PDTCA 2025: Full Schedule

The PDTCA Board hopes you have an amazing Convention 2025!
Emergency Procedures Calgary Telus Convention Centre
Emergency Procedures Hyatt
Human Rights Statement
Land Acknowledgement

CALGARY TELUS CONVENTION CENTRE (CTCC) and HYATT - address

Pre-Registration will OPEN February 1, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. and CLOSE February 16, 2025 AT 8:00 p.m.

For Pre-Registered sessions please use the pre-registration link on the pre-registration page at pdtca.org. Adding the session to your Sched schedule does not mean you are pre-registered.

Reason to Create a Profile in Sched
You do not need to create a profile and log in to see sessions in Sched. However, if you want to add yourself to a session to create a schedule or evaluate a session you must be logged in.

Convention at a Glance Link will be available here in Mid-February
Off-Site Addresses are included.

Professional Responsibility
“On the two school days of your assigned teachers’ convention, you have a legal and professional responsibility to attend convention. If you are not able to make it safely to your assigned convention, however, your collective agreement may include impassable roads or inclement weather clauses that you can access. If your collective agreement does not include language specific to road conditions or weather, you may make use of the personal leave clauses of your agreement in most cases. Please be aware that using any of these types of leave may require you to pay substitute costs, forego a portion of your salary and benefits, or report to your school or another work location in your district. Refer to your collective agreement for more information. Should you require any additional information or if you need assistance interpreting your collective agreement, please contact Teacher Employment Services at 1-800-232-7208 or 780-447-9400.”
This information is also found on the Frequently Asked Questions page on the www.ataconventions.ca website. If you have any further questions regarding this, please contact Daniel.Maas@ata.ab.ca.

11:40 MST

Reimagining Assessment (+Assessment in Building Thinking Classrooms) (11:40-14:00)

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40 - 14:00 MST

Macleod Hall E2 - CTCC

Assessment is pivotal to student learning, extending far beyond conventional tests and products. In this session, we'll emphasize its significance, exploring assessment in its broader context. We'll delve into the practical aspects of triangulation—employing diverse assessment methods to gain a holistic view of student progress. Furthermore, we'll equip participants with essential skills for curriculum mapping and share strategies to streamline the assessment process for teachers in grading and reporting while optimizing student learning. Join us for an engaging session that offers a fresh perspective on assessment professional development, promising valuable insights for all attendees.

Why (+Assessment in Building Thinking Classrooms)?
While this session is intended for all teachers, no matter their current practice and experience, it should be a keen interest to those currently engaging in Building Thinking Classrooms and wanting to improve their assessment practices.

Speakers

Landry Forand

Learning Specialist, RVS

Landry Forand (he/him) serves as a Learning Specialist within the Rocky View School Division, where he collaborates with educators, classrooms, and schools spanning from kindergarten to grade 12. With a keen focus on numeracy, assessment practices, and Thinking Classroom pedagogy... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40 - 14:00 MST
Macleod Hall E2 - CTCC

Assessment (TQS 3), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content Intermediate content
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No

09:00 MST

Empowering Educators: Navigating Grading Reform Through Incremental Changes for Student Success

Friday February 21, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 MST

Imperial 5 - HYATT

In the midst of numerous demands on educators' time, adapting teaching practices can be a daunting task. However, we invite educators to embark on a journey toward grading reform success, emphasizing incremental changes and practical strategies. Recognizing the pivotal role grading practices play in shaping student learning experiences, this session is crafted to equip educators with the necessary tools and insights for implementing impactful reforms in their classrooms. Join us as we empower educators to navigate the path toward effective grading practices and enhance student learning outcomes.

Speakers

Shannon Ireland

Field Service Facilitator, Alberta Assessment Consortium

The Alberta Assessment Consortium is a not-for-profit education partner in the province, focused on everyday assessment to support student learning. Our facilitators combine their experience as Alberta teachers and teacher leaders with the expertise of the organization.

Friday February 21, 2025 09:00 - 10:00 MST
Imperial 5 - HYATT Hyatt

Assessment (TQS 3), ECE (Pre K-K), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content General overview for novice learners
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No

10:20 MST

From play to learning: embracing fun and learning together

Friday February 21, 2025 10:20 - 11:20 MST

Imperial 7 - HYATT

Join us for a captivating session, "From Play to Learning: Embracing Fun and Learning Together." Through hands-on activities and discussions, participants will explore how play can serve as a potent tool to teach academic concepts across various subjects. By effectively scaffolding play experiences, educators can ensure that they are not only enjoyable but also educational, aiding students in developing crucial cognitive, social, and emotional skills. Additionally, attendees will learn strategies to foster a positive attitude towards play among students and parents, emphasizing its significance in early childhood development. Don't miss this opportunity to blend fun and learning in your classroom!

Speakers

Andrea Mishio

Teacher

With 17 years of invaluable experience in the education field, Andrea brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. After spending 15 years teaching in a junior high school setting, she now finds herself in the world of early childhood education as a dedicated kindergarten... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 10:20 - 11:20 MST
Imperial 7 - HYATT Hyatt

Assessment (TQS 3), ECE (Pre K-K), Div1 (Gr 1-3)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content General overview for novice learners
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No

10:20 MST

Mapping Your Assessment Plan

Friday February 21, 2025 10:20 - 11:20 MST

Imperial 5 - HYATT

Whether you're a novice educator looking for guidance in creating your assessment plan or a seasoned teacher seeking to optimize your time, this session will equip you with the tools and insights needed to start mapping out a cohesive and impactful assessment plan for the academic year.

Speakers

Shannon Ireland

Field Service Facilitator, Alberta Assessment Consortium

Friday February 21, 2025 10:20 - 11:20 MST
Imperial 5 - HYATT Hyatt

Assessment (TQS 3), ECE (Pre K-K), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content General overview for novice learners
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No

10:20 MST

Struggling to comment

Friday February 21, 2025 10:20 - 11:20 MST

Telus 110 - CTCC

Collaborative workspace - work with peers or self to create Personalized, Meaningful, Curriculum Based Concise comments.
I will show you how to use the Power Teacher Comment bank to save time inputting comments and how to use the smart text features. Then you will have time to try out these features, as well as worktime to create comments specific to you.

Speakers

Barb Olson

I will try anything with enthusiasm, even this event! I am Mother to 2 boys and you can find me watching their sports around Rockyview.

Friday February 21, 2025 10:20 - 11:20 MST
Telus 110 - CTCC

Assessment (TQS 3), ECE (Pre K-K), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content Intermediate content
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No

10:20 MST

Student Self-Marking as Formative Assessment

Friday February 21, 2025 10:20 - 11:20 MST

Telus 106 - CTCC

This presentation is an overview of an action research project on the effects of having students mark their own formative quizzes upon their level of metacognition, attitude and academic achievement. In addition, the reliability of student self-grading, and the potential benefits upon the instructor’s time were also evaluated. Come to this session to hear about how this action research was conducted and the takeaways from this project.

Speakers

Tyler Buchan

Tyler Buchan is a teacher at Salisbury Composite High School in Sherwood Park, Alberta. He has taught science for over 15 years at schools in Alberta, Burkina Faso and Jamaica. He has degrees in Education and Arts from the University of Alberta, and a Master’s of Science in Science... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 10:20 - 11:20 MST
Telus 106 - CTCC

Assessment (TQS 3), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content General overview for novice learners
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No

10:20 MST

Outcome-based Assessment in High School Physics (10:20-12:40)

Friday February 21, 2025 10:20 - 12:40 MST

Glen 204 - CTCC

In this session, participants will engage in practical discussions regarding classroom assessment using Rockyview Schools outcomes for Physics 20/30. Topics include: discussing challenges with this approach to assessment, providing possible solutions, and sharing strategies and resources with other teachers.

Speakers

Kristina Wasyleczko

Teacher, Rocky View Schools

Kristina Wasyleczko is a high school physics and science teacher who is dedicated to a student-centered, rich learning environment. She values and encourages students' deeper understanding through intentional pedagogy and thoughtful assessment.

David Moore

Learning Specialist, Rocky View Schools

David Moore is a high school math and physics teacher teacher. He is a learning specialist with Rocky View Schools with a focus on outcome-based assessment.

Friday February 21, 2025 10:20 - 12:40 MST
Glen 204 - CTCC Calgary Telus Convention Centre

Assessment (TQS 3), Div4 (Gr 10-12)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content Intermediate content
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No

11:40 MST

Beyond the Red Pen: Making humanities marking manageable

Friday February 21, 2025 11:40 - 12:40 MST

Imperial 2 - HYATT

Come and see the session that was so popular last year we got in trouble for breaking fire code! This session will provide participants with a variety of strategies for managing the often onerous marking load of a humanities teacher in Jr. or Sr. High. The advice presented will move beyond generic time management and organization and focus on specific tips and pointers that can be easily incorporated into any teacher’s assessment practice. Information is based on lived classroom experience and will be presented in a light-hearted and down-to-earth manner.

Speakers

Greg Overguard

Teacher, Rocky View Schools

Greg Overguard is an avid lover of Coke and Doritos, and a high school social studies teacher with Rocky View Schools with 15+ years of classroom experience. He holds a Master's degree in Social Studies Curriculum and Pedagogy and has led many professional learning sessions and activities... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 11:40 - 12:40 MST
Imperial 2 - HYATT Hyatt

Assessment (TQS 3), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content Intermediate content
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No

13:00 MST

Using AI to Generate Effective and Personalized Assessments that are Aligned to Curriculum

Friday February 21, 2025 13:00 - 14:00 MST

Imperial 5 - HYATT

With the increasing demand for personalized learning experiences and the need to align assessments with curriculum objectives, AI presents a powerful solution. This session offers valuable insights and practical strategies to incorporate AI into your educational toolkit. Join us as we explore the frontier of assessment innovation and discover how AI can help you create effective and fair student assessments. This session is designed for teachers who are not yet using AI to create classroom assessments and want to learn practical tips and strategies to get started.

Speakers

Shannon Ireland

Field Service Facilitator, Alberta Assessment Consortium

Friday February 21, 2025 13:00 - 14:00 MST
Imperial 5 - HYATT Hyatt

Assessment (TQS 3), ECE (Pre K-K), Div1 (Gr 1-3), Div2 (Gr 4-6), Div3 (Gr 7-9), Div4 (Gr 10-12)

Session has participant fee No
Level of content General overview for novice learners
Presentation Language English
Is Pre-registration required No