2026 GOCSD Innovation Summit

Move beyond inspiration and into implementation with this practical, research-based breakout session focused on helping students take ownership of their learning journey. Grounded in the “Heroes Within” framework, this session provides educators with clear, actionable strategies they can apply immediately in their classrooms and schools. Participants will explore a six-step approach that brings clarity, purpose, and student agency to learning. From making goals transparent and building trusting relationships to selecting meaningful content and fostering metacognition, each component is designed to create deeper engagement and lasting impact. Attendees will also gain tools to shift assessment into the hands of students, empowering them to track progress, reflect on growth, and make informed decisions about their next steps. This session is ideal for educational leaders and teachers ready to create learner-centered environments where students feel safe to take risks, understand how they learn, and connect their efforts to a meaningful future.

Move beyond inspiration and into implementation with this practical, research-based breakout session focused on helping students take ownership of their learning journey. Grounded in the “Heroes Within” framework, this session provides educators with clear, actionable strategies they can apply immediately in their classrooms and schools. Participants will explore a six-step approach that brings clarity, purpose, and student agency to learning. From making goals transparent and building trusting relationships to selecting meaningful content and fostering metacognition, each component is designed to create deeper engagement and lasting impact. Attendees will also gain tools to shift assessment into the hands of students, empowering them to track progress, reflect on growth, and make informed decisions about their next steps. This session is ideal for educational leaders and teachers ready to create learner-centered environments where students feel safe to take risks, understand how they learn, and connect their efforts to a meaningful future.

State accountability systems such as the Annual Performance Report or the proposed A–F rating model provide important information, but they rarely capture the full story of a district’s impact. This session will explore how districts are using descriptive dashboards to better communicate outcomes that matter to their communities. Learn how dashboards can complement accountability systems by presenting data in clear, visual ways that highlight student experiences, district priorities, and community partnerships. Participants will see how these tools can strengthen transparency, engagement, and communication with school boards, families, and community stakeholders. Join this session to explore how descriptive dashboards can become a powerful leadership tool for communication, engagement, and strategic storytelling in today’s accountability environment.

The quality of your communication will make or break the quality of much of your work. From supervising classroom instruction, to navigating challenges, to collaborating with families, the best leaders are great communicators! Join award-winning, best-selling author Thomas C. Murray for this fun and engaging experience to understand why gaps in communication often exist and how, as leaders, we must work to overcome the “curse of knowledge!” You’ll leave this session with evidence-based practices for your school community and practical activities to replicate with your team! You’re guaranteed to laugh—a LOT—while simultaneously reflecting on your own communication practices.