Summit on Student Success

Five Reasons to Attend

• Develop leadership informed by the knowledge that ALL students can learn, and more IS possible.
• Recognize that you CAN and DO make a difference in student learning.
• Foster innovation and collaboration between school boards across Iowa.
• Leverage your board member role to improve student learning.
• Explore pathways to student success and discover promising initiatives for improved student learning.

Key Dates

• March 25: Registration & Lodging Opens
• June 7: Registration & Lodging Closes
• June 11: Summit on Student Success

Keynote Speaker

Breakout Sessions

• Deepen understanding and awareness;
• Give attendees real tools or solutions to leave with;
• Feature concepts, principles, theories, or overarching ideas around topics related to student learning; and
• Provide attendees a concrete plan on how to take these ideas from concept to reality.

Closing the Education Workforce Gap: Work-Based Learning for Your Community

Work-based learning opportunities set students up for a future of success in your community. Come hear how two districts, Southeast Polk and Earlham, work with Iowa Workforce Development to nurture school-business partnerships that create increasingly in-depth work-based learning opportunities catered to their community. From apprenticeships to internships, you'll discover new tools to help nurture high-quality work-based learning programs in your district.

Presenters:
Linda Fandel, Governor's Liaison for Work-Based Learning, Iowa Workforce Development 
Abby Tibbetts, Work-Based Learning Program Designer, Iowa Workforce Development
Kathy Leggett, Future Ready Iowa Policy Advisor, Iowa Workforce Development
Darell Butcher, College & Career Coordinator, Southeast Polk Schools
Lori Slings, Board Member, Southeast Polk Schools
Crystal Hale, High School Counselor, Earlham Schools
Kristin Sheffield, Director of Teaching & Learning, Earlham Schools

Unlocking Student Success: How School Boards Drive Achievement Through PLC Support 

Board members play a pivotal role in fostering student success through their strategic support of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). They can champion collaboration, maintain a results-oriented focus, and ensure system alignment within PLCs to enhance student achievement. This interactive session highlights the commitment Center-Point Urbana's school board has made to the PLC process. Center-Point Urbana, along with Solution Tree, will focus on topics such as fostering a collaborative culture, emphasizing a results-oriented focus, adopting student-centered approaches, ensuring system alignment, and actively engaging in continuous improvement efforts. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding and impact on PLCs in driving student success.

Presenters:
Bryce Amos, State Executive Director, Solution Tree
John Elkin, Superintendent, Center Point-Urbana Schools
Melissa Hocking, Director of School Improvement & Special Services, Center Point-Urbana Schools
Kim Simon, Board President, Center Point-Urbana Schools

Rethinking K–12 Grading: A Path to Student Success in the 21st Century 

In today's dynamic educational landscape, traditional grading methods often fall short in truly representing the diverse capabilities and potential of students. This session seeks to address the critical need for grading reform in the 21st century K-12 school environments. Join Glenwood Schools as we navigate through innovative methodologies and practical strategies aimed at elevating student proficiency, improving clarity of communication, and advancing equitable assessment practices to catalyze positive change in your communities.

Presenters:
Chad Lang, Assistant Superintendent of School Improvement & Human Resources, Glenwood Schools
Kellie Stewart, Board Member, Glenwood Schools

Bridging Attendance Gaps: A Comprehensive Approach to Tackling Truancy and Chronic Absenteeism 

This enlightening session will delve into Storm Lake Community School's journey in combating truancy and chronic absenteeism. From tier one interventions aimed at all families to targeted tier two and tier three strategies, explore the "why" behind regular school attendance and its importance in shaping academic success and future opportunities. As schools nationwide grapple with declining attendance rates, it's imperative to understand the underlying factors and implement effective solutions. Learn how collaborative efforts with the county attorney have turned legal intervention into a family engagement strategy by emphasizing support and collaboration to bridge the attendance gap and ensure every student can thrive.

Presenters:
Stacey Cole, Superintendent, Storm Lake Schools