The 9th Grade Opportunity
Conference Schedule and Resources
Sioux City Convention Center
Sioux City, IA
March 29, 2025
We have changed the breakouts! We have removed Todd’s breakout around the 8 phases and added a discussion time around team dynamics.
Check-In & Breakfast
8:00 - 8:45
Breakfast: Denver scrambled eggs, freshly baked buttermilk biscuits, country sausage gravy, and fresh fruit.
Water, coffee, and soda service throughout the day.
General Session
8:45 - 11:00
THE 9TH GRADE OPPORTUNITY: TRANSFORMING SCHOOLS FROM THE BOTTOM UP
Scott Habeeb walks through the core elements of transforming schools, starting with the ninth grade. He will illustrate the drive and structures that can transform a high school.
Session #1
11:15 - 12:15
ASSESSMENT FOR LEARNING
Scott Habeeb
Scott will queue up ideas about assessment that are practical and insightful. Over a decade ago, Scott started a network of teachers around assessment for learning, and we are all about learning. How do we know if freshmen learned it? How do we assess well?
THE LEVEL TABLE FRAMEWORK
Todd Novak
Todd has spent over 15 years sitting at tables with teams focused on freshman success. He will present a framework that enhances and strengthens the work of the team and their ability to impact freshmen.
Lunch
12:15 - 1:15
SANDWICHES, SOUP, AND SALAD
Sandwiches, ham, roast beef, turkey, assorted cheeses, minestrone, garden fresh salad, Ranch & French dressing
Water, coffee, and soda service throughout the day.
Session #2
1:15 - 2:15
GOING BEYOND THE CONTENT
Scott Habeeb
Scott will talk about using content and creativity to inspire young people during the normal function of a classroom. He has a passion for bringing content and life-application to students.
FIVE TOOLS WORTHY OF YOUR TIME
Todd Novak
One of the most essential resources in schools is time. What structures and training will we deploy to maximize this time? Todd will look at five tools that can transform a gathering into an impactful meeting to great effect in the lives of our freshmen.
Break
2:15 - 2:30
HOMEMADE COOKIES & BROWNIES
Water, coffee, and soda service throughout the day
Session #3
2:30 - 3:30
A PRINCIPAL’S PERSPECTIVE ON TRANSITION: A DISCUSSION
Scott Habeeb
Scott will talk about the many ways a freshman academy can be structured. As an administrator for almost two decades and a presenter and clinician at scores of school districts and conferences, he has unique and creative ways to help schools meet the demands of the budget, the needs of the students, and the opportunity for teachers when a freshman academy is created. There will be a significant time for questions.
A FRESHMAN ACADEMY COORDINATOR’S PERSPECTIVE ON TRANSITION: A DISCUSSION
Todd Novak
This is Todd’s 17th year as a Freshman Academy Coordinator. This will be an opportunity to look at what he has learned about the team dynamics and how they spend time as well as PLC work around content. There will be a significant time for questions.