NQEC is an outstanding opportunity for educators to learn from experts in education how to teach today’s students to be successful.
Rapid Response Assessment
With so much riding on high-stakes testing, teachers, students, and administrators need to gauge student progress in the moment and take corrective action before the summative assessment. These sessions will focus on using in-process measures as formative assessment tools and on applying the PDSA cycle as action research. This track may also attract those who wish to focus on using assessment and quality tools in the Special Education classroom to help special needs’ students advance beyond their current level of functioning.
The Power of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
PLCs are continuous improvement communities. Collaboration among coworkers allows educators to learn and apply best practices in a supportive, collegial environment. Sessions in this track will explore professional development and its importance to student achievement through the lens of Professional Learning Communities.
Integrating Measurement and Creativity
Quality is more than data and measurement. Learning involves more than linear thinking. Today’s students need to develop conceptual skills such as creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. This track focuses on applying quality tools and the continuous improvement philosophy to develop the whole student.
New to Quality: How to Get Started
Do terms like "data-driven decision making," "PDSA," and "Pareto charts" make your head spin? Do you wonder what the buzz about "quality" is? Perhaps you understand the terms but aren’t sure how to get started in implementing quality principles in your classroom, school, or district. Or, if you are experienced in the use of quality tools in schools and classrooms, perhaps you have ideas on how to overcome challenges that occur as schools and classroom teachers begin to implement these practices. These sessions will introduce attendees to how the field of quality is applied in education to improve student achievement.
Developing New Leaders and Teachers
How do we develop the teachers and leaders of tomorrow who will continue the legacy of continuous improvement? What is the best way to reach university students preparing to work professionally in our schools if they aren’t currently being taught continuous improvement philosophies? Sessions will examine training of new staff (whether experienced or newly graduated) in the teaching corps and in leadership.
Driving Quality Throughout School and District Operations
Quality in school systems must go beyond what happens in the classroom. How does your district apply systems thinking to drive quality through the operations side of your organization and thus enhance learning? Sessions will focus on the application of continuous improvement in nonacademic functions and how these improved work processes lead to increased achievement.
