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How can schools move beyond checklists to make observation indicators a meaningful driver of growth? This session shares how one school cultivated a shared understanding through a year-long, collaborative process grounded in efficacy theory. Educators will learn how teacher-generated look-fors, leadership alignment, and structured learning walks helped create consistency and ownership. Participants will reflect on how similar strategies can personalize growth and enhance instructional quality in their schools.
Stop the cycle of "extra work" and transform your classroom into a hub for deep thinkers. This session moves beyond repetitive practice to explore authentic enrichment—experiences that enhance the curriculum through high-level inquiry and creative application. Learn to replace standard assignments with impactful strategies like "Fermi Problems," curriculum compacting, and tiered tasks without the burden of writing a second lesson plan. By shifting from "more" to "deeper," you will gain practical tools to challenge advanced learners effectively.
Do you ever feel like you grade harder or not hard enough compared to your teammates and you gave the same assignment or assessment? Are you wanting to create a more consistent grading environment for the students in your school? At the end of this presentation, participants will have research and examples of practices to take back to the classroom and their team on ways to calibrate the grading process to create consistency for their students.
As accountability systems like APR place equal weight on achievement and growth, schools need practical ways to monitor and respond to both. While achievement is frequently measured, growth often remains invisible until benchmark or state assessments. This session introduces a classroom-connected framework for making growth visible in real time using effect size from common assessments. Participants will use a Growth–Achievement Matrix to identify student needs, select targeted instructional routines, and plan next steps. Attendees will engage in hands-on application and leave with actionable strategies to improve student outcomes and positively impact APR performance.
As educators, we know our students are showing an increase in behavioral issues and struggle with emotional regulation. According to the Child Mind Institute, approximately 10 percent of students struggle with mental health concerns. That means potentially one to two students in EVERY classroom need instruction on coping strategies. At the end of this session, you will be able to implement actionable coping strategies in your day-to-day lesson plans which will benefit your students who currently need them and those who will undoubtedly face stressors in their future. Also, 10 attendees will have a chance to win a "Take 5 Box!"
I have worked in education for 7 years. I have been with the Pleasant Hope district since 2019. I worked as a special education paraprofessional while completing my teaching certification in Missouri. Now, I teach at the Pleasant Hope Ranch school supporting students with behavioral... Read More →
Thursday July 30, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT Short Creek 4
Results from NAEP show only 36% of 4th graders and 26% of middle school students are proficient in mathematics (NCES, 2022). In this session, participants will explore the foundational understandings that unlock mathematical thinking across number, fractions, and proportional reasoning. Through student vignettes, hands-on tasks, and thought experiments, we will examine common curricular barriers, and the specific ideas students must develop to move forward. Participants will leave with practical strategies and ready-to-use experiences designed to strengthen these critical understandings in their own classrooms.
Professor of Mathematics, Missouri State University
The Southwest Missouri District Association of Mathematics Teachers (SWMDAMT) is a regional professional mathematics education association organized to support the following goals: promotes excellence in teaching mathematics in elementary, middle, junior high and senior high schools... Read More →
Discover how to design and implement a comprehensive staff wellness program at both the district and building levels. Like a well-tended garden, intentional support helps staff take root, grow, and flourish, strengthening student success and overall school culture. Presenters will share practical, easy-to-implement wellness strategies, ideas for building community partnerships, and approaches that extend beyond traditional pillars of nutrition and fitness to include mental, financial, and social health. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to cultivate a sustainable wellness program where both staff and students can thrive.
This session will showcase Table Rock Career Center and Reeds Spring High School’s rigorous work in the Real World Learning platform including community partnerships, job shadows, internships and Registered Youth Apprenticeships while identifying best practices with Market-Value Assets and how to turn those into credentials that have life-changing impact on students’ lives through Registered Youth Apprenticeships.Since 2018, Table Rock Career Center and Reeds Spring High School has slowly worked into the RYA space, utilizing a variety of career explorations, work-based learning community/industry partnerships and strategies to assist students with being on a trajectory toward career pathway success.
Registered Youth Apprenticeship Consultant, Missouri State University
After 32 years in education, I have spent the last two years as the Southwest Regional Registered Youth Consultant for the state of Missouri. Before retiring, I spent the last 5 years building the BoMO Works Internship and Apprenticeship program for Bolivar High School. It is my passion... Read More →
This session will provide strategies for individuals serving in leadership roles to align the time they spend each day with their priorities. Current school principals will share how they use the process of prioritization to clarify the most-important actions they must take each day. Participants will reflect on how their own actions align with the priorities of their schools and will explore tools that can help manage and organize their time.
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, harnessing the power of data is paramount for informed decision-making and continuous improvement. This session invites anyone whose role includes data and assessment to explore strategies and innovations aimed at maximizing the potential of data-driven assessment practices. This meeting will serve as the GOData Network’s first meeting of 2026-27.
Therapy dogs are a powerful way to support student success! This session will highlight how a therapy dog can transform a school environment by building relationships, supporting emotional regulation, and increasing student engagement. Participants will gain insight into how a therapy dog can positively impact school culture, while also receiving practical, real-world guidance for implementing a successful program. From training and safety to scheduling and expectations, this session will equip you with the tools and confidence to bring the power of paws into your school!
This presentation will demonstrate how to effectively use math mini-lessons and games to strengthen Tier 1 instruction for all students. Participants will explore strategies for delivering focused, high-impact mini-lessons that target essential skills while maximizing instructional time. The session will also highlight how to incorporate engaging math games that reinforce concepts, promote collaboration, and provide meaningful practice. Attendees will walk away with practical tools, ready-to-use ideas, and strategies to differentiate instruction within the core classroom. By combining direct instruction with interactive learning, this approach supports increased student engagement, deeper understanding, and improved outcomes across diverse learning needs.
This session will highlight how strong community partnerships expand Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities beyond the walls of the school building. Participants will explore ways to collaborate with local businesses, industry partners, and community organizations to provide students with authentic experiences such as job shadows, internships, and mentorships. The focus will be on helping students connect their passions to purposeful career pathways through real-world exposure and relationships. Attendees will leave with practical ideas for growing partnerships and reimagining learning as a shared effort between schools and the community.
