendations regarding the use of restraint and seclusion in Mississippi schools. Participation in this event is by invitation only from the MDE.

Contact: Dale Lewis
Phone: (512) 391-6513
E-mail: dale.lewis@sedl.org
Web site >

Mississippi Department of Education (MDE)

This activity is the eighth follow-up RtI work session to continue planning the collaborative technical assistance to be provided to the MDE in its statewide RtI implementation initiative. Participants in this event include the MDE, the Southeast Regional Resource Center (SERRC), the Southeast Equity Center, and the Southeast Comprehensive Center (SECC). Participation in this event is by invitation only from the MDE. Morning beverages will be served, but due to budgetary constraints, breakfast and lunch will not be provided.

Contact: Debra Meibaum
Phone: (601) 605-2221
E-mail: debra.meibaum@sedl.org
Web site >

Mississippi Department of Education (MDE)

This activity is the seventh follow-up SSOS work session to continue the planning process for strengthening the Mississippi Statewide System of Support. Participation in this event is by invitation only from the MDE. Morning beverages will be served, but due to budgetary constraints, breakfast and lunch will not be provided.

Contact: Debra Meibaum
Phone: (601) 605-2221
E-mail: debra.meibaum@sedl.org
Web site >

Adolescent Literacy: How to Access and Comprehend Text

This interactive session on adolescent literacy will focus on helping all middle/high school teachers see their roles not as teachers of reading, but as teachers of how to access information from the different kinds of text used in their classes. Participants will briefly examine their own reading/literacy strategies, review scientifically based reading/literacy approaches, and learn how to restructure learning tasks that emphasize both content and access of text and comprehension as essential goals.

As a result of this session participants will:

• Gain a deeper understanding of the major components of an adolescent literacy program (i.e., reading theories, processes, and practices, with the emphasis on comprehension, vocabulary development, and reading/writing connections across all content areas);
  
• Practice using research-based instructional strategies that focus on helping secondary students comprehend complex texts, think critically about what they read, and understand the importance of vocabulary for application and meaning; and
  
• Learn how to explicitly talk about their instruction and the reading/literacy strategy connections (e.g., the what, the why, the when, and the how); and create an action plan to apply key learnings from this session to classroom practice.
  

Contact: Terrie Johnson
Phone: (601) 359-3778
E-mail: tljohnson@mde.k12.ms.us
Web site >

Palmetto Priority Schools Liaison Training

Palmetto Priority Schools and SECC staff will work with PPS Liaisons on tasks and responsibilities for the 09-10 school year.

Below are the proposed outcomes for the work session:

1. Liaisons will receive and review schedules and logistics for PPS assignments for 2009-2010

2. Liaisons will practice coaching skills to use in working with their assigned principal.

3. Liaisons will finalize and practice using a monitoring and feedback form planned for PPS supervision in 2009-2010.
   

Contact: Willie Nelson
Phone: 803-734-0361
E-mail: wnelson@ed.sc.gov
Web site >

Constructing Foundations for Success: Implications of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel Report

The purpose of this institute is to build capacity through timely, high-quality presentations, and provide access to professional expertise and resources in mathematics based on the recommendations of the National Mathematics Advisory Panel Report (NMPR).

The institute is designed for eight-member teams from each state department comprised of individuals from the following offices:

• Title 1/School Improvement
  
• Title II Certification/Teacher Quality
  
• Mathematics
  
• Response to Intervention (RtI)
  
• Policy
  
• Higher Ed
  
• Parental Involvement
  
• Other as determined by the Chief State Officer/designee
  

Contact: Maria Torres
Phone: (800) 476-6861
E-mail: maria.torres@sedl.org
Web site >

SEDL Professional Development Session:

Professional learning communities (PLC) are an effective, research-based way of reaching systemic reform within an organization. The PLC Academy gives participants the ability to create an action plan to implement effective PLCs in their schools and districts. Each session progressively builds upon the other, which necessitates attendance at all three sessions by the same people.

Session 2: Creating Shared Leadership and Application of Learning
Session 2 focuses on sharing leadership throughout the organization. We will discuss how to distribute and sustain leadership in the school culture. Participants will learn how the interdependent relationship between leaders and followers promotes increased collegiality and student achievement. In addition, you will develop strategies for using and sharing data and how to create the reflective feedback systems fundamental to discovering what impacts learning in your organization.

Contact: Laura Shankland
Phone: 800-476-6861
E-mail: services@sedl.org
Web site >

SEDL Professional Development Session:

Professional learning communities (PLC) are an effective, research-based way of reaching systemic reform within an organization. The PLC Academy gives participants the ability to create an action plan to implement effective PLCs in their schools and districts. Each session progressively builds upon the other, which necessitates attendance at all three sessions by the same people.

Session 1: Demystifying PLCs and Creating Shared Visions and Values
What is a PLC? Many school leaders say they have one. Is it a meeting? What kind of learning is occurring? We will de-mystify what it is and discuss how to organize it to increase staff and student learning. This session is designed to create shared vision and values focused on student results. Participants will learn specific strategies and actions to increase effectiveness and make efficient use of resources.

Contact: Laura Shankland
Phone: 800-476-6861
E-mail: services@sedl.org
Web site >

SEDL Professional Development Session:

This professional learning opportunity will focus on inadvertent and often undetected problems in mathematics instruction caused by inattention to the role of language, representation, and symbolism. These practices affect all students, particularly English language learners. Participants will link deep conceptual understanding of key mathematics concepts with the associated language and symbolism that often create barriers to student learning. Come prepared to experience “aha!” moments in this highly interactive session.

Participants will increase their knowledge of
    * how mathematics language and symbolism impact both teachers’ and students’ understanding of critical mathematical concepts;
    * the relationships among mathematical language and symbolism, conceptual understanding, and critical thought processes such as algebraic and proportional reasoning; and
    * approaches and strategies to address the impact of mathematics language and symbolism, conceptual understanding, and critical thought in learning mathematics concepts.

Contact: Laura Shankland
Phone: 800-476-6861
E-mail: services@sedl.org
Web site >

Georgia Department of Education (GDE) Thinking Maps Summer Training

SECC staff will provide support and technical assistance to GDE staff and presenters during five sessions around the state for approximately 1,300 teachers in 26 schools. Participation is by invitation only.

Contact: Glenda Copeland
Phone: 770-432-7675
E-mail: glenda.copeland@sedl.org

SEDL Professional Development Session:

How do leaders create the conditions in which a climate of trust and support facilitate teacher growth and student learning? Building one’s skills and knowledge of instructional leadership is critical but not sufficient. The first step to creating a climate that promotes open, trusting relationships and collaboration among all staff members is to experience that climate of trust firsthand. The Courage to Lead model was developed by Parker Palmer, author of The Courage to Teach, and provides participants with the ability to sustain and renew their passion and commitment to school leadership.

Participants will
    * begin to develop the skills necessary to build a culture of trust and collaboration in your schools;
    * develop networks of support with other school leaders;
    * revitalize your own leadership in ways that invite the untapped potential, passions, and talents of your faculty and students; and
    * increase your capacity to cultivate the kind of trustworthy relationships required to create a positive school culture in which teachers and students flourish.

Contact: Laura Shankland
Phone: 800-476-6861
E-mail: services@sedl.org
Web site >

Louisiana Department of Education (LDE)

Louisiana Department of Education (LDE) personnel will participate in a Curriculum and Standards Division work session, hosted by the Southeast Comprehensive Center (SECC) at SEDL. The purpose of the work sessions is to develop a professional learning model for the math curriculum for grade 5, to be implemented by the LDE.

Contact: Carolyn Sessions
Phone: (225) 219-4535
E-mail: carolyn.sessions@la.gov
Web site >

Mississippi Department of Education

The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) through the Office of Leadership and Professional Development (OLPD) in partnership with SEDL will conduct a Coaches Academy Focus Group Meeting 2 on June 4, 2009 (Jackson location). During the focus group meeting, school-based coaches and school administrators will provide perspectives important in evaluating the 2008 Mississippi Coaches Academy.

There are three goals for the focus group:

1. To determine what worked well in the 2008 academy
   
2. To determine what did not work well in the 2008 academy
   
3. To suggest modifications that will improve future academies
   

Participation in this work session is by invitation only by the MDE.

Contact: Sara Maghan
Phone: (228) 497-2834
E-mail: smaghan@cableone.net
Web site >

SEDL Professional Development Session:

Leadership for Changing Schools is SEDL’s most extensive and enduring professional development offering. The program is designed to help district and school teams understand and apply knowledge about the change process and how it affects individuals. Leadership for Changing Schools provides several tools and six research-based strategies to help lead schools through the change process. The course was developed by former SEDL scholar emerita Shirley M. Hord.

In Session 1, leadership teams will learn how to
    * assess and encourage shared leadership;
    * develop and articulate a shared vision;
    * implement strategies to plan and provide resources for school change; and
    * plan professional development to support school change.

Contact: Laura Shankland
Phone: 800-476-6861
E-mail: services@sedl.org
Web site >

Louisiana Department of Education (LDE)

Louisiana Department of Education (LDE) personnel will participate in a Curriculum and Standards Division work session, hosted by the Southeast Comprehensive Center (SECC) at SEDL. The purpose of the work sessions is to develop a framework for Comprehensive Courses, primarily the math curriculum for grade 5.

Contact: Carolyn Sessions
Phone: (225) 219-4535
E-mail: carolyn.sessions@la.gov
Web site >

Mississippi Department of Education (MDE)

The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) in partnership with the Southeast Comprehensive Center at SEDL will conduct a Reading Summit Subcommittee Meeting on May 26, 2009. The goal for the meeting is to increase and improve content literacy instruction in Grades 9-12 and to improve pre-service and in-service preparation of content area teachers. The MDE’s long-term intent is to better prepare high school students to read and write a wide variety of texts across the content areas and beyond high school.

Participants will include three representatives from each of the following entities: Institutions of Higher Learning, local schools, and the Mississippi Department of Education. Each area of the state (North, Central, and South) will be represented by each of the entities.

Participation in this work session is by invitation only by the MDE.

Contact: Terrie Johnson
Phone: (601) 359-3778
E-mail: tljohnson@mde.k12.ms.us
Web site >

Mississippi Department of Education (MDE)

This activity is the sixth follow-up SSOS work session to continue the planning process for strengthening the Mississippi Statewide System of Support. Participation in this event is by invitation only from the MDE. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided each day.

Contact: Debra Meibaum
Phone: (601) 605-2221
E-mail: debra.meibaum@sedl.org
Web site >

Mississippi Department of Education (MDE)

This activity is the seventh follow-up RtI work session to continue planning the collaborative technical assistance to be provided to the MDE in its statewide RtI implementation initiative. Participants in this event include the MDE, the Southeast Regional Resource Center (SERRC), the Southeast Equity Center, and the Southeast Comprehensive Center (SECC). Participation in this event is by invitation only from the MDE. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Contact: Debra Meibaum
Phone: (601) 605-2221
E-mail: debra.meibaum@sedl.org
Web site >

Louisiana Department of Education (LDE)

Louisiana Department of Education (LDE) personnel will participate in a School Improvement Division work session, hosted by the Southeast Comprehensive Center (SECC) at SEDL. The purpose of the work sessions is to revise the school improvement plan, which will be carried out by the LDE.

Outcomes for the work sessions are to:
1.) Consolidate and format the work of the various subcommittees to create a cohesive plan.
2.) Develop training modules for implementing the plan.
3.) Participation in this work session is by invitation only by the LDE

Contact: Tasha Anthony
Phone: 225-342-3514
E-mail: tasha.anthony@la.gov

Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE)

The Southeast Comprehensive Center at SEDL is assisting the Alabama SDE in presenting the Alabama Leadership Success Academy. The focus of the academy will be to support school leadership teams in effecting increased student achievement and creating networking opportunities around key areas of challenge. The initial session of the Alabama Leadership Success Academy will be held April 28-30, 2009, in Montgomery, Alabama.

Contact: Angela Mangum
Phone: (334) 353-9251
E-mail: amangum@alsde.edu
Web site >

Louisiana Department of Education (LDE): Stakeholders Meeting for Title III Grant Recipients

The Louisiana Department of Education (LDE) is hosting a meeting of Title III, English Language Acquisition grant recipients.

Proposed Outcomes

1.) Introduce proposed changes in the Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives (AMAOs) for Title III districts and for the state. Under Title III, state education agencies shall hold sub-grantees accountable for meeting AMAOs and must make annual determinations regarding each district’s performance on AMAOs.

 

2.) Garner feedback on the proposed changes to the Annual Measurable Achievement Objectives

Contact: Darlene Morgan-Brown
Phone: (504) 838-0609
E-mail: darlene.brown@sedl.org
Web site >

Mississippi Department of Education (MDE)

The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) through the Office of Leadership and Professional Development (OLPD) in partnership with SEDL will conduct a final overview training for the Coaches of Coaches (CoC) on April 17, 2009 (central location).

CoC participant outcomes are:

1. Gain a clear understanding of what worked and what did not work in 2008-2009;
   
2. Develop a more focused understanding of the roles of a CoC;
   
3. Refine coaching skills; and
   
4. Develop "tools" for future work with coaches.
   

Contact: Katrina Merriwether
Phone: (601) 359-3954
E-mail: kmerriwether@mde.k12.ms.us
Web site >

Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE)

The purpose of this training is to further orient the SDE to the RtI support framework and determine the role of each section in supporting this model. Dr. Ada Muoneke and Dr. Dale Lewis from SEDL will be the presenters along with nationally recognized RtI consultant, Dr. Amanda VanDerHeyden. Listed below are the outcomes for the session:

• Increase knowledge of differentiated instruction in Tier 1
  
• Increase knowledge of assessments in Tier 1
  
• Develop strategies and action steps for addressing RtI in each section within the Instructional Services Division
  
• Increase networking opportunities across sections for improved implementation of RtI
  

Contact: Mary Lou Meadows
Phone: (256) 272-8072
E-mail: marylou.meadows@sedl.org
Web site >

Mississippi Department of Education (MDE)

The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) through the Office of Leadership and Professional Development (OLPD) in partnership with SEDL will conduct a final overview training for the Coaches of Coaches (CoC) on April 16, 2009 (northern location).

CoC participant outcomes are:

1. Gain a clear understanding of what worked and what did not work in 2008-2009;
   
2. Develop a more focused understanding of the roles of a CoC;
   
3. Refine coaching skills; and
   
4. Develop "tools" for future work with coaches.
   

Contact: Katrina Merriwether
Phone: (601) 359-3954
E-mail: kmerriwether@mde.k12.ms.us
Web site >

Mississippi Department of Education (MDE)

This training session is for selected Mississippi educators who will be responsible for assisting school districts refine their dropout prevention plans.

Proposed learning outcomes for the participants are:

Participants will:

• deepen their understanding of the 15 effective strategies for dropout prevention.
  
• practice how to provide assistance to districts in refining their dropout prevention plans.
  
• develop skills in establishing rapport and asking questions.
  

Contact: Sheril Smith
Phone: (601) 359-3177
E-mail: srsmith@mde.k12.ms.us
Web site >

Louisiana Distinguished Educator Professional Development

This professional development session is intended to prepare distinguished educators as they begin to work with new schools and districts in the 2009-2010 school year. The activities will focus on building trust and commitment with school and district staff and developing a specific plan for the upcoming school year.

Contact: Dr. Ed Tobia
Phone: 512-391-6560
E-mail: ed.tobia@sedl.org

Georgia Department of Education (GDE): Thinking Maps

During this training, staff members from the Georgia Department of Education will examine the use of the Thinking Maps process in specific content areas. Also, content and special education specialists will work in teams with Southeast Comprehensive Center staff to plan the June content training for schools that are in needs improvement status.

Contact: Glenda Copeland
Phone: 770-432-7675
E-mail: glenda.copeland@sedl.org
Web site >

Brustein and Manasevit Webinar on the Fiscal Stimulus Education Funds

On March 13, 2009, the Southeast Comprehensive Center at SEDL will host the Brustein and Manasavit Webinar on the Fiscal Stimulus Education Funds at the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE). The following topics will be addressed:

1. Overview of Stimulus Legislation
   
2. Analysis of Stabilization Funds and Obligations Periods
   
3. Analysis of Title I, Impact Aid, and McKinney-Vento Targeted Funds and Obligation Periods
   
4. Analysis of IDEA Targeted Funds and Obligation Periods
   
5. Funding for Postsecondary Institutions for Modernization, Perkins, and Title IV
   
6. Compliance with Davis-Bacon and Federal Contracting Rules
   
7. Discussion of Maintenance of Effort and Supplanting
   
8. Q and A
   

Contact: Sonya Amis
Phone: (601) 359-9714
E-mail: sonya@mde.k12.ms.us
Web site >

Georgia Department of Education (GDE): Thinking Maps

Principals from participating schools that are in needs improvement status and other support personnel will participate in training in the use of the Thinking Maps process to benefit their schools and leadership staff.

Contact: Glenda Copeland
Phone: 770-432-7675
E-mail: glenda.copeland@sedl.org

Mississippi Department of Education (MDE): Response to Intervention (RtI)

Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) personnel will participate in a follow-up RtI Speakers Bureau planning work session, facilitated by the Southeast Comprehensive Center (SECC) at SEDL. The purpose of the MDE RtI Speakers Bureau is to carry a consistent RtI message across the state, thereby increasing public awareness of key points of RtI.

Outcomes for the RtI Speakers Bureau follow-up work session are to:

1. Finalize the 90 minutes RtI public awareness presentation, including a PowerPoint presentation and handouts.
   
2. Identify adaptations for increasing/decreasing the RtI presentation timeframe to meets the needs of targeted groups.
   
3. Develop an RtI informational flyer and poster overview.
   

Contact: Jean Massey
Phone: (601) 359-3764
E-mail: jmassey@mde.k12.ms.us
Web site >

Georgia Department of Education (GDE): Thinking Maps

Staff members of the Georgia Department of Education will learn to use the Thinking Maps process and develop the knowledge and skills needed to train others in the use of this process throughout the state.

Contact: Glenda Copeland
Phone: 770-432-7675
E-mail: glenda.copeland@sedl.org
Web site >

Response to Intervention (RtI)

The Southeast Comprehensive Center (SECC) at SEDL will host its Response to Intervention (RtI) Regional Summit on Funding Models in Atlanta, Georgia, on February 25–26, 2009. This meeting is designed to build the capacity of state educational agencies (SEAS) to implement RtI using various funding methods. This regional meeting is designed for six-member state teams consisting of superintendents and directors who have programmatic and/or budgetary responsibilities.

Lunch will be provided on both days. A continental breakfast will be provided on 2/26/09.

Registration deadline is January 16, 2009.

Contact: Dr. Ada Muoneke
Phone: 512-391-6540
E-mail: ada.muoneke@sedl.org
Web site >

Georgia Department of Education Evaluation of the Implementation of Thinking Maps

Southeast Comprehensive Center staff will meet with Georgia Department of Education staff to begin designing an evaluation of the implementation of Thinking Maps. This process is being implemented in high-needs schools in Georgia to improve student achievement.

Contact: Glenda Copeland
Phone: 770-432-7675
E-mail: glenda.copeland@sedl.org

Mississippi Department of Education (MDE)

In this 1-day session, Southeast Comprehensive Center staff will convene a broader group of MDE personnel to begin the planning process for strengthening the Mississippi Statewide System of Support.

Contact: Sylvia Pirtle
Phone: (512) 391-6545
E-mail: sylvia.pirtle@sedl.org
Web site >

Mississippi Department of Education (MDE)

This activity is the sixth follow-up RtI work session to continue planning the collaborative technical assistance to be provided to the MDE in its statewide RtI implementation initiative. Participants in this event include the MDE, the Southeast Regional Resource Center (SERRC), the Southeast Equity Center, and the Southeast Comprehensive Center (SECC). Participation in this event is by invitation only from the MDE. A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided each day.

The proposed outcomes for the work session are:

1. Reports and reflection on implementation efforts conducted during November 2008 - January 2009 in support of new and continuing actions, including: Activities undertaken, measurable results to date, difficulties encountered, modifications made, and recommended future steps needed.
   
2. Detailed implementation plans and calendar for new and continuing actions, February - April 2008.
   

Contact: Debra Meibaum
Phone: (601) 605-2221
E-mail: debra.meibaum@sedl.org
Web site >

Louisiana Department of Education (LDE)

Members of the Superintendent’s cabinet and Division Directors will participate in a Response to Intervention awareness and planning session.

The proposed outcomes for the work session are:

1. To provide an in-depth overview of RtI and its relationship to LDE's vision to "Create a World Class System for Louisiana's Children".
   
2. To develop departmental support for a state-wide RtI planning and implementation initiative.
   
3. To outline a process for launching a state-wide RtI plan
   

Contact: Darlene Morgan-Brown
Phone: (800) 644-8671
E-mail: darlene.brown@sedl.org
Web site >

Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) Response to Intervention (RtI) Speakers Bureau Planning Session

The Southeast Comprehensive Center (SECC) will facilitate a work session for the newly formed MDE RtI Speakers Bureau. 

Contact: Jean Massey
Phone: 601-359-3764
E-mail: JMassey@mde.k12.ms.us
Web site >

Mississippi Department of Education (MDE)

Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) personnel will participate in a Mississippi Critical Teacher Shortage Act work session, facilitated by the Southeast Comprehensive Center (SECC) at SEDL. Outcomes for the work session are:

1. Review/analyze the Mississippi Critical Teacher Shortage Act of 1998 (House Bill 609).
   
2. Identify recommendations for potential revisions to the Mississippi Critical Teacher Shortage Act of 1998 (House Bill 609).
   
3. Review the current MDE process for designating critical shortage areas.
   
4. Identify recommendations for potential revisions to the critical shortage act designation policy.
   

Contact: Daphne Buckley
Phone: (601) 359-3631
E-mail: dbuckley@mde.k12.ms.us
Web site >

Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) Office of Healthy Schools

During this one-day planning session, staff from the Office of Healthy Schools will identify linkages between its work and the MS Board of Education’s vision and mission statements. Participants will develop a plan of work in support of the department’s three goals and five strategies. The plan of work will include action items, a timeline, staff responsible, and resources. Additionally, participants will identify opportunities for coordination of programs and services such as Response to Intervention, High school Redesign, and other MDE programs with health initiatives.

Contact: Lea Ann McElroy
Phone: (601) 359-1737
E-mail: lmcelroy@mde.k12.ms.us
Web site >

Mississippi Department of Education Statewide System of Support Work Session

In this 1-day session, Southeast Comprehensive Center staff convenes the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) Self-Assessment Team to develop a goal statement for the Mississippi Department of Education statewide system of support (SSOS) and to identify priorities to be used in planning for this system.

Contact: Sylvia Segura Pirtle
Phone: 512-391-6545
E-mail: sylvia.pirtle@sedl.org

Mississippi Department of Education

In this follow-up technical assistance session, dropout prevention coaches and community organizers will form teams to apply the 15 effective strategies for dropout prevention. Strengths and weaknesses of the district dropout prevention plans will be identified. Participants also will increase their knowledge of ways to assist districts in refining and implementing dropout prevention plans.

Participation is by MDE invitation only, and is limited to MDE staff members.

Contact: Sheril Smith
Phone: (601) 359-5743
E-mail: srsmith@mde.k12.ms.us
Web site >

Alabama Instructional Services Division/LEA Support Roundtable Winter Leadership Retreat

Stephen Covey says,"When trust is high, communication is effortless."  Both the reputation of the organization and effective working relationships within the organization are built on the basic premises of trust.  Yet we often do very little in strategic planning and day-to-day operations to intentionally focus on trust-building activities. This interactive session will include lively discussion and hands-on activities that focus on trust in leadership, trust in communications, and trust in human relations skills. 

Contact: Dr. Mary Lou Meadows
Phone: 256-272-8072
E-mail: marylou.meadows@sedl.og
Web site >

Mississippi Department of Education Blue Ribbon Commission for the Redesign of Administrator Preparation Programs

The MDE and the SECC will facilitate a follow-up work session for MDE staff to continue the review of the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission (BRC) for the Redesign of Administrator Preparation Programs. The BRC used task force workgroups to identify five key redesign features that have the potential to strengthen the quality and impact that educational leaders have on the academic success of K-12 students in Mississippi. To create recommendations, task force members, consisting of school and district leaders, teachers, university faculty and consultants, studied the status of school leadership preparation and identified primary challenges facing leaders in the state. The workgroups examined current research and best practices about leader development and the impact on student success. The workgroups crafted recommendations for redesigning the educational leadership preparation process and for creating needed leadership support mechanisms in Mississippi. These task force recommendations have been approved by the Blue Ribbon Commission for the Redesign of Administrator Preparation Programs and address five areas of redesign:

1. Align All Efforts to Mississippi Standards for Instructional Leaders
   
2. Redesign Selection and Preparation of Instructional Leaders
   
3. Redesign Licensure of Instructional Leaders
   
4. Adopt a Professional Learning Model for Instructional Leadership
   
5. Improve the Working Conditions of Instructional Leaders.
   

Participation is by MDE invitation only, and is limited to MDE staff members.

Contact: Paula Means
Phone: (601) 359-3954
E-mail: pmeans@mde.k12.ms.us
Web site >

Alabama Department of Education Response to Intervention Work Session-December 2008

The work group will meet to develop and design professional development training on response to intervention for the Department's instructional services staff.

This work session is by invitation only.

Contact: Ada Muoneke
Phone: 1-800-476-6861 ext 6540
E-mail: ada.muoneke@sedl.org

Mississippi Department of Education Statewide System of Support (SSOS)

In this 1-day session,  Southeast Comprehensive Center staff convenes the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) Self-Assessment Team and a broader group of MDE personnel involved in the statewide system of support to review and amend, as necessary, the content of the SSOS Self-Assessment Draft Report. 

Contact: Sylvia Segura Pirtle
Phone: 512-391-6545
E-mail: sylvia.pirtle@sedl.org
Web site >

Linking Curriculum Alignment and Professional Development

This session is by invitation only for staff at the South Carolina Department of Education and representatives of school districts in Corrective Action status. Participants in this 2-day session will develop initial skills in designing ongoing, job-embedded, and data-driven professional development that supports the alignment of curriculum, instruction, and assessment. A primary focus is the integration and use of the Professional Teaching and Learning Cycle as a vehicle for linking curriculum alignment and professional development.

Contact: Sandra Lindsay
Phone: 803-419-2796
E-mail: slindsay@mailbox.sc.edu

English as a Second Language Institute

The Southeast Comprehensive Center (SECC) at SEDL is hosting an English as a Second Language Institute: Jazzin’ It Up: A Medley of Notes for Creating a Culture That Supports English Language Learners November 5-7, 2008 in New Orleans, LA.

The goal of the institute is to increase participants’ knowledge, awareness and use of research-based practices for meeting the needs of English Language Learners (ELLs)

Invited participants will be state education agency staff from the Southeast CC region. Participation in this institute is by invitation only.

Contact: Maggie Rivas
Phone: 512-391-6551
E-mail: maggie.rivas@sedl.org
Web site >