BUILDING AN AGENDA FOR 2005

SEMINAR GROUPS:
These groups of approximately eight individuals are run by a fellow who has been recommended in past meetings to have the ability to oversee a discussion group. Although the main item of discussion includes reaction to and preparation for speakers, there are also numerous tasks that the seminar groups satisfy. Some seminar group leaders have fellows specify their priorities for the week in terms of educational information that is being sought. Thus if a new elementary principal has enrolled in the conference and has goals related to the supervision of experienced teaching staff members at the primary grades, there is a very positive chance that this goal will be referred to in the seminar group, that the new principal will receive recommendations for others at the conference to speak to and will also leave the conference with a number of people who can serve as resources as the school year progresses. On occasion, the speakers visit seminar groups to allow for a more individualized exchange of information. Other seminar group leaders will have fellows elaborate on new ideas that have been implemented in their districts.

ROLE ALIKE SESSIONS:
During the conference there will be discussion and interaction for those individuals who serve similar roles in the districts represented at the conference. Once again, an experienced fellow will oversee the group meeting and this allows for a philosophical and realistic discussion about challenges of the elementary, middle, or high school principalship, the assistant principal, central office employees, special education administrators and superintendents.

REALITY CASE STUDY SESSIONS:
During the week, fellows are asked to elaborate on some specific case study circumstances, one that took place in their district and one that will provide participants with a challenge in terms of action and reaction. A certain number of these are selected for detailed review and all members participate in give and take sessions in which no holds are barred. Needless to say, the reality of district case studies goes beyond fiction.

LESSONS OF LEADERSHIP:
Selected fellows are asked to spend a few minutes elaborating on their leadership styles and the basic components of their career, personality, and experience that got them to that point. Educational leadership- is championed and the interesting observation can be readily made that very different types of people can be successful on behalf of school children. Much of what is shared allows one to tap his or her knowledge of educational leadership gurus, but surprisingly, there is significant reference to obscure and even personal resources.

The steering committee is in a constant effort to review these group sessions and it is likely that there will be adjustments for the second conference. Nevertheless, what is written above provides one with a general idea as to the strategies that are utilized in an attempt to make the conference meaningful to all involved.

SPEAKER SESSIONS:
You will note that main speakers are given the opportunity to present over a period of three hours, with a break provided for all involved. The speakers utilize a variety of methodologies to keep the audience active and participating in all that is going on. Our keynote speaker this year will be a member of the team from McCrel, Dr. Cheri Lyons. Dr. Lyons will share the method and outcomes of an exhaustive study of specific research relating leadership to achievement. This research is simply amazing and timely in its release and the presentation will be titled "Balanced Leadership".

A second speaker of major proportion, Jonathon Mooney, will concentrate on the topic of special education. Last year's sixty plus participants felt that this was a topic that needed to be addressed in a leadership forum. The speaker has received excellent reviews of his ability to assist in understanding and implementing special education programs that are appropriate to children with special needs.

A third major speaker will concentrate on the personal contact that educational leaders must make with students and employees, especially in the circumstances that are not always comfortable. Reid Associates provides realistic methodologies that work in interaction with people when it is necessary to gain the truth.

The committee will expand this part of the site when additional speakers are finalized for the 2005 conference.