AM Pre-Conference 8:30-11:30

Great Strategies That Increase Positive Behavior and Motivate At-Risk Students
Presenter-Dr. Sharon Faber
If students can't read, write, or do math like the other students, the only thing they can do is save face. How can teachers modify what they are currently doing to increase learning opportunities for all students, especially those who may be struggling? How do we get middle level students excited about learning and get them to behave at the same time? This session will focus on "15" practical and simple teaching techniques that teachers in all subject areas can use to increase learning for all students. Expect to leave with strategies that you can use immediately to motivate students and produce positive behavior!

If You Can't Manage Them, You Can't Engage Them!
Presenter-Kim Campbell
Creating a positive classroom environment is critical to ensure the learning of all students. As the demands on teachers increase and students become more challenging, it is vital that a positive caring atmosphere be created and established by the teacher. Join Kim for easy practical tips in managing your classroom and creating a community in which all students have an opportunity to learn.

Homework? No Problem: Practices and Policies that Increase Students' Motivation to Complete Assignments
Presenter-Rick Wormeli
Dealing with homework is a big stress for students, teachers, and parents. What's ethical and doable, and what gets in the way of student success? Get rid of that stress while boosting your students' homework completion rate with these highly motivating, easily applicable homework practices and policies for the modern classroom. We'll look at when to give homework and when not to give it, homework assessment that increases the likelihood that students will complete assignments, how to design developmentally appropriate assignments for diverse students, how much homework to assign, and much more. Join us for research-based and insightful ideas that generate inspired efforts by your students. 'Tonight's assignment? Reserve a spot in this session!

PM Pre-Conference - 12:15-3:15

Powerful Strategies for Motivating Today's Students
Presenter-Mark McLeod
Learn teaching strategies and classroom management techniques that will motivate your students to excel. Easy, yet effective instructional strategies will be discussed, modeled, and practiced. This highly inspirational presentation is peppered with poignant stories from the presenter's own personal experiences. Don't miss this life-changing opportunity!

"Is This Going to Be Graded?" -- Assessment and Grading Practices that Increase Student Motivation
Presenter-Rick Wormeli
Bust the myths, and spark student interest with these highly motivating practices in assessment and grading that increase student engagement and learning. Provocative and practical, we'll explore successful motivations and procedures regarding grade definitions, dealing with failures, zeroes on the 100-point scale, re-doing work for full credit, disaggregation of scores, averaging or not, assessing homework, assessing late work, grading inclusion students, grading gifted students, grading scales, gradebooks, extra credit, group projects, formative vs. summative assessments, descriptive feedback, and much more. Candid and transforming, don't miss this opportunity significantly increase student motivation through your assessment and grading practices!