Empowering Leaders' Symposium 2026

How can leaders use new flexibility around student growth measures to ensure continuous instructional improvement

How can leaders use new flexibility around student growth measures to ensure continuous instructional improvement

How can leaders use new flexibility around student growth measures to ensure continuous instructional improvement

How much technology is too much, and how do we ensure it truly enhances learning? As HCPS addresses growing concerns around screen time and digital distraction, this session marks the official launch of the PK–12 Framework for Purposeful and Balanced Technology Use for the 2026–2027 school year.

Grounded in research, this session introduces divisionwide expectations for digital citizenship, AI guidance, and academic integrity. To support this framework, leaders will also prepare for the divisionwide rollout of Securly Classroom. Participants will explore the Securly suite—including Classroom, Filter, and Home—and develop leadership strategies for staff communication and family support.

Key Takeaways:

Clarity: Understand the new grade-level expectations for balanced technology use.
Consistency: Gain tools to reduce digital distraction and strengthen student engagement.
Implementation: Leave with a concrete roadmap for a successful rollout of Securly and the HCPS framework.

When ESL and content teachers collaborate effectively, the classroom transforms into a powerhouse for student achievement. School leaders must move beyond simply scheduling collaboration; they must strategically lead co-planning pairs for maximum impact. This session will help you examine effective structures for collaboration between general education and LIEP teachers and introduce observation tools for co-teaching. We will clarify the distinct roles at the planning table: the content teacher provides the rigor of the standards, and the ESL teacher provides the linguistic pathways to achieve them. Learn how to ensure your teams seamlessly merge WIDA Language Expectations with Core Content Standards to create a single, cohesive lesson. Finally, we will discuss creative administrative solutions for the greatest challenge—securing and protecting shared planning time as a non-negotiable for multilingual learner success.

When ESL and content teachers collaborate effectively, the classroom transforms into a powerhouse for student achievement. School leaders must move beyond simply scheduling collaboration; they must strategically lead co-planning pairs for maximum impact. This session will help you examine effective structures for collaboration between general education and LIEP teachers and introduce observation tools for co-teaching. We will clarify the distinct roles at the planning table: the content teacher provides the rigor of the standards, and the ESL teacher provides the linguistic pathways to achieve them. Learn how to ensure your teams seamlessly merge WIDA Language Expectations with Core Content Standards to create a single, cohesive lesson. Finally, we will discuss creative administrative solutions for the greatest challenge—securing and protecting shared planning time as a non-negotiable for multilingual learner success.