2023 Schools of
the Future
Conference

2023 Conference Tracks

The Schools of the Future Conference explores a wide range of topics and ideas. Conference tracks are offered as a means of illuminating content that is of most interest to attendees.

Early Childhood Learning
Presentations should be geared towards preschool through grade 3 educators and should aim to explore the latest trends and research in the early childhood field. DHS training credit will be awarded to attendees participating in Early Childhood Learning Sessions.

Cognitive Diversity/Learner Variabilities
This track will encompass topics such as learning differences, differentiated and personalized learning, Universal Design for Learning, and other brain science as it applies to making learning accessible to all students.

Project and Place-Based Learning
Sessions in this track should aim to advance PBL practices by exploring the knowledge and skills needed to design, assess, and manage high quality, authentic Project/Inquiry/Problem-Based Learning. Participants are also encouraged to submit proposals that explore culturally relevant teaching and learning practices, as well as immersive learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom environment.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
This track will explore best practices and strategies for effective SEL implementation, while also exploring evidence and research supporting the impact of SEL.

Teaching and Learning with Technology
This track will explore resources and strategies for transforming teaching and learning through communication, information, and technological tools. Sessions for this track should explore and showcase approaches to integrating technology in an effort to promote student empowerment, innovative design, creative communicators, and global contributors.

Computer Science
This track will focus on computer science and computational thinking for all levels of teaching. Presentation topics may include (but are not limited to) classroom practices, cross-curricular integration, physical computing, robotics, cybersecurity, and emerging areas such as artificial intelligence and data science. Alignment to the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) professional development standards for K-12 computing is encouraged.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB)
Sessions in this track should explore how we are addressing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in our schools. This could include examples of learning opportunities that value students’ culture and identity while addressing assumptions about inclusion, belonging and equity.

Leading Schools of the Future (LSOTF)
This track is intended for administrators and school leadership. Proposals should address topics such as institutional transformation strategies, approaches to school renewal, and innovative initiatives.

Effective Educational Practices
This track will encapsulate a wide-range of best-practices in support of effective teaching and learning. This track provides an opportunity for teachers and administrators to showcase their expertise by sharing ideas, skills, and resources in support of effective teaching and learning strategies. Topics may include, but are not limited to, student engagement, school culture and climate, assessment strategies, and innovative practices towards transforming student learning.

Career Technical Education (CTE)
This track will highlight CTE programs, courses, curriculum design and instructional practices being implemented in K-12 schools. Proposals should showcase examples of technical skills being integrated into programs and/or classes that provide the skills, knowledge, and training necessary for students to apply that learning to future careers or educational endeavors.