Eugene's balmy summer weather put the finishing touches on a successful three-day run for the ODE/COSA 2011 Oregon Summer Assessment Institute.

About 550 people attended the conference, "Leading and Planning for Literacy," which was held Aug. 3-5 at the Eugene Hilton. A pre-conference session for Direct Access to Achievement coaches drew about 35 participants. The conference featured several national experts on assessment and instruction, and included more than 20 breakout sessions on related topics. Keynote speakers included Dr. Rick Stiggins, founder of the Portland-based Assessment Training Institute, Dr. Kevin Feldman, an authority on improving content area literacy and student engagement, and Peter Pappas, of Designs for Learning.

Comments from participants included these: "I like having a mix of teachers and administrators there, and then having team time for planning," and, "The sequence of speakers was really good, one seemed to lead into the next."

Nationally-respected University of Oregon professor Jerry Tindal (pictured) was honored with the COSA President's Award at the conference. The award, presented by 2010-11 COSA President Krista Parent, is given annually to honor one individual's oustanding contribution to Oregon education and Oregon school leaders.