The one-day workshop provides an important and cogent program on education law and policy for the unique audience of building administrators and central office staff. Education law varies by state and by court jurisdiction and continues to change. It is imperative that school leaders receive updates on school law and an opportunity to hear the latest school administrator issues regarding state and federal regulations. Participants will have an opportunity to receive information on what was passed in the 2009 General Assembly Session that will impact all school administrators. In addition, legal aspects of staff supervision and evaluation and student discipline are addressed. Registration deadline: February 24, 2009

The 83rd annual convention of the Virginia Student Councils Association is an excellent leadership learning opportunity for all school leaders at every school level (K-12). Over 600 students annually participate in leadership focused workshops, seminars, and training sessions that provide experiences in leadership and opportunities to practice the citizenship skills necessary for effective participation in our democratic society. Nationally recognized speakers and key local leaders address convention participants. Students will be energized and better prepared to actively engage others in their own school for a more effective SCA. Registration deadline: March 6, 2009

School secretaries at every level are essential to a principal’s success and the positive climate of every school. This conference will provide the school secretary with valuable resources focused on such important topics as time management, organizational skills, and decision making. Featured speakers will provide strategies that help the school secretary positively impact school administration. This conference has recognized the value of the school secretary since 1986. Registration deadline: March 12, 2009

Breaking Ranks (BRII) training is a two-day session that will prepare participants to lead change within their building. Participants engage in a discussion focused on systemic reform with the proven tools to improve student performance through the recommendations in the nationally renowned Breaking Ranks II™: Strategies for Leading High School Reform. This training is suited well for individuals and school teams. Your team will leave with a multi-tiered approach to beginning reform in your school. Participants may receive three (3) hours of graduate credit through Lynchburg College. Registration deadline: March 18, 2009

Breaking Ranks in the Middle (BRIM) training is a two-day workshop that will prepare participants to lead change within their building.Participants engage in a discussion focused on systemic reform with the proven tools to improve student performance through the recommendations in Breaking Ranks in the Middle™. This training is suited well for individuals and school teams. Your team will leave with a multi-tiered approach to beginning reform in your school. Participants may receive three (3) hours of graduate credit through Lynchburg College. Registration deadline: April 8, 2009

Principals understand that assessment of student performance is integral in the planning, implementation, assessment, and revision of instruction. Data literacy also implies that the educator must be able to determine whether or not an assessment is a valid and reliable measure of what is being taught and to know what types of assessments are appropriate for division level vs. classroom or individual student level planning. The focus of this workshop is on the application of data to set goals, identify priorities, make informed instructional decisions, and drive decisions throughout the school year. Registration deadline: April 8, 2009

The four-day, flagship conference, co-sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education since 1927, provides middle and high school principals and assistant principals with opportunities to interact with DOE staff and be informed of state education priorities, new policies, and required administrative procedures for implementation. The conference features “best practices” that have been implemented in successful schools and provides general session speakers on the cutting edge of instructional leadership and public policy. A pre-conference School Law Clinic is featured. The participants may receive one (1) to three (3) hours of graduate credit through Virginia Commonwealth University. Registration deadline: June 18, 2009