4 EDCAL March 19 , 2018
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MIDDLE
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in on the state tests . Fifth through eighth graders earn recognition and take part in games to win treats like movie tickets in the “ Star Wars ” themed initiative .
A Yoda graphic was created for use on posters that shows the syntactically challenged Jedi master character in a school Spartan helmet , delivering advice such as , “ Shhhhhh . Quiet in the halls you must be . The test Spartans are taking ” and “ Their best on the test , Spartans will do .”
Johansen said the incentives program includes goal-setting rallies and rewards for individual efforts . It has resulted in students taking more time with the tests and trying their best .
“ They also seem to have less test anxiety ,” she said . “ It sends a message more than , ‘ We just need to get through this .’”
Region 11 representative Kirsti Smith , principal at Murray Middle School , shared her Respect , Explore , Achieve , Lead ( REAL ) Weeks program .
Every five-week reporting period , the school has a REAL Week . The bell schedule is changed that week to deliver an extra 45 minute period each day , when students who haven ’ t mastered the standards in English language arts or math are placed in a REAL intervention – usually about 180 students . The rest of the students are in enrichment for the 45 minute period all week .
“ This has helped the struggling student
because she or he feels more comfortable asking questions and really figuring out what they are learning in a smaller , concentrated setting ,” Smith said .
Data shows the REAL work has been positive . Students are mastering standards , as indicated by interim testing .
In other Middle Grades Education Council news , Mike Tsuboi , middle school principal in Porterville Unified School District , has been named 2018-19 council president . He has served as ACSA liaison on the California Interscholastic Federation ( CIF ) Central Section , and as such has held a seat on the Secondary Education Council . As a candidate for president-elect , Tsuboi served as a 2017 ACSA delegate to the NASSP Region 7 Fall Conference in Portland , Ore . He succeeds Kelley Birch as president .
The council meeting included discussion of the middle grades strand at the 2018 Leadership Summit , Nov . 8-10 in San Diego ; proposed goals and meeting structure for 2018-19 ; and ACSA Board and partner updates . Council members were urged to attend the April 15-16 Legislative Action Day event .
Also on the agenda for this last meeting of the year was celebrating service on the council for six representatives completing their terms : Julie Johansen , Region 1 ; Jay Holmes , Region 2 ; Mistee Hightower- Guzman , Region 6 ; Amy Hasselwander , Region 7 ; Mayra Helo-Trevino , Region 9 ; and Kiela Snider , Region 19 . www . acsa . org
Middle Grades Education Council Executive Mary Gomes , left , is joined by incoming council president Mike Tsuboi and outgoing council president Kelley Birch .
Clear your calendars now to attend one of the summer residential programs for school leaders , held at UCLA each summer . Participants have said their experience was life-changing , and have said it helped them achieve a clear vision of their leadership path and how to get others to follow in their journey . These events sell out each summer so be sure to sign up early .
Principals ’ Summer Institute June 25 – 29 , 2018
Institute for New and Aspiring Principals June 24 – 30 , 2018
acsa . org / summerprograms
New Superintendents Seminar Series : Designed for first- and second-year superintendents
If you are a new first- or second-year superintendent , the New Superintendents Seminar Series is the professional development designed specifically for you . Former successful superintendents John Roach and Trudy Arriaga are the directors of the New Superintendents Seminar Series , and they fully understand the complexity of the superintendent position and the need to have targeted , professional development for the newly appointed superintendent . This professional learning series has successfully assisted first- and second-year superintendents for the past 18 years ( formerly under the name of Leading the Leaders ). ACSA has worked to design a new and innovative approach to assist new superintendents as they navigate the current issues with the introduction of the New Superintendents Seminar Series . New superintendents will benefit from five collaborative sessions during the 2018- 19 year . You will have the opportunity to connect and form lasting relationships with new superintendents throughout the state . This confidential forum allows all new superintendents to learn , share and move forward with confidence in their leadership role . Successful current and retired superintendents will lead discussions in their areas of expertise and share their wisdom and knowledge of this unique position . They will guarantee that you have their contact information should you need their experience and expertise as you face the challenges and opportunities that arise . Topics for the sessions include : negotiations , personnel issues , board / superintendent relations , board governance , contract , evaluation , values and ethics , marketing and branding , building a strong cabinet , emergency procedures , budget development , cultural proficiency , community relations , balance and the role of the superintendent in LCAP , LCFF , Professional Learning Communities , program development and digital literacy . Time is devoted in each session to confidentially discuss the current issues in your districts to ensure that you return to your districts with skills , tools and strategies for success . NSSS has strategically planned the 2018-19 schedule to ensure that meetings are accessible to all superintendents and held in locations with easy access , regardless of your district location . The January meeting is scheduled as a pre-conference to the Superintendents ’ Symposium in Monterey to facilitate your opportunity to attend this essential professional development as well as the NSSS workshops . Roach , former superintendent of the Carlsbad Unified School District and Arriaga , former superintendent of Ventura Unified School District , are privileged to be the directors of NSSS . They both benefitted from this program as new superintendents more than 17 years ago , and strongly believe that this ACSA professional learning offering assisted them in their success in their early years . Seventeen years later , new superintendents continue to benefit as described by recent testimonies from previous cohorts :
“ The New Superintendents Seminar Series is a must for every newly hired Superintendent . The opportunity to learn from the experiences of veteran superintendents as well as connecting with other educational leaders and developing a network you can rely on is truly invaluable .” Minden Byrne King , Manzanita Elementary School District
“ NSSS was the essential professional development for me in my first year as superintendent in the Oxnard Union High School District . The sessions were expertly geared to what we were dealing with as first-year superintendents . The knowledge and expertise shared with us was invaluable . The members in our cohort remain supportive colleagues , and the directors continue to serve as mentors .” Penelope DeLeon , Oxnard Union High School District
The superintendent ’ s role increases in complexity every year . The New Superintendents Seminar Series provides the professional development and support designed for every new superintendent , large or small school district , to thrive and be successful . Go to the ACSA website to sign up now at www . acsa . org / trainings .
Session Dates : Aug . 24-25 ( Burlingame ); Oct . 5-6 ( Sacramento ); Dec . 14-15 ( Palm Springs ); Jan . 29-30 ( prior to Superintendents ’ Symposium in Monterey ); March 29-30 ( Ontario ) Register today at http :// www . cvent . com / d / 8gqnn6 . Early bird registration ends Aug . 1 . For additional information , contact John Roach , jroach238 @ gmail . com or Trudy Arriaga , trudyarriaga73 @ gmail . com .