5th Annual National Effective Schools Conference

The 5th Annual National Effective Schools Conference sponsored by the University of Oklahoma OUTREACH Center for Effective Schools was held June 11-13, 2007 in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Through the presentations and workshops issues inherent to raising student achievement were explored, particularly as they related to the Effective Schools process. The relationship between the goals of school improvement and Effective Schools Correlates provided a common thread among the diverse general and concurrent sessions thus reinforcing their powerful messages. Sessions demonstrated the application of scientifically-based research practices and strategies which have resulted in higher student achievement.

The conference emphasized the formal and informal interaction of attendees with distinguished lecturers and presenters as they reported on successful applications and recent research pertinent to the Effective Schools process. This interaction brought many opportunities for strengthening educator networks across school districts and state agencies.

Key presenters of the conference included:

• Keith Lowry
  President/CEO of Keith Lowry Seminars, Inc., has been teaching and training in wide variety of settings for over 25 years. His extensive experience in "dealing with difficult people" provided insight participants could take back and put to use immediately.
• Keith Ballard
  Chief Executive Officer of the Oklahoma State School Board Association and a national leader in school reform focused on the school board's role in student achievement.
• Ben Birdsell
  Founder and President of the Association for Effective Schools, Inc.,concentrated on the Effective Schools model and how successful implementation raised student achievement in schools.
• Lisa McLaughlin
  Assistant Superintendent of the Western Heights School District in Oklahoma City, OK, introduced a new technology-based approach to data-driven decision making and continuous school improvement.