'25 MSAA Summer Institute

Step into the world of 90s alternative rock and discover how the raw energy, emotion, and rebellion of the grunge era can inspire innovative school leadership. This session, designed for educational leaders, pairs ten iconic songs with ten transformative leadership lessons. Each track serves as a metaphor for navigating the complexities of school administration, from fostering resilience and student engagement to embracing change and breaking free from outdated practices. Attendees will explore how the rebellious spirit of Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Soundgarden, and other legendary bands aligns with key leadership principles. Let Marty Geoghegan rock out with you in your best flannel to leave feeling energized and ready to tackle the ever-evolving educational landscape. Whether you're a longtime fan of alternative rock or just looking for fresh leadership insights, this session promises a unique and impactful experience. Come as you are, and let's rock the future of education together!

Learn how a new era of innovation in education is here, transforming what leaders, educators, and students can do with Apple products - and what Apple products can do for them. This session is designed to help school leaders and educators navigate how Apple Intelligence fits into their school and learning environments privately and securely. Explore how Apple Intelligence seamlessly integrates into system experiences and apps used every day, and how new tools such as Writing Tools, Image Playground, and Transcripts use personal context to deliver intelligence that's useful and relevant, enhancing productivity and creativity.

Nearly 70% of high school students can't independently read and understand high school-level text. As they observe their students struggle with the assigned reading, teachers feel helpless. They tell their administrators, "I am not a reading teacher!" This presentation will discuss an approach in which administrators guide teachers in the building of a classroom community that enables all students--whether they are three years ahead or 5 years behind--become passionate and skilled readers of advanced text.

Recent research reveals an approach to literacy that can be implemented in all classrooms. Participants in this presentation and simulation will experience actual high school classrooms in which students of all levels enjoy performing readings of complex text, debating interpretations, and writing powerful essays. We will discuss a protocol for classroom observations that fosters a dynamic give-and-take between administrator and teacher as this approach takes root.

An overview of literacy strategies that can be used in any classroom to help close gaps and better prepare students for success in all classes.

Educator evaluation standard II A notes that teachers should "engage all students as active participants; build on students' strengths, interests, cultural backgrounds, and prior knowledge; and facilitate purposeful student-to-student academic discourse..." How can educational leaders support teachers in this endeavor? What simple but powerful strategies can coaches or observers offer that can be implemented immediately to help teachers talk less and make students do more of the cognitive work? This engaging and fast-paced session will provide tools that can nudge teachers in the right direction.

High-quality instructional materials (HQIM) are most effective when implemented skillfully within a supportive environment, but setting up that environment and understanding which materials will best serve a particular classroom or school context can be a challenge. As a state leader in equitable, strategic HQIM initiatives, the Rennie Center is eager to support schools with selecting curricular materials that fit the diversity of learning needs within their community. In this presentation, Rennie staff will describe the steps that school leaders can use to prepare for curriculum implementation, such as setting a shared, data-informed instructional vision. They will also discuss how school leaders can avoid "analysis paralysis" as they investigate new curricula and select materials appropriate for their environment. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how to prepare for and launch a curriculum selection process, maximizing the benefits of HQIM for students and staff.

Far too often we see academic growth in 11th grade, but because students are starting so many years below grade level graduates have permanent math and reading deficits.

Learn how some very special programs has harnessed the power of middle school with immediate impact. Model, personalize and adopt the three tenets (Academic Prep, College Aspiration and College Entry) of academic success, plug skill gaps, scaffold supplemental instruction and increase engagement so your program has measurable impact for six consecutive years.

Students who are above grade level before they start 11th grade can save the world.

Are you considering the leap into district leadership? Wondering what it really takes to thrive as an Assistant Superintendent? Join us for an interactive and candid workshop designed for aspiring Assistant Superintendents, facilitated by experienced members of the M.A.S.S. Assistant Superintendent Working Group (A.S.W.G.).

This dynamic session will provide:

✅ Insider insights into the expectations, challenges, and rewards of the Assistant Superintendent role
✅ Essential resources to help you successfully navigate your first year
✅ A sneak peek at the upcoming Aspiring Assistant Superintendent Seminar launching in the 2025-2026 school year
✅ A guided panel discussion where seasoned leaders will share their experiences and answer your burning questions

Whether you're actively preparing for the next step in your career or just exploring the possibilities, this session will equip you with practical knowledge, valuable connections, and the confidence to move forward.

Data the MCAS suggests that some students know more than they show in their open response answers. For other students, open response questions can reveal a lack of deep understanding - an inability to go further up Bloom's taxonomy of thinking or show their thinking. This engaging and fast-paced workshop focuses on helping teachers to help students develop comprehensive and thorough answers to open response questions in mathematics. Participants will learn techniques to get every student involved in thinking and taking responsibility for math learning. There will be a special emphasis on techniques from the amazing book, Building a Thinking Classroom. Also, ideas to help teachers to design and score quick assessments, help teachers review and preview material that help with pacing and ideas to build both number and vocabulary fluency.