Up Close: A Head Start On The Magazine's Theme

Conferences, institutes, meet-ups, workshops, TED talks — whatever the event, you’re sure to walk away with new ideas and information. While serendipity brings amazing connections and unexpected possibilities, goal setting and planning lay the groundwork for a productive learning experience. The questions below will help individuals or learning teams prepare for a learning event. Use or adapt these questions to suit a particular context or type of learning experience, whether virtual, face-to-face, short-term, or ongoing. Learning Experience Why did I/my team sign up for this experience? What specific learning goals will this experience help me/us accomplish? What data or information will help me/us be optimally prepared for this learning experience? How can I/we put ourselves in the best frame of mind for intentional learning through

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What’s new, what’s next

Over the last couple of years, Learning Forward has introduced new formats and learning designs to broaden the options for conference attendees. At this year’s Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., you can try:

Networking sessions

Take advantage of networking opportunities to meet up with colleagues facing similar challenges in job-alike and special interest sessions.

Sessions are available for principals and assistant principals, superintendents, and educators from the 50 largest school districts in the nation.

FastForward

Attend these fast-paced, concise presentations, also known as PechaKucha, Ignite, or Bytes. Each presentation includes 20 slides at 20 seconds each. Stop in for some or all of the presentations.

Technology Showcase and Smart Choices Experience

Experience vendor demonstrations in the Exhibit Hall Technology Showcase. Find cutting-edge solutions to your greatest professional learning challenges. Explore the latest in tools, resources, and strategies to help develop and support educators in implementation efforts.

Summit sessions

Top off your learning on Wednesday, the last day of the conference, with a summit session. Summit sessions provide a three-hour, in-depth look at topics ranging from leadership to 21st-century skills.

Field trips

Explore the D.C. area with one of three field trips or site visits. Two options take attendees to area schools, while another offers an opportunity to visit Capitol Hill for a policy briefing.

Learning Forward

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Learning Forward is the only professional association devoted exclusively to those who work in educator professional development. We help our members plan, implement, and measure high-quality professional learning so they can achieve success with their systems, schools, and students.

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