PDC Member Districts $325.00, Non PD Co-op member districts $375.00 (lunch is included on site). All pre-work must be submitted no later than Sunday, July 12 at 12:00pm or participants will not be able to attend the academy. The learning outcomes for the two-day academy include: - Participants will be able to use assessments and measurement models in determining the student growth attributable to individual teachers and to understand how different types of assessments are used for measuring growth. - Participants will be able to use data from the evaluation rubric, other evidence collected and best practices relative to evaluating student growth, to link teacher and school-level professional development plans to evaluation results. - Participants will create, in collaboration with teachers, supportive, targeted professional development plans that consider past results, contribute to professional growth, and assist teachers in aligning professional development and goal-setting to school improvement goals. - Participants will communicate evaluation outcomes and findings in constructive and supportive ways that enable teachers to set goals and improve practice. - Participants will demonstrate a high rate of inter-rater reliability using the required performance evaluation ratings (i.e., excellent, proficient, needs improvement, and unsatisfactory). - Participants will observe instruction competently in multiple subject areas provided to varied and multiple student populations (i.e., English language learners, students with IEPs, students in career and technical programs, etc.) - Participants will use data from the evaluation rubric, other evidence collected and best practices relative to evaluating professional practice, to link teacher and school-level professional development plans to evaluation results. - Participants will know how to create, in collaboration with teachers, supportive, targeted professional development plans that consider past results, contribute to professional growth and assist teachers in aligning PD and goal-setting to SIP goals. - Participants will communicate evaluation outcomes and findings in constructive and supportive ways that enable teachers to set goals and improve professional practice. - Participants will understand sources of personal bias and be able to recognize and control for bias when conducting an evaluation and determining results. Evaluators will be required to complete pre-session learning components for this course. If you do not complete the pre-session learning components in the required time frame prior to the workshop, you will not be allowed to attend the workshop and will still be responsible for the registration fee. This event has a maximum number of 15 attendees. Participants must bring a fully charged laptop to both days of the academy. Cancellations must be made by Friday, July 10 at 12:00pm or the amount will be non-refundable.

Teaching writing IS hard!  This workshop provides a foundational guide for 3-8 teachers on implementing and enhancing effective writing instruction in their classrooms. Participants will explore essential components of a successful writing instruction, including explicit instruction, providing effective writing feedback, assessment,  and creating a community of writers. The session will focus on practical, research-based strategies for guiding students through the writing process—from brainstorming and drafting to revising and editing—with a strong emphasis on student choice and voice. Teachers will leave with concrete techniques and resources to boost student engagement and foster confidence in writers of all levels. Registration closes 4-5 days prior to the event date unless tickets are sold out.

Join Signal Hill # 181 Algebra and Gifted Educator Jody Aldrich in this session designed for educators seeking innovative approaches to enhance student learning in math through games. Delve into a dynamic session packed with dice games and activities to foster both classroom management and mathematical proficiency. Discover how these engaging strategies not only captivate students' attention but also cultivate a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. Attendees will explore a diverse range of activities that can be tailored to many grade levels. With practical tips and adaptable resources, educators will leave equipped with tools to create an inclusive and stimulating learning environment where every student can thrive. Don't miss this opportunity to roll towards math achievement and transform your classroom into a hub of success!   Registration will close 4-5 days prior to the event date.

Join Jennifer Ciok, Manager of Coaching and Improvement - UChicago To&Through Middle Grades Network and author of The Meaningful Middle School Classroom: How to Spark Engagement That Fosters Deep Learning, in this interactive session is designed to help middle and high school educators deepen their understanding of student absenteeism and engagement—two closely connected challenges that directly impact learning outcomes. Through a mix of personal reflection, data analysis, research exploration, and practical planning, participants will walk away with actionable strategies to foster stronger connections and improve attendance in their schools. Workshop Components:

• Student Profile Reflection Activity Begin by reflecting on your own experiences and perspectives to better understand and empathize with the lived experiences of students in your school community.
• Data Dive Examine current absenteeism trends across Illinois and use a variety of tools to explore your own school or district data. Identify patterns and consider the underlying causes behind the numbers.

• • Research Connection Activity Engage in a collaborative activity to analyze current research and real-world examples of effective strategies for reducing absenteeism and increasing engagement.

Copies of Jennifer's book will be raffled off to participants. Registration closes July 16 at 12:00pm

Comprehension is an invisible skill, which is why it is so hard to teach.  When students misread a word, you can see their errors, but when students don’t understand a text, it is hard to know where meaning broke down.  In this workshop, educators will explore a range of research-based strategies to improve student reading comprehension.  We will focus on the essential skills students need to develop strong comprehension, and the instructional strategies and practices that help support and build those skills.  This session is designed to move beyond basic recall by equipping teachers with powerful strategies for fostering deeper critical thinking in their readers. Participants will learn how to guide students in making inferences, asking higher-level questions, and synthesizing information from multiple sources.  This session will provide hands-on practice with instructional methods, including graphic organizers and collaborative discussion, to help you create a more engaged and effective reading classroom. Participants will leave with a toolbox of new, actionable strategies to support students in becoming independent, proficient readers. Registration closes 4-5 days prior to the event date unless tickets are sold out.  

Engagement is the gateway to student learning, let’s unlock the secrets to keeping students motivated and engaged in our instruction.  In this session, we will explore a variety of instructional strategies and tools that will actively engage students during typical instructional activities, but also create student ownership of their learning. This session will empower classroom teachers with effective strategies to enhance questioning and discussion techniques. These skills are essential for fostering critical thinking, engagement, and deeper understanding among students.  Participants will leave with practical strategies to keep the conversation flowing and ideas blooming!   Join us as we look at the latest research on what really works!   Registration closes 4-5 days prior to the event unless tickets are sold out.

Registration closes Thursday, July 23 at 12:00pm.