Superintendent’s Memo No: 107-11
From Vision to Practice Seventh Annual Institute
From Cradle to Career – Pathways to Success
Virginia College and Career Readiness Summary
Tentative Institute Agenda
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Virginia College and Career Readiness Initiative
To prepare Virginia’s students for postsecondary education or to meet employers’ expectations of candidates
for entry-level jobs, the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is looking for ways to increase students’
readiness for the future.
In Executive Order Number 9, Governor Robert F. McDonnell called for an increase of 100,000 additional
associate and bachelor's degrees in the next 15 years. In January 2007, the Board of Education authorized
VDOE to conduct studies to determine factors contributing to success in postsecondary education. As part of
that effort, VDOE requested Achieve, the American Diploma Project (ADP), the College Board and ACT to
conduct studies comparing their respective standards for postsecondary readiness to the Virginia Standards
of Learning in English and Mathematics. In 2009 the Virginia Board of Education adopted revised Standards
of Learning in mathematics and in 2010 in English. The revised standards reflect the substantial input and
recommended changes provided by college faculty and other experts from the College Board, ACT, the
American Diploma Project and the business community. These groups support Virginia’s revisions and have
validated the standards as college and career ready.
The Virginia College and Career Readiness Initiative is designed to:
Ensure that college and career-ready learning standards in reading, writing and mathematics are
taught in every Virginia high school classroom.
Strengthen students' preparation for college and the work force before leaving high school.
VDOE leads the initiative, working in close collaboration with leaders in the Virginia Community College
System (VCCS) and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).
Through the work in the initiative, Virginia is in the process of:
Defining college and career ready performance expectations aligned to national and international
college and career ready standards.
Developing elective "capstone courses" to support students who need additional instruction to meet
college and career ready performance expectations before leaving high school.
Providing technical assistance and professional development to Virginia’s educators to support
implementation of the revised English and mathematics standards and the college and career ready
performance expectations.
Aligning the state assessments to measure student mastery of the more rigorous mathematics and
English standards adopted in 2009 and 2010. Certain high school end-of-course tests will include
quantitative indicators of whether students have met or exceeded the achievement levels needed to be
successful in introductory mathematics and English courses in college.
Identifying accountability measures and incentives for schools to increase the percentage of
students who graduate high school having demonstrated the academic and career skills needed to be
successful in postsecondary education programs.
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College and Career Ready Performance Expectations
VDOE, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and the Virginia Community College System
have approved an agreement on the performance expectations in English and mathematics high school
graduates must meet to be successful in freshman-level college courses or career training.
The agreement signifies the endorsement by all three agencies of specific English and mathematics
achievement and performance levels developed by VDOE at the direction of the Board of Education and in
collaboration with high school educators, college and university faculty, and the business community.
Performance Expectations define the level of achievement students must reach to be academically prepared
for success in entry-level credit-bearing college courses. The expectations were developed through a process
that involved faculty from Virginia's two- and four-year colleges and universities, members of the business
community and high school educators.
Further information about Virginia’s College and Career Readiness Initiative is available online at
http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/college_career_readiness/index.shtml.
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From Vision to Practice Seventh Annual Institute
From Cradle to Career – Pathways to Success
Marriott Hotel
Williamsburg, Virginia
July 12-14, 2011
Tentative Agenda
July 12, 2011
10 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Registration
Noon – 1 p.m. Lunch and Opening Session
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Patricia I. Wright
Superintendent of Public Instruction, Virginia Department of Education
Remarks
The Honorable Gerard Robinson (Invited)
Virginia Secretary of Education
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) Concurrent Sessions
Capstone Courses and Career Ready Performance Expectations
Tracy Fair Robertson
English Coordinator, Virginia Department of Education
Michael Bolling
Mathematics Coordinator, Virginia Department of Education
This session will focus on the process used to create Virginia’s College and Career Ready English and
mathematics performance expectations. The proposed English and mathematics capstone courses, developed to
support students who need additional instruction to meet the performance expectations, will be highlighted.
Governor’s Career and Technical Academies – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
(STEM)
George Wilcox
Career Cluster Coordinator, Virginia Department of Education
The Governor's Career and Technical Academies in Virginia are programs designed to expand options for the
general student population to acquire STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) literacy.
The program will also enhance critical thinking skills, knowledge, and credentials that will prepare students for
high-demand, high-wage, and high-skill careers in Virginia. This session will inform school division personnel
how to establish a Governor’s Career and Technical Academy.
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Enhanced Assessments
Shelley Loving-Ryder
Assistant Superintendent, Student Assessment and School Improvement, Virginia Department of Education
This session will provide an overview of the efforts currently underway to construct the new end-of-course
Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments in Algebra II, reading and writing to support the development of
quantitative indicators of whether students have met or exceeded the achievement levels needed to be
successful in introductory credit-bearing mathematics and English courses in college. In addition, examples of
the technology-enhanced items that will be included in the SOL mathematics assessments in 2011-2012 will be
presented.
Academics and Career Planning – Pulling It All Together
Joe Wharff
School Counseling Connections Specialist, Virginia Department of Education
With the wide array of resources available for academic and career planning, and limited manpower to get the
job done, how do we ensure that we are doing the best we can for students? Academic and Career Plans,
Career Clusters and Pathways, The Virginia Education Wizard, Collaboration, and Communication. Let’s put
it all together!
“I’m Determined” Project
Marianne Moore
Specialist, Secondary Transition, Virginia Department of Education
John McNaught
Project Coordinator, Virginia Department of Education T/TAC at James Madison University
The “I’m Determined” project, funded and directed by the Virginia Department of Education, focuses on
providing direct instruction, models, and opportunities for youth with disabilities to practice skills associated
with self-determined behavior. The self-determined student has an understanding of personal strengths, how to
get support for areas of weakness, and how to set and achieve goals. The project empowers students to set and
steer the course of their future rather than travel as silent passengers.
Beyond Textbooks: Exploring The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Moving to Digital Textbooks
Dr. Tammy McGraw
Director, Educational Technology, Virginia Department of Education
Chris O’Neal
Educational Leadership Consultant, Ed Leaders Online
Beyond Textbooks, a pilot project from the Virginia Department of Education, is aimed at understanding the
technical, social, and policy implications of integrating digital textbooks in schools. This presentation will share
the project structure and implementation plan as well as findings from the school divisions that participated in
the project. The presentation will address key questions such as, “Are students ready to move from traditional
textbooks to a more robust digital backpack?”, “What must be in place for teachers to take full advantage of
new e-book technologies?”, and “What types of technical support issues must be addressed?”
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Virtual Programs: What School Divisions Need to Know
Cheri Kelleher
Virtual Schools Program Coordinator, Virginia Department of Education
With virtual learning at the forefront of education, Virginia is leading the effort to ensure that quality
online educational services are offered to students across the state. This session will provide information about
the application and approval process for multidivision online providers and how the new requirements will
impact current and future contracts with virtual learning providers, whether they are private companies, school
divisions, or universities.
Virginia’s Educational Information Management System
Bethann Canada
Director, Educational Information Management, Virginia Department of Education
Jason A. Ellis
Test Results Utilization Specialist, Virginia Department of Education
This session will provide an overview of Virginia's Educational Information Management System (EIMS)
followed by a demonstration of the EIMS data warehouse that is available to all schools free of charge.
Teachers and principals will become familiar with the student-level longitudinal data in EIMS, which includes
student-level results on state assessments, college readiness tests, college enrollment information, literacy
screening data, and more.
Digital Citzenship
Jean Weller
Technology Integration Specialist, Virginia Department of Education
Students are part of a digital world. Part of our responsibility for preparing them to flourish in both higher
education and careers is to help them understand their own responsibility for their behavior with digital media,
such as the Internet, cell phones, or other digital devices. How can we prepare them to practice safe, legal, and
ethical behaviors, and be positive citizens in a virtual environment?
A Demonstration of the Virginia Early Warning Systems (VEWS) and Implementation Process
Lindsay Fryer
Research Associate, National High School Center/American Institutes for Research
States, divisions, and schools are increasingly interested in using early warning systems, informed by research
on academic and behavioral dropout predictors, to identify students at risk for dropping out of school. In this
session, participants will see a demonstration of the Virginia Early Warning Systems Tool (VEWS) and a
seven-step implementation process.
2:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Break
2:45 p.m. – 4 p.m. Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) Concurrent Sessions
REPEAT SESSIONS ABOVE
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July 13, 2011
8 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Opening Session and Breakfast
What Virginia Employers Want and What You Can Do to Help
Meredith Gunter
Outreach Director, Weldon Cooper Center, University of Virginia
Achsah Carrier
Research Associate, Weldon Cooper Center, University of Virginia
Research on workplace skills needed and wanted by Virginia employers show that educational personnel at all
levels of education can help to prepare Virginia's work force. Learn about the results of national and Virginia
research on workplace needs and the opportunities educators have to help prepare students.
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. School Division Implementation
Educational Credit Management Corporation (ECMC) Scholars Program
Tracey Gilchrist
Professional School Counselor, Sussex Central High School
The purpose of this session is to share with attendees an overview of Sussex County Public Schools ECMC
Scholars Program and how it benefits students and schools.
Using the Fairfax County Public Schools’ Electronic Curriculum Assessment Resource Tool (FCPS
eCART) to Support Students to Be College and Career Ready
Dr. Frances Ivey
Director, PreK-12, Curriculum and Instruction, Fairfax County Public Schools
Craig Herring
Coordinator, School Support 7-12, Fairfax County Public Schools
Derek L. Kelley
Coordinator, Instructional Technology Integration, Fairfax County Public Schools
This session will showcase how Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is using FCPS eCART to give teachers
access to curricula, assessment, and resources that help teachers implement a rigorous program of studies that
helps prepare students to be ready for college and career.
What Comes After Algebra, Functions, and Data Analysis and Algebra II? A Look at Capstone Course
Possibilities
Deborah K. Bliss
Instructional Supervisor – Mathematics, Loudoun County Public Schools
Rodney Snyder
Mathematics Department Chair, Loudoun County Public Schools
As more students take Algebra I in Grade 8 as part of a progression that includes Geometry; Algebra,
Functions, and Data Analysis; Algebra II, what mathematics course meets the needs of students in the senior
year? Loudoun County piloted a capstone course during the 2010-2011 school year. The course is steeped in
application and deep in critical thinking.
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When Success in Algebra II Doesn’t Mean "College Readiness," Then What?
J. Patrick Lintner
Director of Middle and Secondary Education, Harrisonburg City Public Schools
This session will describe the collaboration between Harrisonburg High School and the Blue Ridge Community
College that led to a pathway for more students to become “college ready” in mathematics.
Campus Ready?
Sarah Biggs
Mathematics Teacher, Waynesboro City Public Schools
Anthony Tyler
Mathematics Teacher, Waynesboro City Public Schools
Bunny Gross
Mathematics Teacher, Waynesboro City Public Schools
How can a school "kick start" a college experience for students? This session will describe Waynesboro High
School's experience in helping students see themselves as college bound. The project includes a mathematics
college readiness course, a sports and mathematics course, a change in the Algebra I Pacing Guide, a focus on
rigor, relevance, and relationships in each classroom, and a ninth grade scheduling philosophy change. The
results are great so far, but the verdict is still out. We will share our experience with you.
Building Relationships with the Community College
Sandra W. Lynch
Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Instruction, Powhatan County Public Schools
Tracy S. Green
Director of Outreach and Recruitment, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
Dr. Genene LeRosen
Executive Vice President, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
Highlights of the programs that have been developed collaboratively by the Powhatan Public School System
and J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College to help Powhatan’s students be college and career ready will be
shared. The type of conversations and planning that have to take place for successful implementation will be
included.
The Early Years: Building a Strong System for School Readiness
Barbara Coute-Sipe
Vice President, Community Impact
Jacqueline Hale
Director of Community Mobilization, Smart Beginnings
The first five years of life provide the foundation for a child's school and life success. Laying a strong
foundation takes families, early care and health services, schools, and the community working together. Learn
how Smart Beginnings Greater Richmond has brought the Greater Richmond and Petersburg regions together
to work toward a common vision that all children be healthy, well-cared for, and ready to succeed in school and
life.
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Boys Club: Integrating Multiple Strategies to Improve Academic Achievement
Barbara Jackson
Club Yancey Leader, Albemarle County Public Schools
Lucian Jackson
Club Yancey Leader, Albemarle County Public Schools
The objective of the Boys Club project is to instruct young men in grades one through five on common
courtesy, proper dress, table manners, and living happier and healthier lives. Using repetition, hands-on
experience, and one-on-one instruction, our students become fine young men able to look a person in the eyes
and show their respect. They learned the art of conversation, how to ask a question politely, give assistance to
a fellow classmate, and wait for their turn when necessary. They learned how to tie a necktie and dress for
success. To assist in our mission, each young man was taken to a clothing store to purchase a belt, necktie, and
shirt. The culmination of our program was a "sit-down" five course dinner at a four-star restaurant, which
doubled as a celebration of our hard work and great success. Future activities include learning about the arts
and attending culturally diverse events.
Bridging Richmond Bolder Strategies: Building Broader Partnerships, One Year Later
Dr. Cheryl Henning
Coordinator, Bridging Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University
This session will share the work of the Bridging Richmond story, lessons learned and how they developed
partnerships and aligned efforts between schools, businesses, service providers, and community members in
order to provide a collective impact on improving the readiness of all students. Come hear how they
are conceptualizing the Cradle to Career Pipeline, organizing the work, developing regional partnerships,
maintaining momentum, and tracking progress.
Better Data: Mapping Out-of-School Time, Programs, and Opportunities
Sandra Booth
Manager, Community Initiatives, Children, Youth, and Families
United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg
What children and youth do in their out-of-school time has a significant impact on their academic achievement.
The United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg has worked with service providers to develop a
comprehensive program landscape of out-of-school supports for youth. This session will focus on the shared
agenda and opportunities for collaboration between schools and out-of-school programs.
“Cache” In Using Global Positioning System (GPS) Technology to Explore Science Curriculum
Deborah A. Newman
On-Site Coordinator, Staunton River Middle School, Bedford County Public Schools
This session explores the many ways to integrate hand-held GPS receiver technology into the classroom.
Utilizing GPS receivers, the participant will practice finding hidden containers, called caches, that have been
hidden around the outside of the hotel. The presentation will share the basics of educational geocaching in real
time with caches that are science content specific.
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Maximizing Afterschool Opportunities for English Language Learners
J. Vernon Laney
Coordinator, Curriculum and Instruction, Winchester City Public Schools
Charlotte Fritts
21st Century Community Learning Centers, Program Coordinator and Community Liaison, Winchester City
Public Schools
The academic achievement of English language learners (ELLs) lags behind non-English learners in the subject
areas of language arts and mathematics. Differences in academic achievement are also evidenced in high
school graduation rates, college enrollment, and standardized tests. Afterschool programs can serve as a critical
resource for supporting ELLs outside of the regular school classroom. This session will address the distinct
learning needs and approaches that support ELLs in traditional aspects of afterschool programs. Strategies to
integrating a wrap-around approach utilizing 21st Century Community Learning Centers funds in order to
maximize parental involvement will also be discussed.
Accountability Revisited: Every Child, Every Day…Whatever it Takes
Dr. Donna E. Woods
Executive Director, School Leadership, Hampton City Public Schools
Rashard J. Wright
Principal, Kecoughtan High School, Hampton City Public Schools
This session will highlight how school leaders leverage accountability to create a comprehensive system to
transform schools in order to prepare all students for postsecondary and workplace success.
Supporting Students Through Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs
(GEARUP) (9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. only)
Lois Burke
Mathematics Department Chair, GEARUP Data Specialist , Charlottesville City Public Schools
Kim Thompson
Mathematics Teacher, GEARUP Coordinator, Charlottesville City Public Schools
This session will highlight the programs and activities offered by Charlottesville City Public Schools to
increase the number of low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.
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Bridging the Gap: Making the College Dream a Reality with Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness
for Undergraduate Programs (GEARUP) (1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. only)
Susie Cassell
Career Coach, Mountain Empire Community College
Rocky Baker
Guidance Counselor, Washington County Public Schools
Former Administrator and GEARUP Data Coordinator, Norton City Public Schools
Elijah Helton
Teacher and GEARUP Coordinator, Norton City Public Schools
Catherine Baker
Guidance Counselor, Norton City Public Schools
This session will focus on the relevance and importance of GEARUP in rural Southwest Virginia. Emphasis
will be placed on how the GEARUP program has evolved over the past six years and how the Norton City
Public Schools has experienced an increase in the awareness of a college education for both students and
parents. Each presenter will discuss their individual roles within GEARUP, and the impact it has made as one
of the most important programs ever implemented in the school division.
10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Break
10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Concurrent Session
College: Getting In and Staying In
Jane Serbousek
Assistant Professor of Mathematics, Northern Virginia Community College
Mildred Johnson
Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Dr. Chris Pfautz
Dean of Student Services, John Tyler Community College
Dr. Kimberly Bovee
Associate English Professor, Tidewater Community College
Is there a formula for getting into college? What happens if a student does not take the most demanding courses
their high school has to offer? Does a stellar GPA in high school guarantee success in college? According to the
American College Testing Program, Inc. (ACT), nearly half of all freshmen will drop out before obtaining a
degree. What is the school’s role in getting students into college and keeping them there? This moderated panel
discussion will focus on the prerequisites for gaining entry into postsecondary educational opportunities and the
skills necessary for students to survive and thrive in the college of their choice.
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Understanding Quality Improvement: Transforming Preschool Education into a Foundation for Division
Success
Dr. Marie L. Masterson
Assistant Professor of Education, Dominican University School of Education, River Forest, Illinois
The driving force behind quality improvement and increased school outcomes lies in understanding how people
and programs can work together with existing resources to create optimal academic and social outcomes for
children. Breaking the achievement barrier begins by building vision, understanding priorities, inspiring
commitment, and empowering change. Discover how to engage administrators and teachers, build momentum,
integrate resources, and achieve goals that will pay off in your school division for years to come.
Preparing the 21st Century Student for the Digital Age: Integrating Digital Literacy into Current
Classroom Practice
Dr. Sheila Sargent-Martin
Assistant Professor, Bluefield State College
Donna Savage
Graduation Education Program Advisor/Coordinator, Old Dominion University
This session will provide administrators and teachers with the tools and strategies needed to successfully
incorporate digital media into current instruction. Participants will leave with a wealth of practical information
needed to implement media literacy within the new Virginia Standards of Learning.
Book Buddies: A Tutoring Framework for Struggling Readers
Donna Lewis-Wagner
Intervention Coordinator, Albemarle County Public Schools
This session will offer an overview of Book Buddies, a one-on-one tutoring framework for primary grade
struggling readers featuring individualized, structured lesson plans based on ongoing assessment.
Successful Transition to Kindergarten: Supporting Children and Families
Dr. Christopher E. Chin
Assistant Director of Research, The Literacy Institute at Virginia Commonwealth University
Cynthia W. Hutchinson
Professional Development Coordinator, The Literacy Institute at Virginia Commonwealth University
Teachers and administrators will learn evidence-based strategies for effectively transitioning children and
families to the kindergarten language and literacy curriculum. Strategies will focus on engaging and educating
parents and families about the importance of language and literacy skills and parent-friendly methods for
supporting children's development at home and in the community.
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Beyond the Standards: Effective Instructional Strategies in the Elementary Classroom
Joey Robins
Fifth-Grade Teacher, Deep Creek Elementary School, Chesapeake City Public Schools
2010 Recipient of Milken Family Foundation’s National Educator Award
Sean Griffin
Fifth-Grade Teacher, Belmont Station Elementary School, Loudoun County Public Schools
2010 Recipient of Milken Family Foundation’s National Educator Award
This session will examine ways to create standards-based lessons and activities that explore the upper levels of
Bloom's Taxonomy and incorporate the multiple intelligences in order to promote student achievement.
Noon – 1:30 p.m. Keynote and Lunch
Insulating the Education Pipeline to Increase College and Career Readiness
Karen Pittman
Co-Founder and Executive Director, Forum for Youth Investment
Educators are called on to increase the number of students completing high school and postsecondary
education. To accomplish this goal, it is important to focus not only on the education pipeline but the critical
wraparound supports – the insulation that provides access to services such as tutoring, afterschool and summer
programs, and internship opportunities for all young people. Youth development expert Karen Pittman, co-
founder of Ready by 21, will discuss the importance of focusing the broad community on college and career
readiness.
1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. School Division Implementation
REPEAT SESSIONS ABOVE
2:45 p.m. – 3 p.m. Break
3 p.m. – 4 p.m. Concurrent Sessions
Virginia’s College and Career Readiness Initiative
Dr. Deborah Jonas
Executive Director, Research and Strategic Planning, Virginia Department of Education
Dr. Chrys Dougherty
Senior Research Scientist, National Center for Educational Achievement/The American College Testing
Program, Inc. (ACT)
Marshall Garland
Research Scientist, National High School Center
This session will discuss findings from research aimed at identifying achievement indicators associated with
success in the first year of college, and the implications of these findings for setting school and division
improvement priorities.
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Policies to Scale Up Early College Design for All
Joel Vargas
Vice President, High School through College, Jobs for the Future
This session will provide an overview of policies that can support every student’s completion of key college
courses by high school graduation. The development of early college designs by local colleges and high
schools will also be addressed.
Success At Every Step: Programs and Policies to Support Collaboration for College and Career
Readiness
Andrea Browning
Senior Program Associate, American Youth Policy Forum
This session will provide a review of research-supported practices and promising state and federal policies that
improve the alignment of K-12 education with what is necessary for students to be successful in postsecondary
education and careers. The presentation will draw on examples of broad-scale education reform in states and
school divisions nationwide, as well as innovative reforms that are yielding results with specific populations
such as youth off-track to graduation, low-income and minority youth, and other groups traditionally under-
represented in higher education.
Financial Acumen for College Access and Success
Dr. Sarah E. Turner
University Professor of Economics and Education, University of Virginia
This session will discuss research-based evidence and policy innovations that can be applied to help students
make informed decisions about personal finance and financial aid to improve college access and success.
Understanding Quality Improvement: Transforming Preschool Education into a Foundation for Division
Success
Dr. Marie L. Masterson
Assistant Professor of Education, Dominican University School of Education, River Forest, Illinois
The driving force behind quality improvement and increased school outcomes lies in understanding how people
and programs can work together with existing resources to create optimal academic and social outcomes for
children. Breaking the achievement barrier begins by building vision, understanding priorities, inspiring
commitment, and empowering change. Discover how to engage administrators and teachers, build momentum,
integrate resources, and achieve goals that will pay off in your school division for years to come.
The College Guide Program: Partnering with Virginia’s High Schools
Keith D. Roots
Director, College Guide Program, University of Virginia
This session will provide an overview of the College Guide Program. The program began in 2005 with a goal
of increasing the college-going rate of Virginia high schools. Major program components, including data
regarding college-going numbers, will be shared.
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Career Coaches
Scott Kemp
Career Coach Coordinator, Virginia Community College System
Now in its sixth year of helping Virginia's high school students become college and career ready, Virginia’s
Community Colleges Career Coach Program has expanded to 125 coaches who are based in over 180 high
schools and technical centers throughout the Commonwealth. Career coaches help students prepare for college
and careers through individual and small group coaching services, such as goal setting and action planning
through the development of Academic and Career Plans and career and college exploration through the use of
career assessments like the Virginia Education Wizard. This session will provide an overview of the career
coach program and its role in bringing the vision of postsecondary training for all students into practice.
Preparing the 21st Century Student for the Digital Age: Integrating Digital Literacy into Current
Classroom Practice
Dr. Sheila Sargent-Martin
Assistant Professor, Bluefield State College
Donna Savage
Graduate Education Program Advisor/Coordinator, Old Dominion University
This session will provide administrators and teachers with the tools and strategies needed to successfully
incorporate digital media into current instruction. Participants will leave with a wealth of practical information
needed to implement media literacy within the new Virginia Standards of Learning.
Middle College: Transition to Academic and Career Success
Elizabeth Creamer
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Workforce and Career Pathways Program, Virginia Community College
System/Workforce Development Services
Caroline L. Thurston
Coordinator of Middle College and Adult Career Pathways, Virginia Community College System
Presenters will provide information on the Virginia Community College System Middle College program.
Middle College is designed for young people 18-24 years old, who do not have a high school diploma. It
provides courses and career guidance to help students gain simultaneously a GED, work force credentials, and
academic credit.
Book Buddies
Donna Lewis-Wagner
Intervention Coordinator, Albemarle County Public Schools
This session will offer an overview of Book Buddies, a one-on-one tutoring framework for primary-grade
struggling readers featuring individualized, structured lesson plans based on ongoing assessment.
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Ready by 21, Credentialed by 26
Lawrence Pasti
Director of Field Services, Forum for Youth Investment
In this session, staff from the Forum for Youth Investment will summarize research on the increasing
importance of postsecondary credentials and will describe key academic, social, and basic supports that help
low-income and first-generation students get ready for a postsecondary degree. This session will feature lessons
from promising partnerships between school divisions, higher education institutions, community-based
organizations, and employers focused on increasing postsecondary success rates.
Project SEARCH
Lisa Holland
Coordinator, Special Education, Montgomery County Public Schools
Project SEARCH is an employer-based internship program that facilitates a seamless transition from the
classroom to productive adult life for youth with significant disabilities. This high school program is founded
on the belief that all individuals should have the opportunity to be productively employed. Utilizing a highly-
structured approach, the program focuses on teaching complex and systematic job skills to individuals who
experience barriers to employment.
PluggedIn VA: Preparing Adult General Educational Development (GED) Students for Success in
Postsecondary Education and Training Programs
Dr. Richard Sebastian
Instructional Technology Specialist, Virginia Commonwealth University
This session provides an overview of the PluggedIn VA program, an innovative transition curriculum that
prepares qualified adults for college and workplace success by integrating professional soft skills, digital
literacy instruction, and project-based learning with traditional GED preparation content. PluggedIn VA
students graduate with a GED credential, a Career Readiness Certificate, dual enrollment credits, targeted
workplace and technical certificates, and a completed capstone project.
Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEARUP) – A Model College
Access Program for Students From Low-Income Families
Dr. Gary F. Krapf
Director, GEARUP/ACCESS Virginia, State Council of Higher Education for Virginia
This session will outline Virginia’s GEARUP grant highlighting a variety of services provided to a cohort of
students, their parents, and school staff. The program is aimed at improving students’ academic performance
and motivating them to pursue higher education.
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July 14, 2011
8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Opening Session
The Ron Clark Story
Ron Clark
Founder, The Ron Clark Academy
Ron Clark will share his personal experiences teaching in North Carolina, Harlem, and at the Ron Clark
Academy in Atlanta to illustrate his methods for ensuring success for every child. Educators must use vibrant,
innovative techniques to keep the attention of students and make the curriculum come alive for them. It is
important to insist on civility in the classroom to create an environment that is conducive to learning. Mr. Clark
will talk about The Essential 55 – classroom rules and procedures that instill manners and respect. Educators
must provide opportunities where students learn that the world is bigger than their own backyard and create a
global awareness.
9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Concurrent Sessions
A Comprehensive Approach to Improving College and Career Readiness
Dr. Charis McGaughy
Director, Partnerships and Development, Educational Policy Improvement Center (EPIC)
This session offers an overview of the latest research, including a comprehensive framework, tools, and
techniques that can be used to increase the number of high school students graduating college and career ready,
particularly students who are first-generation college attendees. Topics include an exploration of a four-part
model of college readiness, findings from current college and career readiness projects, and tools and strategies
for improving student success.
A New Vision for Career Technical Education: Preparing Students for Success in the Workforce of
Today and Tomorrow
Kimberly Green
Executive Director, National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium
The unprecedented interest in and support for high-quality and rigorous Career Technical Education (CTE) has
presented a unique window of opportunity. The National Association of State Directors of Career Technical
Education Consortium released a vision paper entitled Reflect, Transform, Lead: A New Vision for Career
Technical Education to help address the inconsistency in CTE programs across the nation. The vision paper
presents a progressive agenda designed to guide the bold actions necessary to prepare students for success in
the global economy. This session will share the core message and principles of the vision, as well as the
activities that have begun to be implemented to support this vision and describe how you can get involved.
Programs of Study, which are one of the five key principles of the vision, will be discussed as a critical vehicle
for achieving the vision. This session will highlight relevant federal and national policy and initiatives in
support of the new vision.
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Community and Societal Impacts on Education
Dr. Pedro Noguera
Peter L. Agnew Professor of Education, New York University
While the movement for standards and accountability has largely succeeded in bringing greater attention to the
issues surrounding student achievement, surprisingly little attention has been given to what it takes to create
conditions in schools that will make achievement more likely. Missing from much of the policy debate related
to achievement is how to support and cultivate effective teaching in schools. This presentation will describe
strategies that have proven effective elsewhere at supporting teaching and learning. It will make explicit
reference to strategies that are useful in technical and vocational schools. It will also explore how schools can
develop effective partnerships with parents and community groups to further efforts to raise achievement.
The Top Ten Things Every Teacher Should Know
Kim Bearden
Co-Founder, The Ron Clark Academy
Learn how to create a classroom environment that promotes passion and creativity balanced with manners,
discipline, and respect. The session will focus on strategies that will engage students in academic content while
promoting academic rigor and structure. An emphasis will be placed on how the Ron Clark Academy
implements The Essential 55 to create a climate and culture where every student finds success.
How Many Students Catch Up From Far Behind?
Dr. Chrys Dougherty
Senior Research Scientist, National Center for Educational Achievement
This session will discuss research from multiple states on how students who are academically behind catch-up
to college and career readiness achievement targets in elementary, middle, and high school. Patterns of success
rates across schools for different cohorts of students will be discussed, along with implications for early
intervention and accountability.
Think College
Donna Yarbrough
Program Leader, Family and Individual Involvement and Support, Partnership for People with Disabilities
Virginia Commonwealth University
Doors to colleges are opening for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities in many
different ways in Virginia and all over the country. Dual enrollment initiatives that support high school students
to attend college as part of their transition planning, or working with recent graduates with intellectual and
other developmental disabilities to attend college are also available. This session will explore data on students
with disabilities in college and efforts in Virginia to provide inclusive, individualized, supported education in
Virginia’s two- and four-year colleges, universities, and technical schools.
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Homeless But College Bound
Dr. Patricia A. Popp
Education of Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) State Coordinator, Project HOPE (Health Opportunities
for People Everywhere) – Virginia
Barbara Duffield
Policy Director, National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth
The session will look at the challenges and promising practices for youth experiencing homelessness who wish
to pursue higher education. Strategies to support older youth in high school and recent changes to financial aid
programs that have increased access will be shared.
Rocket 21
Lisa Litsy
Senior Director/Outreach and Alliances, Rocket21 Enterprises
This session will explore Rocket21.com – a social media Web platform where kids connect with passions,
world-class experts, and possibilities that will enrich their lives as they explore paths for their future.
Learn How to Speak “Cool” with CoolSpeak
Carlos A. Ojeda, Jr.
President/CEO, CoolSpeak: The Youth Engagement Company
Sometimes it feels like kids speak a completely different language. This session will offer a translation. The
presenter will share with participants some of the techniques and approaches he has utilized to successfully
engage youth all across the country. Participants will learn how to engage youth in a highly interactive format.
Additionally, participants will gain an understanding of the importance of motivation in the learning process.
The session will be interactive, motivational, and thought provoking. By the end of it, participants will be
speaking “cool.”
Explore College and Career Readiness Now: Engage Elementary Students and Parents in an Exciting
Interactive Exploration Adventure
Michele Seibert
Director, Virginia Career Vital Information for Education and Work (VIEW), Virginia Polytechnic Institute
and State University
Virginia Career VIEW, the state’s career information system for grades K-8, provides extensive free interactive
resources and programs to start the career-planning process early. Link career exploration to education while
meeting Virginia Standards of Learning and Virginia Counseling Standards, through games, activities, and
events.
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High School Equivalency Program (HEP) and College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP),
From the Harvest Field to the Career Field
Lakesha Davis
Education and Program Specialist HEP and CAMP, United States Office of Migrant Education
Do you know if you have a migrant student in your school? You might have a migrant student in your
classroom. This presentation will educate you on this fascinating and resilient population (i.e., who they are,
how you can identify them, how you can assist them as an educator). Learn about the correlation between the
Virginia Migrant Education Program (MEP) and the High School Equivalency Program (HEP) – College
Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP).
Does Your Community Have Access? An Overview of the Virginia College Access Network Toolkit
Bonnie B. Sutton
President and CEO, ACCESS College Foundation
Cheryl L. Jones
Program Director, ACCESS College Foundation
Do the youth in your community know that college is possible for them? Are resources available to assist with
SAT/ACT preparation, career exploration, financial aid and scholarships? Where does a student go to get help
completing a college admissions application or the FAFSA? These are just a few of the services provided by a
college access organization. The Virginia College Access Network (VirginiaCAN), through funding from the
College Access Challenge Grant Program, developed a College Access Toolkit that provides the nuts and bolts
of starting an access program in your community or determining which of the tools could be added to your
school's counseling program or academic curriculum.
NBC Learn: Integrating Virginia Standards of Learning and Aligned NBC Multimedia Into Your
Classroom
Stephen Westbury
NBC Learn Representative, NBC News/NBC Learn
This session will provide an overview of the collection of video resources and primary source documents
designed for use in Virginia’s classrooms to include over 10,000 authentic news clips, covering K-12 science,
social studies, language arts, health and wellness, current events, and Virginia economics and personal finance.
Project PASS: A Military Option
Dr. Donna M. Rice
Project PASS Program Manager, United States Army Accessions Command, Ft. Monroe, Virginia
Dr. Linelle Clark-Brown
Project PASS Program Manager, National Association of State Boards of Education
Tommy D. Baker
Education Services Specialist, United States Army Recruiting Command, Beckley Recruiting Battalion
This session will provide an overview of Project Partnership for All Students' Success (PASS). Project PASS
is a middle school and high school leadership program established through a partnership with the United States
Army and the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE). Participants will learn about the
importance of education as well as the development of leadership skills, serving the community, character
education and the health and well-being of the young men and women of Virginia and America.
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A Review of Developmental Education Reform in Virginia's Community Colleges
Dr. Gretchen Schmidt
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Services, Virginia Community College System
Over the last two years, Virginia's Community Colleges have embarked on an ambitious reform agenda in the
area of developmental education. Course content, sequences and structures of developmental courses and
placement have been reviewed and revised. This session will provide an overview of the process and timelines
for implementation.
10:45 a.m. – 11 a.m. Break
11 a.m. – Noon Concurrent Sessions
REPEAT SESSIONS ABOVE
12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Closing Keynote and Lunch
Rehema Ellis
Education Correspondent, NBC News
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