What+is+the+unconference?

What is an unconference?
An unconference (or open spaces) is simply a number of meetings happening at the same time. People propose topics there and then, and decide which to go to or host.

Won't it dissolve into chaos?
There's a well-tried system for proposing topics and signing up. People are passionate and responsible. We want to solve problems and discuss ideas--that pulls us through any initial confusion.

Why are we doing this?
The conference committee made a conscious decision this year to balance the perspective of outside speakers with the expertise and enthusiasm of our own membership. The tech directors conferences have been held successfully as unconferences since 2006.

What do I have to do?
Come with ideas you'd like to discuss, problems you'd like to solve and passions you want to share. Either lead a session (you'll find others with the same enthusiasms) or turn up at the door of the room. If you aren't interested in what you hear, it's your responsibility to make it interesting or to get up and go to another room.

Possible topics to discuss (please add your own by using the "edit this page" button and write below the last question!)
20. What type of faculty evaluation procedure do you use and how effective is it? 21. Looking for ways to help lower school faculty write meaningful progress reports. 22. Is anyone using student feedback in the classroom? 23. Do you have an Honor Council? What role does this play in your community? 24. Are cumulative exams useful ways to assess student learning? Do they really serve as preparation for college assessment?
 * 1) What are 21st Century Skills?
 * 2) Are parents getting worse or am I getting older?
 * 3) Do I need a Facebook page? How do I make one?
 * 4) Can I be half-hearted about the Writing Process?
 * 5) Which schools are dropping AP's?
 * 6) Read any good books that have got nothing to do with education?
 * 7) How can teachers use student feedback effectively?
 * 8) Who can teach me Skype?
 * 9) I would love to learn some of the Web 2.0 tools.
 * 10) Who is doing Curriculum Mapping? Let's put together a support group.
 * 11) Does everyone get complaints about the college guidance process?
 * 12) Does anyone else use a 1-6 grading system, or have a mark above A+?
 * 13) How have schools supported the development of Critical Friends Groups?
 * 14) Who has successfully implemented the models of Charlotte Danielson on professional growth?
 * 15) What are ways to help faculty adopt Understanding by Design?
 * 16) Can we have a group meet to discuss ways to shift schools to the band model of faculty compensation?
 * 17) Is there a difference between multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary curriculla?
 * 18) What can elementary schools do about service learning?
 * 19) Have any non-special needs schools created IEP's as a step towards differentiated instruction?