This year’s institute centers on the theme Leadership Matters, which recognizes educators’ key role in creating the future and preparing the next generation of leaders and learners for the 21st century. This includes:

• examination of public education’s role in the future workforce and economy in Kentucky and abroad
• the role of and uses for technology in aiding problem solving and implementing new and existing techniques in education'
• the exploration of greater knowledge and skill sets in applicable genres like school law, curriculum, and networking
• inspiration to start a new school year with gusto

Proposals should feature innovative ideas, proven programs, and relevant experiences that align with these areas: 

1. Leadership Focused
2. Student Centered
3. Success Driven
4. Assessment Ready

• Education sessions will take place Thursday, July 19, 2012, and will be one hour in length. 
• Presenters are encouraged to allow time for questions and/or group discussion. 
• Longer sessions may be considered by the review committee if requested by the presenter.   

This event is designed for p-12 school administrators and others who serve Kentucky students.

All proposals will be reviewed by members of the planning committee and KASA staff. Reviewers will evaluate the proposals through a series of questions:

1. How well does the proposal relate to the event theme and focus areas?
2. Does the proposal contain innovative, research-based, and cutting-edge ideas that achieved successful results?
3. Will the proposal’s content attract and stimulate attendees?
4. Does the proposal clearly specify what participants might gain from the session?
5. Are the ideas, practices, and programs replicable, and do they focus on the hows and whys?
6. Does the proposal provide a unique solution to a universal education-related concern?
7. Are presentation techniques current, diverse, and interactive?
8. Does the proposal/session provide the level of insight, instruction, and material that meets the high standards and expectations of KASA attendees?
9. Does the session provide theory and practical application?
10. Will the presentation help attendees lead schools effectively while doing their jobs?  

1. Session title should be 15 words or less and should clearly reflect the session’s focus and content. 
2. Avoid abbreviations and acronyms that do not clearly explain the session’s content.
3. Use active verbs to describe what will occur in the session. (Examples: discuss, examine, present)
4. Session descriptions should be limited to 50 words and should indicate presentation style (Examples: interactive, lecture, or multimedia) and learning targets participants can expect to gain from your session.
5. Indicate whether handouts or other resources will be available.
6. Write in complete sentences. Do not use phrases.

Presenters must register for the institute before or upon acceptance of the proposal. One-day, complimentary registration will be provided for the primary presenter for the day of the presentation, Thursday, July 19, if requested. Presenters are encouraged to attend the full three-day institute at the early bird member rate of $219 per person ($50 savings for members, $259 savings for nonmembers). Registration fee includes access to all general sessions (Erin Gruwell, Ian Jukes, and Sara Wessling), education sessions, featured workshops, exhibit hall, meal functions, activities and eight hours EILA, conference, or finance officer credit. 

Each organization or individual may submit up to two session proposals. Priority will be given to those proposals aligned with the strand areas listed above. To submit a proposal, complete the online Education Session Proposal form by March 10, 2012.

Leadership Focused—This strand calls for topics related to next generation leaders, including leadership development that facilitates the development of schools led by effective leaders and students taught by effective teachers.  Suggested topics include effective leadership, sessions for new/aspiring principals, thinking maps, district leadership that works, working with difficult staff, new teacher/principal evaluation, alternative certification, maximizing resources with limited funding, motivating students and staff, grant writing, and media relations/communications.

Student Centered—This strand calls for topics related to next generation learners, including student achievement, growth, and gap closure, focusing on the skills and tools administrators need to ensure that all students perform at or above proficiency and show continuous improvement, and that every student graduates from high school college and career ready. Suggested topics include safety in schools, bullying/cyberbullying, implementation and the administrator’s role in RtI, ARC issues, manifestation hearings, innovative alternative school options, gifted and talented magnet programs, early middle college initiatives, enriched learning projects, standards-based grading, creative discipline approaches, effective discipline of special education students, combating drugs in schools (particularly prescription drugs), decreasing dropout rates, career/workforce readiness, additional certification offerings at the secondary level as it relates to college/career readiness, 21st century skills, mobile learning devices, teaching the iGeneration, creating a digital-rich school, personal learning networks, and Kentucky Core Standards

Success Driven— This strand calls for topics related to next generation schools as related to making all schools and districts effective. Suggested topics include college/career readiness, administrator oversight and understanding the ILPs, implementing and/or model PLCs, technology assisted walk-throughs, successful turnaround models, P20 Innovation labs, new legislation and its impact, data analysis, assessment models, using data to improve instruction (CIITS), cyber communities and social media networks, and Kentucky school success stories.

Assessment Ready—This strand calls for topics related to next generation support systems, including informed decision-making facilitated by research and related tools that will in turn support the teaching and learning process. Suggested topics include Kentucky Teaching, Empowering, Leading and Learning (TELL) Conditions, school cyber communities and social media networks, using data to improve instruction (CIITS), data analysis to improve instruction, assessment models, NCLB waiver, common formative assessment, balanced assessment, making classroom assessment work, principal as assessment leader, program reviews, and Kentucky Core Standards