CLEE Fall Meeting 2024
Pesented by
Participant Info
November 7-8, 2024
Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick (Airport), 801 Greenwich Avenue, Warwick, RI
Connect With Colleagues Before Fall Meeting on Community Hub
Fall Meeting Agenda
Day 1 – November 7
| Time | Agenda Item | Room |
| 8:30-9am | Registration | Plaza Foyer |
| 8:30-9am | Breakfast | Bristol Room |
| 9-9:30am | Opening and Welcome | Bristol Room |
| 9:30-10:45am | Keynote Address by Lorén Spears | Bristol Room |
| 11am-12pm | Homegroup Learning | Room on Back of Your Nametag |
| 12-1pm | Lunch | Bristol Room |
| 1:15-4pm | Homegroup Learning | Room on Back of Your Nametag |
| 4:15-4:45pm | Closing | Bristol Room |
| 5-6:30pm | Evening Reception | Bristol Room |
Day 2 – November 8
| Time | Agenda item | Room |
| 8:30-9am | Breakfast | Bristol Room |
| 9-10am | Welcome Back! | Bristol Room |
| 10:15-11:30 | Homegroup Learning | Room on Back of Your Nametag |
| 11:45am-12:45pm | Lunch | Bristol Room |
| 1-2pm | Workshops | Rooms in Program |
| 2:15-4:30pm | Homegroup Learning | Room on Back of Your Nametag |
| 4:35-5pm | Fall Meeting Closing | Bristol Room |
Small Groups – Check back of your name tag for assignment
Participants will spend a majority of their time giving and receiving feedback and sharing dilemmas and facilitating tools in small groups that model a Community of Practice (or you may know it as a Professional Learning Community or Or Reflective Learning Community, etc.).
Workshops
We will also spend time sharing our practices, tools, and learning in topic-based workshops presented by the CLEE Community.
Keynote – Lorén Spears
An Indigenous perspective on Leading for Equity in a Changing World
Lorén M. Spears, enrolled Narragansett Tribal citizen and Executive Director of Tomaquag Museum, holds a Master’s in Education and received a Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, from the University of Rhode Island for her dedicated work. She is an author, artist, and through the museum shares her cultural knowledge.
Evening Reception
Immediately after our closing on day 1 we will have a reception to network and share in a relaxed setting with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.
Workshops
| Workshop title | Workshop presenter(s) | Workshop room (see hotel map) |
| Virtual Learning Communities: From Vision to Practice | Natalie Berger and Julie Moore | Rotunda (Friday) |
| How do we scaffold into the deep and radical discourse our community needs to have? | Gregory Peters | Bristol |
| Collectivism: Authentic Engagement and Classroom Management with Diverse Students | Michael Werth | Newport |
| What if….. we could truly help leaders achieve their highest aspirations for their school communities? | Dave Schmid | Narragansett |
| The Art of Process | Hannah Kehn | Ocean |
| Transforming Equity Protocols: Integrating SEL for Inclusive Design | Oneika Castro and Sari Guttin | Rhode Island |
| Throwing Darts in the Dark: Why School Districts Miss the Mark with Serving our Marginalized Student Populations by not Focusing on its Disproportionality. | Yozmin Gay | Patriots |
| School Leader & Coach Connection: How Rural School Leaders and Coaches Use Protocols | Michaela Fray-Tappe | Kingston (lower level) |
| Technical or Adaptive? Where to begin? | Linda Nathan and Bill Wehrli | Greenwich (lower level) |
Workshop Descriptions
Virtual Learning Communities: From Vision to Practice
Presenters: Natalie Berger and Julie Moore
This workshop will use CLEE/SRI’s Future Protocol to have participants envision what facilitating a strong, online, collaborative community looks like and to identify the steps that they, as facilitators, can take to make that vision a reality. As experienced online facilitators, we will also share our own suggestions to support participants’ next steps.
Technical or Adaptive? Where to begin?
Presenters: Linda Nathan Bill Wehrli
School leaders face a constant barrage of problems they are expected to solve. In the rush to get things done, we often miss the step of analyzing the problem and distinguishing whether the problem is technical or adaptive. This brief pause and reflection can make all the difference. Treating an adaptive challenge as a technical problem can lead to familiar and undesirable outcomes. How does an accurate diagnosis shape your actions? Why does this matter? Where do you start? What can you expect when you decide the challenge you face is adaptive? In this workshop, we will offer tools to analyze problems and a menu of steps to start down the road of digging into adaptive challenges.
How do we scaffold into the deep and radical discourse our community needs to have?
Presenter: Gregory Peters
Initially designed as a scaffold for students to engage into rigorous academic discourse, the In2Out protocol has become a staple strategy in our professional development sessions to accelerate professionals’ engagement in challenging topics. Building off a framework for transformation, the In2Out protocol is designed to identify, reflect on, and expand our personal experiences as an entry point to discussing the work we need to do collectively – with a focus on the root issues to the inequities facing our students and families. Participants will be introduced to the protocol, practice it, and create their own prompts by the end of the session.
Collectivism: Authentic Engagement and Classroom Management with Diverse Students
Presenter: Michael Werth
Following some of the overarching themes related to the book Culturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students, the goal of this workshop is to guide participants in modeling research-based best practices in classroom management with diverse students utilizing the collectivist approach. I have 23 years of experience teaching mathematics in urban Title I classrooms. I completed my Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (C.A.G.S.) in Educational Leadership at Johnson & Wales University, and I’m writing my dissertation now.
What if….. we could truly help leaders achieve their highest aspirations for their school communities?
Presenter: Dave Schmid
This presentation is designed for school leaders who are committed to creating a collaborative and reflective school culture inspired to address issues of equity. Using a variety of different protocols and structures, the group will learn the impact of working from a dispositional stance to address the gap between what we aspire for in our schools and what actually exists. The dispositions we will work from include: Attending to a Larger Purpose, Listening for Understanding, Building Capacity, Demonstrating Empathy and Compassion, Building Relationships and Being a Continuous Learner.
Transforming Equity Protocols: Integrating SEL for Inclusive Design
Presenter: Shayna Fox-Norwitz
Several quality facilitation tools are available for examining student and teacher work through an equity lens. However, limited resources are available to reflectively examine how socioemotional and behavioral learning (SEL/SEB) are embedded in teacher work (instructional design, delivery and feedback) and student work products. In this session, we will explore how to modify the CLEE/SRI Equity Protocol to integrate SEL objectives. By aligning equity and SEL principles, session participants will walk away with a practical tool and facilitation skills to effectively promote SEL and equitable practices. Resources from both CLEE/SRI and CASEL will be utilized in the equity protocol adaptation process.
Throwing Darts in the Dark: Why School Districts Miss the Mark with Serving our Marginalized Student Populations by not Focusing on its Disproportionality
Presenter: Yozmin Gay
We can not accurately improve academic achievement with our Black and Latinx students if we don’t know where we’re specifically failing them. As racism is an intentional design to oppress and exclude marginalized student populations from opportunity, equity must be the intentional redesign to disrupt disproportionality and scale opportunity for all students. Come discover how Boston Public Schools’ Office of Opportunity Gap’s focus on disproportionality has deepened the district’s understanding of its student inequities through the Networked Improvement Community (NIC) model and build a plan to accurately mitigate student gaps within your own school, district, or educational organization.
School Leader & Coach Connection: How Rural School Leaders and Coaches Use Protocols
Presenter: Michaela Fray-Tappe
For the past seven years, Illinois Lead Hubs have worked to match trained leadership coaches to practicing school leaders. Through this process, one area of focus has been using protocols within rural schools to gain insight from all staff members and increase student achievement and growth. The CLEE/SRI tools have been a valuable and vital resource for school leaders as they enhance their organizational leadership skills and focus on continuous school improvement.
The Art of Letting Go
Presenter: Hannah Kehn
Through the Reflective Conversation Protocol, participants will consider an issue in education that is rarely spoken about: loss. Whether it is an unexpected change in programming, a student graduating, death, or in my case, leaving the school I founded and led for seven years, this workshop will allow participants to be vulnerable to discuss how these experiences shape us and impact our work.
Presenter: Hannah Kehn
Through the Reflective Conversation Protocol, participants will consider an issue in education that is rarely spoken about: loss. Whether it is an unexpected change in programming, a student graduating, death, or in my case, leaving the school I founded and led for seven years, this workshop will allow participants to be vulnerable to discuss how these experiences shape us and impact our work.
Venue/Hotel Info
Hotel Info
Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick (Airport)
801 Greenwich Avenue
Warwick, Rhode Island 02886
Book Online or call 401.732.6000 and use code CLE to book your rooms
Transportation
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Fly into Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD)
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Free airport shuttle to the hotel
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Free Parking
Hotel Map
Check back of your name tag for small group and workshop room assignment.
Meal Menu
Day 1 and 2 Breakfast
- Fluffy scrambled eggs
- Bacon
- Oatmeal bar
- Make your own parfait
- Plus: Orange Juice, Starbucks Coffee, Teavana Teas, Fresh Fruit, Home Fried Potatoes, Bagels with Cream Cheese, Preserves, and Butter
Day 1 Lunch
- Sliced London broil with 3 Peppercorn Sauce
- Chicken Marsala
- Cheese filled tortellini w/ Pink Vodka Sauce
- Plus: Garden Greens, Caesar Salad, Mediterranean Bean Feta Salad, Minestrone Soup, Potato or Rice, Vegetable Medley, Rolls and Butter, Mini Desserts, Soft Drinks and Bottled Water, Starbucks Coffee, and Teavana Tea
Day 2 Lunch
- Broiled Salmon Medallions w/ Lemon Pepper
- Chicken Francaise
- Cheese filled tortellini w/ Pink Vodka Sauce
- Plus: Garden Greens, Caesar Salad, Mediterranean Bean Feta Salad, Minestrone Soup, Potato or Rice, Vegetable Medley, Rolls and Butter, Mini Desserts, Soft Drinks and Bottled Water, Starbucks Coffee, and Teavana Tea
Afternoon Breaks
- Sweet and Salty Mix – Pretzels, M & M ‘ s, Peanuts, Rye Chips
- Fruit w/ Yogurt Dip
- Plus: Starbucks Coffee, Teavana Tea, Soft Drinks and Bottled Water
Reception
- Cash Bar
- Mini Caprese Bites ( V ) ( G F )
- Chicken Satay
- Risotto Croquette ( V )
- Maryland Crab Cakes with Spicy Aioli
- Seafood Display – Jumbo Shrimp, Crab Claws, Oysters, and Clams
- Served with Condiments sand Cocktail Sauce
- Mediterranean Display
- Hummus, Vegetable Crudité, Bleu Cheese Dip, Cheeses, Olives, and Grape Leaves, Pita , Warm Pita, Crackers, and Tzatziki
- Charcuterie Spread
- Fresh and Dried Fruits, Spiced Olives, Nuts and Fruit Spreads, Selection of Meats and Cheeses, Crisps, Crackers, and Breads
Participant Messages
11/6/24 Participant Message
As we process the election results and prepare to gather tomorrow, we recognize that many of us may be carrying different emotions and reactions. Know that our space tomorrow will hold room for these feelings as we come together in community to focus on our shared commitment to educational equity. Doing this work in community has always been and continues to be essential in reaching our aim to create more equitable outcomes for each and every student. We need you in this work, and we’re here to support you as you lead in this moment in your own contexts.
Here are a few final reminders…
Essential Pre-work for Meaningful Engagement: For our intimate Homegroup work, please ensure you have:
- Read “Teaching at the Intersections” by Learning for Justice
- Completed the Collect step in “Fall Meeting 2024 Working from the inside out“
- Prepared your “artifact” representing an equity challenge in your practice
Remember, your artifact could be:
- A question about your practice
- Student work that puzzles you
- An equity dilemma you’re navigating
- An assessment needing refinement
- Any ongoing challenge you’re ready to explore
Important Schedule Reminder:
Day 1 (Tomorrow, Thursday, November 7):
- 8:30 AM: Breakfast and morning connections
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Our learning journey together
- 5:00-6:30 PM: Evening reception
Day 2 (Friday, November 8):
- 8:30 AM: Breakfast and conversation
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Continued learning
Location & Logistics:
- Crowne Plaza, Warwick, Rhode Island
- Breakfast and lunch provided both days
- Remember to dress in layers for comfort
We’re looking forward to creating a brave space together where we can explore equity leadership through the lens of our intersecting identities, supported by Lorén Spears’s powerful keynote on “An Indigenous Perspective on Leading for Equity in a Changing World.”
In times of change and uncertainty, coming together as a community becomes even more vital. Your voice and experience will enrich our collective learning.
See you tomorrow morning!
With warmth and anticipation,
Kayla and Chris
P.S. Don’t forget your laptop for digital access!
10/31/24 Participant Message
The excitement is building as we’re just days away from coming together for what promises to be an inspiring and transformative gathering! Before we meet, I wanted to share some important updates and reminders to help you prepare for our time together.
Time-Sensitive: Your Workshop Choice Awaits! We have an incredible lineup of workshops planned, and we want to make sure you get to participate in the session that speaks most to your interests and goals. Please select your workshop by Friday, November 1st:
- Spaces are filling quickly in many sessions
- Those who haven’t selected will be automatically placed in available workshops
- Don’t miss this chance to shape your learning experience!
Your Daily Journey With Us:
Day 1 (Thursday, November 7):
- 8:30 AM: Join us for breakfast and early connections
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Our learning journey together
- 5:00-6:30 PM: Evening reception – a wonderful chance to deepen connections!
Day 2 (Friday, November 8):
- 8:30 AM: Start your day with breakfast and conversation
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Continue our shared learning
Revisiting Our Powerful Theme and Purpose: We’ll be exploring “Leading for Equity in our Current World” through the lens of our intersecting identities as educators. We’re particularly thrilled to welcome Lorén Spears, who will share “An Indigenous Perspective on Leading for Equity in a Changing World” – a session that promises to expand our understanding and perspective.
What You’ll Take Away:
- Deep connections with fellow educators
- Powerful tools for self-reflection and action
- Enhanced skills in asking transformative questions
- Valuable experience in collaborative professional growth
Preparing for Our Time Together:
- Select your workshop (your immediate next step!)
- Bring your laptop for digital access
- For our intimate Homegroup work:
- Read “Teaching at the Intersections” by Learning for Justice
- Complete the Collect step in “Fall Meeting 2024 Working from the inside out “
- Bring your chosen “artifact” – remember, we learn most from the questions that challenge us
Examples may include:
- a question about your practice
- an assignment or assessment you created and want to refine to provide access for every student
- a piece of student-produced work that confuses you (or from a student that eludes you);
- a dilemma in your practice that centers on equity and you’re trying to manage it;
- an issue that’s not yet fully formed, but you have a hunch it’s going to be significant;
- student data that you don’t quite understand or you wonder what to do next;
- a letter to parents or colleagues you’d like others to see before sending;
- a strategic plan you’ve designed and you wonder how it supports all students;
- a section of curriculum or lesson plan that you’d like to revise to be relevant to your students’ experiences.
The Details:
- Location: Crowne Plaza, Warwick, Rhode Island
- Meals: We’ll share breakfast and lunch both days
- Comfort: Layer up to stay comfortable throughout our sessions
We’re truly excited about the community we’ll build and the learning we’ll share next week. In times of constant change, gathering together to support and learn from each other becomes even more meaningful. Your presence and participation will add so much to our collective experience.
Please reach out with any questions – we’re here to support you!
With excitement,
Kayla and Chris
Sign Up for Your Workshop
10/18/24 Participant Message
Dear Fall Meeting Participant,
We’re thrilled to welcome you to our upcoming Fall Meeting! We’ve got an engaging program planned to challenge, inspire, and equip us all as we explore what it means to be leaders for equity in these dynamic times.
Event Details:
- Date: November 7-8, 2023
- Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM both days
- Location: Crowne Plaza, Warwick, Rhode Island
Theme and Essential Questions: This year, we’re diving deep into the heart of educational leadership with our theme: “Leading for Equity in a Changing World.” We’ll explore how the intersectionality of our identities as educators impacts our leadership and, in turn, our students’ experiences. Together, we’ll address:
- What does it mean to be a leader for equity in current times, considering the intersectionality of our identities?
- How do we more effectively help students learn, recognizing the diverse intersecting identities they bring to the classroom?
- How can we better serve all of our students by understanding and leveraging our own intersectional experiences?
- How does the intersectionality of our identities as educators impact our approach to equity in education?
We’re excited to announce our keynote speaker, Loren Spears, who will be presenting on “An Indigenous Perspective on Leading for Equity in a Changing World.” Loren’s insights will offer a unique and valuable perspective on our shared mission of creating more equitable educational environments, emphasizing the importance of diverse cultural viewpoints.
Outcomes: By the end of our time together, you’ll leave with:
- Renewed and new connections with fellow educators
- Tools and processes for reflecting on your inner journey and how it impacts your leadership
- Practice in asking powerful questions to unlock fresh thinking
- Experience in sharing professional work and giving/receiving feedback
What to Prepare:
- Workshop Selection: Please fill out this form to select your top 3 choices for the 60-minute Learning Experience workshop on Day 2.
- For Homegroups (formerly Reflective Learning Groups):
- Bring a current dilemma or problem of practice to discuss.
- Reflect on your equity journey and how your intersecting identities impact it.
- Read “Teaching at the Intersections” by Learning for Justice.
Logistics:
- Meals: Breakfast and lunch will be provided both days.
- Dress: We recommend layers for your comfort, as room temperatures may vary.
Next Steps:
- Complete your workshop selection form.
- Review the full agenda here.
- Prepare your materials for the Homegroup discussions.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support you!
We’re excited to dive into this transformative learning journey together. In a world of constant change, our commitment to educational equity and excellence remains steadfast. This Fall Meeting is our opportunity to refine our skills, challenge our assumptions, and reinvigorate our passion for creating positive change in education.
See you soon in Warwick for two days of inspiration, growth, and connection!
Warm regards,
CLEE
Fall Meeting Sponsors:
