The Washington D.C. Area
3-Day Freshman Transition Leadership Institute
July 26 – 28, 2007
LOCATION: The George Washington University Alexandria Center
1775-B Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Join us for three intensive days that will change
the lives of your students and the culture of your school.
Learn strategies that will decrease your dropout rates
while increasing student motivation and academic achievement.
Using the new Course Standards forFreshman Transition Classes, developed through George Washington University’s Freshman Transition Initiative learn the 10-Step Plan for initiating a freshman transition course and implementing a school-wide program that will provide data-driven advisory opportunities. Featured in the article: A Personalized Plan for Life, in NASSP’s Principal Leadership magazine, this practical system will launch your high school reform efforts.
Participants will leave the workshop with:
- The tools and template to develop a comprehensive plan for their freshman transition efforts
- The necessary data and resources to generate buy-in from teachers, parents, school board and community
- A complete manual of resources that includes planning committee job descriptions, teacher recruitment rubrics, timelines, curriculum correlation, planning checklists and more
- Strategies for implementing a school-wide initiative and that facilitate interdisciplinary and school-wide academy efforts.
What our participants say:
“Thank you for a great conference…I will keep you posted on our progress.”
Sherry from Colorado
“I have been to many conferences but have never left with so much information….”
Lisa from Delaware
“We need this kind of redesign for all our programs across our state. You have empowered us to implement true systemic change…” Melissa from North Carolina
“Finally --- a way to get ALL parents involved…” Nelda from California
“This was the best conference I have ever attended. I am empowered to return to my students with exciting ideas for implementation…” Kim from Tennessee
Who should attend
- High School and Middle School Principals
-Principals and their team of leaders responsible for planning, implementing and evaluating the Freshman Transition Course and high school redesign efforts.
Conference Format
School teams will work with certified Freshman Transition Facilitators and plan for each of the Ten Steps for Freshman Transition. Facilitators have worked with schools across the country and share experiences, and challenges, that will expedite planning for implementation and evaluation of courses and programs.
Plenary sessions, break-out sessions and working sessions will be conducted.
Facilitators will be available to work with teams, upon request, at times specified in the AGENDA (below).
Evenings have been left open in order that teams can network. A variety of activities will be built into the Agenda so that participants can benefit by learning from each other, where appropriate.
Conference Site Information
The George Washington University, Alexandria Center is located at the King Street Metro Stop (blue and yellow lines).
The site is only two stops from the Washington DC Airport (DCA); a 40 minute shuttle ride from Dulles airport and 45 minute shuttle ride from the Baltimore-Washington Airport.
The GWU Center is a short walk from historic Old Town Alexandria, the Potomac River, unique shopping opportunities, and a wide variety of dining and touring opportunities. All are within walking distance but Metro bus service and taxis are also available. From Friday evening through Sunday the free “Dash” bus service runs from the Metro and makes numerous stops throughout Old Town.
Hotel Information
A variety of hotels surrounds the GWU Center, including but not limited to
The Embassy Suites (adjacent to the Center), the Hilton Hotel (less than one block), The Hampton Inn (1 ½ blocks), Holiday Inn Select (in the heart of Old Town, approximately 10 blocks), The Hyatt Suites (approximately 1.5 miles), The Marriott Residence Inn (3 blocks). A complete hotel list with phone numbers is available upon request.
Participants are responsible for their own housing and meals that are not specified in the Agenda.
Attire: Business casual
Meals and Breaks
Breaks and some meals will be provided, as specified in the Agenda.
For further information, contact Dr. Rebecca Dedmond,
Register TODAY - space is limited. Complete the application form on the freshmantransition.org website.
CONFERENCE AGENDA
Subject to change, based on team reported needs
Day ONE Thursday, July 26th
1:00 p.m.Welcome, Introductions and Conference Overview
Background of The George Washington University Freshman Transition Initiative
What makes The George Washington University Initiative unique?
Benefits of Freshman Transition
Anticipated Conference Outcomes
2:00 p.m.Step ONE of The Ten Steps to Freshman Transition
3:00 p.m.Break and Refreshments
3:15 p.m.Step TWO of The Ten Steps to Freshman Transition
4:15 p.m.Step THREE of The Ten Steps to Freshman Transition
5:15 p.m.Team Working Time. Evening on your own.
Conference facilitators will be available to meet with teams, upon request
Day TWO Friday, July 27th
8:30 a.m.Where are we? Questions and Answers?
9:00 a.m.Step FOUR of The Ten Steps
10:00 a.m.Step FIVE of The Ten Steps
11:00 a.m. Break; light snack
11:15 a.m.Step SIX of The Ten Steps
12:15 Light lunch and Networking Opportunity
1:15 p.m.Step SEVEN of The Ten Steps
2:30 p.m.Break; light snack and Networking Time
3:00 p.m.Step EIGHT of The Ten Steps
4:00 p.m.Plenary Session
4:45 p.m.Team Working Time
Geographical Research
Conference facilitators available for individual team consultation
Day THREE Saturday, July 28th
8:00 a.m.Conference facilitators for individual team consultation
8:30 a.m.Round Table Sessions and Coffee with the Curriculum Providers. Talk with representatives who have correlated curriculum and tools to the Freshman Transition Standards. Learn what has worked in countries across the country
9:30 a.m.Step NINE of The Ten Steps
10:30 a.m.Break; light refreshments
10:45 a.m.Step TEN of The Ten Steps
11:45 a.m.Team Reporting --- Team Sharing
12:30 p.m.Adjourn