2008 Conference

2012 CONFERENCE PROGRAM

Table of Contents

Conference Agenda ...... 2

Breakout Sessions at a Glance ...... 4

Breakout Session Room Locations ...... 6

Program Matrix ...... 7

Pre-Conference Events ...... 10

Conference Sessions and Events

Opening Session ...... 11

Breakout Session 1 ...... 13

Networking Lunch ...... 14

Dessert Reception ...... 16

Breakout Session 2 ...... 17

Breakout Session 3 ...... 22

Annual Celebration Reception ...... 26

Breakout Session 4 ...... 27

Breakout Session 5 ...... 30

Breakout Session 6 ...... 34

Closing Lunch ...... 36

Sponsor and Exhibitor Index ...... 39

Conference Agenda

Thursday, March 1st

8:30 AM – 8:00 PM Conference Registration Hotel Lobby

9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Eight Star Strategies Salon C 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM School Leaders Roundtable Salon C PCSASC Annual Meeting

5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Exhibitor Set Up Center Atrium / Pre-Function

6:00 PM – 7:30 PM School Leaders Reception Greystone Hall

Friday, March 2nd

7:30 AM – 5:00 PM Conference Registration Hotel Lobby

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Exhibitor Displays Center Atrium / Pre-Function

9:15 AM – 10:50 AM Opening Session Ambassador (Salon A, B, C & D)

10:50 AM – 11:00 AM Break and Networking Center Atrium / Pre-Function

11:00 AM – 12:20 PM Breakout Session 1 Breakout Session Rooms

12:20 PM – 1:15 PM Networking Lunch Ambassador (Salon A, B, C & D)

1:15 PM – 1:45 PM Dessert Reception and Networking Center Atrium / Pre-Function

1:45 AM – 3:05 PM Breakout Session 2 Breakout Session Rooms 3:15 PM – 4:30 PM Breakout Session 3 Breakout Session Rooms

4:30 PM – 5:00 PM Networking with Exhibitors Center Atrium / Pre-Function

7:00 PM – Midnight Annual Celebration Reception Ambassador (Salon C & D)

Saturday, March 3rd

8:30 AM – 11:20 AM Conference Registration Hotel Lobby

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM Continental Breakfast Salon G

8:30 AM – 12:20 PM Exhibitor Displays Center Atrium / Pre-Function

9:00 AM – 10:05 AM Breakout Session 4 Breakout Session Rooms 10:15 AM – 11:20 AM Breakout Session 5 Breakout Session Rooms 11:25 AM – 12:30 PM Breakout Session 6 Breakout Session Rooms

12:30 PM – 2:00 PM Closing Lunch Ambassador (Salon C & D)

Breakout Sessions at a Glance

Friday, March 1, 2012 Breakout Session 1 11:00 AM – 12:20 PM

1.1 Teaching Children of Poverty: Capacity Building through Action Planning ...... Salon A & B

1.2 The Realities, Risks and Rules that Can Sink Charter Schools ...... Greystone

Friday, March 1, 2012 Breakout Session 2 1:45 PM – 3:05 PM

2.1 Early College High School Initiatives: Reflections from a SC Charter Program ...... Salon C

2.2 Cyber Bullying, Cyber Safety and Violence Prevention...... Salon D

2.3 Common Core State Standards with Your Data ...... Salon A & B

2.4 Understanding Your Charter's Responsibilities in Special Education – Part 1 ...... Salon E

2.5 Top 10 Things all Charter Schools Should Understand about State Finances ...... Salon F

2.6 Taking Charge of your own Professional Development ...... Consulate

2.7 Sustainable Facilities and Management Planning with Facilities Finance Panel ..... Greystone

Friday, March 1, 2012 Breakout Session 3 3:15 PM – 4:30 PM

3.1 Designing an Integrated Unit with a focus on Service Learning ...... Salon C

3.2 Common Core Standards in ELA: Where we are and where we are going ...... Salon D

3.3 Partnerships Enable Charter Schools to Meet Goals in Time for Renewal ...... Salon A & B

3.4 Understanding Your Charter's Responsibilities in Special Education – Part 2 ...... Salon E

3.5 Integrating IT with your School’s Mission ...... Salon F

3.6 Understanding the Common Core State Standards in Math ...... Consulate

3.7 Improving your Bottom Line ...... Greystone

Breakout Sessions at a Glance

Saturday, March 2, 2012 Breakout Session 4 9:00 AM – 10:05 AM

4.1 Financial Reality Check for your Middle Schoolers ...... Salon C

4.2 Designing Schools with Learning and Community in Mind ...... Salon D

4.3 Evidence of Learning ...... Salon A & B

4.4 Hiring Effective Teams ...... Salon E

4.5 Transition Planning and Building Capacity ...... Salon F

4.6 New School Development – Understanding Finance ...... Greystone

Saturday, March 2, 2012 Breakout Session 5 10:15 AM – 11:20 AM

5.1 How to Infuse Laughter with Learning and Have More FUN Teaching! ...... Salon C

5.2 Exceptional Children in the Virtual Environment (Grades K-12) ...... Salon D

5.3 Beyond Test Scores: Comprehensive Self-Accountability Movement ...... Salon A & B

5.4 CCSS Vocabulary Instruction for Cross-Curricular Specificity ...... Salon E

5.5 IRS 990 Basics for Charter Schools ...... Salon F

5.6 New School Development – Round Robin ...... Greystone

Saturday, March 2, 2012 Breakout Session 6 11:25 AM – 12:30 AM

6.1 Charter School Strategic Planning – Advance your Mission ...... Salon A & B

6.2 Spring Term Know-How: Creating Real Project Based Learning ...... Salon E

6.3 After School Achievement ...... Salon F

6.4 Understanding the Common Core – Introduction to Implementation ...... Consulate

6.5 Overcoming Obstacles in your First Years - Making your vision a Reality ...... Greystone

Breakout Session Room Locations

Pre-Conference Events Thursday, March 1, 2012

Conference Registration 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM Hotel Lobby

Eight Star Strategies 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Salon C

Children living in poverty arrive at school with a unique set of skills and experiences for which their teachers must be adequately prepared. Educators, school leaders, and board members are welcome to be part of this interactive discussion. This full day session will guide participants to consider eight specific strategies for teachers of children of poverty.

A ‘No Excuses’ approach will be presented, and session participants will leave with information that will enable them to view their students with a greater understanding of their needs and with the ability to initiate new strategies upon return to their schools.

Dr. Tammy Pawloski, Director of Francis Marion University's Center of Excellence to Prepare Teachers of Children of Poverty.

School Leaders Roundtable 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM Salon C

PCSASC Annual Meeting 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM Salon C

Exhibitor Set Up 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Center Atrium / Pre-Function

Leadership Reception 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Greystone Hall

The Leadership Reception is sponsored by all of our Bronze Sponsors.

Conference Sessions and Events Friday, March 2, 2012

Opening Session 9:15 AM – 10:50 AM Ambassador (Salon A, B, C & D)

PAUL T. O’NEILL

“Across the country charter school advocates are working to create opportunities for successful charter programs to replicate, and to remove barriers to shutting down poor ones.”

Paul T. O’Neill is an education attorney, advisor, professor and author with extensive experience in guiding education organizations through challenges and growth. As Founder & President of Tugboat Education Services and as a Principal in the Education Law Practice Group of Cohen Schneider LLP in New York, he advises schools, authorizers, networks, non-profits, government agencies, and philanthropies on the rules and complexities that apply to educational organizations.

Mr. O’Neill’s professional experience spans the education sector. He served for several years as General Counsel of the SUNY Charter Schools Institute, one of the nation’s leading charter school authorizing offices. He later held senior positions, including Senior Vice President and Chief Regulatory Officer, with EdisonLearning, the national school management and services organization. Notably, he led Edison’s efforts to engage in the post- Katrina revitalization of public schooling in New Orleans. He is a former Associate Director of the Newgrange School and Educational Outreach Center in New Jersey, which serves individuals with learning disabilities, and a former litigator in the New York offices of Dewey Ballantine LLP and Willkie, Farr & Gallagher.

On the academic side, Mr. O’Neill serves on the adjunct faculty of Columbia University’s Teachers College, where he teaches courses on education law and policy, including Designing Charter Schools, and Special Education Law & Policy. In 2011, he was honored to receive a Distinguished Alumni Award from Teachers College for his achievements within 10 years of graduation. He is a frequent guest lecturer at other universities on a range of education reform topics and is the author of several books and numerous scholarly and professional articles.

The Evolution of Charter Schooling

In some respects the work is the same as it has always been: giving families that have few good educational options the choice to send their kids to a strong school, and the ability to help kids

get a quality education that will get them on a path to a good career and a good life. But the charter school environment has changed a lot since the early 90s when the first charters opened in MN. The most important word used to be “innovation,” and now many charter advocates think that has proven to be almost a dirty word. At the charter school 20 year mark, Paul O'Neill brings a national perspective on the charter school movement and on the next generation of charter schools we need to be developing in South Carolina.

Conference Sessions and Events Friday, March 2, 2012

Breakout Session 1 11:00 AM – 12:20 PM

1.1 Teaching Children of Poverty: Capacity Building through Salon A & B Action Planning

The Center of Excellence to Prepare Teachers of Children of Poverty has identified eight star strategies that are designed to assist schools and communities in their efforts to transform the opportunities for under-resourced children by bridging the achievement gap that commonly exists between this historically low-performing population and their wealthier peers. This presentation will offer an overview of a capacity-building model for professional development that encourages schools to consider the eight strategies through an action planning lens.

Dr. Tammy Pawloski is the Director of Francis Marion University's Center of Excellence to Prepare Teachers of Children of Poverty. [email protected]

1.2 The Realities, Risks and Rules that Can Sink Charter Schools Greystone Hall

An upbeat, proactive approach to driving achievement and success in charter schools, this presentation focuses on the operational practices of highly successful charter schools. It advocates taking control of practical factors at the board and leadership levels and leveraging charter autonomy. This includes how to manage the regulatory factors and authorizer relations that can have a huge impact on success, as well as empowering the board and school leader to develop and use a dashboard to set and achieve goals and to drive instruction. Passive schools don’t win, and kids suffer. They don’t have to.

Paul T. O’Neill is an education attorney, advisor, professor and author with extensive experience in guiding education organizations through challenges and growth. [email protected]

Conference Sessions and Events Friday, March 2, 2012

Networking Lunch 12:20 PM – 1:15 PM Ambassador (Salon A, B, C & D)

DR. MICK ZAIS State Superintendent of Education

Dr. Mitchell M. "Mick" Zais took the oath of office as State Superintendent of Education on January 12, 2011. Dr. Zais grew up in a military family, attending ten public schools in twelve years. Before winning public election as the seventeenth State Superintendent of Education, he served as President of Newberry College for ten years. A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, he served thirty-one years on active duty in the United States Army, retiring as a Brigadier General.

During his tenure at Newberry College, enrollment nearly doubled, the endowment more than doubled, facilities were constructed and renovated, academic programs were added, and athletic teams competed for NCAA regional and national titles. For the last three years of his administration, the prestigious U.S. News and World Report named Newberry College as one of America's best colleges.

While at Newberry, he served as chairman of the presidents' councils of both the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities and the South Atlantic Athletic Conference. He was also a member of the board of directors for the Foundation for Independent Higher Education, the Lutheran Education Conference of North America, the South Carolina Tuition Grants Commission, the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, and the Southern Regional Education Board.

In addition to a Bachelor's of Science degree in engineering from West Point, Dr. Zais earned Masters of Science and Doctorate degrees in social psychology and organizational behavior from the University of Washington, a Master of Arts degree in military history from the School for Advanced Military Studies at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and did post-doctoral studies in National Security Affairs at the National Defense University in Washington, D.C.

During his military career, Dr. Zais served in a wide variety of infantry units in Vietnam, the United States, and Korea. He commanded two rifle companies, an infantry battalion, a light infantry brigade, and served as deputy commanding general at Fort Riley, Kansas. Dr. Zais was

also the Pentagon's Chief of War Plans. As an assistant professor at West Point for three years, he taught organizational behavior, leadership, and management consulting.

Dr. Zais served as a White House aide and in Panama as executive assistant to the four-star commander of all U.S. forces in Central and South America. In Kuwait, he was commanding general of U.S. and Allied forces. He also served as commanding general of Operation Provide Refuge, the task force that cared for 4,000 Kosovo refugees who entered the United States. Dr. Zais' last military assignment was as Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army Reserve Command, the headquarters that administers the 184,000 part-time Reservists, 9,000 civilian employees, and 11,000 full-time military members of the Army Reserve.

Dr. Zais and his wife Susan are the parents of two married adult children who graduated from public schools in Newberry. The Zais’ are members of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Newberry.

The Networking Lunch is sponsored by our Diamond Sponsor – EdisonLearning.

EdisonLearning has an Exhibitor Booth. Please make time to visit them during the conference.

Conference Sessions and Events Friday, March 2, 2012

Dessert Reception 1:15 PM – 1:45 PM Center Atrium Pre Function Area Salon G

Following lunch, please join us in the Exhibitor Areas and enjoy your dessert while networking with our Exhibitors.

The Dessert Reception is sponsored by our Gold Sponsor – B.C. Zeigler and Company.

Zeigler and Company has an Exhibitor Booth. Please make time to visit them during the conference.

Conference Sessions and Events Friday, March 2, 2012

Breakout Session 2 1:45 PM – 3:05 PM

2.1 Early College High School Initiatives: Reflections from a Salon C SC Charter Program

This session will present information on a successful early college high school initiative program at Greenville Technical Charter High School in Greenville, SC. The early college high school strategies being implemented by Greenville Technical Charter High School can be considered to be best practices for improving and maintaining student achievement, high school completion and post-secondary education rates.

Dr. Howard V. Coleman is an Associate Professor in the Educational Leadership Department at UNC Wilmington in Wilmington, NC and has served as a high school principal, a superintendent and a supervisor of 9 charter schools in SC. Fred Crawford is Principal of Greenville Technical Charter High School in Greenville, SC and has over 20 years experience in public schools and is engaged in school reform efforts at both the state and national levels including the Coalition of Essential Schools, Annenberg Principals. [email protected] [email protected]

2.2 Cyber Bullying, Cyber Safety and Violence Prevention: Salon D Emerging and Evolving Exposures for Schools

This program will define what bullying is and how cyber-bullying and cyber-harassment are similar and in other ways very different from “traditional” bullying. The various ways cyber- bullying occurs will be defined, and the impact on individuals, the school community, and society will be examined. The dynamics of why cyber-bullying is a fast growing form of social cruelty will be explored, and why educators, administrators, and parents must take this form of social cruelty serious will be explained. Leave with strategies and resources to develop a comprehensive approach to address cyber-bullying.

Ms. Ingham holds a Masters of Science degree in Economic Crime Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts from Utica College. She completed the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program Training of Trainers and has received training in the Bully Proofing Your Schools Program. [email protected]

Conference Sessions and Events Friday, March 2, 2012

Breakout Session 2 1:45 PM – 3:05 PM (Continued)

2.3 Common Core State Standards with Your Data Salon A & B

NWEA is ready to provide Common Core State Standards (CCSS) Assessments for your school. We are on track to provide these assessments now for grades 2+; and in the Fall of 2012 we will include Common Core Assessments for grades K-1.

Sue Madagan is a former Beaufort County School District educator (20 years) and is now a Regional Manager for Southeast at NWEA (Northwest Evaluation Association). Tamika Chambers is a former Charter school Principal and Director from Indiana with 10 years in the charter school movement. She is now a Senior Account Executive managing Charter School Organizations at NWEA (Northwest Evaluation Association). [email protected] [email protected]

2.4 Understanding Your Charter's Responsibilities Salon E in Special Education – Part 1

This session will provide information, guidance, and updates regarding the mandates set forth in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), federal and state regulations, and policies and procedures pertaining to the education of students with disabilities. We will cover the basic requirements for ensuring that charter schools and authorizers provide students with disabilities, who need special education and related services, a free appropriate public education(FAPE)in charter school programs. We will discuss the requirements for who can legally provide educational services to students with disabilities, placement and service-delivery options, and the roles and authority of charter school personnel and authorizers in complying with federal and state requirements under the IDEA.

Barbara A. Drayton serves as deputy general counsel for the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE), providing legal assistance in the area of special education. Her duties include providing training, consultation, and assistance to the SCDE, the State Board of Education, and school districts/agencies regarding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and other matters related to the education of students with disabilities. [email protected]

Conference Sessions and Events Friday, March 2, 2012

Breakout Session 2 1:45 PM – 3:05 PM (Continued)

2.5 Top 10 List of Things all Charter Schools Should Understand Salon F About State Finances

Come count down the top ten financial facts all charter schools should understand about their state finances. Your cash flow depends on understanding how your funding is generated.

Mellanie Jinnette is the Financial Systems Manager in the Office of Finance at the South Carolina Department of Education. Melissa Austin is the Audits Manager at the South Carolina Department of Education. [email protected] [email protected]

2.6 Taking Charge of your own Professional Development Consulate Boardroom

Taking charge of your own learning requires a process of assessment, goal-setting and planning. No matter where you are in your career your continued growth will benefit your students. Come and join the discussion and start your plan today.

Dr. Reed developed her classroom and central office experience in Fairfax County VA. From 1999-2001, she was loaned to the U. S. Dept. of Education as the Technology Teacher in Residence. Currently - Vice-President, CaseNEX-DataCation. [email protected]

2.7 Sustainable Facilities and Management with Facilities Greystone Hall Finance Panel

This session will provide leaders and boards with essential lessons in determining school facility budgets. In preparation for long term facility solutions - Look at the decisions you are making today on leases and contracts, reviewing management companies, and establishing viable boards. Panelists will help highlight red flags that could derail sustainability.

This session will be facilitated by Jane Ellis with Self Help. [email protected] Panelists include: Scott Rolfs is Managing Director and Group head of Religion and Education Finance at Ziegler; Daniel Smith is with BB&T; Russ Caldwell is with Davidson and Co.

Conference Sessions and Events Friday, March 2, 2012

Breakout Session 3 3:15 PM – 4:30 PM

3.1 Designing an Integrated Unit with a focus on Service Learning Salon C

Teachers will learn how to plan "with the end in mind" and use a "big idea" to integrate content areas, the arts, technology, and service learning. Moving beyond themes, Riverview's first grade team will explore enduring understandings and essential questions, and guide teachers step by step through a model unit called "from farm to table".

Teammates, Elizabeth Sanders, Dominique Heyward, and Jennie Baldwin, are first grade teachers at Riverview Charter school and model teachers in the field of education. Their passion for their students and for learning, along with their collaborative approach, celebrate the whole child and provide experiential learning opportunities for all. [email protected]

3.2 Common Core Standards in ELA: Salon D Where we are and where we are going

Participants will unlock the Common Core standards and compare them with the 2008 ELA standards as we prepare in SC for full implementation by 2014-2015.

Marcia Baxter is a Reading Interventionist/Literacy Coach at SCVCS and Holly Sasser is a HS English Teacher at SCVCS. Both of us have been attending the ELA coordinator's monthly meetings to work on implementation. [email protected]

3.3 Partnerships Enable Charter Schools to Meet Goals in Salon A & B Time for Renewal

Learn about successful school turnaround partnerships that helped some of South Carolina’s persistently low-performing rural middle schools achieve Adequate Yearly Progress for the first time ever. Discover how charter schools that are struggling while facing renewal can benefit from the same type of partnership.

Dr. Monica Henson, a longtime charter and district school administrator on the East Coast, shares the story of EdisonLearning’s South Carolina success. [email protected]

Conference Sessions and Events Friday, March 2, 2012

Breakout Session 3 3:15 PM – 4:30 PM (Continued)

3.4 Understanding Your Charter's Responsibilities Salon E in Special Education – Part 2

3.5 Integrating IT with your School’s Mission Salon F

Can technology adoption be painless? Is your charter school utilizing technology as a learning tool throughout the curriculum? Come take the first step in developing a technology plan that makes sense for your school’s student achievement and budget.

Patrick McCrea is the account manager for group purchasing program between Paragon and the Public Charter School Alliance of South Carolina Charter. [email protected]

3.6 Understanding Common Core Standards in Math Consulate Boardroom

Explore the common core state standards in mathematics for your students. Identify some next steps you need to take as a classroom educator for the bridge year of 2012-13 and beyond.

Gayle Hinton is a consultant with Educational Resources Group. [email protected]

Conference Sessions and Events Friday, March 2, 2012

Breakout Session 3 3:15 PM – 4:30 PM (Continued)

3.6 Improving your Bottom Line Greystone Hall

Are you allocating your resources effectively? Is your budget aligned to the mission of your school? What are the conversations that need to take place between staff, administration, and the board so that a budget will be in place to achieve the goals of the school? Come join in the conversation of how to develop a strategic budget based in reality.

School Leaders: Courtney Francher with Palmetto Academy of Learning and Success: Jody Swanigan with East Cooper Montessori Charter School: Mike Sinclair with Brashier Middle College: Michelle Jones with Elliott Davis will discuss steps school leaders and boards need to take when they receive their audit. [email protected]

Conference Sessions and Events Friday, March 2, 2012

Celebration Reception 7:30 PM – 12:00 PM Ambassador (Salon C & D)

Following your dinner and visit to downtown Columbia, please join your fellow Charter School colleagues for our celebration reception

Put on your Polyester & Platform Shoes… it’s

70’s Disco Night

Hot & Cold Hors d‘Oeuvres

Open Bar (Domestic Beer, House Wine, Coffee, Iced Tea, Water)

Drawings for Great Prizes

Entertainment by:

The Reception is sponsored by our Platinum Sponsor – Kelley-Moser Consulting, LLC.

Conference Sessions and Events Saturday, March 3, 2012

Breakout Session 4 9:00 AM – 10:05 AM

4.1 Financial Reality Check for your Middle Schoolers Salon C

Interested in creating finacially savvy citizens? Come find out how to East Cooper’s Middle School Financial Project may work at your school. During Week 1: Students are immersed in the working world and everyday financial trials and tribulations complete with credit cards, checking account, home purchase and other valuable experiences. During Week 2: Simulation is made real through internships within local companies. Come learn how to bring this very important aspect of the curriculum to life while building partnerships in your community.

Anna Chandler is a National Board Certified MS Montessori Teacher with 12 years of educational leadership experience. Lara D’Eugenio is ECMCS Gifted and Talented Coordinator. [email protected] [email protected]

4.2 Designing Schools with Learning and Community in Mind Salon D

Schools have a significant influence on the performance and development of students and teachers and are also an integral part of our community. We look at ways to design schools that accomplish both objectivities. Facility design to promote student achievement, Benefits of Community Based Design and the design process as a fundraising tool are only a few of the topics discussed.

John Shurley, AIA is one of the founding principals of Insight Architects, and have made it a company mission to design schools with education being the focus and not the architecture itself. Vince Ciccarelli, AIA comes from a family of educators and promotes designing schools that is in line with the schools fundamental mission and teaching philosophy. [email protected]

Conference Sessions and Events Saturday, March 3, 2012

Breakout Session 4 9:00 AM – 10:05 AM (Continued)

4.3 Evidence of Learning Salon A & B

Develop a culture where evidence of student learning is part of the fabric of your school. Participants will learn how to use their classrooms as educators; how to create and manage multi-media portfolios; how to develop report cards that reflect your school's educational philosophy; and how to host a Portfolio Night where students take their families through a gallery walk of their learning. Templates and ideas on how to showcase "evidence" will be provided.

AnnMarie Bowden, a middle school educator, is one of the founders of Riverview Charter School and is currently serving as Riverview's Curriculum Leader. Donna Haram, an educator of 22 years, worked as a first grade teacher at Riverview and is currently serving as Riverview's Instructional Leader. AK Harper, a Special Education teacher of 17 years, worked as Riverview's first Learning Specialist and is currently serving as Riverview's Assessment Leader. [email protected]

4.4 Hiring Effective Teams Salon E

What is the difference between a good school and a great school? Simple, it’s having the right people on the bus. Determine who the right people are for your school and translate the job description to a performance evaluation once you have them on the bus.

Renee Gordon engages schools and school districts across the country in developing highly effective teams with a constant focus on doing what is right for kids. [email protected]

4.5 Transition Planning and Building Capacity Salon F

This panel will provide a case study of a public charter school that had been in crisis through a leadership transition and will provide lessons learned for boards and administrators. The panel will discuss signs and symptoms that schools should watch for and will apply their collective experience to help boards and administrators to act swiftly upon identification of symptoms that might be evident in your school.

Conference Sessions and Events Saturday, March 3, 2012

Breakout Session 4 9:00 AM – 10:05 AM (Continued)

Panel members include Dr. Wayne Brazell, (Superintendent of the South Carolina Carter School District), Pauline Sternick (Board President of SC Calvert Academy), Laura Blackmore (Transitional Administrator at SC Calvert Academy, former SC Charter School Association Board Member, former Principal of the Year, and former founder of Wohali Academy), and Cindy Tucci (President of Charter Collaboration, LLC).

4.6 New School Development – Understanding Finance Greystone Hall

Are you developing a new public charter school for 2013? Wondering where the funds come from? Join us as we dig deeper into understanding Charter School Financing.

Mellanie Jinnette is the Financial Systems Manager in the Office of Finance at the South Carolina Department of Education. [email protected]

Conference Sessions and Events Saturday, March 3, 2012

Breakout Session 5 10:15 AM – 11:20 AM

5.1 How to Infuse Laughter with Learning to Increase Attention, Salon C Learning Retention, and Have More FUN Teaching!

Research and common sense tell us that when we're having fun, we learn more, are more motivated, and get along better with others. Learn many creative techniques for creating an atmosphere where you and your students use humor in a variety of ways that will help you laugh throughout the day and will certainly make you an effective, memorable teacher. It's not about being a stand-up comedian; it's about being Fun-Inspired. What are the 3 secrets to being Fun-Inspired? Another reason to join us! You're guaranteed some great take away ideas and a good time laughing and learning in this energetic, interactive breakout session.

Shannon McDevitt is the Founder and Director of Just Humor Me. She works with corporations and children on how to infuse more fun into their work, relationships, and how to use humor to improve communication and resolve conflict. She specializes in humorous, custom designed, Team Building; Meeting Breaks; Special Events and Staff Training. For more information about this program's instructor and her variety of services, please visit justhumorme.com. When you're there, be sure to challenge Miss Beauty, Just Humor Me's dog psychic with a challenge you're having. She gives interesting advice that's often also helpful. [email protected]

5.2 Exceptional Children in the Virtual Environment (Grades K-12) Salon D

Exceptional children served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in the virtual environment are offered some unique opportunities for support. This presentation will review the resources available, types of assessments utilized, relationships with general education teachers and families, as well as participation in statewide testing. A time for questions and responses will be led by a panel consisting of an elementary, middle, and high school special education teacher and a special education administrator.

Natasha Weaver is a Certified Special Education teacher with SCVCS who currently serves 3rd and 4th grade students. Peggy Phillips is a Certified Special Education Teacher who currently serves 8th grade students. Mark Davis is a Certified Special Education teacher with SCVCS who currently serves 11th and 12th grade students. Donna Strom is the Director of Exceptional Children with SCVCS. [email protected]

Conference Sessions and Events Saturday, March 3, 2012

Breakout Session 5 10:15 AM – 11:20 AM (Continued)

5.3 Beyond Test Scores: Comprehensive Salon A & B Self-Accountability Movement

Providing meaningful, specialized programming to students with disabilities in a charter school setting can be challenging. To complicate matters, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) also mandates a standard of procedural compliance that all schools must meet. This lighthearted, solution-driven session will leave administrators with the specific tools they need to meet the requirements of IDEA, while staying true to the innovation of their charter.

Traci Bryant-Riches is the Director of Federal Programs for the SC Public Charter School District. Robert Compton is the Coordinator of Special Education Services for the SC Public Charter School District. Beckie Davis is the School Psychologist at the SC Public Charter Schol District.

5.4 CCSS Vocabulary Instruction for Cross-Curricular Salon E Specificity in Writing and Clarity in Informational Reading

Effective vocabulary instruction is vital for cross-curricular success with Common Core State Standards requirements. Studies have shown strong relationships between student achievement in comprehension/writing and the extent/depth of their knowledge of words (Benjamin and Crow, 2010; Quelette 2006; NiCHD, 2000). Learn about proven strategies for teaching multiple meaning words/phrases, context clues, word parts and reference materials so that new, more stringent standards are met.

Diane Wheeler has been a professional educator for 37 years, serving as a National Literacy Consultant training educators across the United States for the past 17. [email protected]

5.5 IRS 990 Basics for Charter Schools – Creating Trust through Salon F Transparency and Accountability

Basic understanding of what is going to be your school’s 990 – Your school’s tax form. Why does the IRS want to know? Did you disclose conflicts of interest? Have you googled your 990? Who else is looking at your 990?

Denise Hill is an accountant with Elliott Davis who works with nonprofits across SC. [email protected]

Conference Sessions and Events Saturday, March 3, 2012

Breakout Session 5 10:15 AM – 11:20 AM (Continued)

5.6 New School Development – Round Robin Greystone Hall

Turning in a new charter school application by May 1st? Come join experts in all areas of the charter application process to discuss your next steps in fine tuning your application.

Mary Carmichael has been working with nonprofits in the education field for nearly 20 years. She has 10 years experience with charter schools and has developed a comprehensive charter incubation method based on national best practices. [email protected]

Conference Sessions and Events Saturday, March 3, 2012

Breakout Session 6 11:25 AM – 12:30 PM

6.1 Charter School Strategic Planning – Advance your Mission Salon A & B

Please join us for this interactive session which will explore next steps your board, administration, and staff can take with the information you have learned at the Conference. Leave with an action plan and resources to implement real change and advance the mission of your school.

Jane Taylor and Mary Carmichael are with the Public Charter School Alliance of South Carolina. [email protected] [email protected]

6.2 Spring Term Know-How: Creating Real Project Based Learning Salon E

Learn how to create an exciting and engaging Spring Term that combines interdisciplinary teaching and technology while meeting the new Common Core Standards. Presenters will explain the logistics behind creating a Spring Term and will share successful teaching practices that grab students' attention and tackle real project based learning.

Kathryn Pedings teaches math at Charleston Charter for Math and Science; she is the 2011 SC Charter School Educator of the Year. Mary Roueche Allen is a founding teacher and the English Department Chair at Charleston Charter for Math and Science. [email protected].

6.3 After School Achievement Salon F

Langston Charter Middle School has fine tuned their afterschool program to support student engagement and to further fulfill their mission. Come explore ideas on how to improve the afterschool offerings at your school.

Rob Venable is a Social Studies Teacher at Langston Charter Middle School and the After School Director. He will be joined by other Langston staff. [email protected]

Conference Sessions and Events Saturday, March 3, 2012

Breakout Session 6 11:25 AM – 12:30 PM (Continued)

6.4 Understanding the Common Core: Consulate Boardroom Introduction to Implementation at Your School

Explore the overall steps your school needs to be taking for 2012-2013’s “bridging year” and look to the future of what lays ahead. Leave with a clear plan for your school’s next steps. A great overview for teachers, leaders, and board members.

Sylvia Ford is an educational consultant with Educational Resources Group. [email protected]

6.5 Overcoming Obstacles in Your First Years: Greystone Hall Making your Vision a Reality

Charter school developers and new leaders have to learn to do more with less. Let's face it- starting a charter school is a huge undertaking and it takes budgeting and creative planning to make it happen. Founders will share experiences and ideas for how to stretch your dollar farther.

Courtney Fancher is the Co-Founder and current Executive Director of Palmetto Academy of Learning and Success, a charter school best known for its outstanding first year success. Amber Rogers is a former school psychologist, the Co- Founder of Palmetto Academy of Learning and Success, owner of Creative Educational Consulting, and an advocate for educational reform. [email protected]

Conference Sessions and Events Saturday, March 3, 2012

Closing Lunch 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM Ambassador (Salon C & D)

TAISHYA ADAMS Director, State Services National Alliance for Public Charter Schools

Taishya Adams is the director of state services for the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. Taishya’s journey in education began as a servant leader with the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom School program in 1995. Since then, she has worked with a variety of local and national non-profits, the U.S. Department of State and urban public school districts. Prior to joining the Alliance, Taishya served as a performance officer with the D.C. Public Charter School Board. She earned her Masters of Arts in International Education from George Washington University where she specialized in program management and educational systems and her Bachelor of Arts from Vassar College in Political Science and Film Production.

SHANNON MCDEVITT How to Bully a Bully (No, not really): Practical Steps for Dealing with the Basics of Bullying

Based on her program People Peeves, a 12 step program for Dealing with and Diffusing Difficult People and Situations, Shannon will inform and entertain us with strategies for dealing with bullies both large and small. So come make our day and be a part of this learning opportunity which will give you creative ways to face your challenges and serve as an inspirational boost to boot! If you are a difficult person, you will be dealt with and diffused appropriately. Shannon McDevitt, “Professional at Play” is Founder of Just Humor Me! She earned a Masters in Education at The Citadel and a Bachelors in Human Development and Communications at Boston College. She served as the Humor Coach on a segment she created for ABC’s Lowcountry Live show, where she inspired viewers with creative techniques to add more humor to their daily lives.

The Closing Lunch is sponsored by our Gold Sponsor – Elliott Davis.

Elliott Davis has an Exhibitor Booth. Please make time to visit them during the conference.

Sponsor and Exhibitor Index