Convention at a Glance

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Wednesday, July 30th
8:30 am - 4:00 pm Registration Open
9:00 am - 4:00 pm NDE Program
3:30 pm NARSA Reception
4:30 pm NU Foundation Reception
5:30 pm Exhibitors' Reception
8:00 pm Hospitality Suite Opens
 
Thursday, July 31st
7:00 - 8:00 am Registration Open
8:00 - 8:30 am Welcome and Presentation of NCSA Distinguished Services Award
8:30 - 9:30 am GENERAL SESSION I: Jim Grant
"The Death of Common Sense In Our Schools and What You Can Do About It!
Explore misguided education policies, practices, and fads that defy common sense and logic.  You'll learn how certain policies and practices can make students appear learning disabled.  You'll discover how to identify school policies or practices that are "dead horses."  And, you'll understand how family and societal changes have redefined the role of the principal.  Best of all, Jim shares what action you can take to create lasting change in your school.
9:30 - 10:00 am Break and Bus Transportation
10:00 - 10:45 am Select-a-Session I
10:45 - 11:15 am Break and Bus Transportation
11:15 am - 12:00 noon Select-a-Session II
12:00 noon - 12:15 pm Bus Transportation
12:15 - 1:00 pm Lunch
1:00 - 1:45 pm Ice Cream Social
1:45 - 2:15 pm Introduction of NCSA Executive Board
2:15 - 3:00 pm GENERAL SESSION II: David Walsh
Self discipline is twice as strong a predictor of school success as intelligence.  And it's eroding in our kids.  Powerful cultural messages that scream "More, Fast, Easy, and Fun" are making it difficult for children to learn the skills of self discipline.  The result is a growing epidemic of Discipline Deficit Disorder, or DDD, with symptoms including a culture of disrespect, inability to delay gratification, sense of entitlement, self centeredness and rampant consumerism.  Now, renowned psychologist Dr. David Walsh explains that regaining the ability to Say Yes to No is not only important for our kids' well-being but essential for improving classroom performance and ensuring our country's economic future.  More importantly, Dr. Walsh will describe the grassroots effort taking hold in communities across America.  Ignited by a powerful coalition of education and parent organizations Say Yes to No involves parents, educators, and community leaders in crucial conversations about how to effectively teach children and youth how to say no to themselves so they can be successful in school and life.  Dr. David Walsh is one of the most sought after speakers in America education.  President and founder of the National Institute on Media and the Family in Minneapolis, he is an award winning psychologist, author of nine books and a regular guest on national radio and television.
3:00 - 3:30 pm Break and Bus Transportation
3:30 - 4:15 pm Select-a-Session III
4:15 pm Jostens Reception
5:30 pm Vineyard Tour and Event
7:30 pm Howl at the Moon
 
Friday, August 1st
7:30 - 8:15 am Registration and Morning Coffee
8:15 - 9:00 am Breakfast Buffet
9:00 - 10:00 am GENERAL SESSION III: Harvey Alston
"Be the Best"
Harvey has taken his personal proven message - "Be the Best" to literally millions of people.  His unforgettable words of individual responsibility for achievement have improved spirits, spurred growth, changes lives.  Harvey's powerful, soul-searching presentation uplifts people to a higher standard - to a level where people strive only for the BEST.  As a result of this workshop, participants will learn:  To have the desire to perform better at their employment; To demonstrate ways to be more effective as a good leader; To understand why you should be responsible and ethical in your field; and To take home goals to becoming a better leader.
10:00 - 10:15 am Break
10:15 - 11:15 am GENERAL SESSION IV: Jerry Traylor
"Enjoying the Fruit of our Labor"
This program comes straight from Jerry's heart.  As a third grader, Jerry polished an apple for his teacher because she likewise saw the shine he possessed.  Long before the implementation of Public Law 94.14 mandating integration into the least restrictive classroom setting, this caring teacher helped Jerry get to the core of his unique situation and helped plan the seeds of hope, self-confidence and coping skills.  Because of her caring, the seeds have produced incredible fruit.  This touching program provides an example of how you make a difference every day.  Jerry Traylor will challenge us to look within in discovering the incredible abilities which we all possess.  Each of us are capable of touching our world in a positive manner, if we look beyond what most see, if we look in our hearts and souls rather than looking in the mirror.  Our individual uniqueness need not be a burden which binds us.  It should be a key to greatness.  Jerry shares a pictorial essay of his successful run across America and incredible journey through life!