Leveraging Technology to Address Social Justice and Equity for Underrepresented Students

Thomas Randle, Superintendent, Lamar CISD
Kaye Williams, Principal, Lamar CISD
Julie McCain, Teacher, Lamar CISD
Dolores Caamano, Managing Director, Partnership Development, Equal Opportunity Schools

This session is specifically designed to address both social justice issues and equity of access to upper level classes at the secondary level. Using new technology, the audience will understand how barriers can be identified and addressed. Data produced is a springboard for ongoing conversations, as successful campus and district innovators in equity share their story of conquering social injustice.

Compression in a Recession? Prospects for School Funding in a Time of Pandemic

Lynn Moak, Partner, Moak, Casey & Associates
Daniel Casey, Partner, Moak, Casey & Associates
Josh Haney, Associate, Moak, Casey & Associates
Catherine Knepp, Associate, Moak, Casey & Associates

Moak Casey staff will examine the current state of the Texas economy, the biennial revenue forecast, the cost of the Foundation School Program, and what is being discussed regarding formula funding.

Designing a Pride Campaign that Sticks

Demetrus Liggins, Superintendent, Greenville ISD
Helen Williams, Chief Communications Officer, Greenville ISD
Amy Wade, Public Relations & Marketing Liaison, Greenville ISD

All schools and communities are about the people who make them up. How do leaders capture the mosaic that connects a community? Greenville ISD asked people who they were, what they were about, and what being a part of GISD meant to them. The district listened. The district shared. As community members reflected on how education enriches them, they began to talk about the schools as “us,” not “them.”

Supporting Remote Learning and Working during the Pandemic

Leslie Garakani, Chief Technology Officer, Midlothian ISD
Becky Cook, Director, Instructional Technology, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

This moderated panel discussion will explore the lessons learned while supporting staff and students during this pandemic. Discussions will cover best practices for device management, network support, and best instructional practices for online teaching and learning.

Choosing Love: Fostering School Safety from the Inside Using Focused SEL Approach

Shae Owens, Counselor, Hillsboro ISD
Aleshia Fleming, Counselor, Hillsboro ISD
Stephanie Tucker, Principal, Hillsboro ISD
Robin Ralston, Principal, Hillsboro ISD

Social and emotional learning continues to be at the forefront of educational research as an integral part of a child’s life-long education. Hillsboro ISD embraces the FREE Jessie Lewis Choose Love For Schools to teach SEL skills combined with Character Education, Mindfulness, and Neuroscience. We will share how to positively impact your school culture and community with this focused approach to SEL using the universal message of “Choosing Love.”