Call for Conference Proposals

The Rock Hill Schools 2021 Professional Learning Conference will focus on our instructional model, L.E.A.P (Learning Environment, Equitable Resources, Achievement, Prepare for Success). LEAP brings together all that we believe about best instructional practices in Rock Hill Schools, including our math and literacy frameworks, teacher observation rubrics, LDC and MDC, Understanding by Design, RTI, PLCs, and blended learning. LEAP’s purpose is to create cohesiveness and ensure that every child in every school experiences a high quality learning environment, equitable resources, achieves at his/her highest level, and is prepared for success.

During this year’s conference, we will offer several breakout sessions that will feature our very own teacher leaders and administrators modeling and supporting their peers as they grow in the domain areas of the LEAP framework.

Breakout sessions should highlight best practices in one or more of the LEAP domains. The link below is to access the document that outlines focus areas for the conference sessions. Presenters may select presentation topics that address any of the focus areas outlined in the overview. For example, a session on building classroom community by implementing morning meeting would address a topic within the Learning Environment Domain and would focus on 1) Creating a culture of respect and a comfortable atmosphere to foster community 2) Establishing expectations and include students on creating procedures and responsibilities to invite a safe and consistent learning environment.

Conference Focus Areas

• Share best practices and strategies with peers across the district.

• Develop a network of support around the focus of your presentation.

• Develop your skills and growing knowledge in the presentation area.

• Contribute to your resume or vitae.

• Receive 15 renewal credits and other incentives to be announced.

Time Frame: 1 hour sessions

Session Types:

Roundtable/Discussion: Session that includes whole group discussion and/or problem-solving about topics relevant to the targeted LEAP domain.

Workshop: In-depth, interactive, value-added presentation that can vary in length. Workshops are hands-on and involve practice and/or creation of a useful product.

Evaluation Criteria: Presentation titles should be concise and descriptive of the content of the session.

Proposals and abstracts will be reviewed by district Professional Learning Leaders with expertise in the areas you choose, using these criteria:

• Clearly stated purpose and learning targets,

• Reflective of good writing practices,

• Strong connection to LEAP framework and best practice,

• Session format appropriate for topic, and

• Transferability of ideas to practice.

Proposals will be reviewed by a conference committee using a point-based system related to the evaluation criteria. Presenters will be notified by June 30, 2021 if their proposals are accepted. Some presenters may be asked to present a single session more than one time. Presenters are asked to remain flexible in relation to the time/location of their presentations. Presenters will be the first to receive the conference schedule closer to the date of the Professional Learning Conference.

Call for Proposals Issued- May 25th

Presentation Proposal Deadline- June 25th

Presentation Proposals Approval Notification- June 30th

Session Registration Opens- July 26th

What is a Session Moderator?

Each session with a single presenter will have an assigned moderator who assists the presenter during the session.

Responsibilities

1) introduce the presenter

2) provide session expectations

3) address raised hands and chat room comments questions

4) roster session attendance in KickUp

Requirements

There will be a required one-hour training for presenters and moderators (date options to be announced).

Incentives

Moderators will receive 5 renewal credits which includes the training and the support on the day of the conference.