SponsorsThank you to our sponsors for their generous philanthropic support of the EL Education 2018 National Conference.

ContentsWelcome ...................................................... 1Agenda, Highlights ....................................2Essential Info ..............................................3Educator Awards .......................................4Opening and Closing Sessions ................5Getting Around ..........................................6Resources and Opportunities .................8

2018 National ConferencePhiladelphia | November 9-11

Character Builder Sponsor

Crew Sponsor

Fox Creek Elementary, Litt

leton

, CO

Lighthouse Com

munity Charter School, Oakland, CA

Craigmont Middle School, Shelby County, TN

Genesee Com

munity Charter School, Rochester, NY

#ELNC18 | Educating for a Better World 1

EL Education Board of Directors

R. Bruce Rich Chair

Tracey Riese Vice Chair

Irwin Silverberg Treasurer

Jewelle Bickford

David J. Drucker

Greg Farrell Founding President

Judith Glaser

Todd Gomez

Allen Grossman

Lee Klingenstein Founding Chair

Corinne Rieder

Douglas Tansill

Alexandra Buckley Voris

Harriet L. Weissman

Virginia Hill Worden Chair Emerita

Joanne Ziesing

Scott Hartl President & CEO

Welcome“Our potential is one thing. What we do with it is quite another.”

–Angela Duckworth, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance

Welcome to the EL Education 2018 National Conference! This is the one time every year that we get to gather our far-flung extended family in one place to learn together, build community, have some fun, and get on with the challenging, complex, creative work of “Educating for a Better World.”

Whether you are new to EL Education or a long-time friend, I look forward to being here with you this week and the chance to hear your stories.

What does “educating for a better world” look like? At EL Education, it means deeply joining scholarship with character. Fueled by inspired teachers and empowered students, we saw one view into what that means when thousands of teachers and students at over 100 schools across the country celebrated Better World Day last May. At Opening Session, we’ll get to hear the experiences of students at three of these schools —Conway Elementary School, WHEELS, and Interdistrict School for Arts and Communication, as well as the ways that character and scholarship are being brought to life through EL Education Language Arts curriculum implementation in Wake County schools in Raleigh, North Carolina.

To me, being part of the EL Education family means being constantly humbled by the genius and the commitment of great teachers and leaders, whether they are implementing the EL Education Language Arts curriculum for the first time in a Detroit Public School or leading their second decade of learning expeditions at King Middle School in Portland, Maine, one of the founding schools in our network over 25 years ago.

As we gather to explore “Educating for a Better World” together in the coming days, I look forward to joining you in hearing from students (and being entertained by them!), learning from expert teacher-colleagues, visiting exhibits, and talking character with renowned educator Angela Duckworth. What I always treasure most about National Conference is the learning I do beyond these times

—in the hallways, on the way to get a snack, as I explore the exhibits —so be sure to stop me along the way to say hello!

In crew,

Scott Hartl President & CEO

EL Education is a leading K-12 nonprofit helping to build great schools in diverse communities across America.

ELeducation.org

EL Education 2018 National Conference | #ELNC182

AgendaPre-Conference Day | Thursday, November 88:30 AM–4:30 PM ............. Pre-Conference Day Sessions

Day 1 | Friday, November 98:30–10:00 AM ........................................... Opening Session

10:00–10:30 AM ..................... Refreshments/Networking

10:30 AM–12:30 PM .................................................Session A

12:30–2:30 PM ................................................................. Lunch

2:30–4:30 PM ............................................................Session B

7:00–9:00 PM ...... Reception | Reading Terminal Market

Day 2 | Saturday, November 108:30–10:00 AM .....................Saturday Discussion Groups

10:00–10:30 AM ..................... Refreshments/Networking

10:30 AM–12:30 PM ................................................ Session C

12:30–2:30 PM ................................................................. Lunch

2:30–4:30 PM ........................................................... Session D

Day 3 | Sunday, November 118:30–10:00 AM ........................ Sunday Discussion Groups

10:00–10:30 AM ..................... Refreshments/Networking

10:30–11:30 AM ............................................. Closing Session

HighlightsView exemplary student work Franklin Hall, 4th FloorPlease join us to view a curated selection of beautiful student work from across the nation. Explore current and compelling projects and writing to discover the meaning of beautiful work.

EL Education is distinguished in the education world by our focus on high-quality student work. In collaboration with the Harvard Graduate School of Education, we host and curate the world’s largest collection of student project exemplars. You can see that collection at modelsofexcellence.ELeducation.org.

ISAAC Better World Project Grand Ballroom, 5th FloorExperience an award-winning exhibit created by sixth grade students from Interdistrict School for Arts and Communication (ISAAC) in New London, CT. Their groundbreaking work challenges stereotypes associated with the term “immigrant” in the United States today.

ReceptionJoin the celebration Friday, November 9 | 7:00-9:00 PM Reading Terminal MarketJoin us for a unique private event at Philadelphia’s famous Reading Terminal Market. The Reading Terminal Market is located just across North 12th Street from the hotel entrance.

Enjoy a range of food options and drinks sponsored by the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Philadelphia Marriott

Downtown

Reading Terminal Market

Headhouse Tower

Filbert Street

Nor

th 12

th S

tree

t

Market Street

Cuthbert Street

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Essential InfoLog on to Wi-FiTo connect to Wi-Fi in meeting spaces, select the network named “Meeting2,” and enter the case-sensitive password: ELNC18. Instructions for Wi-Fi access in guest rooms will be provided upon check-in.

Sign up for access to the EL Education Resource LibraryTake advantage of access to slides and resources from this year’s conference in one convenient digital location: The EL Education Resource Library. If you don’t already have an account, visit ELeducation.org/folders/sign-up. To explore conference resources, select “Library” from the resources menu on our website and look for the National Conference category on the left. Access expires one month after the conference, so take advantage of conference resources today.

Contribute to the service projectPlease bring your donation for this year’s drive to Franklin Hall on the 4th floor.

Smile for the photo boothJoin the fun! The EL Education photo booth will make an appearance at the reception at Reading Terminal Market, from 700–9:00 PM Friday. Keep an eye out for your photo during Closing Session!

Help desk, registration, and store hoursGet your registration materials, ask for help, and peruse EL Education merchandise in Franklin Hall during the following hours:

Day Hours

Thursday, November 8 (Pre–Conference Day)

7:30–9:00 AM7:30–9:00 PM

Friday, November 9 7:30–8:30 AM10:00–10:30 AM12:30–2:30 PM4:30–5:30 PM

Saturday, November 10 7:30–8:30 AM10:00–10:30 AM12:30–2:30 PM4:30–5:30 PM

Sunday, November 11 8:00–10:30 AM

Join us on social mediaJoin the conversation! Tag your posts #ELNC18

and #WeAreCrew. Mention us at @ELEducation.

EL Education 2018 National Conference | #ELNC184

Educator AwardsEL Education will present the 2018 Klingenstein Teacher Award and Silverberg Leadership Award to two inspiring educators during Closing Session on Sunday, November 11th. These Awards celebrate the many individuals who bring EL Education’s vision to life in classrooms and schools across the country—sharing the belief that learning and achievement flourish when teachers and students are engaged in work that is challenging, adventurous, and meaningful.

Congratulations to the 2018 Klingenstein Teacher Award Finalists:

Annie HolyfieldJoe Shoemaker SchoolDenver, CO

Amanda LockeFour Rivers Charter Public SchoolGreenfield, MA

Anthony VoulgaridesWHEELS, a NYC Outward Bound SchoolNew York, NY

Claire WolffMELS, a NYC Outward Bound SchoolForest Hills, NY

Congratulations to the 2018 Silverberg Leadership Award Nominees:

Marcia Bryant-FowlerOakhurst Elementary SchoolDecatur, GA

Cherisse CampbellAmana AcademyAlpharetta, GA

Laina CoxCapital City Public Charter SchoolWashington, DC

William HaithcockHarborside AcademyKenosha, WI

James KutnowGraham Elementary and Middle SchoolColumbus, OH

Lisa McDonaldBrighten AcademyDouglasville, GA

Hillary MillsMELS, a NYC Outward Bound SchoolForest Hills, NY

The Klingenstein Teacher Award is made possible by the generous support of Lee Klingenstein, Founding Chair of the Board of Directors of EL Education. The Silverberg Leadership Award is made possible by the generous support of Irwin Silverberg, Treasurer of the Board of Directors of EL Education.

To learn more, visit ELeducation.org/awards.

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Opening and Closing SessionsOur opening and closing sessions will spotlight some of the school leaders, teachers, and students who are contributing to a better world every day. We will hear from a broad range of voices, including:

A Special Performance by Genesee Community Charter School StudentsGabriel Balantic | Lucas Benson | Judah Bertou | Rayshunn Bostick | Anthony Breedlove | Luisa Brookes | Poppy Burack Ella Cullum | Ameer Daniel | Josslyn Dillard | Charlie Doell-Lewis | Kayvari Griffin | Gavin Hallford | Noelani Kim | Bennie Laver Colleen McGrath | Kian Mooney | Myles Petsche | Jo Ryan | Alina Rynski | Max Salinas-Miner | Phillip Stapf | Alex Stevens Grant Symes | Analice Townsend | Etienne Tremblay | Kendell White | Brighid Whitney | Serenity Wilson | Jordyn Wu Tatiyana Young | Classroom Teachers: Becki Mason, Melissa Conklin | Teaching Assistant: Jenna Morales | Music Teacher: Erika Barone Physical Expedition Teacher: Sarah Johnson | Visual Arts Teacher: Maureen Lockner | Accompanist: Annie Laver

Angela Duckworth | Keynote SpeakerAngela Duckworth is the Founder and CEO of Character Lab, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the science of character development. She is also the Christopher H. Browne Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, co-director of both the Penn-Wharton Behavior Change for Good Initiative, and Wharton People Analytics. A 2013 MacArthur Fellow, Angela is the author of the New York Times #1 best seller Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. As a renowned international speaker, Angela’s TED talk is among the most viewed of all time, with over 13 million views. Angela is on the EL Education Research Advisory Board.

EL Education Students and Alumni

Ahlenne AbreuFreshman at Smith College, Alumna of WHEELS, New York, NY

Darianny LopezFreshman at State University of New York at Albany, Alumna of WHEELS, New York, NY

Shem Adams7th grade, Interdistrict School for Arts and Communication, New London, CT

Yainiliz Lopez7th grade, Interdistrict School for Arts and Communication, New London, CT

Adrian Sebastian Aybar5th grade, Conway Elementary School, Escondido, CA

MC: Oliver Figuereo9th grade, The Springfield Renaissance School, Springfield, MA

Hamlet FernandezFreshman at University of Chicago, Alumnus of WHEELS, New York, NY

MC: Nazarelie Gonzalez9th grade, The Springfield Renaissance School, Springfield, MA

Camila Leonardo-Chavez5th grade, Conway Elementary School, Escondido, CA

Note: If you require special seating in the opening and closing sessions, please see an usher for assistance.

EL Education 2018 National Conference | #ELNC186

Curriculum | Registration | Help | Store

Student Work ExhibitRefreshments

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Franklin 2 Franklin 3 Franklin 4 Franklin 5 Franklin 6 Franklin 7 Franklin 8

Franklin 9

Franklin 10

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Escalators

Escalators

Getting Around

Nursing Moms: We have space available for you—please stop by the Help Desk for a key.

Fourth Floor

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Opening and Closing SessionsGrand Ballroom

Salon A

Salon B

Salon C

Salon D

Salon L

Salon K

Salon J

Salon I

MeetingRoom

501

MeetingRoom502

EscalatorsEscalators

ISAAC Better World Project Exhibit

Fifth Floor

Liberty Ballroom

Independence Ballroom

IIIIII

Skybridge

Headhouse Tower

Note:Headhouse Tower is accessible via a skybridge from the third floor of the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown.

EL Education 2018 National Conference | #ELNC188

VideosEL Education’s video library is a free resource full of inspiring stories and practical protocols for educators in diverse classrooms across the country. Check out new videos like these arriving every month at ELeducation.org/resources/videos

Behind the Practice: Approaching Language Dives with Sarah Mitchell, Stephanie Clayton, and Sloane Young

A window into the powerful practice of Language Dives—a strategy that can help unlock complex text for all students, and is particularly effective with struggling readers and English Language Learners.

Leading Professional Learning on Student- Engaged Assessment

How can we motivate and equip teachers to be expert leaders of Student-Engaged Assessment? This video takes us behind the scenes into a school-wide culture of professional learning that does just that.

K-5 Language Arts CurriculumOur top-rated K-5 Language Arts Curriculum is available for the 2017–18 school year. For more information, visit Curriculum.ELeducation.org and click on “Sign Up for Updates” and visit us at the curriculum table on the fourth floor.

Resources and OpportunitiesKeep the learning going beyond National Conference with these valuable resources and exciting upcoming events.

New Institutes and Site SeminarsJoin us for brand new professional development institutes and site seminars hosted by school network partners across the country. Visit ELeducation.org/news-and-events/calendar to sign up or learn more.

Building Equitable Classrooms through Restorative Justice Practices

We will build on previous learning from the Management in the Active Classroom Institute, and then dive deeply into restorative justice practices to support all students in developing a sense of belonging and accountability.

Teaching Toward Equity

Educators will learn strategies to build equitable classrooms, supported by curriculum, instruction, and assessment that are respectful of the history, culture, and agency of all students.

Growing Modules into Expeditions

Participants will hone their curriculum design skills and reverse-engineer a final product that supports students in producing complex, authentic, and beautiful work.

Online CoursesDeveloped by our experts, our Online Professional Learning Courses offer on-demand support for implementation of the EL Education K-5 Language Arts Curriculum. Each course is designed for self-paced independent study, features resources, videos, and tools, and includes discussion and application prompts for use in teaching teams and professional learning communities (PLCs).

Visit ELeducation.org/curriculum-courses to sign up. For bulk-discounts, contact your Regional Director or email online-courses@ELeducation.org. All network school partners will soon have access to EL Education’s suite of online courses at no additional cost. Look for more information and a free self-enrollment link coming soon.

PD PacksThese flexible and self-paced online resources for educators can be used independently or in professional development sessions. PD Packs include videos, articles, and questions to push thinking. There are currently 10 PD Packs including EL Education’s K-5 Language Arts Curriculum, Leaders of Their Own Learning, and Learning That Lasts.

Visit ELeducation.org/resources/PD-Packs

Better World Day May 3, 2019

Save the Date for when tens of thousands of students and community members across our network will come

together for the second annual #BetterWorldDay, bringing life to the motto “getting smart to do good.”

Relive the success stories from last year’s event and stay tuned for 2019 updates at ELeducation.org/Better-World-Day

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Fund for Teachers (FFT)Fund for Teachers (FFT) awards grants for self-designed summer professional development fellowships for teachers to help them grow in and out of the classroom. EL Education’s partnership with FFT has resulted in transformational learning for both teachers and students.

EL Education teachers have been awarded over 500 of these grants since 2004, and these teachers have become leaders in the network and beyond. Among them are four Klingenstein Teaching Award winners, multiple state Teacher of the Year honorees, and many who have eventually become EL Education staff.

Each Fund for Teachers fellowship is as unique as the teacher who designed it. Since 2001, FFT has transformed $30 million of grants into growth for 8,000 teachers and their students (up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for teams). FFT fellowships have taken place in 124 countries on every continent, empowering teachers to explore new ideas, new cultures, and new ways to make a difference.

The 2019 application is open now, and proposals are due January 31. Learn more at fundforteachers.org.

Character FrameworkThis fall, EL Education launched a new Character Framework to define Character and how we build it in schools and districts across the country.

Check out these four ways to explore the new Character Framework:

Video Introduction

Interactive Digital Character Framework

2-Page Handout

Character Framework Resource Collection

Visit CharacterFramework.ELeducation.org to get started!

Site-Based Curriculum InstitutesSee our curriculum in action. For more information, go to ELeducation.org/what-we-offer/professional-development/curriculum-pd-catalog

Models of ExcellenceA dynamic resource that answers the question: What does high quality student work look like? The Models of Excellence site is filled with videos, exemplary projects, and compelling writing to inspire and elevate teaching and learning. Featuring over 50 new and exciting projects from K-12 students. Visit modelsofexcellence.ELeducation.org

ResultsTogether, we are transforming teacher practice and unleashing teacher potential, and we have the results to show it! Mathematica Policy Research found that EL Education’s professional development, combined with curriculum, empowers both novice and veteran teachers to change their practice to meet and exceed state standards. Find the report here: ELeducation.org/impact/results

Case StudiesLooking for models of success from our collective work in schools and districts? Visit ELeducation.org/impact/case-studies

PublicationsSeveral EL Education books and accompanying videos will help you bring EL principles and practices to life in your classroom. These, along with our newest publication, There Is More in Us Than We Know: A Book of Readings, are available for purchase at the National Conference store, on the EL Education website, or at all major online retailers.

How are you educating for a better world?Write your answer below and share with #ELNC18