SPARK Institute 2017-Sessions (Comparison Schools)

Click each title to link to session description below. For a chart showing the session schedule at a glance, click here.

  • Project SPARK in Depth (Half-day session; available W F)
    • STEM Instant Challenges (Half-day session; available W)
      • NWEA Tests: Understanding the Assessments and Reports (Half-day session; available Th)
        • NWEA Goal-Setting: Using Student Results to Set Goals and Inform Instruction (Half-day session; available Th)
          • Partnering with Parents: Help for Supporting High-Potential Learners Outside of School (Half-day session; available F)
            • SPARK Institute Session Descriptions

                Project SPARK in Depth: [Facilitators: Kelly Kearney and Rebecca O’Brien]

                This session will provide a more detailed overview of the background of Project SPARK, goals of the project, and the various tools and strategies used in the project. We will focus on the details of the Gifted Behaviors Rating Scale that we are asking teachers to use in referring students to the project, as well as on the Response Lessons that are designed to elicit some of those behaviors in students.
                Half-day session:
                June 21, 9 am – 12 pm
                June 23, 9 am – 12 pm

                STEM Instant Challenges: [Facilitator: Anne Roberts]

                The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Instant Challenges session will consist of a series of creative quick challenges to use in any K-2 classroom. All student learners can benefit from these activities, but high potential learners will also be challenged. Three types of instant challenges will be demonstrated, which are all based on the Destination Imagination STEM curriculum: performance-based, task-based, or a combination of the two (performance- and task-based). Tips for how to successfully implement these instant challenges into any classroom will be discussed.
                Half-day session:
                June 21, 1:15 pm – 4:15 pm

                NWEA Tests: Understanding the Assessments and Reports: [Facilitators: NWEA Professional Development Team]

                This is a workshop focused on understanding and using the data you receive from the NWEA tests we are conducting with SPARK students. Attendees work with the reports available after their testing window is complete. Staff members will analyze their data, learn to interpret data, and engage with other faculty to create an environment responsive to the needs of all students.
                Half-day session:
                June 22, 9 am – 12 pm

                NWEA Goal-Setting: Using Student Results to Set Goals and Inform Instruction: [Facilitators: NWEA Professional Development Team]

                This workshop focuses on using the NWEA test data to set customized growth goals for individual students. Teachers will use the growth calculators and link to the Learning Continuum. We strongly recommend that participants either attend the morning session or have a very good understanding of their MAP reports.
                Half-day session:
                June 22, 1:15 pm – 4:15 pm

                Partnering with Parents: Help for Supporting High-Potential Learners Outside of School: [Facilitator: Pam Peters ]

                Families of children with high potential have unique questions and experiences. In this session we will talk about how to discuss advanced academic potential with parents. The presenter will also introduce teachers to local and national resources that can help parents work with their high-potential children at home and in the community.
                Half-day session:
                June 23, 1:15 pm – 4:15 pm