What if writing wasn’t just an assignment—but the way students think, process, and make sense of everything they learn? This session shows how to build a culture of writing where students actively record, analyze, and develop ideas across any content area while taking ownership of their thinking. Participants will experience practical strategies—including the “Deep Dive” note-taking approach—that help students move from passive consumption to meaningful synthesis and expression. Walk away with clear, adaptable practices that turn notebooks into powerful tools for thinking, learning, and authentic academic writing.
This interactive breakout session is for secondary educators committed to building a Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum (GVC) with the identification of Essential Standards in Tier 1. This session will provide some time, space, and collaborative structures around the process of selecting and implementing the use of essential standards. A curriculum is only "guaranteed" if we have collectively agreed upon what is non-negotiable. Having essential standards identified allows us to move towards a more equitable educational landscape, ensuring that a student’s zip code doesn't determine the quality or depth of their core instruction. Participants will engage with colleagues from across the county who are working on building a Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum through Essential Standards. Using structured protocols, this session will provide dedicated time, tools and facilitation to support meaningful dialogue, alignment, and cross district collaboration. Educators will leave with greater clarity on the process of identifying and implementing essential standards and practical next steps for strengthening Tier 1 instruction within their local context. Please bring any materials you have been working on in your district with identifying essential standards.
This professional learning session is designed to empower secondary math teachers with innovative strategies for integrating manipulatives into their math instruction. Participants will explore the use of three specific types of manipulatives—x-y coordinate slide boards, exploragons, and algebra tiles. These tools are chosen for their ability to enhance understanding of complex mathematical concepts and to promote student engagement.
A Homer Middle School 6th grade ELA teacher and a special educator share their multi-year journey of designing and implementing effective Tier 3 literacy intervention for students.
How can PBIS work at the secondary level? This session will include a discussion of different strategies that have worked for us at Homer High School with a focus on the implementation of a Leadership Class to support PBIS initiatives.
The Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC) graduation requirements are intended to be flexible, allowing students to create an individualized diploma pathway. This flexibility is especially important for students who may benefit from waving certain MMC credits with a PC. Ideally, PC teams would use the EDP as a guide, removing unnecessary MMC credits based on unique student needs and post-school plans. This session will review the MMC requirements as needed before digging into the personal curriculum options and suggested use. Participants will also utilize student scenarios to strategize implementation in their local district.
Rashell Bowerman has been an Instructional Consultant with the Michigan Department of Education for over 14 years. As the department’s resident expert on Michigan’s graduation requirements, the Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC), she supports local districts in ensuring that students... Read More →
While early literacy often receives the most attention, reading difficulties—particularly dyslexia—persist and evolve as students transition into middle and high school where the academic focus shifts from "learning to read" to "reading to learn." This session will explore how dyslexia manifests in adolescents through subtle red flags such as slow reading pace, hesitant speech, word-retrieval issues, and difficulty with multi-syllabic terms or foreign languages. We will move beyond common myths to address the academic impact and the emotional toll of "hidden" literacy gaps, while simultaneously highlighting the unique cognitive "Sea of Strengths" these students possess, including high-level conceptualization, big-picture thinking, and sophisticated listening vocabularies. Participants will leave with a curated toolkit to identify struggling learners and implement accommodations that bridge the gap between a student's decoding abilities and their true intellectual potential.
Becki Leskowich, a 5th grade teacher at Homer Middle School, will share her journey to focus instruction on essential standards and to use data to inform whole- and small-group instruction and intervention.
How can PBIS work at the secondary level? This session will include a discussion of different strategies that have worked for us at Homer High School with a focus on the implementation of a Leadership Class to support PBIS initiatives.
The Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC) graduation requirements are intended to be flexible, allowing students to create an individualized diploma pathway. This flexibility is especially important for students who may benefit from waving certain MMC credits with a PC. Ideally, PC teams would use the EDP as a guide, removing unnecessary MMC credits based on unique student needs and post-school plans. This session will review the MMC requirements as needed before digging into the personal curriculum options and suggested use. Participants will also utilize student scenarios to strategize implementation in their local district.
Rashell Bowerman has been an Instructional Consultant with the Michigan Department of Education for over 14 years. As the department’s resident expert on Michigan’s graduation requirements, the Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC), she supports local districts in ensuring that students... Read More →
(This is a repeat from 2025-2026 Calhoun County PD Day)
Transform your classroom into a hub of mathematical thinking and problem-solving! This session explores strategies to create a thinking math classroom where students actively engage, collaborate, and develop deeper conceptual understanding. Learn how to foster curiosity, encourage productive struggle, and implement routines that build critical thinking skills and mathematical confidence in every learner. Technology access will be incorporated to explore resources.
While early literacy often receives the most attention, reading difficulties—particularly dyslexia—persist and evolve as students transition into middle and high school where the academic focus shifts from "learning to read" to "reading to learn." This session will explore how dyslexia manifests in adolescents through subtle red flags such as slow reading pace, hesitant speech, word-retrieval issues, and difficulty with multi-syllabic terms or foreign languages. We will move beyond common myths to address the academic impact and the emotional toll of "hidden" literacy gaps, while simultaneously highlighting the unique cognitive "Sea of Strengths" these students possess, including high-level conceptualization, big-picture thinking, and sophisticated listening vocabularies. Participants will leave with a curated toolkit to identify struggling learners and implement accommodations that bridge the gap between a student's decoding abilities and their true intellectual potential.
What if reading wasn’t about finding answers—but about building meaning? In this immersive session, you’ll experience how using writing and thoughtbooks transforms reading into a process of thinking, connecting, and making sense of ideas across multiple texts. Step into the role of a student and engage in high-impact strategies that move beyond comprehension to true synthesis and insight. Walk away ready to help students think more deeply, make connections, and use writing to clearly articulate their understanding.
Now that you have determined which standards students will need to be proficient in for your course, what do you do next? This session provides guidance for transforming those essential standards into effective instructional and assessment design. You will engage in exploring work around: AI tools to be leveraged in the various steps.
Becki Leskowich, a 5th grade teacher at Homer Middle School, will share her journey to focus instruction on essential standards and to use data to inform whole- and small-group instruction and intervention.
What if reading wasn’t about finding answers—but about building meaning? In this immersive session, you’ll experience how using writing and thoughtbooks transforms reading into a process of thinking, connecting, and making sense of ideas across multiple texts. Step into the role of a student and engage in high-impact strategies that move beyond comprehension to true synthesis and insight. Walk away ready to help students think more deeply, make connections, and use writing to clearly articulate their understanding.
