Conference Features

FIRST-TIME CONFERENCE GOERS SESSION

First-time conference goers will want to attend a special session at 6 p.m. Sunday with Learning Forward Executive Director Stephanie Hirsh, Learning Forward Director of Learning Carol François, Learning Forward President Kenneth Salim, and Host Committee Chair Sarah Barzee. These leaders will share exciting information on Learning Forward's goals, discuss member benefits, and offer tips on how to get the most from the conference.

GENERAL SESSIONS AND KEYNOTE PRESENTERS

General sessions begin after breakfast and lunch on Monday and Tuesday, and after brunch Wednesday. General sessions feature Learning Forward leaders, special guests, and student performances. Keynote speakers address the audience at the conclusion of each general session. Learning Forward has a long-held tradition in which participants eat meals together in the spirit of camaraderie and networking. We encourage you to come to each general session and sit with different people each time. Learning Forward allows about 30 to 45 minutes for meal service. Meals will not be served once the general session has begun.

MEALS AND RECEPTIONS

Individuals who register for a preconference program will receive coffee and lunch on preconference days. Individuals who register for the three-day regular conference program may attend the Exhibit Hall and Affiliate Receptions on Monday evening, breakfast and lunch on Monday and Tuesday, and brunch on Wednesday. Conference meals meet a variety of dietary needs and preferences. Meals will not be served once the general session has begun.

KEYNOTE Q&As AND THOUGHT LEADERS

A question and answer period follows the Monday morning and afternoon general session keynotes and the Tuesday morning keynote. Register for QA1, QA2, or QA3 to participate in the discussion. Thought leader lectures and panel discussions feature selected leaders in professional development, school improvement, and other areas of interest. One-hour lectures and panel discussions are scheduled throughout the conference on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Register for TL01, TL02, etc. or pick the thought leader track to attend all lectures/panels.

ONE-ON-ONE COACHING SESSIONS

Members of Coaching for Results are providing one-on-one coaching to conference attendees. Give yourself time to explore your confidential goals and dreams. Imagine the possibilities: a goal made clear, a plan evolved, multiple solutions for a tough situation. Sign up for a coaching session by selecting one of the following: C40, E38, H37, I45, or J32.

BILL & MELINDA GATES FOUNDATION IPD TRACK

Innovative professional development (iPD) uses technology to increase effectiveness and efficiencies of professional development delivery systems. With support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, special sessions with the iPD icon will enable you to explore the latest research and access cutting-edge tools and protocols to scale and sustain support for college ready standards implementation. See how to leverage video to coach new teachers and consider its use in the evaluation and observation of veterans. Examine the use of online communities and their impact on teaching practice and student learning. Interact with avatars in a virtual classroom and learn how they are being used to prepare the teachers of the future. Explore free online resources and web tools. Attend these sessions and increase your competence in aligning adult and student learning in the digital age.

IPD SHOWCASE

Interact with iPD vendors and educational users. Consider alternative, cutting-edge solutions to your greatest professional development challenges. Discover answers to questions you didn't know you had. Selected iPD providers and vendors will showcase their materials and be available to answer your questions at three special times in the exhibit hall. Look for them at:

• Sunday, December 2 from 4 pm to 6:30 pm
• Monday, December 3 from 4:30 pm to 6 pm
• Tuesday, December 4 from 2 pm to 3 pm

CONFERENCE ICONS

Special symbols provide additional information for conference attendees. These sessions are marked with icons. Most sessions are appropriate for all attendees, but some sessions are more...

	Basic for participants with limited background in the content.			Advanced for attendees who have experience and knowledge of session content.
	Sessions where participants should bring a laptop or other mobile computing device feature this icon.			Common Core State Standards will be found in sessions denoted with this icon.
	Sessions where protocols are gained are marked with this icon.			Sessions that have content and skills for educators serving Title I populations are designated with this icon.
	Explore Innovative PD in sessions marked with this icon.			Redefine the teaching profession in sessions featuring this icon.
	This icon designates sessions focused on teacher evaluation.			Gain a global perspective in sessions marked with this icon.