The Challenge Success 2024 Fall Conference at Bentley University: Full Schedule

Join us this fall to learn research-based, equity-centered strategies to increase well-being, enhance belonging, and deepen engagement for students in your community. Don’t miss this professional development conference for K-12 educators and school partner teams. You will connect with fellow educators, experts, and thought leaders who are transforming the student experience in K-12 schools across the country, deepen your professional learning, and leave inspired and empowered with concrete strategies for your K-12 school community.

Workshops marked with a ⭐ are student-friendly.

9:45am EDT

Pedagogy that Engages: Tools to Increase Motivation, Joy, and Deeper Learning

Saturday September 28, 2024 9:45am - 11:00am EDT

Jennison 315

We know that students learn better and retain more information when they are genuinely engaged in classroom lessons. This workshop will examine the recent research behind student engagement and explore ways to rethink your curricula to foster deeper learning and increase student joy and motivation to learn.

Presenters

Margaret Dunlap

Senior School Design Partner, Transformative Coaching & Leadership, Challenge Success

Margaret Dunlap, M.A., is the Senior School Design Partner for Challenge Success. With a background spanning over 35 years, she has held multifaceted roles in education leadership, coaching, and program management. She supports schools in transformative reform endeavors, championing... Read More →

Kimberly Tsai Cawkwell

Director of Programs, Challenge Success

Kimberly Tsai Cawkwell, M.Ed., A proud first-generation Taiwanese American, mother, educator, and creative, Kimberly Tsai Cawkwell has served over thirteen years in the education ecosystem. As a current Director of Programs at Challenge Success and Educational Leadership Advisor at... Read More →

Saturday September 28, 2024 9:45am - 11:00am EDT
Jennison 315

11:15am EDT

Capable Kids: A Strengths-Based Approach to Executive Functioning in the Classroom and at Home ⭐

Saturday September 28, 2024 11:15am - 12:30pm EDT

Jennison 315

In this session, we’ll explore strategies for nurturing a child's executive functioning development at school and home, including specifics for neurodivergent and gifted learners. We will cover what executive functioning skills are; how those skills connect to learning, sleep, well-being, and school success; and delve into related research. We will also explore what to do when expectations aren’t developmentally-appropriate for some learners, and the benefits of a strengths-based approach to increasing student engagement

Presenters

Caitlin Greer Meister

Founder, The Greer Meister Group

Caitlin Greer Meister is a specialist in strengths-based learning, executive functioning, and neurodiversity-affirming practices. She is also a mom of two. Caitlin is Orton-Gillingham trained and holds a certificate in Instructional Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.Through... Read More →

Saturday September 28, 2024 11:15am - 12:30pm EDT
Jennison 315

1:30pm EDT

Reframing Assessment

Saturday September 28, 2024 1:30pm - 2:05pm EDT

Jennison 315

The term "assessment" traces its roots to the French verb "s’asseoir," meaning "to sit," reflecting the original intent of a teacher and learner sitting together to discuss what is possible to learn, design, and create. In this workshop, participants will explore stories and student examples that illustrate how reimagining assessment can focus on potential and future growth. This approach fosters a sense of agency in both students and teachers, empowering them to think and operate differently while cultivating an engaging and dynamic learning environment.

Presenters

Tom Thorpe

Founder and Director, The REDI Lab

Tom Thorpe is the founder and Director of the REDI Lab @ Colorado Academy (research entrepreneurship, design, and inquiry). A facilitator at national and international conferences and for schools, organizations, and companies across the globe, Tom brings the art of storytelling to... Read More →

Saturday September 28, 2024 1:30pm - 2:05pm EDT
Jennison 315