SREB Holds One of the Nation’s Largest School Improvement Conferences

SREB's 20th Annual Staff Development Conference ran from July 12-15 and brought together many educators from schools that have joined SREB's High Schools That Work and Making Middle Grades Work programs, which form the nation's largest school improvement network and now reach schools in 32 states. Many other educators and experts on education also attended the meeting to seek training and to share best practices. The event was held at the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort & Convention Center.

This year's conference theme was, “Leading Change to Make Rigor, Relevance and Relationships a Reality.” Sessions focused on many topics, including ways to help schools provide more rigorous academics, relevant teaching in career courses and traditional academic classes, strong relationships between educators and students, and the responsibility of schools, students and their families to raise achievement. Leaders in several states are using HSTW and MMGW as models for improving schools required to make progress under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

SREB President Dave Spence, SREB Senior Vice President Gene Bottoms and other school improvement experts spoke at this year's conference. For more information about the event or about HSTW and MMGW, contact SREB Communications. More details are online at www.sreb.org.