2023 SSTAGE Fall Conference
"Improving Student Outcomes through the Science of Reading, Executive Function, and Educators' Super Power"
September 13, 2023
Anderson Conference Center, Macon, GA
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Featuring:
Dr. Gene Kerns
(Author of Literacy Reframed/Thought Leader/VP & Chief Academic Officer-Renaissance Learning)
Sucheta Kamath
(Speech-language pathologist/TEDx speaker/founder of ExQ® - innovating the world of learning how to learn.)
Dr. Jennifer Lindstrom
(Statewide Dyslexia Coordinator—Georgia Department of Education)
Dr. Roberta Scott
(Vice President for National Partnerships - RethinkED)
About the Conference:
The conference will include presentations that impact MTSS and address the current research on the Science of Reading as the most effective method of informing educators of how proficient reading and writing can be developed; assessing and teaching reading PreK-12; and improving student outcomes through scientifically backed prevention and intervention of reading and writing issues. Featured speakers will discuss Georgia’s new Dyslexia Rule and provide status updates on pilot districts; the Science of Learning and the role of Executive Function in literacy development; and tapping the “Super Power” educators have on student outcomes in school.
About the Presenters:
- Dr. Gene Kerns is a third-generation educator with teaching experience from elementary through the university level and K-12 administrative experience. He currently serves as Vice President and Chief Academic Officer of Renaissance Learning. With more than 20 years of experience in leading staff development and speaking at national and international conferences including South by Southwest (SxSW) EDU, London’s Westminster Education Forum, the ASU/Global Silicon Valley (SGV) Summit, the 42nd Annual Mexico TESOL Conference, and the Global Education Technology Forum of China. His former clients include administrators’ associations across the country and the Ministry of Education of Singapore. Gene received his Bachelor's degree and Master's degree from Longwood College in Virginia, and also holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from the University of Delaware with an emphasis in Education Leadership. His most recent work has been focused on assessment and literacy. His first book, inFormative Assessment: When It’s Not About a Grade is published by Corwin Press in both English and Arabic. His second book, Unlocking Student Talent, was released by Teachers College Press in December of 2017. This newest book, Literacy Reframed, was released in 2021 through Solution Tree.
- Sucheta Kamath is an award-winning speech-language pathologist, TEDx speaker, Leadership Atlanta Alumna, and an ed-tech entrepreneur whose new Executive Function training software ExQ® is innovating the world of learning how to learn. Sucheta Kamath is the founder of ExQ®, a patented research-informed system designed to enhance executive function through game-based personalized training. The exclusive ExQ® curriculum prompts thinking to ignite processes essential for academic, emotional, and social well-being. Through the strengthening of executive functioning, ExQ® develops skills core to your student’s success in academics, in sports, in the arts, and in relationships. Sucheta’s program of interactive games teaches students to learn HOW to learn, empowering the whole child to achieve their maximum potential in school, at home, and in life, and do it with all they’ve got.
- Dr. Roberta Scott is a distinguished passionate educator with 20 years of expertise in administration, counseling, leadership, and teaching. She is the new Vice President for National Partnerships – RethinkED. Dr. Scott has successfully educated and empowered students to succeed despite their obstacles. Dr. Scott previously served as the Director of Social/Emotional Learning & Student Discipline department in Houston Independent School District, the 7th largest school district in the nation. The opportunity for her to lead this work in efforts to dismantle the school to prison pipeline and build better lives for students affected by mental illness is gratifying. She has experience working with districts across the country, where she supports emotional, psychological, and the social needs via Multi-Tiered Systems of Support to decrease disproportionality amongst black and brown students and increase academic performance at K-16.
- Dr. Jennifer Lindstrom joined the Teaching and Learning team at GaDOE in September 2021 as the Statewide Dyslexia Coordinator to assist our state as we lift awareness of dyslexia and create stronger, evidence-based supports fr students who are experiencing difficulties while learning to read and write. Dr. Lindstrom’s leadership and guidance will ensure that our students get the “best of the best” from our teachers and schools. Prior to coming the GaDOE, Dr. Lindstrom served as Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Special Education, and as Adjunct Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Georgia. While at UGA, Dr. Lindstrom directed ongoing research focusing on the causes and treatment of dyslexia and other learning disabilities, issues surrounding the provision of accommodations to individuals with dyslexia and other learning disabilities, early literacy with a focus on teacher training and the use of research-based methodologies for improving student performance, and the relationships between cognitive and linguistic abilities and poor reading and writing development.
Registration Will Include:
- A copy of Dr. Kern's book, Literacy Reframed
- Access to presenter provided resources
- Continental Breakfast, Catered Lunch and Morning and Afternoon Snacks
- SSTAGE Membership for Non-Members ($75-Annual Membership)
Tentative Agenda:
7:30-8:20 Registration, Breakfast, and Visit Exhibit Area
8:20-8:30 Welcome by SSTAGE Executive Director & President
8:30-9:15 SESSION I – Sucheta Kamath - The Foundation of Learning: Executive Function
9:20-10:35 SESSION II – Dr. Jennifer Lindstrom - The Dyslexia Rule and Updates
10:35-10:50 BREAK – Exhibit Area OPEN
10:50-12:05 SESSION III – Dr. Gene Kerns - The Science of Reading (PreK-12)
12:05-1:00 LUNCH (Served on Site) – Visit Sponsors/Vendors
1:00-2:00 SESSION IV – Dr. Roberta Scott - Tapping Your Educator "Super" Power
2:00-2:15 BREAK – Exhibit Area OPEN
2:15-4:00 SESSION V – Dr. Gene Kerns - The Science of Reading (PreK-12)
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Rates:
Sponsorship Levels:
Bronze level ($500) includes:
· Your company name in the program
· Exhibit space
Silver level ($750) – All of the above plus:
· Your company logo in the program
Gold level ($1000) - All of the above plus:
· SSTAGE’s appreciation expressed during lunch
Platinum level ($2000) - All of the above plus:
· Full page ad in the program
Diamond level ($5000) – All of the above plus:
· A year-long link to your company from the SSTAGE homepage
Exhibit space ONLY
($350) Includes an exhibit table with two chairs. Please note that there will be no designated exhibition time built into the one-day conference schedule. There are 15-minute breaks between sessions/workshops and the exhibit tables will be located in the main lobby and registration area.
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SSTAGE Cancellation Policy:
To cancel participation for an event, SSTAGE must receive written notice (email jwhitehead@gael.org) seven calendar days prior to the scheduled workshop/conference. An administrative fee of $25.00 will be charged for cancellations. Requests for a refund must be received in writing at least seven calendar days prior to the start of the conference and must be addressed to jwhitehead@gael.org. SSTAGE encourages participants to find a substitute. Replacements will be welcome, and there will be no charge to transfer a registration to a colleague for the event. Advance notice of replacements is preferred. If an individual registers and does not attend the event, he/she will be marked as a "no show" and the full conference fees shall apply. Registrants are responsible for payment. Refunds will not be made for “no shows”. Refunds and reimbursements will not be transferable to other workshops or conferences. In the event of inclement weather which may impede or prevent conference attendance, or which may give cause to fully cancel the conference, a credit will be provided to the registrant or school/system. Refunds will not be made for conference cancellations due to COVID-19, severe weather or weather events which may cause the conference to cancel. SSTAGE is not responsible for United States Postal Service mail or electronic mail failures.
Registration for this event is closed.