A sampling of educational programs.

Friday, February 24

10:30-11:30 a.m.

FISH Goes to School

Steve Lundin, Big Tuna, Working Creative

When Steve Lundin wrote FISH! he didn't know whether it would sell one copy or a hundred. Five million copies in 38 languages wasn't even a dream. When he wrote FISH! he didn't think about the effect his life would have on the manuscript. That is the story he is coming to San Diego to tell. Don't miss this story!

10:30-11:30 a.m.

How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love NCLB--Dr. Strangelove Redux 

James W. Pellegrine, Distinguished Professor of Cognitive Psychology and Education; Co-Director of the Center for the Study of Learning, Instruction, and Teacher Development, University of Illinois at Chicago 

This presentation will explore how NCLB creates context for a rational and useful discussion of the role of assessment. It demonstrates the ways in which assessment needs to be designed to support fundamental teaching and learning processes.

2:00-3:00 p.m.

Educational Leaders As Designers

Richard Farson, President, Western Behavioral Science Institute

Educational leaders must design environments and systems conducive to effective management, teaching and learning, using a wide range of resources in the community well beyond the school buildings.

2:00-4:00 p.m.

Creating a School Climate Conducive to Change: The Keys to Success

Irma Tyler-Wood, Managing Partner and Founding Member, ThoughtBridge

During this presentation, Irma Tyler-Wood will discuss her extensive work in education that ranges from training and advising educators in universities and public school systems in areas ranging from collective bargaining contracts to school reform initiatives and the implementation of major change initiatives. Her most recent book is Expand the Pie: How to Add More Value to Any Negotiation.

Saturday, February 25

10:30-11:30 a.m.

A Framework for Understanding Poverty

Ruby Payne, Founder, aha! Process Inc.

Economic realities create ways of thinking and behaving. The closer a person is to merely "surviving," the less time there is to pursue learning. To understand and successfully teach children from generational poverty, educators must address the hidden rules of behavior, language registers, resources, interventions, discipline, and creating relationships.

10:30-11:30 a.m.

To Rise Above: Overcoming Adversity With Diversity

Connie Rice, Esq., Co-Director The Advancement Project, Los Angeles, Calif.

Don't miss this chance to hear from Connie Rice, an individual renowned for her unconventional approaches to tackling problems of inequity and exclusion. Rice is a co-founder of The Advancement Project, a public policy and legal action group that supports organizations working to end community problems and address racial, class and other barriers to opportunity. Hallmarks of her work include solving problems, reducing conflict, turning opponents into allies, and winning.

1:00-2:00 p.m.

Aligned Thinking: A Quantum Leap in Accomplishment and Satisfaction

James Steffen, President, SSA International

James Steffan will help you do something most people think is impossible: align every action to what you really want. With this take-home skill you can focus on what is really important-improving the leadership team and student achievement in a quantum leap.

1:00-2:00 p.m.

The Shame of the Nation

Jonathan Kozol, Author

Jonathan Kozol will talk about the issues raised in his latest book The Shame of the Nation. The Restoration of Apartheid Schooling in America, with special emphasis upon the unfair and unhealthy pressures-sudden boosts in "AYP's" and proof of "instant turnarounds"--imposed on school officials and "the sword of high-stakes testing" that has placed too many of our schools in a stage of siege.

Sunday, February 26

8:00-9:00 a.m.

The Guts of a Tough Decision: Moral Courage and How to Get It in a Values-Challenged Age

Rushworth Kidder, President, The Institute for Global Ethics, Washington, D.C.

The difference between talking ethics and doing ethics can be summed up in two words: moral courage.

But what is it, how does it work, and how do we get it? This discussion examines ways ethical organizations can create clear, values-based decision making cultures where courage is saved for big issues because it's less needed for everyday management.

8:00-9:00 a.m.

Separation of Church and School

Barry Lynn, Executive Director, Americans United for Separation of Church and State 

This lecture will examine the efforts of some religious groups to control school curriculum and treat public schools as mission fields. Barry Lynn will address "creationism," school book censorship and religious activities at school events.