The concurrent sessions are a core component of the NASSP Convention program and are designed to address key responsibilities that you face as a school leader. The sessions are divided into five tracks, each of which links directly to the reform strategies outlined in the Breaking Ranks publications and Turning Points 2000.

Track 1: Leading for Student Learning
Teaches how to create high-performing learning communities. Possible session topics include instructional leadership, site-based management, shared decision making, teacher recruitment, and staff development.

Track 2: Personalizing Student Learning
Shows how to shift school culture towards a personalized learning environment. Possible session topics include smaller learning communities, personal plans for progress, service learning, and flexible or alternative scheduling.

Track 3: Building Supportive Relationships
Focuses on how to leverage resources to create a web of support for all staff members and students. Possible session topics include family engagement, school-parent-community partnerships, governance, and ties to elementary and postsecondary education.

Track 4: Assessing Learning for Accountability
Addresses how to meet state and national standards. Possible session topics include the No Child Left Behind Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, data-driven decision making, teacher performance appraisals, and alternative assessment models.

Track 5: Challenging Every Student
Teaches new ways to recognize and support underserved populations. Possible session topics include closing the achievement gap, educating exceptional students, working with unmotivated students, and creating meaningful core academic programs.

Be sure to check back in early October for a complete list of concurrent sessions to be offered and the opportunity to build your Convention Itinerary in advance.