Data to Differentiation  

Assessment data is only powerful when it leads to responsive instruction.  When educators understand what the data tells them and use it thoughtfully, they can match support to student needs, adjust instruction, and create meaningful opportunities for every learner to succeed.  Participants will leave with practical data-interpretation tools, DOK resources, planning templates, progress monitoring strategies, and an individualized action plan to apply to move learning forward,

objectives:

• Explain the purposes and appropriate uses of screening and monitoring assessments.

• Interpret assessment and observation data to identify student strengths and needs.

• Use multiple sources of evidence to determine appropriate instructional next steps.

• Use Depth of Knowledge (DOK) to examine cognitive demand and plan appropriately.

• Use Data to create flexible groups and match differentiated instruction to identified needs.

• Develop and individualized data-based plan for immediate implementation.

Presented by Stephanie Lester 

Stephanie Lester brings over 40 years of experience in education as a preschool and elementary teacher, professional development  presenter, author, Child Development college instructor, and educational leader. Her experience includes teaching a Project-Based  Learning multiage K–1 program and serving as an Assistant Principal, Director of Early Childhood Education, and Director of  Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. 

As the owner of S.L. Lester Educational Consulting, LLC, Stephanie partners with schools, districts, Head Start programs, and  educational agencies across Montana and nationwide. She provides customized professional learning, classroom modeling,  individual and team coaching, observation and feedback, administrator support, and collaborative planning. Her consulting helps  educators connect research to practice, use assessment data to guide instruction, develop implementation plans, and monitor  progress through continuous improvement cycles. 

Her areas of expertise include early childhood education, kindergarten readiness, Science of Reading, oral language and literacy, writing,  differentiation, effective instructional practices, MTSS, classroom management, positive behavior supports, executive functioning, mathematics,  science, STEM, Project-Based Learning, paraeducator development, family engagement, and instructional leadership. Stephanie also provides practical training on the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence in education, including applications for Special Education,  instructional planning, assessment, communication, and educator productivity. She emphasizes professional judgment, student privacy, and  thoughtful implementation. 

Stephanie believes children learn best when they are engaged, supported, and experiencing success. She is the author of Year-Round Project-Based  Activities for STEM and Science Through the Year. She holds a master’s degree in education focused on Curriculum and Instruction, an Administrative  Credential, a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, CLAD and CLASS certifications, and a Program Director Child Development Permit. Outside her consulting work, Stephanie enjoys time with her grandchildren, traveling, gardening, birdwatching, and playing with her dog, Grizzly.

Big Baffling Behaviors

If you work in education, you have seen increasing, negative behaviors in students. Are you feeling lost and frustrated when you work with these students? In this workshop we will learn how trauma impacts students’ brains, how this changes the development of their brains, and how this can result in big behaviors.

All behavior makes sense when we learn to look at it through a new lens; a lens that believes  regulated, connected kids who feel safe, behave well. We will spend time learning and practicing new ways to handle those targeted behaviors. You will leave with new ideas to immediately implement into your classroom and school the next day!

Learning Targets for Series:

• Learn how all behaviors make sense

• Learn how connections help students learn, and why being in protection mode inhibits learning

• Learn how fight, flight, and freeze play a vital role in understanding behaviors

• Learn strategies to keep kids learning and how to get them back to their learning brains when students are not there

• Understand why strategies may not always work perfectly and what to do when they don’t work

Presented by Dori Phillips 

Dori Phillips is the K-12 Counselor in Broadus, Montana. She has taught in multiple schools, grade levels, and positions over the past 20 plus years. Dori lives with her husband on the family ranch where she grew up. They have two daughters and three grandchildren.