This is a focused work session for high ability point people to collaboratively align Jacob’s Ladder passages with the CKLA curriculum in preparation for the 2026–27 school year. Participants will work directly with CKLA units to identify, select, and map appropriate Jacob’s Ladder texts and thinking tasks that extend comprehension and support deeper analytical thinking for high-ability learners. The goal of the session is to produce a coherent, usable alignment that can be implemented consistently across classrooms and grade levels. By the end of the session, teams will have completed initial alignment work and established clear next steps to finalize resources for classroom use in 2026–27.
This session provides a practical overview of special education designed specifically for general education teachers. Participants will explore the major disability categories, how students qualify for services, including the exclusionary factors that must be considered during evaluations. The presentation will also clarify the important role general educators play throughout the evaluation process. By the end of the session, teachers will have a clearer understanding of the referral and evaluation process and their role as a member of the multidisciplinary team.
This session will explore the term “high-leverage practice” which has been defined as “practices that are essential to effective teaching and fundamental to supporting student learning. The high-leverage practices (HLPs) are structured around four key domains: Collaboration, Data-Driven Planning, Instruction in Behavior and Academics, and Intensifying and Intervening as Needed. Within each domain are foundational pillars and integrated practices that emphasize inclusive teaching approaches. While HLPs were originally designed for special education teachers, HLPs are designed to support all educators in meeting the needs of every student, which is why this session will help to provide resources available for a range of roles involved in implementing these practices as well as strategies to begin introducing these practices within your classroom.
