Conference
In-Person
SAIL Into a New School Year Conference - Day 2
Series: SAIL Into a New School Year 2025 Summer Conference
July 30, 2025, 7:30 am - 3:30 pm EDT
Session List and Overview
Download the full SAIL program [PDF]
Day 2: July 30
Session 1: 9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
| Session Titles | Session Overview | Room Location |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Active Students Make Better Learners! | Explore the powerful role of physical activity in boosting academic performance. Learn how to integrate physical activity in standards based instruction. This is an active session be prepared to move, learn and have fun! | 212 |
| Building Stronger Tourism Programs: Partnering with Government Agencies for Curriculum & Workforce Development | Unlock the power of collaboration by partnering with government agencies to enhance your tourism curriculum and create meaningful industry connections! In this session, we will explore how working with agencies such as state tourism boards, economic development offices, and workforce commissions can provide valuable resources, real-world learning opportunities, and career pathways for students. Participants will discover successful partnership models, learn strategies for integrating industry insights into their curriculum, and gain access to funding and internship opportunities that can elevate their programs. Through real-world case studies and interactive discussions, attendees will leave with actionable steps to forge strong government partnerships that benefit students, schools, and the tourism industry alike. | North Hall |
| Engaged, Empowered, and Equipped: Bridge Between Home and School | This session will emphasize the crucial role of Parent and Family Engagement in boosting student academic success. We will delve into the ESEA requirements for Parent and Family Engagement. Activities will include distinguishing between involvement and engagement and exploring strategies to elevate current involvement activities into effective engagement. | 216-217 |
| From Farm to Classroom: Growing Knowledge with Agriculture | Discover the shift from foraging to farming in this interactive session exploring hunter-gatherer societies and the rise of early agriculture. Participants will take part in a hands-on foraging activity that highlights the challenges of limited resources and the benefits of agricultural development. After the activity, attendees will receive practical materials to support the transition into lessons on ancient civilizations and their agricultural innovations. | 215 |
| Managing Challenging Behaviors in the Early Childhood Classroom Part 1 | Discover ways to manage behaviors through a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) in your early childhood classroom. We will discuss prevention tactics and strategies as well as how to respond to challenging behavior when it occurs. This session continues in Session 6. | 211 |
| Not One More Thing | Presenting The Network: A model that partners new teachers with mentors in their buildings and district offices to support and retain teachers. | 213 |
| Science of Reading | Have you been wondering what the Science of Reading is all about? This session walks participants through the ineffective practices that persist from previous reading movements and outlines what the research shows we should be doing instead to help all students become successful, college- and career-ready readers. As part of the state’s Ready, Read, Write, WV initiative, all participants will receive a copy of the WVDE’s SOR Talking Points and Supporting Research document and access to an electronic folder with the presentation, notes, and accompanying resources. | |
| 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 |
| Specially Designed Instruction | This session offers resources and information on specially designed instruction (SDI) for students receiving special education services. | 204-205 |
| Supporting Families with ParentGuidance.org | Discover how ParentGuidance.org, in partnership with WVDE, is providing families across West Virginia with free, 24/7 mental health resources, coaching, and expert-led parenting support to strengthen student well-being. | 214 |
Session 2: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
| Session Title | Session Overview | Room Location |
|---|---|---|
| Continued: Managing Challenging Behaviors in the Early Childhood Classroom Part 2 | A continuation of session 1, this session explores practical strategies to prevent and address challenging behaviors in the early childhood classroom. | 211 |
| Creating Meaningful Learning Targets | Setting clear learning targets as the destination and success criteria as the map has a powerful impact on student learning. | 213 |
| Demonstration Schools | This session will showcase continued work on mastery-based learning. Presenters will discuss school visits and tours for other educators that will be hosted during the 2025-2026 school year. | 210 |
| Engaging Families West Virginia | Engaging Families WV is a new initiative created by the West Virginia Department of Education, focusing on helping you connect with your little ones and boost their vocabulary, numeracy, and understanding through fun, easy conversations and simple activities. | North Hall |
| Engaged, Empowered, and Equipped: Bridge Between Home and School | This session will emphasize the crucial role of Parent and Family Engagement in boosting student academic success. We will delve into the ESEA requirements for Parent and Family Engagement. Activities will include distinguishing between involvement and engagement and exploring strategies to elevate current involvement activities into effective engagement. | 216-217 |
| EWWW! Broccoli!! | Did your parents ever try to sneak vegetables into your meals? Mine did—grated carrots in the spaghetti sauce, broccoli disguised as parsley in manicotti, and parsnips blended into the soup broth. The same idea can be applied to teaching: when done thoughtfully, core curriculum doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. It can be seamlessly—and even enjoyably—woven into other subjects. In this conversational-style session, we’ll explore practical ways to embed strong English instruction across all content areas. | 215 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Navigating Special Education Law | Understanding and navigating special education laws, policies, and procedures is essential for ensuring that students with disabilities receive the support and services they need to succeed. This session provides a comprehensive overview of the legal framework and best practices to help educators and administrators effectively support their students. | 204-205 |
| 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 |
| The Wolfpack Way! School Improvement Grounded in the Standards for Effective Schools | The Wolf Pack Way is a professional development session highlighting how distributive leadership has transformed our school culture and academic focus. Grounded in the WV Standards of Effective Schools, our strategic plan, and key findings from the WVDE diagnostic report, this session showcases how empowering leadership at all levels has driven sustainable improvement and collective ownership of student success. | 214 |
| Wonderful WV Phonics | This session will cover foundational reading skills through interactive lessons designed by the June Harless Center at Marshall University. | 212 |
Session 3: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
| Session Title | Session Overview | Room Location |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Functional Behavior Assessment in Early Childhood | This session will explore the key components involved in planning Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) for early childhood to effectively identify and address challenging behaviors in eqrly childhood classrooms. | 211 |
| Hands Up for Learning: Integrating ASL in Every Classroom | Looking for a fun, interactive way to boost student engagement? American Sign Language (ASL) is not just for communication. It’s a powerful tool that makes learning more dynamic and memorable! In this hands-on session, you’ll discover easy, practical ways to bring ASL into your classroom, no matter what subject or grade you teach. Get ready to move, sign, and laugh as you learn techniques that will keep your students engaged and excited to participate. No ASL experience? No problem! Just bring your enthusiasm and leave with skills you can use right away! | 215 |
| Serving Students with Dyslexia | This overview session will include the definition, key indicators, effective accommodations, and interventions to support students with dyslexia. | 212 |
| 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 |
| Special Education Q & A | This session will allow participants to ask questions related to special education. | 204-205 |
| Taming Tween Turbulence | Explore why strong transition programs are essential for middle school success, helping students build confidence, connections, and a sense of belonging during one of the most critical shifts in their educational journey. | 213 |
| Tracking Progress: Best Practices for Title I Schoolwide Monitoring | This session will provide a comprehensive walkthrough of the Title I schoolwide monitoring form, delving deeply into its indicators. Participants will see examples of the necessary documentation for the monitoring process and have the opportunity to ask questions about documentation retention. By the end of this session, participants should feel confident in their understanding of the documentation required for successful Title I schoolwide monitoring. | 216-217 |
| Wait, Was That the Bell? | Learn how to grow learner engagement in grades 9-12 though carefully scaffolded Cooperative Learning Structures (CLSs) and Visible Thinking Routines (VTRs). Participants will leave with hands-on experience and will glean several structures and routines for implementation during their own lessons. | 214 |
| WV Governor’s Schools | The WV Governor’s Schools of West Virginia are free summer programs for 7-11 graders, including arts, humanities, math, science, technology, business, tourism/hospitality management and more. | 210 |
Session 4: 2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
| Session Title | Session Overview | Room Location |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Best Practice for Behavior Intervention Planning in the Early Childhood Classroom | This session will cover essential components of behavior intervention planning for Pre-K and kindergarten classrooms, focusing on effective strategies for supporting young learners. | 211 |
| Empowering Diverse Learners: Navigating Title III Support | In this session, we will explore facts and myths about the English learner (EL) population. We will also cover best practices for differentiated learning that benefit all students, not just ELs. Additionally, we will delve into Title III requirements and the responsibilities at both the school and LEA levels. | 216-217 |
| Living Literature - How to make literature engaging and meaningful for students | Explore strategies for applying the Science of Reading at the secondary level with a focus on engaging older students in meaningful, evidence-based literacy instruction across all content areas. | 213 |
| Navigating the CRA Pathway | Explore the Concrete– Representational– Abstract (CRA) model as a powerful instructional strategy to support deep understanding by moving learners from hands-on experiences to visual representations and abstract thinking. | 214 |
| Next-Level Project Based Learning | If you're interested in taking your project-based learning units to the next level, this session is for you. Participants will learn about the four building blocks of killer PBL units as well as fresh, creative ideas on critiquing and grading group projects. | 215 |
| Section 504 | Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal law that ensures students with disabilities receive equal access to education and are not discriminated against in programs and activities that receive federal funding. | 204-205 |
| 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 |
| The Great Eight | Explore a set of high-impact instructional practices that promote deep understanding, encourage productive struggle, and use student thinking to guide learning—applicable across content areas to support meaningful engagement and growth. | 212 |
| World Languages | Join us for an interactive session full of ideas and activities to incorporate more languages and culture into any educational level, including elementary classrooms. | 210 |