Joe Murphy, Vanderbilt University

"Turning Around Failing Schools, Instructional Leadership Teams and School Improvement"

Joe Murphy, a professor of education at Peabody College of Education of Vanderbilt University, will share his “learnings” and insights related to the struggles failing schools face in their efforts to make the changes needed for sustained school improvement.  In his recent book, Turning Around Failing Schools, Dr. Murphy and co-author Coby Meyers  provide critical understandings on the processes needed to transform failing schools “into the kinds of schools we all want for our children.” 

Newport News Virginia Turnaround Specialists

"Turning Around Failing Schools"

Co-presented by Newport News Public School District in Newport News, Virginia staff, learn how schools and the district office can work together to ensure school improvement and increased student achievement. 

Michael W. Evans, Sr., is currently the Executive Director of Student Leadership for the Office of Academic Services. Michael’s most recent achievement came from the College Board. His school was recognized as one of the top three schools in the country to receive the coveted Inspirational Award for demonstrating a commitment to academic rigor and the increased number of low social economic students taking challenging curriculums.

Theresa Krause McKee is currently the Instructional Supervisor for Secondary English/Language Arts.  She has facilitated a study with James McPartland of Johns Hopkins University, who is examining the effect of literacy coaching, staff development, and a reading program on low performing 9th grade English students.

Patricia A. F. Barresi is currently serving as Principal Leader. Upon entering her first principalship, she took over a non-accredited school with pass rates ranging from 39% to 72%.  Upon leaving that school five years later, scores ranged from 92% to 97% pass rates.  Similar hard work and focus brought AYP accreditation to her second assignment.

Michele D. Mitchell is currently the Director of Special Education & Referral & Assessment Services. Her most recent accomplishment came when she lead her school’s academic efforts resulting in double digit increases in state  testing scores.  Writing scores improved from 43 % passing to 86% in one year in addition to increases in reading.

Breakout Sessions

Meeting in grade and district specific groups, Newport News staff will share and lead the discussion around strategies that have worked for them in improving schools in their district.

John Barnes, Principal MS331 Bronx, New York

"Creating a School for Success"

John is currently completing his fourth year as the principal of a middle school located in the Bronx borough of New York City.  John’s school is located in a high poverty area where students typically face many barriers to learning.  Last year, the school performed in the 96th percentile on their progress report and received an “A” for the current academic.  Additionally, MS 331 has been designated as a “well-performing” school, accepting NCLB transfers and students seeking transfer out of schools that were deemed persistently dangerous.  John’s story is one you don’t want to miss.

Breakout Sessions

This final segment for the day provides a networking session for addressing problems of practice and strategies that work.  Kentucky Department of Education staff from the Office of Leadership and School Improvement; Office of Teaching and Learning; and Office of Special Instructional Services will be on hand to provide information and share resources and initiatives with schools in all breakout sessions.

Dr. Stephen Edwards

"Teaching, Leading and Learning in a Global Society"

This will be an opportunity for sharing current and future trends impacting teaching, leading and learning in a global economy.  We are all six degrees or less away from anyone, As the world becomes a smaller place, the dynamic of education must adapt at a pace with the rest of the world.  This presentation will examine the move from an industrial age paradigm to the realities of a knowledge economy.

Kentucky Department of Education Staff

"Observing High Quality Instruction

KDE staff will present an overview and suggestions for use of the recently published DVD-ROM that was produced in partnership with Kentucky Educational Television (KET).  Literacy Without Limits: Help for Struggling Students, Grades 4 – 12 is a resource that showcases strategies that content area teachers can use to help students who struggle with literacy.  It features 90+ video clips shot in classrooms across Kentucky.  The content is thorough, accessible, and useful for 4 – 12 teachers in multiple subjects and classroom settings.  KDE is providing a free copy of this resource to every attendee.

Dr. Stephen Peters

"Teaching to Capture and Inspire all Learners"

According to Stephen Peters, “today’s students are different than ever before, requiring educators to utilize a different approach to teaching them.”  Designed for both teachers and administrators, Stephen walks participants through his three-pronged steps to effective teaching and learning.  Once implemented, classroom experiences will be greatly enhanced as students begin to take on a more active role as a result of “being captured and inspired.”

**Two of Stephen’s books will be available for purchase:  Do You Know Enough About Me To Teach Me? and Teaching to Capture and Inspire All Learners; Bringing Your Best Stuff Every Day.