Social media highlights bevy
of topics at Summer Institute

By: Lew Armistead

(A photo from our 2009 Summer Leadership Institute.)

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From common sense leadership to cyber bullying to reducing dropout rates, to social media there will be much to attract principals attending the ninth annual Summer Leadership Institute July 11-14 in California.

With a theme of “Strengthening Education’s Future by Strengthening Education’s Leaders,” the four-day event will bring together almost 600 public high school principals to learn from some of the nation’s top speakers, share ideas with each other and relax. The Institute is underwritten by the Union Pacific Foundation.

In addition to three general sessions, participants will be able to select from approximately 20 Information Sessions. There will also be two team meetings and a Big Topic Exchange.

“ We are incorporating several social media topics into the Institute this year in response to new issues facing public school principals,” said Jim Garvin, senior consultant, The Principals’ Partnership. “There are a number of sessions on social media and team meetings will focus on these issues.”

Additionally, participants will be asked “What are your most immediate leadership needs in managing social media applications in your school?” in the annual Summer Institute Poll. Responses will be reported on The Partnership Web site after the Institute.

The Big Topic Exchange will be held Monday afternoon allowing principals to meet with colleagues from schools of similar size to discuss four current issues. Topics are—

• The 9th Grade Year: Program, Problems and Possibilities;
• Providing quality student support services while facing the economic   downturn;
• STEM: How do you manage an effective program that ensures success for all   students?; and
• The Social Media Explosion: The Principal's Role in this Learning Curve.

After the Tuesday morning general session, principals will be able to select three of about 20 information sessions, including—

• Leadership and Common Sense;
• Social Media: Issues and Opportunities for Educators;
• Cyber Bullying/Cyber Sexting;
• Implementing an Effective Schoolwide Literacy Action Plan;
• Establishing Relationships: The Key to Reducing Dropout Rates
• Creating a Culture of Success;
• What Leaders Need to Know about the Brain; and much more.

Union Pacific personnel will present two sessions—

• The Union Pacific Recruitment Program, where principals can learn about   employment opportunities for their graduates, and
• Operation Lifesaver, a public service program to reduce collisions at railroad   crossings.

 

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