Institute Conference held in Philadelphia June 25–27, 2010
Oakbrook Terrace, IL (June 29, 2010) – The Curriculum Improvement Institute, a non–profit organization dedicated to providing research and effective models for teaching and learning, held its second Curriculum Improvement Conference June 25–27 at the Hyatt Regency in Philadelphia. The Institute’s focus was on key education issues facing administrators and teachers today. Attendees from the U.S. and International locations gathered to hear from leaders in the area of education research and were given the opportunity to learn from, and interact with, nationally–recognized education professionals with first–hand experience tackling today’s toughest issues.
This year’s engaging keynote speakers included Grant Wiggins, author of A Mission–and–Best–Practice Driven Curriculum: Why and How?, and Peg Portscheller, author of From Surviving to Thriving – Education in the 21st Century. Opening remarks by Pamela Brown, Chief Academic Officer for the School District of Philadelphia, welcomed the audience of over 300 to the city of Philadelphia, and Rolf Blank from the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), who provided up–to–date information on the new Common Core Standards. Over 50 workshop sessions and presentations were conducted on a variety of timely topics. Some examples of session content: Curriculum Mapping for 21st Century Initiatives, Leadership Planning for Administrators, Instructional Practices, Assessment and Grading Strategies, and Curriculum Improvement Tactics.
“The Institute is proud to present an impressive selection of thought leaders that represent such diverse research and published works,” says Mike Rush, Executive Director of the Curriculum Improvement Institute. “The value in having these experts at one conference gives attendees rare access to them as well as creates a stimulating environment for exchanging ideas. This is particularly important in a year when districts will begin to implement the Common Core Standards.”
In addition to the conference sessions, a new Leadership Academy strand, added this year, was designed for school administrators to learn strategies that will help them cope with and manage the complexities of leading school districts in the 21st Century. Kicking off the Leadership Academy was keynote speaker, Cameron Evans, U.S. Chief Technology Officer for Microsoft Corporation, who spoke on 21st Century technologies that will change our future. The Franklin Covey organization was represented by Muriel Summers, Principal of AB Combs Magnet Elementary School, Raleigh, NC, who shared specific student, building, and community practices that lead to student success, based on The Leader in Me book...the vision of Sean Covey.
“As a corporate sponsor, we are especially pleased that the Institute is growing each year and that they had such a strong lineup of education visionaries,” says Kathryn Allen, EVP, Collaborative Learning Inc. “The combination of inspirational discussions with the presentation of original, solid research will help the attendees create unique education environments supporting 21st Century skills.”
The Institute also presented awards to recognize members who demonstrated excellence. The awardees included the following district leaders:
- Dr. Linda Dzialo, Deputy Superintendent, Lawton Public Schools, Lawton, OK, Outstanding Achievement
- Dr. Patricia Johnson, Park Ridge School District, Park Ridge, NJ, District VisionarySchool Change
- James E. Cooney, Associate Superintendent for Curriculum, Diocese of Orlando, FL, Leading Exceptional School Change
- Sr. Rosemary Hickmann, O.P., Associate Superintendent for Staff Development, Leading Exceptional School Change
- Joanne DeMizio, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Staff Development, Archdiocese of New York, Staten Island, NY
- Zoilita Herrera, Superintendent for Staten Island, Archdiocese of New York, Staten Island, NY, Partnership
From a Conference attendee:
Hello, I have to say that this is my absolute favorite conference of the year. As the assistant principal and curriculum director of (school), I attend several conferences throughout the year.
About Curriculum Improvement Institute
The Curriculum Improvement Institute is a non–profit research and education body dedicated to connecting today’s leading research on effective education and best practices, with leaders and teachers in real schools. Our programs are underwritten by Institute sponsors. For more information, visit our website:
www.curriculuminstitute.org, or contact Michael Rush, Executive Director at 630.282.1639.