2024 MDE Continuous Improvement Conference

In an era where educational initiatives proliferate rapidly, teachers are often burdened with an overwhelming number of programs, tools, and mandates. This presentation explores the concept of de-implementation—intentionally stopping low-value practices—to streamline efforts and enhance the impact of high-value initiatives. Attendees will learn strategies for integrating de-implementation processes into a continuous improvement process, ensuring that school districts can sustain meaningful change without overburdening educators.

Supported Strand: Practice

MODERATOR: Lynn Hogan

BIO:  Rebekah Hornak, MA., is an Implementation and Communication Specialist for the National Implementation Research Network (NIRN) at the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute located at UNC at Chapel Hill.  Her current roles include SISEP Center Director, K-12 Portfolio Lead, and Principal Investigator.  Hornak’s current projects beyond the SISEP Center includes the Effective Implementation Cohort, New York Math Network, and the Minnesota Department of Education Building Capacity. Her work is focused on supporting K-12 educational agencies across the country utilize implementation science for systemic change and use of evidence-based practices.  Hornak’s previously held experiences include being the executive director of instruction at a regional agency, curriculum director, principal, assistant principal, and teacher at various school districts in Michigan. While at the regional agency in Michigan, she learned to apply implementation science to create a regional coaching system for literacy.

In a rapidly evolving educational landscape, leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) can significantly enhance teaching and learning outcomes. This session will explore how AI can support educators in creating personalized, engaging, and effective learning experiences that bring continuous improvement to life. Participants will gain hands-on experience with AI tools and discover practical applications to bring continuous improvement plans off the shelf and into the classroom.

Supported Strand: Practice

MODERATOR: Paul Schummer

In this session, we will explore the strategies available in the Strategy Bank for the literacy essentials Birth – 12 and the Organizational Practices. We will look at practical examples of implementation and you will walk away with easy to implement resources in your districts. You will look at options for data collection in coaching implementation that can be included in your MICIP plans and will assist in adapting practices to maximize results.

Supported Strand: Systems

MODERATOR: Traci Teasley