ABSTRACTS

Dr. Thomas Guskey

"Using Standards and Assessments to Improve Student Learning"
10.30. - Saturday, 6^th September 2008.

Abstract
To make a real difference for students, learning standards and performance assessments must become an integral part of the instructional process at the classroom level. This presentation focuses on ways for teachers to set clear learning goals, gather useful information on students' performance, use that information to guide improvements, and document learning progress in the context of modern classrooms. Participants will explore how classroom assessments can be used as learning tools, how performance assessments can be combined with more traditional testing and evaluation methods, how assessment procedures can be aligned with standards for student learning, and how to meet the accountability requirements set for schools and students.

 "Enhancing and Evaluating the Effectiveness of Professional Development"
11.30 - Sunday, 7^th September 2008.

Abstract
Many professional developers today are being asked to show that what they do makes a difference. Stakeholders at all levels want to know if investments in professional development truly result in improvement in the practices of educators and, ultimately, in the performance of students. This presentation explores factors that contribute to the effectiveness of professional development and outlines the various levels professional development evaluation. The use and appropriate application of these levels are described, along with procedures for establishing reliable indicators of success during professional development planning. Procedures are presented for applying change research findings to design and implementation procedures, gathering quantitative and qualitative evidence on effects, and presenting that evidence in meaningful ways.

Ms. Kate Ruttle

"New Trends in Teaching and Learning in the UK"
15.15 - Saturday, 6^th September 2008.

Abstract
2008 is proving to be a year of change and progression in the UK educational system, from Birth to 16. The key changes for September 08 include both the new Early Years and Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, which offers a framework for development of children from birth to 5+ years old, and the new secondary curriculum which will plot the development of ‘personal learning and thinking skills' alongside an academic curriculum. Meanwhile, the primary curriculum is under review and most primary schools are exploring new ways of engaging their students in the learning process.

The session will briefly explore the main features of each of these initiatives, considering the uniting themes, the underlying pedagogies and their implications for schools and teachers.


"Assessment for Learning Including SEN"
11.30 - Sunday, 7^th September 2008.

Abstract
This session introduces Assessment for Learning (AfL) as an effective way of both raising standards of all students and of improving teachers' and students' engagement with, and enjoyment of, the learning process.

Key characteristics of schools and classrooms in which AfL is established will be discussed and a framework offered for development and implementation of an AfL culture.

One of the key principles of AfL is that it "recognises all educational achievement" and "involves all children in a culture of high expectations". The implications of this statement will be considered for children with Special Educational Needs working in a mainstream school.

Mr. Ainsley Rose

"The Leadership Imperative"
9.30 - Sunday, 7^th September 2008.

Abstract
John Kotter once said, "The distinction between management and leadership is neither arbitrary nor semantic. It is, instead, enormously important and a source of great confusion. The person who thinks management is leadership will manage change, hence keeping it under control, but he or she will be unable to provide the stuff required to make larger and more difficult leaps."

This session will explore the importance of a principled approach to leading as  Mr. Rose contends that we manage things, but we lead people. Recent research from Dr. Brian McNulty, a colleague with The Leadership and Learning Center, will be presented along with references from other notables in leadership research.

This session will explore various questions that suggest leadership requires particular talents that may help us to understand the distinction that John Kotter speaks to above. Some of those questions might be

the following:

- What sort of leadership do great teachers require and want?

- Who should be principal?

- What is the purpose of leadership- why do we need it?

- What is we are trying to accomplish through school leadership?


"Teaching: Is it really worth it?"
14.30 - Sunday, 7^th September 2008.

Abstract
Around the world, education and those educators who toil religiously to "make a difference," continue to face challenges unlike other professions. The public reports condemning poor performance in international assessments, increasing class numbers, lack of resources and professional development, and low pay by comparison to other professions can be sources of genuine frustration: certainly reasons that make educators rethink whether teaching is really worth it.

Yet, every year we hear stories of individuals who extol the virtues of a teacher in their life; the one person who "made a difference." Many of us remember one significant adult in our lives and very often it is a teacher. What is it that some teachers do that makes them memorable or influential to the lives of their students?

This reflective session is designed to rekindle the passion for the art and science of teaching. Teaching is more vital today than it has ever been. Educators need to take assurance that they continue to play a vital role despite the challenges.

Videoconference Session

Ms. Diane Palmer and Mr. Kevin Stannard

"Uses of national tests" / "Bilingual Education and the Cambridge International Curriculum" - CIE Presentation (University of Cambridge)
8.45 - Sunday, 7^th September 2008

Abstract
The first part of the presentation will analyse and describe the purpose of national tests, how the use of test scores can help monitor national standards, promote school accountability and generate feedback to learners and teachers.

Kevin Stannard joined CIE in September 2006, as Director of International Curriculum Development, leading the teams developing new qualifications and providing curriculum and teacher support. His presentation will describe the close relationship between the Cambridge International Curriculum and bilingual education.

Concurrent Sessions

Ms. Kate Ruttle

"Welcome to CIPP"

17.15 - Saturday, 6^th September 2008.

Abstract

The session briefly outlines the key features of Cambridge International Primary Programme (CIPP), including an insight into the range of resources, support and training available from CIE. Key aspects of a successful CIPP classroom will be briefly explored through exemplification and discussion.

Ms. Silvia Stagnaro

"Leading Educational Change: Feedback for teachers support and development"

17.15 - Saturday, 6^th September 2008.

Abstract

Headteachers and educational leaders are usually involved in appraisal or induction programmes which demand that they should provide advice and give feedback to other teachers. This feedback is centrally important to the way these teachers learn and develop. A fully professional teacher is the one who is capable of reflecting critically on his own practices. Effective teachers should be prepared to question and evaluate their teaching seriously in an attempt to gain a fuller understanding of the process of teaching and learning and developing their own professional conduct. This requires their active engagement in examining critically what they do in their classrooms so that they construct new understanding and knowledge and arrive at personally-derived plans of action that they really "own". The purpose of this workshop is to engage those involved in providing feedback in thoughtful reflection of the methods that can be used to enhance this learning encounter to maximize its effect on positive educational change.

Ms. Marta Bayley, Ms. Patricia Dillon, Ms. Moira McCallum, Ms. Ivonne Roberts, Ms. Maria Villar

"Differentiated Instruction: The tip of the Iceberg"

17.15 - Saturday, 6^th September 2008.

Abstract
Years of shared experience in the classroom and our joint quest to find a way to cater for the needs of all learners, has brought us together to seek answers in the latest educational trends. In Differentiated Instruction and its underlying philosophy, we have found a variety of tools and strategies which have helped us improve our classroom practice. The aim of this workshop is to give a brief awareness of what

Differentiated Instruction is. Teachers will be able to catch a glimpse of a variety of real students' work and they will personally experience powerful strategies which they can easily put into practice with their own pupils. As real icebergs in life, only the tip on the surface will be seen, but a huge load of expertise and knowledge lies below...