Northeast ASCD Affiliate Conference

Friday, November 30, 2007

Saturday, December 1, 2007
Conference Sessions

Please choose one from the following sessions:

Choice F1: Implementing PLC Concepts: Tips for Closing the Knowing-Doing Gap

with Rick and Becky DuFour

One of the most common reactions to Professional Learning Community concepts is, “that is just common sense.” It just makes sense that a school committed to helping all students learn at high levels would focus on learning rather than teaching, would ensure students had access to the same curriculum, would assess each student’s learning on a timely basis using consistent standards for proficiency, and would create systematic interventions that provided students with additional time and support for learning rather than leaving it up to each teacher to respond when a student did not learn. It just makes sense that we could accomplish more working collaboratively than we do working in isolation. It just makes sense that we would assess our effectiveness in helping all students learn on the basis of results – actual evidence that they have learned. It just makes sense!

So why don’t schools do what they already know makes sense. In The Knowing-Doing Gap, Jeffery Pfeffer and Robert Sutton contend, “One of the great mysteries of organizational management is the disconnect between knowledge and action. Why does knowledge of what needs to be done so frequently fail to result in action or behavior that is consistent with that knowledge?"

This presentation will address causes of the knowing-doing gap in transforming schools into PLCs and, more importantly, will offer specific recommendations for closing that gap.

Register for Choice F1 Workshop

Choice F2: Primal Leadership:  The Emotional Side Of Leading

with Pam Robbins

 “Great leaders move us. They ignite our passion and inspire the best in us .... No matter what leaders set out to do -- whether it’s creating strategy or mobilizing teams to action -- their success depends on how they do it” (Goleman, D., Boyatzis, R., and McKee, A., 2002). This session, based on the book by Goleman, Boyatzis, and McKee, will examine the concept of “primal leadership.”  Participants will examine what “primal leadership” is and key abilities or capabilities effective leaders seem to possess. Research demonstrates that while I.Q. and technical skills are important, the most effective leaders are alike in one crucial way: they all have a high degree of emotional intelligence. This session will explain what these four critical domains of emotional intelligence are, and will provide practical examples of how they can be employed for greater productivity in the workplace.

Simulations, graphic organizers, video clips, windowpane lecturettes, cartoon lectures, reflective and cooperative tasks will be used in the session to convey these findings and simultaneously model them. At the end of the session participants will have a wide array of practical tools they can employ immediately to make a difference in the workplace.

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Discuss key attributes of effective leaders.
• Examine the concept of “primal leadership” and its implications for practice.
• Investigate why constituents look to leaders as “emotional guides.”
• Explore four domains of emotional intelligence.
• Analyze “5 Theaters of the Mind” and their influence in leadership actions and learning. 
• Network with colleagues.
• Reflect upon personal next steps.

Register for Choice F2 Workshop

Author Luncheon - Optional
Friday, 12:45 pm - 2:00 pm

All Author Luncheon sessions are SOLD OUT 

$49 fee - Includes a special luncheon and an autographed copy of one of the author's books. Enjoy this unique opportunity to meet the author and discuss their work - Limited seating per session - Register Early. Click on the links below to read a complete description of the book and author.

Breakout Sessions
Friday, 2:00 - 4:00

Choose one of seven breakout sessions when you register. Read Breakout session details .