CONFERENCE THEMES

NUA’s Teaching for Intelligence: Believe to Achieve Conference’s themes tie to the goals of NUA and provide a platform for educators to discuss diverse topics, all of which are vital to teaching and learning in classrooms and schools.  These broad themes allow presenters to craft their presentations so that they fit the needs of students, teachers, administrators and communities while tying into the goals of NUA.

Assessment, Language Development & Literacy - This theme encompasses the development of language and literacy skills and strategies, including valid assessment techniques, that are needed in the classroom and the real world. Sessions will highlight the role of appropriate and valid assessments, language development, ESL language development, reading comprehension strategies, fluency, phonemic awareness, writing and issues facing teachers in balanced literacy programs. Special attention will be given to the interconnectedness of culture, language and cognition.

Promoting High Intellectual Performance and Enrichment - This theme will highlight some of the latest research on how the brain functions as well as the classroom applications that promote the highest possible intellectual development of all students and/or will examine the ways that educators can enrich and expand their classroom and school so that learning is relevant to the real world while recognizing the culture and background of the student and the community.

Learning Needs of Boys - This theme will explore the special needs of boys, which when met, will allow them to more fully and actively engage in the entire educational process.

Creating Culturally Competent Classrooms - School and community cultures that support academic achievement will be highlighted in this theme.  Presentations will center on supporting diverse cultures in a rich school setting. Here too, special attention will be given to the interconnectedness of culture, language and cognition.

Educator Preparation - This theme will explore innovative strategies for providing teachers, administrators, counselors, and other educators with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions they need to better understand what is necessary for all children to achieve at high levels, and are better able to instill in their students the desire to achieve at high levels. Presentations will highlight successful models of both pre-service and in-service educator training

Leadership and the Challenges of the 21st Century – This theme looks to roles of leadership within a district, a school or a state or county agency in the critical issues of learning and educational reform, high standards and academic performance, advantages and disadvantages of standards-based education, the leader’s role in implementing high academic standards, and strategies for strengthening achievement.