Due to the heavy demand for this training, many school leaders were turned away from the first Oregon Association of Secondary School Administrators (OASSA)/COSA conference in February.  Breaking Ranks II has been well received nationally and, based on the evaluations done by the participants in the February training, the conference is a perfect way to gear up for change.

Breaking Ranks II outlines the need for high schools to engage in a change process that will ensure success for every high school student.  The program proposes three sets of recommendations and tools:

• The first set focuses on the development of a professional learning community, wherein leadership throughout the institution refocuses its work on what will successfully support every high school student.
  
  
• The second set focuses on the need to provide every student with meaningful and supportive adult relationships.
  
  
• The third set focuses on the development of personalized learning, where students see their learning as meaningful and relevant, as well as rigorous and challenging, ensuring their success both within and beyond high school.

Together, these recommendations and activities are designed lead to the success of every student, not only those typically served well by the traditional comprehensive high school.

During this two-day professional development session, participants will:

• Deepen their knowledge of the three core areas and seven cornerstone strategies in Breaking Ranks II and apply them to improve student performance in your school.
  
  
• Increase their capacity to engage in collaborative leadership for effective implementation of Breaking Ranks II areas and strategies.
  
  
• Use targeted professional development as a tool to improved student performance
  
  
• Begin building relationships with colleagues that can serve as the basis for networking and support as your school begins Breaking Ranks IITM initiatives.
  

Participants will receive the Breaking Ranks II text published by the National Association of Secondary School Administrators, a three ring binder with materials that support the training activities during the two days, and breakfast and lunch for both days of the conference.  Sessions begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 4 p.m.