2026 Annual Conference

In this session participants will engage in learning and discussions on how to lead meaningful improvements in literacy instruction and systems. In particular, we will focus on structures to renew instruction in science and social studies in ways that bolster literacy. Current research suggests that standards-based science and social studies learning supports students’ literacy skills in ways that typical purchased literacy programs do not. Additionally, we’ll share examples of how these systems for science and social studies can also support workforce readiness skills beyond a typical literacy program.

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The WInsights Consortium brings together members from across Wisconsin, including the School District of Beloit Turner and Stanley-Boyd Area School District, to share a story of innovation to support students. We sought to find a way to bring the conversation around Standards-Based Grading and Mastery of Skills from the world of lagging-indicator, summative-only, year-end measures to next-day, live-data, formative assessments to empower teachers and administrators to meet the needs of students in real time and support growth and achievement results. We’ll share our interoperable processes, intuitive data metrics and dashboard reporting systems, and continued roadmap for innovation.  

How do you know that what you are doing is effective? Our consortium has worked to create scalable processes that apply to use for a variety of factors: grade levels PK-12,  multiple grading systems, adoption of standards-based practices, implementation of common local assessments, etc. By focusing on the interoperable common needs of all students and educators across the state, we’ve leveraged our tools to create next-day data visualizations. We’ll share how data-informed responsive practices guide teachers through instruction adjustment, reteaching, and unit pacing - and share measures reflecting student growth and mastery of academic skills. 

What specific data (e.g., student learning results, survey feedback) supports your presentation? Member Districts Beloit-Turner and Stanley-Boyd will share success stories in the application of standards-based-grading tools and the use of WInsights visualizations. By tracking mastery of standards on various levels, we’ll share a replicable and scalable plan for process adoption. Data shared will include examination of student growth and achievement from a classroom level, to grade band to district-wide improvements. Measures incorporated: End-of Unit common assessments, progress monitoring measures, screening assessment, End-of-Year summative scores, quarterly and term gradebook summaries for elementary, middle school, and high school students across subject levels.

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Youth experience a myriad of complex changes, emotions, and stressors, many of which school staff members cannot see and that students seldom understand. In situations of behavioral defiance or student aggression, staff members may naturally be compelled to react before regulating. However, how staff members choose to respond can make a powerful difference. In this interactive workshop, group members will learn the core components of co-regulation, learn co-regulatory skills, and understand the underlying need for biologically informed strategies in behavioral management. By the end of the session, participants will walk away with actionable strategies to apply before addressing student behavior to enhance students' emotional and behavioral growth. 

Students should not have to rely on memorized steps without understanding why the mathematics works. This session will help educators examine practical ways to strengthen student sense-making, mathematical reasoning, discourse, and productive struggle so students can confidently explain, apply, and build upon their learning. 

As educators, we are constantly seeking innovative tools to enhance student learning and reclaim valuable time. Join us as we explore how Brisk, an AI-powered educational platform, transforms the 5th-grade learning experience for students and simplifies teachers' administrative tasks at Hayward Community Schools.

Packed with practical takeaways, we'll share ideas on how to elevate student writing, utilize Brisk Boost, time-saving tips, and more.  You'll leave with tons of ideas you can use right away to make your teaching easier and your students' learning more exciting!  Discover how Brisk and AI can be a game-changer in your classroom, too.

When we know better, we can do better. The ACT Study and other similar studies clearly show what the number one focus should be to increase reading achievement for students. This study is one that helped to inform our state's new elementary reading mandates and required practices. Do you know what this is? Do your teachers know? In this session, we'll take a look at what the ACT Study discovered and why all MS/HS principals should ensure it is considered in every classroom. Then we will learn practical ways to plan and instruct with this in mind. Our presenter has worked with numerous districts, principals, and educators across the country to facilitate this learning through a workshop format (including leading workshops for DPI). This session will be based on that workshop content. 

Students are rarely truly unmotivated. More often, they have not yet found a meaningful reason to engage or believe that success is possible. This session will challenge traditional thinking about motivation and provide practical strategies for building trust, increasing participation, affirming student competence, and helping students reconnect with learning. 

Have you ever noticed how a school can have an incredibly hard-working staff, yet still feel like it is constantly spinning its wheels? Hard work alone is not enough to sustain a thriving school culture if it is not held together by a deeper, aligned sense of care. In this interactive breakout session, educational leaders and coaches will be introduced to the CAREs Framework, a comprehensive coaching model designed to move schools beyond isolated initiatives and transform genuine passion into measurable student success. Participants will explore the concept of caring at a cultural level and how to achieve the ultimate goal of a thriving school culture through one central equation: Teacher Self-Efficacy + (Curiosity, Alignment, Responsibility, Engagement) = Sustainable Collective Efficacy. 

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Learn more in depth how purposefully forming your mindsets can positively enhance every aspect of your life.