NNPS is changing its conference schedule to conduct one Leadership Development Conference each fall, starting October 18-19, 2005. Instead of a spring conference, NNPS will conduct a District Leadership Institute for district facilitators in the start-up phase of program development. The change is in response to NNPS research and exemplary practice by NNPS award winners indicating that strong district leadership is crucial for the work and progress of schools' Action Teams for Partnerships.
The Fall Leadership Development Conference is open to all new and experienced school, district, state, and organization members of NNPS. The agenda includes an all-day session and targeted follow-up workshops to prepare new leaders. The conference also includes many concurrent sessions to advance the skills of experienced NNPS members.
By attending one national conference in the fall, schools, districts, states, and organizations in NNPS will be able to use the school year to establish district leadership, identify and train school teams, write One-Year Action Plans for the next school year, evaluate their present practices, and plan for improvements. In addition, District Leadership Institutes will zero in on key leadership skills that district leaders need to establish successful district-level and school-based programs (see District Leadership Campaign).