2026 GOCSD Innovation Summit

This session examines how clearly defining school culture can lead to significant gains in attendance and engagement. Billings Schools developed a shared vision that shaped attitudes, behaviors, and daily routines—resulting in stronger relationships and measurable improvements in attendance rates. Attendees will learn practical steps to build a culture that inspires both students and staff to show up and thrive.

This session introduces educators to beginner-friendly AI tools designed to simplify lesson planning, grading, and communication. Participants will explore how AI can save valuable time, enhance instructional design, and personalize learning experiences for all students—including effective applications to support English Language Learners. Real classroom examples will illustrate how these tools can reduce workload and create more space for meaningful student interaction. Bring a charged laptop for guided hands-on practice.

This session provides practical strategies for addressing challenging behaviors in both special education and general education classrooms. The presentation incorporates insights from CPI, Autism Helper, and Conscious Discipline, along with classroom-tested approaches developed through years of experience. Attendees will also explore a visual schedule format that has been successfully implemented and adapted over the past decade to align with evolving curriculum demands and the integration of educational technology.

This session explores how a school reimagined Response to Intervention time to ensure every student benefits from intentional, structured learning. Through consistent routines—mini lessons, goal setting, accountability, re-teaching, formative checks, and purposeful work time—educators created a system that maximizes instructional minutes, reinforces essential skills, and builds student ownership. By aligning targeted interventions with meaningful learning for all students, this approach strengthens engagement and ensures no time is lost, fostering a culture where every learner is supported to grow.

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!"

Get ready to rethink the power of manipulatives! This hands-on session will show how giving students the opportunity to physically touch, move, and build with math tools can spark deeper understanding than screen-based practice alone. While manipulatives are often associated with early primary grades, they can be game-changing for upper elementary students—especially those who have struggled to connect with math in the past. Participants will explore how to use manipulatives to connect mathematical concepts to real-world situations, helping students make sense of what they are learning through building, modeling, and proving their thinking. This approach moves beyond rote memorization and drill-based learning, empowering students to develop lasting conceptual understanding. Teachers will leave with ready-to-use strategies, engaging lesson ideas, and interactive games they can implement immediately. This session is ideal for educators teaching grades 2–5.