Conference
In-Person
SAIL Into a New School Year Conference - Day 1
Series: SAIL Into a New School Year 2025 Summer Conference
July 29, 2025, 7:30 am - 3:30 pm EDT
Session List and Overview
Download the full SAIL program [PDF]
Day 1: July 29
Session 1: 9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
| Session Title | Session Overview | Room Location |
|---|---|---|
| All Aboard: Navigating the Waters of Accessibility with AEM, AT, and ADA Title II | In this session, participants will dive into accessibility! We will discuss Accessible Educational Materials (AEM), Assistive Technology (AT) devices and services, and the new accessibility requirements under ADA Title II. We will also cover real-life scenarios and examples of accessibility. | 204-205 |
| Cooking Up Learning: Turning the Kitchen into a Classroom | Discover how hands-on cooking activities can enhance learning across subjects! This session will explore ways to integrate math, science, reading, and cultural studies into delicious, engaging lessons that make concepts stick - one recipe at a time. Spätzle with Roasted Red Pepper Coulis will be prepared during this session. | 216 |
| Overview of Credit Recovery Program | Join a WVDE representative to discuss registration, extensions, billing, and general information about the Credit Recovery program. | 210 |
| Incorporating Test Authoring as Part of a Comprehensive Assessment System: A Panel Discussion | This session is an insightful panel discussion on the implementation of the West Virginia Department of Education’s free assessment resource, Test Authoring, within Marshall County Schools. This session will explore how Test Authoring has been integrated as a key component of a comprehensive assessment system. Middle school principals and the county test coordinator will share the journey of introducing and implementing Test Authoring in their schools, detailing the initial steps, the evolution of its usage, and strategies for creating buy-in among teachers. Teachers will discuss practical applications of Test Authoring in the classroom, highlighting how it supports instruction and aids students in progressing toward mastery. This session is designed for educators and administrators seeking to refine their assessment practices and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement within their schools. | 202-203 |
| Introduction to Instructional Rounds: Building a Network for School Improvement (Invitation Only) | Instructional rounds provide a structured framework for educators interested in engaging in a cycle of continuous improvement. This model combines three evidence-based improvement practices: improvement strategies, classroom observations, and networks of educators. When schools engage in instructional rounds, school and county administrators, as well as teachers, work collaboratively to identify patterns of instructional practice, develop theories of action, and monitor improvement. This session is open to any district interested in learning more about joining a West Virginia network facilitated by coordinators from the West Virginia Department of Education. | South Hall |
| Let’s Go Exploring! | Empower middle school students to discover their passions and future possibilities through hands-on career exploration that builds problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking skills during this pivotal stage of development. | 213 |
| Positive Structured Learning Environments | Learn how to create a positive, structured learning environment by setting clear expectations and implementing effective classroom management strategies that promote student responsibility and engagement. | 212 |
| The Family Factor: Elevating Achievement Through Trust and Collaboration | Family engagement is a powerful lever for student achievement and well-being. This session explores effective strategies for building authentic, collaborative partnerships between schools and families. Participants will learn how to foster trust, improve communication, and create inclusive environments where families feel valued and empowered to support their children's learning. Drawing from real-world examples and research-based practices, this interactive session will provide tools for educators and leaders to engage families as true partners—regardless of background or circumstance. Whether you're looking to launch new initiatives or enhance existing efforts, this session will help you deepen your impact and strengthen the home-school connection. | 211 |
| Read Alouds | This session will highlight the importance of read-alouds, emphasizing how to foster oral language development, expand vocabulary, and lay the foundation for early literacy and academic success. | 215 |
| Mind Your Business: Early Entrepreneurship | Design thinking is a "...human-centered approach to problem-solving." It is widely used across Silicon Valley to come up with new ideas and innovations. Find out how we're bringing it to West Virginia's students. | 214 |
| When the IEP Includes Transportation as a Related Service | As with all IEP services, all decisions need to be made with the IEP team and with the least restrictive options considered first, but also being mindful that safety comes first. The entire transportation experience must be considered to ensure proper support and needs. Come join us to learn what should be considered from the bus stop in the morning back to the bus stop in the afternoon. | 217 |
| Your Role in School Safety | Creating a safe school environment requires everyone's daily attention and effort. Just as each person plays a role in making learning possible, each person plays a role in creating a safe learning environment. This session will highlight each person’s role in safety and provide some best practices for making their school as safe as possible. | North Hall |
Session 2: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
| Session Title | Session Overview | Room Location |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Education: More Than High School Equivalency | This session is designed to provide educators with valuable insights into the transformative impact of adult education. We will examine how adult education empowers learners by equipping them with essential skills necessary for post-secondary enrollment, vocational training, digital literacy, customer service, employability, and certifications in key software applications. Furthermore, we will explore effective strategies to support students in achieving their high school equivalency diploma. | 217 |
| All Kids Are Our Kids: Strengthening WVTSS | This session will revitalize our state’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (WVTSS) by exploring innovative strategies and practical tools designed to enhance interventions and support the success of all learners across the domains of academics, behavior, and attendance. Participants will leave equipped with actionable strategies to strengthen MTSS implementation in their schools and districts. This session is appropriate for all professional staff. | 202-203 |
| Cracking the Code: Boosting Test Scores for Every Student | Uncover practical strategies and innovative approaches to help all students succeed on assessments. From data-driven techniques to engaging classroom activities, this session will equip you with tools to unlock student potential and improve test performance in meaningful ways. | 216 |
| Developing Mock Casualty Exercises with Local First Responders | We will dive into best practices, the need for and importance of training, planning, and coordinated efforts to prepare your school district for school bus emergencies while involving all stake holders. | North Hall |
| Effective Educator ECCAT Partnerships | This ECCAT support session will provide strategies and resources to enhance classroom assistance for students in kindergarten through 3rd grade, focusing on effective support techniques and developmental learning needs. | 212 |
| Formative Assessment | This session will explore the importance of formative assessment in PreK, demonstrating how ongoing observation and feedback support individualized instruction, inform teaching practices, and enhance children's learning and development. | 211 |
| Monitoring 101: An In- and Out-of-State Overview | This session provides a concise overview of special education monitoring, both within and beyond the state. It covers the key stages of the process—pre-visit preparation, onsite activities, and post-visit follow-up—and illustrates how these components work together to ensure statewide compliance, drive improvement, and offer guidance rooted in support. | 204-205 |
| Promoting Positive Behaviors for Engaged Learners | Learn evidence-based strategies for behavior management, emotional regulation, and de-escalation as participants are guided through practical, ready-to-use techniques they can apply right away. | 214 |
| SAIL into Success: Steering Your Virtual Classroom to New Heights | Ahoy, educators! Are you ready to set sail on an adventure through the world of virtual teaching? In this high-energy, engaging session, two seasoned virtual school teachers will help you navigate the often choppy waters of online education. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or just getting your feet wet in online teaching, this session is perfect for K-12 virtual school teachers, those new to the world of digital classrooms, or anyone looking for creative, actionable strategies to enhance their online teaching practice. | 210 |
| Setting the Stage for Instructional Rounds in Your School (Invitation Only) | This session will provide a more in-depth look at the instructional rounds process and prepare school-based instructional rounds teams to engage in all aspects of the instructional rounds framework. | South Hall |
| Sketchnoting | Discover how sketchnoting—a creative blend of visuals, keywords, and structure—can transform the way you capture and retain information, no artistic skills required! | 213 |
| WV PEC Speakers Bureau | The K-12 Speakers Bureau is a free platform connecting West Virginia teachers with professionals from various fields to inspire students through engaging presentations. | 215 |
Session 3: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
| Session Title | Session Overview | Room Location |
|---|---|---|
| A Panel Discussion with WV School Counselors | Join us for an inspiring and insightful panel discussion featuring expert school counselors--leaders who are redefining what it means to support students in today's evolving educational landscape. These experienced counselors will share their journeys, innovative practices, and lessons leared from the front lines of student support and advocacy. Come ready to learn, reflect, and be inspired by the voices of excellence leading the way in school counseling. | 210 |
| Anchoring to Your School Community: Established Processes for Stakeholder Engagement | Did you know there are established processes in place to help schools navigate community engagement and complaints? Leave this session knowing how how your school's Local School Improvement Council (LSIC) can maximize its impact on stakeholder engagement and how the school community can voice concerns about policy or code violations at the school, county, or state level. | 202-203 |
| Bridging Connections: West Virginia Family Engagement in Action | Join the West Virginia Family Engagement Center for an interactive fireside chat featuring experienced family engagement leaders from across our state. Come prepared with questions and join the conversation as we explore successful strategies that strengthen family-school-community partnerships across our region. | North Hall |
| Building Thinking Classrooms | Explore how to transform your classroom into a dynamic learning environment by implementing the research-based practices of the Building Thinking Classrooms framework, designed to promote deep student engagement and critical thinking across all subjects. | 212 |
| Creative Connections: Arts Across the Curriculum | Discover how integrating the arts into elementary instruction can boost student engagement, deepen understanding, and foster creativity across all content areas through meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. | 213 |
| Field Trip to Capitol & WV Culture Center | Participants will explore the WV Capitol and the WV Culture Center’s State Museum. | |
| Fostering Number Sense | Number sense development in Pre-K focuses on helping children understand basic numerical concepts like counting, recognizing numbers, and comparing quantities. Through hands-on activities and play, participants will develop foundational skills in estimating, subitizing, and understanding simple relationships between numbers. | 215 |
| Math Everywhere: Sneaking Numbers into Every Lesson | Discover creative and hands-on strategies to seamlessly embed math into any subject area. This interactive session will showcase dynamic, cross-curricular activities that promote problem-solving, collaboration, and real-world connections. Walk away with practical, ready-to-use resources that will inspire students and strengthen their mathematical thinking - no matter what grade or subject you teacher. | 216 |
| Option Pathway: Mission Possible | The Option Pathway program is an alternative graduation pathway for high school students who are at-risk of not being able to graduate through traditional means. Since the program was first piloted in 2010, hundreds of high school students, who were struggling to meet graduation requirements, have earned their high school diploma through this alternative pathway. In this presentation, you will learn more about this awesome program as well as hear some of the success stories of students who would not have been able to graduate without this opportunity. | 217 |
| Road to Publishing | Join bestselling author Matt Eicheldinger as he shares his journey through both self-publishing and traditional publishing, offering practical tips, insights, and inspiration for aspiring authors exploring their own path to publication. | 214 |
| Setting the Stage for Instructional Rounds in Your School (Invitation Only) | This session will provide a more in-depth look at the instructional rounds process and prepare school-based instructional rounds teams to engage in all aspects of the instructional rounds framework. | South Hall |
| Unlocking Student Success: A Function Based Approach to Student Behavior | In this session, we delve into function-based thinking when confronted with difficult behaviors. We explore how to identify behavior functions and effectively recognize patterns to understand the underlying reasons behind student behavior. By doing so, we equip ourselves with powerful strategies to enhance student success. | 204-205 |
Session 4: 2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
| Session Title | Session Overview | Room Location |
|---|---|---|
| A Formula for Engagement | Learn how to transform your lesson planning and boost student engagement using the five-step ATLAS model—a storytelling-inspired framework that helps make learning more meaningful and memorable. | 214 |
| A Process for Examining Discipline Data | Discipline data can be a cumbersome set of figures to examine. This session provides a simple process for reviewing year end school discipline data and targets the most frequent and most severe infractions. The analysis challenges school administrators to examine their consistency, the impact of their responses on repeat offenders and make necessary adjustments to their practices to minimize behaviors that negatively impact their school’s learning environment. | 202-203 |
| Creating Meaningful Learning Targets | Learn how to craft clear, student-friendly learning targets that drive instruction, guide assessment, and help students take ownership of their learning. | 212 |
| Family Engagement | This session will explore the importance of family engagement in PreK, highlighting how strong partnerships between families and educators support children's early learning, development, and school readiness. | 215 |
| Field Trip to Capitol & WV Culture Center | Participants will explore the WV Capitol and the WV Culture Center’s State Museum. | |
| Igniting Our Future: Exploring How Educators Can Fuel Students’ Curiosity for Entrepreneurship in West Virginia | Discover strategies for implementing and expanding classroom initiatives that foster synergistic relationships between academia and the community. | North Hall |
| Innovate, Create, Educate: Hands-On Making for the Modern Classroom | Step into the ultimate hands-on experience at our Maker Space, where creativity meets education! This interactive session is designed for teachers eager to explore the power of maker-centered learning and its impact on student engagement, problem-solving, and innovation. Participants will dive into a variety of hands-on activities, from 3D printing and coding to robotics, circuitry, and upcycled design challenges. Whether you're a seasoned maker or brand new to the movement, you'll discover accessible, budget-friendly ways to bring STEM, design thinking, and project-based learning into your classroom. Leave with ready-to-use lesson ideas, inspiration for cross-curricular connections, and the confidence to foster a culture of making in your school. Get ready to tinker, create, and spark a love for hands-on learning! | 206 |
| Introducing the My Climb Guides | My Climb Guides provide West Virginia students and families with step-by-step support for planning, preparing, and paying for college—empowering them to take charge of their educational journey. | 211 |
| Medicaid 101: Understanding Random Moment Time Study and Why Your Role and Participation Are Important to WV Schools | This session provides an overview of the Random Moment Time Study (RMTS) and its significance in the Medicaid School-Based Health Services (SHBS) program. Participants will learn how RMTS works, its importance in documenting Medicaid-reimbursable activities, and the impact of their participation on funding and services for West Virginia schools. | 204-205 |
| Set Sail for Student Programs | The Office of Student Enrichment supports multiple student programs throughout the year. Come and learn more about the Academic Showdown, WV Virtual School, Arts Alive, and how you can get your students involved! | 210 |
| Setting the Stage for Instructional Rounds in Your School (Invitation Only) | This session will provide a more in-depth look at the instructional rounds process and prepare school-based instructional rounds teams to engage in all aspects of the instructional rounds framework. | South Hall |
| Sparking Early Literacy | Discover how Sparking Early Literacy Growth projects are empowering young learners in West Virginia’s most rural areas with foundational reading and writing skills to close early learning gaps by third grade. | 213 |
| Up, Up & Away! Exploring Science with Weather Balloons | Take science learning to new heights - literally! This hands-on session will show you how to use weather balloons to teach key science concepts like atmospheric pressure, data collection, and climate patterns, making STEM exciting and tangible for students. | 216 |