Creating meaningful literacy progress for students with disabilities requires more than just compliant documentation—it requires intentional alignment. In this session, participants will dive into the intersection of evidence-based literacy instruction, IEP goal development, and Student Reading Plans (SRPs) to ensure that what’s written in the plan is actionable and streamlined in practice. Through real-world examples, case studies, and guided collaboration, educators will learn how to craft precise, measurable IEP goals that reflect students’ specific reading needs and align with their SRPs. Emphasis will be placed on using assessment data to drive both goal creation and instructional alignment. Participants will walk away with practical tools and strategies to strengthen coherence between IEPs and reading plans—ensuring that every student is supported with a plan that is both personalized and setting them up for success.
What makes a school leader credible in the eyes of their staff? It’s not charisma or charm—it’s trust, competence, forward thinking, immediacy, and dynamism. In this interactive session, we’ll explore the five characteristics of leader credibility and reflect on how each of us shows up in our roles. Participants will engage in guided self-reflection, peer discussion, and practical idea generation to identify personal strengths and opportunities for growth. Leave with new insights and concrete ways to lead with credibility—and impact.
School leaders are increasingly responsible for navigating complex employee investigations, often requiring training in investigative protocols, progressive discipline, and managing the emotional intensity of high-stakes situations. This session will explore practical steps to conduct fair, student-centered investigations and implement corrective action through progressive discipline. Through real-world scenarios and guided discussions, participants will build confidence, clarity, and capacity to lead consistently.
This interactive session will explore the profound impact of belonging on families within the school community and equip educators and staff with practical strategies to foster meaningful family engagement. We will delve into why a strong sense of connection for families is crucial for student success and the overall well-being of the school environment. Participants will gain insights into the benefits of creating and maintaining an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere that encourages all families to participate and contribute.
This session will provide an overview of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) with a focused lens on integrated strategies that enhance student attendance and success. Participants will examine the Student Response Team (SRT) process, clarifying key components that support collaborative, data-driven decision-making to address attendance. A highlight of the session will include an exploration of EveryDay Labs, a proactive, evidence-based tool used to reduce absenteeism through supportive family engagement. Leaders will learn how this platform integrates within MTSS to develop a strategic approach to address attendance. Participants will conclude the session by exploring EveryDay Labs as a tool to monitor attendance and MTSS Module via Synergy to document and monitor SRT for attendance.
Explore how the FBA-BIP process fits within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports. This session highlights how to align behavioral assessments and interventions with tiered supports, data-based decision-making, and team-based problem-solving. Participants will learn to integrate FBAs and BIPs seamlessly into MTSS practices.
What makes professional learning truly high-quality--and how can we ensure it is designed to meet the needs of the adults in our buildings? Together, we will explore the essential conditions that support adult learning and unpack the six powerful components that lead to professional learning that improves outcomes for students and adults. You’ll leave this session with practical tools, clear criteria, ready-to-use strategies, and flexible structures to design and lead learning experiences that build the collective capacity of your instructional staff.
During this session, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the VBCPS Guidelines for School Administrators and Crisis Teams for Suicide Risk Assessments and Post-Crisis Procedures. Attendees will understand the suicide risk assessment process and the protocols to follow when a student returns to school after a mental health crisis. This session is a condensed version of a previously offered two hour session.
Attendees will consider the ways in which teaching and learning in history and social sciences will change and stay the same as we move towards an uncertain future.
The functionality of PLCs is critical to instructional programs and overall student achievement. This session will focus on how one PLC works collaboratively with general/special education teachers to analyze student data, review the district curriculum scope and sequence, design highly engaging Tier I AVID WICOR strategies, and Specially Designed Instruction.
In this session, elementary school leaders will learn how to harness artificial intelligence to streamline their workflows and enhance classroom instruction. Participants will explore the VBCPS AI Guiding Principles to ground their understanding of our division’s vision for AI usage. They will engage with practical tools that administrators and teachers can use to boost productivity, as well as programs that support effective planning and teaching.
Effective coaching hinges on clarity—both in teaching and in the guidance coaches provide to teachers. This session, *"Coaching for Clarity: Guiding Teachers in the Effective Use of Learning Intentions and Success Criteria,"* equips instructional leaders and coaches with the knowledge and tools to support teachers in designing and using clear, purposeful learning intentions and success criteria. Participants will explore what makes these elements powerful drivers of student learning, analyze real classroom examples, and engage in coaching simulations to practice giving targeted feedback. Whether you're new to coaching or looking to deepen your impact, this session will strengthen your ability to foster clarity and precision in instructional practice.
Make a splash in your math PLCs with Dive In!—an engaging session designed especially for elementary leaders. Explore hands-on, immersive experiences that empower and equip teachers to strengthen math pedagogy/content knowledge, build confidence in math instruction, and implement meaningful learning experiences for young learners. Whether you're launching a new PLC or refreshing your current one, you’ll leave with practical tools to inspire growth, foster teamwork, and make math come alive for both teachers and students. Let’s dive deep and grow together!
Are you a K–5 administrator or instructional coach looking to strengthen your leadership team and align your work with Compass 2030? This dynamic, hands-on session is designed specifically for you. Learn how to build or enhance a high-impact instructional leadership team (ILT) that is focused, collaborative, and ready to lead meaningful change in the 2025–2026 school year. Grounded in the district’s vision, you'll explore practical structures, alignment strategies, and tools to enhance coherence across your school. Walk away with a personalized action plan and renewed clarity to lead with purpose, build capacity, and drive student-centered outcomes at the elementary level.
Start the day with purpose and possibility! Join us to discover how Morning Meetings can become a launchpad for science thinking. Experience integrated examples, analyze existing Morning Meetings to identify how they support science content, and engage in hands-on planning. Explore how this simple daily routine can support SEL, academic content, and Future-Ready skills—all at once. Walk away with ready-to-use ideas, strategies for analysis, and inspiration to help students connect, wonder, and grow.
Are you spending more time managing student behavior than leading instruction in your school? In this session, you'll learn how to shift the way staff view behavior—seeing it not as defiance, but as a sign of missing skills, trauma, context, or unmet needs. By changing this mindset, this will empower teachers to manage their classrooms effectively to move from merely surviving daily disruptions to thriving as confident, supported professionals. We’ll also explore how to build a positive school climate through intentional structures and routines that foster respectful relationships, student engagement, and a safe, supportive environment for all.
This session empowers school leaders to guide AI integration that prepares students for a future-ready world. Participants will explore the essential elements of our high school AI implementation, including teacher and student responsibilities. With a focus on implementation and support strategies, leaders will leave equipped to foster ethical, innovative, and future-ready student engagement with AI.
Discover how Kempsville High School reimagined a one-night career event into a powerful, week-long EEE (Engage, Enlist, Employ) experience designed to support every student’s post secondary journey. This session will highlight the planning, partnerships, & strategies that helped transform EEE Week into an engaging opportunity for all students. Participants will work collaboratively to identify barriers and brainstorm solutions for implementing or expanding similar programming in their own schools. You'll leave with practical ideas, shared resources, and a framework to begin planning for next school year—so you can ensure your students are not only dreaming about the future, but preparing for it.
How can your AVID Site Team be a powerful driver of your school's vision for student success? In this interactive session, school leaders and AVID coordinators will explore how to intentionally align the new AVID College and Career Indicators (CCI) with the VBCPS Future Ready Profile. You'll walk away with practical tools and collaborative strategies to strengthen your Site Team plan, elevate student outcomes, and ensure every learner is truly future ready.
How can schools ensure that every student is on a path to success—every day? This session highlights how Kellam High School identified and supported a targeted group of students with GPAs between 2.5 and 2.9, using a strategic approach grounded in goal setting, skill development, and meaningful relationships with trusted adults and peer tutors. Participants will explore how this model fostered academic growth and readiness aligned with the VBCPS Future-Ready Profile. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies for identifying and uplifting special student populations within their own schools.
Pull up a chair at the Future Ready Café, where every voice matters and bold ideas are on the menu. This session uses a World Café-style structure—participants will rotate through small group conversations, sharing ideas, building on each other’s thinking, and blending diverse perspectives. Together, we’ll explore how to bring our Future Ready Profile to life through instruction, student goal setting, and a thriving school climate. You’ll leave with more than just inspiration—you’ll walk away with a ready-to-use activity designed to spark meaningful conversation with your staff at the start of the school year.
In this session, participants will review leadership and coaching moves that empowered faculty, positively impacted achievement, and decreased targeted gaps. Artifacts will include planning templates, ready-to go PD, student work samples, and next steps. Through collaboration and discussion, participants will leave with strategies and tools to implement with their coaches and PLCs. Say good-bye to learning gaps!
How can schoolwide systems drive student achievement and build future-ready skills? This session will showcase how our organizational initiative elevates academic performance, develops future-ready skills, and creates a culture where every student can succeed. Through our school’s journey toward AVID certification and the strategic implementation of Focused Note-taking as a core organizational practice, we have built a consistent, student-centered, and deeper learning culture across all content areas. We will explore practical steps for embedding these strategies into daily instruction, how to support teachers in maintaining consistency, and ways to measure progress and adjust practices for continuous improvement.
Middle and high school mathematics leaders will examine the factors that promote future-ready students as related to the mathematics classroom. Attendees will examine research-based practices in teaching mathematics that will promote opportunities for all students to reach high levels of mathematical understanding. This session will explore how common expectations for high quality tier-one instruction across middle and high school courses can progressively develop mathematical thinkers and problem solvers.
What if your greatest leadership tool isn’t in a handbook—but in how you help others feel they belong? In this interactive 60-minute session, assistant principals will discover how school climate fuels belonging—and why that’s a leadership superpower. Through hands-on stations focused on environment, relationships, and school policies, participants will explore what fosters connection (and what quietly shuts it down). With lively discussion, reflection, and prioritization, leaders will walk away with practical strategies, a personalized action plan, and a fresh perspective on how belonging shapes the future—for students, staff, and schools alike.
This session will provide school leaders with the tools and strategies needed to design and implement effective Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) for teachers. When used appropriately, PIPs are not punitive but are essential tools for supporting educators in meeting professional expectations and improving instructional quality. Participants will explore how to create targeted, specific, and actionable PIPs that align with instructional standards, student achievement data, and observation feedback.
New assistant principals, administrative assistants, deans, and academic coordinators will explore the elements of high quality observational feedback. Administrators who are not new may also choose to attend.
The Future-Ready Profile sparks big aspirations—but how do we bring it to life in every classroom and conversation? Come explore the new Profile, learn ways to engage staff with intention and purpose, and exchange ideas for maintaining momentum. Leave with practical strategies for designing a responsive plan that honors adult learning principles, builds ownership of the Profile, and inspires commitment for positive student impact.
Discover how AI transforms instructional coaching and teacher development in this interactive session. Attendees will explore AI tools to integrate AI into coaching practices, generate personalized feedback, and provide data-driven insights to support professional growth. Real-world examples and live demos will showcase practical applications, ethical considerations, and training strategies. Walk away with actionable tools and a clear vision for leveraging AI to enhance—not replace—human mentorship, ultimately driving improved instruction and student success. Attendees should bring their laptops and have access to their school's concept map and observational feedback for this AI workshop.
School leaders are increasingly responsible for navigating complex employee investigations, often requiring training in investigative protocols, progressive discipline, and managing the emotional intensity of high-stakes situations. This session will explore practical steps to conduct fair, student-centered investigations and implement corrective action through progressive discipline. Through real-world scenarios and guided discussions, participants will build confidence, clarity, and capacity to lead consistently.
Join fellow administrators for a dynamic and solution-focused session!In this collaborative workshop, we’ll reflect on current disciplinary policies and practices through the lens of leadership. Together, we’ll explore the root causes of behaviors that often lead to long-term suspensions and expulsions, and examine the “why” behind them. You’ll gain insight into effective, research-based behavior strategies being implemented in schools, and have the opportunity to share successful interventions and challenges with your peers. We’ll also highlight division-wide resources that can support your efforts to create more equitable, positive school climates. Come ready to think critically, share openly, and leave with actionable strategies to strengthen student outcomes and school culture.
Think PLCs only work when teachers share the same content or grade level? Think again! This session will (re)introduce you to inquiry-based PLCs. Through a hands-on learning lab and reflection, you will experience what inquiry PLCs look like in action, examine the conditions that make them thrive, and define the unique roles leaders, coaches, and teachers play in supporting an inquiry-based PLC team. Leave with practical tools, insights, and next steps for launching or sustaining inquiry-driven PLCs in your school.
The purpose of this session is to provide a broad overview of the data systems and resources available to identify and meet students’ needs. Participants will have the opportunity to explore school-level data available on the School Data Portfolio to develop best practices in data-driven decision making. This is a recommended session for new administrators or attendees who may not be as familiar with the School Data Portfolio resources.
This session will provide an overview of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) with a focused lens on integrated strategies that enhance student attendance and success. Participants will examine the Student Response Team (SRT) process, clarifying key components that support collaborative, data-driven decision-making to address attendance. A highlight of the session will include an exploration of EveryDay Labs, a proactive, evidence-based tool used to reduce absenteeism through supportive family engagement. Leaders will learn how this platform integrates within MTSS to develop a strategic approach to address attendance. Participants will conclude the session by exploring EveryDay Labs as a tool to monitor attendance and MTSS Module via Synergy to document and monitor SRT for attendance.
Explore how the FBA-BIP process fits within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports. This session highlights how to align behavioral assessments and interventions with tiered supports, data-based decision-making, and team-based problem-solving. Participants will learn to integrate FBAs and BIPs seamlessly into MTSS practices.
This session will explore the definition of Family Engagement and FACE’s 5 Pillars, and how they align with Compass to 2030 Goal 4. Participants will also learn about FACE’s High Impact Strategies to strengthen family partnerships in schools. Finally, attendees will reflect on their current practices and develop action steps to integrate these strategies into daily school routines. Walk away with a practical, ready-to-use Family Engagement Toolkit—packed with strategies to boost communication, strengthen relationships, and foster shared decision-making across your school community.
Get ready to roll the dice and "hit the jackpot" in this high-energy, Vegas themed session where learning and luck go hand in hand! Attendees will engage in an interactive game designed to explore how environment and culture directly impact student success. By following a student through various daily interactions, participants will analyze brain-based strategies, choose effective interventions, and place bets on the outcomes. Will the chosen strategy "win" or "bust"? This session will highlight how intentional changes in classroom environments and school culture and support student regulation, engagement, and achievement.
During this session, participants will engage in an overview of Multi-tiered Systems of Support, Integrated Systems of Support and Student Response Team. Participants will review key components of SRT and be able to make connections to their current practice to ensure positive outcomes for all students.
What happens when we design professional learning the way the brain actually learns? In this interactive session, we’ll explore key cognitive science principles—like retrieval, prior knowledge, and cognitive load—and how they can be applied to create more engaging, effective learning experiences for adults. Grounded in the work of Margaret Lee and leading researchers, this session offers practical strategies to transform your PD sessions from forgettable to unforgettable. Whether you're a facilitator, coach, or leader, you'll leave with tools to help educators not just attend professional learning—but grow from it.
This session focuses on writing high-quality, measurable behavior goals and effectively monitoring progress within an MTSS framework. Participants will learn how to develop goals that are specific, observable, and aligned with student needs. The session will also cover practical methods for collecting behavior data to track growth and guide instructional decisions. Emphasis will be placed on ensuring goals are actionable and progress monitoring is systematic, helping educators make informed adjustments to interventions. Attendees will leave with tools and strategies to strengthen both goal development and ongoing monitoring of behavior supports.
Effective coaching hinges on clarity—both in teaching and in the guidance coaches provide to teachers. This session, *"Coaching for Clarity: Guiding Teachers in the Effective Use of Learning Intentions and Success Criteria,"* equips instructional leaders and coaches with the knowledge and tools to support teachers in designing and using clear, purposeful learning intentions and success criteria. Participants will explore what makes these elements powerful drivers of student learning, analyze real classroom examples, and engage in coaching simulations to practice giving targeted feedback. Whether you're new to coaching or looking to deepen your impact, this session will strengthen your ability to foster clarity and precision in instructional practice.
Pull up a chair at the Future Ready Café, where every voice matters and bold ideas are on the menu. This session uses a World Café-style structure—participants will rotate through small group conversations, sharing ideas, building on each other’s thinking, and blending diverse perspectives. Together, we’ll explore how to bring our Future Ready Profile to life through instruction, student goal setting, and a thriving school climate. You’ll leave with more than just inspiration—you’ll walk away with a ready-to-use activity designed to spark meaningful conversation with your staff at the start of the school year.
Participants will become familiar with the new Social Studies standards and curriculum while discussing best practices for high-quality instruction and planning.
Supporting special educators in math instruction can feel like navigating a maze—where do you even start? In this dynamic session, elementary principals will explore a clear, 3-pronged framework to jumpstart and sustain effective, math-specific professional learning for their special educators. Learn how to balance specially designed instruction with grade-level content, use vertical articulation to plan with purpose, and apply high-impact math pedagogy. Hear firsthand from school and instructional leaders who took different paths to the same goal: building up their teams with targeted, replicable strategies that work. Walk away ready to lead with clarity, confidence, and a plan.
This session empowers school leaders to guide AI integration that prepares students for a future-ready world. Participants will explore the essential elements of our high school AI implementation, including teacher and student responsibilities. With a focus on implementation and support strategies, leaders will leave equipped to foster ethical, innovative, and future-ready student engagement with AI.
In this session, middle school leaders will learn how to harness artificial intelligence to streamline their workflows and enhance classroom instruction. Participants will explore the VBCPS AI Guiding Principles to ground their understanding of our division’s vision for AI usage. They will engage with practical tools that administrators and teachers can use to boost productivity, as well as programs that support effective planning and teaching.
How do we create a culture of support to “build up” new educators? Kempsville HS will share their journey of strengthening new teacher support through intentional mentoring, collaborative structures, and a shared sense of responsibility among staff. Participants will explore their own support ecosystems to broaden perspectives on who contributes to new teacher success. Leaders will preview the new Mentoring Scope and Sequence document to better understand how mentors are supporting new educators and how they can align and amplify that work, building-wide. There will be dedicated planning time to identify actionable next steps for deepening new educator support in your own school.
In this session, explore how one school brought its concept map from Mission to Action to Practice by empowering teachers to co-create an ongoing professional learning plan aligned to its mission and vision. Discover how intentional design and reflective development led to meaningful instructional shifts. Learn how leaders used a focused learning walk tool to monitor progress and promote accountability. Participants will leave with practical ideas, tools and protocols to support school-wide change—all while keeping the main thing, the main thing.
In this interactive session, administrators will learn how to better leverage mathematics and literacy coaches to strengthen teacher practice and student outcomes. Focus areas include reestablishing clear roles for coaches and administrators in the coaching and communication process, aligning coach support with DTAL initiatives, and improving collaboration through stronger partnerships. Administrators will also explore how DTAL representatives can support both administrators and coaches in building capacity, improving communication, and advancing schoolwide instructional goals.
This session will help attendees understand how a cohort model differs from traditional grade-level structures and how it can be leveraged to improve student outcomes. In a cohort model, students are intentionally grouped to move through their academic experience together with consistent support, progress monitoring, and relationship-building. Unlike traditional models, which may treat each academic year as a standalone experience, the cohort approach emphasizes continuity and shared accountability to keep students on track for on-time graduation. Attendees will identify practical strategies for implementing this model in middle and high school settings, including designing support structures, tracking academic progress, and fostering effective team collaboration.
Family engagement isn’t just a checkbox. It’s a partnership that can transform outcomes. In this exhibition of learning, I will share candid reflections and tried-and-true tips for partnering with families—especially in the often complex world of special education. Expect real talk, a few laughs, and space to reflect on your own approach to family partnership.
Learn how two administrators tapped into each other’s professional knowledge, experiences, and settings to evaluate their own guiding documents and building tools. During this session, attendees will see how this process can be replicated by other administrators to build each others’ instructional leadership capacity.
We made it through our first year as principals, and we’ve got some stories to tell. From surprises and stumbles to small wins and big lessons, we’re sharing what we’ve learned (so far) about leading a school, building a team, and growing into this role.
If you are anything like me (I’m sorry?) you may not have had a formal opportunity to work with an executive coach but you have always wanted one. Why not let AI be that coach? I have found it to be a very useful thought partner not just for improving my communication skills but also for pointing out blindspots, preparing for pushback, and helping me break down tough moments. It’s like having a super honest (but weirdly kind) mirror: one that helps me make sense of what just happened and how I might handle it better next time.
You probably already know that a strong sense of belonging is a foundational element for success, well-being, and engagement across any community. But did you know that VBCPS has been recognized nationally for our efforts to intentionally cultivate environments where students feel seen, valued, and connected? Come get an inside look at how we are developing a division-wide, multi-faceted belonging framework to assist in amplifying student voice to implement initiatives that promote inclusivity, respect, and positive peer interactions.
Ready to elevate how we plan, facilitate, and evaluate professional learning? Join me for an interactive introduction to VBCPS’s new Guide to Quality Professional Learning—a resource built to support those who design and lead adult learning. Grounded in research on andragogy and best practices, the guide includes tools, criteria, reflection questions, and professional learning plan templates to help you create impactful PL experiences from start to finish. In just 30 minutes, you’ll “meet” the guide and select and explore a key component. You will walk away with ideas to strengthen your school’s professional learning culture.
When leaders feel overwhelmed, it’s often a bandwidth issue, not just workload. This session draws on insights from the book Educator Bandwidth to examine what depletes your cognitive, emotional, and physical energy, and what can restore it. You’ll take a quick self-check and explore strategies for renewal. You’ll leave with a reflection tool and actionable ideas to recharge and support your own leadership presence in order to nurture a culture where energy and effectiveness are protected and prioritized. Whether you’re running a school or leading from the classroom, discover how protecting your energy (and your team’s) isn’t a luxury—it’s smart leadership.
Mentoring thrives on structure, purpose, and relationships. This session offers a preview of a yearlong scope and sequence designed to meet the evolving needs of new educators while promoting consistency, collaboration, and professional growth. Developed with input from a New Educator Advisory Board and lead mentor focus groups, the framework supports mentors in providing responsive, sustained guidance throughout the year, building staff capacity, and strengthening the school community.
In this 30-minute exhibition of learning, participants will explore the powerful STATE strategy from Crucial Conversations, designed to guide high-stakes, emotionally charged discussions. Through a real-world scenario, , you'll learn how to speak your truth while fostering psychological safety and encouraging others to share their perspectives. Walk away with a practical framework you can apply immediately to build trust, resolve conflict, and lead with clarity—especially when it matters most.
In a time when clear, timely communication is critical, six VBCPS schools piloted enhanced features of the ParentSquare app to better connect with families and the school community. This session will share the results of the pilot, including key metrics, staff and parent feedback, and lessons learned. Attendees will explore how strategic use of ParentSquare can streamline communication, increase engagement, and support school goals. Whether you're a classroom teacher, school administrator or division leader, this session offers practical takeaways to inform implementation and maximize impact in the year ahead.
I invite attendees to join me in building something more collaborative—a divisionwide storytelling effort designed to support both recruitment and retention. In this session, I’ll present a concise model for collecting and sharing staff testimonials that highlight the value, purpose, and pride of working in VBPCS. Through real examples and practical tips, attendees will leave inspired and equipped to help tell our collective story—whether by submitting their own reflections or encouraging their colleagues to participate. This session will provide sample prompts, best practices for framing authentic testimonials, and a preview of how these stories are used across division communication channels.
Create future-ready students who exhibit the attributes outlined in the VBCPS Future-Ready Profile. Celebrate recent accomplishments aligned with Compass to 2030 strategic framework. Use buildings and sites as teaching tools to increase understanding of sustainability and reduce environmental impact while promoting inquiry, communication, collaboration, and social responsibility
In every school, there’s a team quietly shaping the culture—one warm greeting, phone call, and act of care at a time. Office professionals are the heartbeat of the building, and investing in their growth strengthens the entire school community. Learn about the Service Stars professional learning series where office professionals are introduced to and practice five key behaviors to create a welcoming and inclusive office environment. Hear powerful personal testimonials and walk away inspired to champion a thriving front office environment with staff who are equipped with the skills to foster family and community engagement.
In our division, 34 schools currently have no National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs), missing a critical opportunity to elevate student learning and teacher leadership. This fast-paced session will unpack the transformative impact of NBCTs on school culture and student achievement. Administrators and instructional leaders will learn about the process, review VBCPS supports, and gain actionable strategies to identify potential candidates to build a school culture that attracts and supports accomplished teaching.
Father behaviors have the biggest impact on their children's lives. Research consistently shows that active involvement from fathers can positively influence a child’s academic success, especially in literacy. This session aims to highlight the critical role fathers play in the social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children, with a focused lens on learning to read. At the end of this session elementary educators, family engagement specialists and administrators will be equipped with strategies to engage fathers and support them in fostering early literacy at home and in educational settings that positively affect academic outcomes of students by making reading time a priority.
In today’s diverse classrooms, ensuring every student thrives in mathematics requires more than just good intentions—it takes targeted, adaptive, and research based instructional tools. This session explores how Imagine Math helps lift up all learners by providing differentiated pathways, real-time support, and powerful data insights that empower both students and educators. Participants will meet with representatives to hear how Imagine Math fosters academic growth through its adaptive learning platform, rigorous content, and built-in live teacher support. Special focus will be given to how the platform addresses unfinished learning, supports multilingual learners, and encourages math confidence in underserved populations. Through real-world implementation examples, data-driven strategies, and interactive discussion, attendees will leave with concrete tools and next steps to elevate mathematics achievement in their schools.
How can we ensure students take ownership of their learning and progress toward becoming future ready? This session will explore practical strategies for embedding student goal setting, student-led conferences, and reflection into classroom routines, all aligned with the VBCPS Future Ready Profile. Participants will learn how to guide students in setting meaningful goals, curate and reflect on evidence of learning, and lead conferences that promote agency, communication, and self-awareness. The session will feature student work samples, templates, and a roadmap for schools seeking to build a culture of reflection and readiness.
Join this energizing exhibition of learning as we explore the Morning Meeting Stockpile—a treasure trove of ready-to-use resources to uplift every classroom! From greetings, sharings, and activities to Spanish-translated materials, videos of VBCPS students in action, and real teacher impact stories, this collection has it all. Walk away with tools to empower your staff, strengthen classroom culture, and spark engagement from the moment students walk through the door.
Join the FACE (Family and Community Engagement) office for a dynamic and collaborative session designed specifically for secondary administrators. Together, we’ll explore current practices in family engagement across high schools, share challenges and successes, and gather your valuable input to inform the development of tools, resources, and best practices. This session directly supports Goal 4 of Compass to 2030—empowering families as partners in student success—and your voice is critical in shaping the next phase of this work. Come ready to reflect, connect, and help design the future of family engagement in our secondary schools.
Chronic absenteeism and lost instructional time can derail student success, but targeted academic recovery can turn that around. In this session, explore a structured approach to supporting students who are at risk of failing courses or missing credit due to attendance. Learn how to implement a recovery model that blends remediation, enrichment, and instructional time recovery without increasing teacher workload. Attendees will gain insight into effective supervision, assignment planning, and student accountability. Walk away with actionable strategies to help students re-engage, recover lost time, and succeed in mastering course content and end-of-course assessment
The World History I Locally Awarded Verified Credit 2 (LAVC2) provides an alternative, performance-based framework for teaching, learning, and assessing. Our committee will share the preparation, implementation, and refinement of this framework, which has revolutionized the student experience in World History I. Additionally, it is our hope that you will walk away with the tools to transform a traditional assessment approach, embed supporting documents to properly prepare students for a performance task, and/or implement the LAVC2 for the first time in your school.
Discover how Lynnhaven Middle School effectively integrated VLA reading remediation into the daily schedule. This session will cover how student eligibility was determined, how small groups were structured, and how teaching partners successfully implemented the program. You'll explore the use of SIPPS Plus, SIPPS Challenge, and Read 180 to support and challenge students at varying levels. Attendees will see examples of increased student confidence and engagement and leave with practical steps for launching VLA reading remediation in their own schools.
Join a collaborative discussion on the implementation of middle schools schedules. Come ready to share, learn, and spark new ideas that support Future-Ready students.
When concerns about a student’s well-being and school safety were raised by peers and parents, school leaders mobilized a team approach to support the student. This session highlights how administration partnered with the family, DOSL, OSEM, school psychologist, case manager, school counselor, and teachers to create a cohesive support plan. Learn how building trust, fostering open communication, and aligning systems across roles helped ensure the student received meaningful support—both inside and outside of school.
Discover how one school unified its AVID and Instructional Leadership Teams to streamline instructional practices around focused note-taking and student organization. Learn how cross-functional collaboration created schoolwide systems that promote academic success, consistency across classrooms, and college-ready habits. Participants will walk away with actionable strategies and leadership structures to replicate in their own schools
School leaders navigate complex conversations daily — from difficult parent emails to sensitive staff feedback. In this interactive session, participants will explore how generative AI tools can act as a communication coach to create drafts, adjust tone, and refine language to support effective stakeholder engagement. Participants will experiment with prompts and AI tools, discuss ethical guardrails, and leave with strategies for leveraging AI to enhance, not replace, authentic human connection. This session invites school leaders to think critically and creatively about leading communication in the age of AI. Note: This session is designed for participants with at least a basic awareness of generative AI Tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, etc.).
What if your greatest leadership tool isn’t in a handbook—but in how you help others feel they belong? In this interactive 60-minute session, assistant principals will discover how school climate fuels belonging—and why that’s a leadership superpower. Through hands-on stations focused on environment, relationships, and school policies, participants will explore what fosters connection (and what quietly shuts it down). With lively discussion, reflection, and prioritization, leaders will walk away with practical strategies, a personalized action plan, and a fresh perspective on how belonging shapes the future—for students, staff, and schools alike.
What if one of the most powerful ways to improve student outcomes is by rethinking how we invest in the adult teams in our schools? Together, we will explore the concept of professional capital, the combined strength of social, human, and decisional capital, and its role in building collaborative, high-performing teams and schools. In collaborative groups, we’ll unpack each component, examine real-world examples, and engage in reflection and discussion to consider how leadership practices can build (or erode) professional capital. You’ll leave with practical strategies to cultivate trust, elevate professional expertise, and empower educator judgment—essentials for key initiatives to thrive.
This session will provide school leaders with the tools and strategies needed to design and implement effective Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) for teachers. When used appropriately, PIPs are not punitive but are essential tools for supporting educators in meeting professional expectations and improving instructional quality. Participants will explore how to create targeted, specific, and actionable PIPs that align with instructional standards, student achievement data, and observation feedback.
The Future-Ready Profile sparks big aspirations—but how do we bring it to life in every classroom and conversation? Come explore the new Profile, learn ways to engage staff with intention and purpose, and exchange ideas for maintaining momentum. Leave with practical strategies for designing a responsive plan that honors adult learning principles, builds ownership of the Profile, and inspires commitment for positive student impact.
What should high-quality instruction for English learners (ELs) look and sound like in the classroom? How can school leaders prepare to meet federal and state expectations of ELs, including the School Performance & Support Framework? Administrators will explore answers to these critical questions, learn how to leverage ACCESS for ELLs scores and other data to plan responsive instruction, and leave with a practical toolkit to support classroom observations, guide teacher development, and ultimately boost academic achievement for ELs.
At the risk of stating the obvious, as leaders, we have all faced moments when carefully crafted plans were disrupted by seemingly shifting priorities or external forces beyond our control. In this reflective session, we will explore big ideas from The Upside of Uncertainty by Nathan and Susannah Furr, including the concept of uncertainty as a gateway to possibility—not just a source of stress. Together, we will examine the book’s Uncertainty First-Aid Cross—a practical framework of tools for facing the unknown with greater clarity and resilience. This is not a book study or expert-led session (obviously - I'm leading it), but an opportunity for personal reflection, conversation, and connection. Participants will consider how they’ve already used some of these strategies in their leadership journeys and identify new ones to strengthen their capacity to rise through uncertainty with greater intention and impact. (P.S. You do not need to read the book before the session. In fact, it is better if you don’t. That way I’ll look like I know more than I do. Or, you can read the book in advance and facilitate the session, you decide.)
Join fellow administrators for a dynamic and solution-focused session!In this collaborative workshop, we’ll reflect on current disciplinary policies and practices through the lens of leadership. Together, we’ll explore the root causes of behaviors that often lead to long-term suspensions and expulsions, and examine the “why” behind them. You’ll gain insight into effective, research-based behavior strategies being implemented in schools, and have the opportunity to share successful interventions and challenges with your peers. We’ll also highlight division-wide resources that can support your efforts to create more equitable, positive school climates. Come ready to think critically, share openly, and leave with actionable strategies to strengthen student outcomes and school culture.
Whether launching a new strategic plan or school-based initiatives, change creates a level of discomfort that requires the need for adaptive leadership. This session will focus on the skills necessary for a leader to monitor the discomfort that change can bring and how to leverage their decisions to maximize the performance of those they lead.
This foundational session is designed for new administrators and instructional coaches to explore the essential elements of the district's coaching profile. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the profile’s purpose and practical application in supporting effective teaching and learning. Through collaborative discussion and guided reflection, attendees will examine the roles and responsibilities of coaches and leaders, and build a shared understanding of coaching expectations. This session sets the stage for a successful coaching partnership that drives instructional improvement and student success.
This session will show school leaders how digital badging prepares students for life beyond graduation. Badges recognize mastery of Future Profile skills highlighted in the Compass to 2030. Badges are visible to employers, colleges, and the military: showcasing students as future-ready. Each badge includes a physical sticker and a digital version students can share on social media or include in resumes. More than symbols, badges reflect real achievement: facing challenges, celebrating growth, and demonstrating skill. Learn how to implement this system in your school to Lift Up student motivation, personalize learning, and highlight the competencies that truly matter.
The purpose of this session is to provide a broad overview of the data systems and resources available to identify and meet students’ needs. Participants will have the opportunity to explore school-level data available on the School Data Portfolio to develop best practices in data-driven decision making. This is a recommended session for new administrators or attendees who may not be as familiar with the School Data Portfolio resources.
Unlock the power of intentional professional learning with Paula Rutherford’s ASK model—Attitudes, Skills, and Knowledge—a transformative framework designed to elevate teaching and leadership practices. In this dynamic session, school administrators and instructional coaches will explore how the ASK model fosters reflective practice, supports differentiated professional development, and aligns with school improvement goals.
This session will explore the definition of Family Engagement and FACE’s 5 Pillars, and how they align with Compass to 2030 Goal 4. Participants will also learn about FACE’s High Impact Strategies to strengthen family partnerships in schools. Finally, attendees will reflect on their current practices and develop action steps to integrate these strategies into daily school routines. Walk away with a practical, ready-to-use Family Engagement Toolkit—packed with strategies to boost communication, strengthen relationships, and foster shared decision-making across your school community.
During this session, participants will engage in an overview of Multi-tiered Systems of Support, Integrated Systems of Support and Student Response Team. Participants will review key components of SRT and be able to make connections to their current practice to ensure positive outcomes for all students.
Strong family partnerships start with strong communication—and school leaders play a vital role in setting the tone. In this dynamic session, explore proven strategies for creating regular, personalized, and two-way communication with families that builds trust and fosters collaboration. Hear directly from a fellow administrator about authentic practices that have made a lasting impact in their school community. You’ll also reflect on your current communication approaches and leave with actionable ideas to strengthen family engagement, increase volunteerism, and ensure a sense of belonging.
How do we create a culture of support to “build up” new educators? Landstown ES will share their journey of strengthening new teacher support through intentional mentoring, collaborative structures, and a shared sense of responsibility among staff. Participants will explore their own support ecosystems to broaden perspectives on who contributes to new teacher success. Leaders will preview the new Mentoring Scope and Sequence document to better understand how mentors are supporting new educators and how they can align and amplify that work, building-wide. There will be dedicated planning time to identify actionable next steps for deepening new educator support in your own school.
Discover how to harness your professional knowledge of the SOLs to design effective learning trajectories using HMH Modules. In this interactive session, you’ll explore the role of learning intentions and success criteria in creating clear, impactful instruction. Participants will collaborate to strengthen PLC practices, ensuring they produce actionable, data-driven instructional plans. Hands-on activities and real-world examples will guide you in aligning planning with student success.
Leveling up science instruction requires strategic moves grounded in the skills and behaviors of leadership. Learn how to use the tools of assessment, look-fors, and PLCs to elevate science instruction and move all teachers to the next level. Participants will learn how to lead teachers in implementing and responding to formative assessments that align with the SEP-embedded science standards and how to use walkthrough tools to provide feedback to teachers and to determine next steps in PLCs. Power up and help teachers and students reach the next level of learning!
Vocabulary learning occurs in a multitude of ways. Children learn the meanings of most words incidentally, through everyday experiences with oral and written language. This indirect or incidental learning occurs in three ways: by engaging in conversations with other people—especially adults, by listening to others read to them, and by reading extensively on their own. While research points out the need for some vocabulary words to be directly taught in order to understand specific text, it also supports teachers learning ways to help children improve incidentally learning of vocabulary. (Oakhill, Cain, 2015) Elementary students should learn around 2,000–3,000 new words per year to keep up with expected vocabulary growth. Therefore, training to improve word knowledge cannot strictly be through direct instruction. The sheer number of words students need to acquire yearly in order to comprehend more rigorous text would never be met.
This session offers a deep dive into the design and implementation of Behavior Academies as a proactive, tiered intervention to address student behavior. Participants will learn how to create structured, skill-building sessions that align with MTSS frameworks and support positive student outcomes. With a focus on data-driven decision-making, progress monitoring, and practical tools, this session equips elementary educators and leaders with strategies to implement Behavior Academies that are both impactful and sustainable.
This session explores the three key components of the new state accreditation framework, helping participants understand how each is measured. Attendees will gain insight into strategies schools are currently using to get ahead and will collaborate with peers to identify actionable steps tailored to their own school contexts. By the end of the session, participants will have developed an action plan that connects specific school goals/concept maps, the new accreditation system, and the 2025-2026 Strategic Action Agenda.
Join this session to learn more about resources you have at your disposal to see real-time monitoring of applications being used in your school and the engagement level of those applications. We will cover how to learn about new resources being used and take a deep dive on student engagement.
The AVID Elective is more than just a class—it’s a powerful driver of schoolwide change when intentionally supported and understood by leadership. This session invites school leaders to explore what high-quality AVID Elective instruction looks and sounds like, how it reflects AVID’s core values, and why it should be a central focus within a school’s strategic goals. Participants will analyze key instructional and cultural elements present in a thriving AVID Elective class and learn how to observe, support, and leverage the Elective as a model for Tier 1 instruction, student agency, and college and career readiness. Leaders will engage in practice using observation samples, aligned feedback tools, and planning strategies to strengthen AVID implementation and elevate the Elective’s role in school wide systems.
Mandatory assessment data often feels like a compliance checkbox—but what if it could be more? In this session, we'll explore practical and innovative strategies to transform required assessment results into actionable insights that empower teachers and support student growth. Participants will learn how to interpret data, identify instructional priorities, and foster a culture where data is not just collected, but truly used. Whether you're an administrator, coach, or classroom educator, this session will provide tools and real-world examples to bridge the gap between mandates and meaningful classroom impact.
