UT Permian Basin's West Texas Principal Center will host the Summer Leadership Institute July 30. The institute seeks to refresh and recharge area educators as they head into the 2008-2009 school year. The event targets school district administrators, campus leaders, teachers and curriculum leaders, and superintendents.

WTPC Director Anita Absher said the institute's goal is to creatively and courageously propel teaching and learning for thePermian Basin. We are coming together to address student achievement and college preparation by focusing on instruction and curriculum issues, based on recommendations from the grant's Advisory Council of Superintendents and school leaders. The institute also has a strong legal strand as recognized university school law professors will address topics of their specialty. 

Absher, who worked as a teacher and principal for ECISD before coming to UTPB, said demands on educators continue to escalate with significant challenges of improving student academic success, dropout prevention, building meaningful relationships with students and parents, and working with at-risk populations.

"Nationally recognized educator William Kritsonis  said, 'great leaders impart a sense of the extraordinary, so that learning becomes a continuous adventure.' " Absher said. "I believe that as we empower leaders we will transform education in thePermian Basin. There is strength in working together. The speakers we're bringing in have had significant impact in their schools or expertise in school improvement and legal challenges, and we're going to tap into their wisdom."

Focus Sessions:

• Sam Zigrossi, Program Director for Charles A. Dana Center, UT Austin, "It is not a secret on how to increase student achievement: Can we do it is the question?"
  
• Hector Montenegro, Arlington Superintendent, past Ysletta Superintendent, "Motivating and transforming our youth for college success."
  

Breakout Sessions:

• Lawrence Lee Oldaker, University of Alaska Southeast, "Role of principal in free speech challenges"
  
• Martha McCarthy, Indiana University, "Teacher and student expression issues"
  
• Laura Rothstein, University of Louisville, "Special education law, likely changes and the implications"
  
• David Thompson, UT San Antonio, "Religious anti-discrimination act: Impact on  your students and practice"
  
• Sylvester Perez, MISD Superintendent, "Children of Promise, addressing the needs of at-risk youth"
  
• Greg Nelson, Fort Stockton High School Principal, "Road to Exemplary: Transforming a low-performing high school"
  
• Denise Shetter, ECISD Bowie Junior High Principal, "Data paves the way for student success"
  
• Patricia Bennett, Coahoma Elementary Principal, "Effective, out of the box initiatives to impact student achievement"
  
• Sam Zigrossi, Dana Center, "How the TEKS lead to rigor when interpreted as intended"
  

The WTPC Summer Leadership Institute will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 30 at Crossroads Fellowship Church,U.S. Hwy. 191 & Billy Hext Road. Registration before July 15 is $25. After July 15, registration is $35. Lunch is included. To register of for more information, contact Amanda Overby at 552-2120.

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