THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
GENERAL & BREAKOUT
SESSIONS
Thursday: 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Registration / Coffee / Visit Exhibitors
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
General Session
The Big Ideas of Understanding by Design
ROOM: Sanctuary
LEVEL: All Levels
CATEGORY: Keynote
Understanding by Design® offers an internationally respected and widely used
framework for curriculum planning. In this Plenary session, we’ll explore its key
ideas framed as questions:
• What is understanding and how does it differ from knowing?
• How will we know that students truly understand and can apply their
knowledge in a meaningful way?
• How might we design our curriculum units and courses to emphasize understanding and transfer rather than simply content “coverage”?
Presenter: Jay McTighe, Jay McTighe & Associates
[email protected]
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Break / Visit Exhibitors
Thursday: 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM
Breakout Sessions 1
1
Today’s Cultural Changes and the Christian
School: A Legal and Spiritual Look
ROOM: 256
LEVEL: Administrators/Board Members
CATEGORY: Culture & School Culture
At this breakout session, you will:
• Discuss the Obergefell vs. Hodges US Supreme Court decision and the
impact on Christian schools
• Answer how will this impact the religious freedom of Christian schools?
• Discuss policies regarding Statement of Faith, student admission, employment, building use, athletics, and more
Presenter:Tom Cathey EdD, ACSI
[email protected]
2
Understanding by Design: Stage 1
Essential Questions
ROOM: Sanctuary
LEVEL: All Levels
CATEGORY: Curriculum
A good essential question serves as a doorway for engaging student inquiry and
deepening their understanding.
In this breakout session you will:
• Examine the characteristics of essential questions and ideas for designing
them
• Answer the questions: How do we “uncover” the key ideas within a Standard or a topic, not just skim (cover) the surface? How do we make education an “itch, not a scratch”?
Presenter: Jay McTighe, Jay McTighe & Associates
[email protected]
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, BREAKOUT SESSIONS 1
3
Developing a Mentoring Program That Will
Impact a School’s Culture
ROOM: 254
LEVEL: Administrators/All levels
CATEGORY: Professional Development
At this breakout session you will:
• Assess how a mentoring program will impact new and experienced teachers
• Discuss how to motivate experienced teachers and how to retain new
teachers
• Evaluate how to train master teachers to coach and mentor “newbies”
• Discover how to compensate mentors without negatively impacting the
budget
Presenter: David Towne MA, Leman Academy
[email protected]
4
Effective Educators: Preparing to Lead
the Next Generation
ROOM: 150-152
LEVEL: All levels
CATEGORY: Teaching Tools
Every teacher, coach, and administrator is a leader. All Christian educators,
especially teachers, must be strong leaders in order to face the challenges of
today’s anti- Christian culture.
At this breakout session you will:
• Discuss the key aspects of a strong leader such as the purpose and passion
of leadership
• Assess the character of leadership
Presenter: Glen Schultz EdD, Kingdom Education Ministries
glen@kingdomeducation. org
5
Clear Focus: Rediscovering the Most
Important Aspect of Christian School Ministry
ROOM: 250
LEVEL: All levels
CATEGORY: Spiritual Disciplines
At this breakout session you will:
• Examine Jesus’ model of clear focus in His ministry
• Develop an understanding of distractors and fortifiers of clear focus
• Evaluate your own focus in ministry and life to determine if it is effective
• Determine how to take action in your Christian school ministry with clear
focus
Presenter: Stephen Reel PhD, ACSI
[email protected]
6
The Truth-Centered Teacher
ROOM: 244-246
LEVEL: Elementary
CATEGORY: Biblical Worldview Integration
It’s the 21st century and it sure seems that our students and culture are different than they were 10 or 20 years ago. As believers, we believe in an absolute,
unchanging truth.
At this breakout session you will:
• Articulate reaching the 21st century student with truth that is unchanging
in the midst of change
• Answer together essential questions relative to a biblical worldview
• Evaluate the part you play as a teacher by looking at the Master teacher
Presenter: Nadia Alm, Evangelical Christian School, TN
[email protected]
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, BREAKOUT SESSIONS 1
7
Foundations of Biblical Worldview
Integration
ROOM: David’s Court
LEVEL: Secondary
CATEGORY: Biblical Worldview Integration
This session begins with the theological and philosophical basis for Biblical
Worldview Integration.
At this breakout session you will:
• Discuss the impact of creation, fall, and redemption on the way we view
our students, our subjects, and ourselves as Christian educators
• Examine the goals of education in light of the Gospel
• Analyze how the Gospel informs the way we instruct, assess, discipline, and
develop relationships with our students
Presenter: Ryan Dixon, Evangelical Christian School, TN
[email protected]
8
Unwrapping the Gift of the Introvert
Student
ROOM: 252
LEVEL: All Levels
CATEGORY: Classroom Management
At this breakout session you will:
• Retell the distinguishing characteristics of an introvert student and give a
personal example of an introvert student
• Differentiate between methods of classroom instruction which are effective
for teaching extroverts and effective for teaching introverts
• Create an in-class activity for a unit you currently teach that will draw out –
and even spotlight – introvert students
• Evaluate your own classroom and instructional methods for effectiveness in
drawing out and teaching introverts
Presenter: Courtney Waters BA, Faith Christian Academy HS
[email protected]
9
Cultivating Lifelong Faith
ROOM: 260
LEVEL: Secondary
CATEGORY: Culture & School Culture
The Axis mission is to see students stop “renting” their faith from their parents
and start “owning” a deep, personal faith for themselves.
At this breakout session you will:
• Analyze the relationship between worldview and pop culture
• Answer what is Christian anthropology
• Discuss and share the issues your students face through the dynamic use of
media clips
• Discover the difference between social media and social media 2.0 and
how it affects the way today’s students learn
• Create grace based solutions which will benefit your students
Presenter: Stephanie Edwards, AXIS
[email protected]
Thursday: 11:45 AM - 1:15 PM
Lunch / Visit Exhibitors
Use this time to further your professional development experience
by sharing what you’ve learned with each other.
Thursday: 1:15 PM - 2:30 PM
Breakout Sessions 2
1
Connecting Standardized Testing to
Effective Instruction
ROOM: 256
LEVEL: All Levels
CATEGORY: Curriculum Development & Assessment
Where are we? Where do we want to be? How are we going to get there?
At this breakout session you will:
• Interpret and understand the value of assessment scores
• Create a path that leads to success by setting reasonable goals through
applying data from annual testing to improve student learning
• Apply the VARK acronym (Visual, Aural, Reading/Writing, Kinesthetic) to
your instructional goals
Presenter: Lisa Chubbic MS , ACSI
[email protected]
2
Teach FASTly – Teaching the Connection
Between Faith and Science
ROOM: 252
LEVEL: Secondary
CATEGORY: Science/Bible Curriculum
How do faith and science interact in the Christian science or Bible classroom?
The FAST (Faith And Science Teaching) project has developed teachFASTly.com,
a major new online resource for science and Bible teachers that explore various
facets of this relationship.
At this breakout session you will:
• Assess a range of ways in which faith and science can be related in the
science and/or Bible classroom
• Practice making connections between various facets of faith and concrete
teaching and learning activities for science and/or Bible
• Be equipped to envision a range of possible ways to teach effectively about
the relationship between faith and science
Presenter: David Smith, Calvin College
[email protected]
3
Understanding by Design: Stage 2
Assessing Understanding
ROOM: Sanctuary
LEVEL: All levels
CATEGORY: Curriculum
At this breakout session you will:
• Discuss what is understanding? And how might you determine if students
truly understand important ideas? Evaluate how to know that students can
apply their knowledge in meaningful ways
• Review a set of practical tools for gathering evidence of student understanding
Presenter: Jay McTighe, Jay McTighe & Associates
[email protected]
4
Creating a Professional Development
Within Your Own Walls
ROOM: 254
LEVEL: Administrators/All levels
CATEGORY: Professional Development
At this breakout session you will:
• Discuss what schools across the country are dialoguing about- how can we
encourage our teachers to model a love of learning and provide them with
a framework to grow as professionals?
• Hear one school’s journey into creating an “in-house” professional development program focused on the needs of the school and teachers
• Receive a plethora of idea and strategies to discuss and implement in your
own school
Presenter: David Towne MA, Leman Academy
[email protected]
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, BREAKOUT SESSIONS 2
5
Effective Educators: Becoming an
Educator of Excellence
ROOM: 150-152
LEVEL: Secondary
CATEGORY: Personal Development
Everyone talks about excellence and most Christian schools claim excellence in
their promotional materials.
At this breakout session you will:
• Define what is excellence
• Answer what is the difference between worldly and biblical excellence
• Look at excellence from a biblical perspective
• Analyze how every teacher and administrator may pursue excellence
Presenter: Glen Schultz EdD, Kingdom Education Ministries
glen@kingdomeducation. org
6
Leadership from the Heart
ROOM: 250
LEVEL: Administrators
CATEGORY: Leadership
Christian school leaders face a myriad of expectations from every constituency
group they serve. This requires a high degree of relational competencies to
build relationships, lead people, and drive results.
At this breakout session you will:
• Explore biblical themes of leadership based on the ACSI Christian SchooI
Leadership Framework
• Engage in case study problem-solving and video segments
• Discuss the commitment, calling, character, and chemistry required to lead
with biblical thought and action
Presenter: Stephen Reel PhD, ACSI
[email protected]
7
The Truth-Centered Lesson
ROOM: 244-246
LEVEL: Elementary
CATEGORY: Biblical Worldview Integration
At this breakout you will:
• Reflect upon the groundwork established in the first session
• Discuss how to be intentional about biblical worldview integration without
it being contrived or forced
• Identify ways to make connections to all subject areas so that your students come to a deeper understanding that our biblical worldview pervades everything in life
Presenter: Nadia Alm, Evangelical Christian School, TN
[email protected]
8
Scripture and the Disciplines
ROOM: David’s Court
LEVEL: Secondary
CATEGORY: Biblical Worldview Integration
At this breakout session you will:
• Examine the implications of the Scriptural truths of Psalm 24 and Colossians 1 in the way you approach the various academic disciplines
• Discuss what it looks like to integrate a biblical worldview in the humanities, sciences, arts, languages, and in athletics
• Consider your subjects in light of Christ’s work of reconciliation
Presenter: Ryan Dixon, Evangelical Christian School, TN
[email protected]
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, BREAKOUT SESSIONS 2
9
Alone Together
ROOM: 260
LEVEL: Secondary
CATEGORY: Culture and School Culture
This session contains cultural analysis and opportunity for open discussion of
today’s leading technology and how it effects our students’ lives and worldviews.
At this breakout session you will:
• Discuss practical steps on how to teach your students to use technology
with wisdom
• See real life examples of what other teachers are doing in their classrooms
regarding technology
• Receive answers to your technology questions and walk away with actionable steps for your own classroom
Presenter: Stephanie Edwards, AXIS
[email protected]
Thursday: 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Break / Visit Exhibitors
Thursday: 3:00 PM - 4:15 PM
General Session / Exhibitor Drawing
Effective Educators: Understanding the Ultimate
Purpose for Education
ROOM: Sanctuary
LEVEL: All Levels
CATEGORY: Keynote
Without purpose, one loses hope and when one loses hope, one dies.
This is true of individuals and organizations alike. They may not physically die,
but they merely exist and go thorough the motions. We are seeing Christian
educators “burnout” in unprecedented numbers. It is essential that we understand God’s ultimate purpose for education. When we do, we will be energized
to stay the course and shape young hearts and minds for eternity.
Presenter: Glen Schultz EdD, Kingdom Education Ministries
glen@kingdomeducation. org
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
Friday: 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Administrators’ Breakfast
ROOM: West Gym
LEVEL: Administrators
CATEGORY: Fellowship
All Administrators welcome.
Join ACSI Senior Director, Jerry Bowen, in the FCA West Gym.
Pre-registration required.
Presenter: Jerry Bowen MEd, ACSI
[email protected]
Friday: 8:15 AM - 9:30 AM
Breakout Sessions 3
1
Bullying: Every School’s Problem
AND Opportunity
ROOM: 256
LEVEL: All Levels
CATEGORY: Culture & School Culture
At this breakout session you will:
• Assess effective techniques for creating a freedom-frombullying environment on your campus
• Increase your ability to identify and correct the behaviors of bullies, bystanders, and targets
• Evaluate the role of Christian schools in developing courageous leaders of
strong character and resilient faith
• Identify the dynamics of a comprehensive program that can bring together
your entire school community
This session helps you do more than diminish bullying. It emphasizes the importance of moral courage—the missing piece in every school’s battle against bullying—you will also promote spiritual formation, character development, and
leadership skills for life. By doing so, your school will become an even brighter
beacon of hope and excellence, attracting more potential students and families.
Presenter: Paul Coughlin BA, The Protectors
[email protected]
2
Cultivating Our Capacity for Christ-Likeness
ROOM: 252
LEVEL: All Levels
CATEGORY: Spiritual Formation
This session is designed to meet a growing need of those who desire a more full
life in God’s Kingdom. As this happens, it will naturally flow into our classrooms,
families, and friendships. Capacit’s teaching style incorporates dozens of
Christian authors and thinkers representing a span of over 1600 years of Christian history.
At this breakout session you will:
• Discuss how to develop a greater understanding of the character of God as
seen in the Christ-form
• Develop an awareness of the barriers that hinder the full capacity life in
God’s Kingdom
• Experience tangible exercises that can be done to overcome those barriers
• Identify a clear understanding of how change in Christ-likeness happens
Presenter: Mike Clifford, Capacity Ministries
[email protected]
3
Understanding by Design: Stage 3
Teaching for Understanding and Transfer
ROOM: Sanctuary
LEVEL: All Levels
CATEGORY: Curriculum
What instructional techniques are most effective for developing and deepening
student understanding of important ideas and processes? How do we prepare
learners to transfer their learning?
In this breakout session, you will:
• Analyze the A.M.T. framework with associated instructional methods
Presenter: Jay McTighe, Jay McTighe & Associates
[email protected]
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, BREAKOUT SESSIONS 3
4
Connecting the Brain and Learning:
Ten Instructional Strategies That Will
Transform Your Classroom
ROOM: 254
LEVEL: All Levels
CATEGORY: Teaching Tools
At this breakout session you will:
• Discuss current brain research and student learning
• Analyze ten instructional strategies that will infuse life, laughter, and meaning into your teaching
• Develop teaching toolbox strategies that will increase student engagement
and understanding
Presenter: David Towne MA, Leman Academy
[email protected]
5
Effective Educators: Integrating the Biblical
Worldview DAILY
ROOM: 150-152
LEVEL: All Levels
CATEGORY: Biblical Integration
Do you integrate your lesson plans every day?
At this breakout session you will:
• Evaluate how to effectively plan and implement a biblical worldview integrated lesson
• Apply how to integrate faith and learning without the cliches’
Presenter: Glen Schultz EdD, Kingdom Education Ministries
glen@kingdomeducation. org
6
Clear Focus: Rediscovering the Most Important
Aspect of Christian School Ministry (Repeated)
ROOM: 250
LEVEL: All Levels
CATEGORY: Spiritual Disciplines
At this breakout session you will:
• Examine Jesus’ model of clear focus in His ministry
• Develop an understanding of distractors and fortifiers of clear focus
• Evaluate your own focus in ministry and life to determine if it is effective
• Determine how to take action in your Christian school ministry with clear
focus
Presenter: Stephen Reel PhD, ACSI
[email protected]
7
The Truth-Centered Classroom
ROOM: 244-246
LEVEL: Elementary
CATEGORY: Biblical Worldview Integration
At this breakout you will:
• Reflect on the questions, Can you see your students through the eyes of
Christ? How is this possible?
• Identify how your biblical worldview will effect your classroom discipline
and maintaining the dignity of all students
• Articulate how your biblical worldview enhances positive, edifying communication with parents and other staff
• Discuss how technology can complement your biblical worlview
Presenter: Nadia Alm, Evangelical Christian School, TN
[email protected]
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, BREAKOUT SESSIONS 3
8
Biblical Worldview and Lesson Design
ROOM: David’s Court
LEVEL: Secondary
CATEGORY: Biblical Worldview Integration
At this breakout session you will:
• Look at practical ways to design your lessons and assessments in light of
the Gospel
• Be introduced to instructional and assessment ideas that will equip you to
better integrate the biblical worldview in your own classroom
Presenter: Ryan Dixon, Evangelical Christian School, TN
[email protected]
9
Technology Tools and Tips
ROOM: 260
LEVEL: All Levels
CATEGORY: Technology
At this breakout session you will:
• Assess a framework for selecting and effectively applying technology in
K-12 classrooms
• Explore a rationale for applying technology as a methodology to promote
21st century skills
• Evaluate an overview of the tenets for choosing effective technology
• Discuss suggestions for assisting teachers in acquiring technology and
assess funding sources for technology
Presenter: Wendy Wendover and Kathy Johnson, CCU
[email protected]
Friday: 10:15 AM - 11:45 AM
CLOSING SESSION
ACSI Leadership Legacy
Keynote
Greeting from ACSI President
ROOM: Sanctuary
LEVEL: All Levels
CATEGORY: Closing Session
ACSI Leadership Legacy
Presenters: Mike Epp, David Wilcox, ACSI
The Mirror Does Not Lie: An Honest Look at
Professional Development and a True Reflection
of Its Power to Transform a School’s Culture
An intimate and personal journey of one educator’s experience with the power
of professional development. A look back to what worked, what didn’t, and the
lessons learned along the way in developing a robust professional development
program. Finally connecting the power of staff development to academic excellence and student achievement.
Presenter: David Towne MA, Leman Academy
[email protected]
Greeting from ACSI President - Dr. Dan Egeler