Below are upcoming opportunities to explore.
March
I Believe in Play; Sharing our Successes and Planning Next Steps for Positive Student Outcomes Wednesday, March 21, 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Learning objectives: 1) Reinforce proven practices that incorporate learning in play. 2) Planning for the adult’s role in child-directed play to promote students’ social and academic growth. 3) Practice planning standards-based units that incorporate play.
National Board Resource Center (NBRC) Professional Development Opportunity The NBRC is seeking administrators interested in a research-based ongoing professional development opportunity. There are currently 40 National Board Professional Development Schools in Illinois led by administrator leaders. The NBRC is expanding this program to include an additional 25 schools/districts to take part in this opportunity during the 2018-19 school year. This program is school based and includes several research-based instructional strategies that focus on implementing effective teaching approaches that nurture critical thinking. Application deadline is March 26, 2018. Call Debra Kasperski at (309) 438-1833 for more information or to set up an appointment.
April
Illinois Action for Children’s Annual Public Policy Conference Join Illinois Action for Children’s Public Policy and Advocacy team for the annual Spring Into Action Conference on April 9-10, 2018. This year’s keynote speaker is Julie Vogtman, Director of Job Quality and Senior Counsel with the National Women’s Law Center. Attendees will have an opportunity to participate in timely policy-oriented workshops, networking, and visits to the state capitol.
What to look for in a developmentally appropriate classroom Pat Chamberlain and Julie Kallenbach present information showing that a developmentally appropriate classroom using a play-based learning model is purposefully and intentionally planned by teachers to address standards.
Learn more about Illinois’ Home Visiting Systems and Preschool Transitions Have you ever wondered what home visiting programs do? Or, how to better connect with families receiving home visiting services? The Illinois Birth-to-Third Grade (B-3) Continuity Project is hosting a webinar on Wednesday, April 11, 2018.
May
Principal preparation, recruitment, hiring, development and retention: an IL-PART symposium Join us for lessons learned through the IL-PART Grant, what the data tell us, tools you can use and much more that will be shared at this one day immersive event.
June
Illinois Birth-to-Third Grade (B-3) Continuity Conference The Illinois Birth-to-Third Grade (B-3) Continuity Conference is set for June 13-14, 2018 at the Double Tree Hotel in Bloomington, Illinois. The B-3 Conference is open to school districts and community leaders working towards birth-to-third grade alignment strategies in their community. Communities are encouraged to come as teams with representatives from early childhood, K-12 schools, and the broader community.
October
2018 National Forum to Advance Rural Education and 110th NREA Convention and Research Symposium October 11–13, 2018, in Denver, Colorado. In the spirit of collaboration, Battelle for Kids and the National Rural Education Association (NREA) will host the 2018 National Forum to Advance Rural Education and 110th NREA Convention and Research Symposium. This annual event is designed to create an environment for collaboration and innovation with a diverse community—national experts, K–12 and higher education practitioners, leading researchers, policymakers, and philanthropic leaders—to learn and share ideas around the topics at the forefront of rural education and to ensure 21st century learning is a reality for all rural students.
