Virginia State University News June 14, 2012 School Leadership program features top national, state and local educators Virginia State University's (VSU) professional education programs unit is sponsoring the Institute on Innovative/Transformational School Leadership and Teaching for Results on Thursday, June 21 and Friday, June 22, 2012. Featured speakers include VSU's Dr. James Harris; Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Patricia Wright; Mrs. Carolyn Evans, Chief Academic Officer for the Grand Rapids, MI public schools; Dr. Marcus Newsome, Superintendent of Chesterfield County schools; and Mrs. Cheryl Burke, Principal at Chimborazo Elementary School in Richmond. The free event is open to the public and will be held in Colson Auditorium, Harris Hall. Dr. Harris will present key research from his book 10 Essential Strategies for Improving Student Achievement. Dr. Harris is known nationally for his many years of service as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent in four school districts (North Chicago, IL; Buffalo, NY; Inglewood/Los Angeles, CA; and Taylor/Dearborn Heights, MI.); and as a professor at The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI, and Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI. Dr. Harris earned his Undergraduate degree from VSU, his Master's and Ph.D. from The University of Michigan, and his postdoctoral fellowship certifications from Harvard University Kennedy School of Government. He has focused his research on strategies for improving student learning in large urban school districts. In 2011, Dr. joined the faculty in the Doctoral Studies Department at Virginia State University. During her more than 25 years with the Virginia Department of Education and 35 total years in public education, Dr. Patricia I. Wright has worked with many agencies to develop and implement Virginia's standards-based accountability program and statewide system of support for public schools. Before coming to VDOE in 1985, Dr. Wright taught mathematics for 10 years at the secondary and middle school levels in Sussex County and Chesterfield County public schools. As Chief Academic Officer, Mrs. Evans leads all aspects related to curriculum, instructions, and evaluations for the Grand Rapids School District, the second largest school district in Michigan. Mrs. Evans has been a teacher, a highly successful principal and Executive Director for elementary schools in Grand Rapids. She is known for her expertise in the areas of school leadership and educational data review. As chief executive officer of Virginia's fourth-largest school district, Dr. Newsome has implemented creative and innovative initiatives to promote student success. These include preschool education, world languages in elementary schools, algebra for all students during their middle school years and increased enrollment in rigorous courses such as Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, dual enrollment - including a recent agreement with VSU - and career and technical education. At Chimborazo Elementary School, Mrs. Burke fosters a "learner centered" environment, where thinking, learning and creating thrive. Students learn with the support of teachers, parents, community and school partnerships. The conference will include breakout topics such as: New Teacher Evaluation Model for Virginia; Teaching Math and Science STEM/STEAM Focus-Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math; Budget Development & Fiscal Management in tough economic times; Using Technology to Support Instruction; Innovative Software to Support and Accelerate Learning; Transformational School Leadership and Teaching for Results; and Action Research on Instructional Leadership, Finance, Reading, Block Scheduling. The Virginia Department of Education will present a customized training session on the new Virginia Teacher Evaluation Model and Procedures. The training session on teacher evaluation will be most helpful to school administrators and teachers. Lunch will be provided each day and participants can earn Continuing Professional Units. Advance registration deadline is June 18, though walk-up registration may be available. To register, call (804) 524-5924 or e-mail lthomas@vsu.edu. For more information, contact Dr. James Harris at (804) 524-5865 or (734) 818-0479 or via e-mail at jaharris@vsu.edu<mailto:jaharris@vsu.edu>. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-520-0593 Skype:sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree Street NW Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (Lyrasis) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Register now http://www.hbculibraries.org/html/2012meeting-form.html for the October 21-23, 2012 HBCU Library Alliance 5th Membership Meeting and the Photographic Preservation Pre-Conference in New Orleans, LA. The Pre-Conference and Membership meeting are open to directors and other librarians.