High AIMS | Programs

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Innovation

Innovation is the implementation of creativity. The High Aims Consortium believes that all students can learn. Sometimes educators have to disrupt the traditional instructional practices in order for all students to experience success. Innovation is part of the personalized learning practice put in place.

Innovation includes risk taking within safe environments, curiosity, creativity, discovery, problem solving, communication, personalized learning, ownership, and accountability.

Innovative Thinking – Thomas Jefferson said, “I never failed, I only found 10,000 ways that work.”

Strategies that Model Innovative Thinking:

Practice CREATIVE Thinking
Embrace REFLECTIVE Thinking
Develop STRATEGIC Thinking
Engage in COLLABORATIVE Thinking
Activate BIG PICTURE Thinking
Believe in POSSIBILITY Thinking
Don’t neglect PURPOSEFUL Thinking

Leadership

The High Aims Consortium believes in promoting leaders that are optimistic, inspiring, support and facilitate collaborative practices, have integrity, display confidence, are decisive, and communicate the vision.

High Aims Superintendents and educators are TRANSFORMERS! Research identifies characteristics indicating that transforming education involves and links leadership to student learning.

Leadership Characteristics:

1. High Expectations – Ambitious for students to succeed.

2. Constantly demonstrate that disadvantage learners aren’t seen as a barrier to learning.

3. Focus on professional development around improving teaching and learning.

4. Understand the importance of assessments, how to use data to define learning and instructional needs.

5. Promote learning inside and outside of the classroom.

6. Practice inclusive practices.

7. Cultivate a range of partnerships with business and community.

8. Robust in self-evaluation and data analysis with clear strategies for improvement.

9. Visionary leaders.

10. Models the following behaviors:

* Empathy

* Risk Taking

* Relationship Builder

* Team Builder

* Servant Leadership

* Communicator

Summer Institute Save the Date!

High AIMS is a consortium of 30+ public school districts in southwest Ohio. Lakota Local Schools will serve as next year's host for our annual Summer Institute. We will offer nationally acclaimed keynote speakers and 250+ breakout sessions as teachers and administrators immerse themselves in dynamic and inspiring professional learning.

Our 2022 Summer Institute will be held on June 15th at Lakota. The keynote will be presented by: A.J. Juliani, author of 8 books about learning. He speaks about education, learning, and innovation around the world at schools, conferences, and organizations of all shapes and sizes. He is also a parent to FIVE kids and believe that our job is not to prepare our kids for something, our job is to help our kids prepare themselves for anything.

Registration will open in the spring. It will be open to all districts. Participants who work at a member district may attend free of charge. There is a $175 fee for those who do not work at a member district. Ashland credit can be earned for attendance at this conference. Please direct questions to maryslaughter.highaims@gmail.com

PD Opportunities for Middle School Social Studies Teachers

Loveland Middle School is hosting an upcoming collaboration and professional development opportunity for middle school Social Studies teachers held at Loveland Middle School on Friday, February 16, from 8:00-2:00. Click here for addditional information.

Montage of Networking — Opportunities for Networking

Dr. Mari E. Phillips, Lead Cohort Director

So often, we wish there was more time to collaborate and problem-solve with colleagues about things that affect us daily in our schools. Expectations have never been higher for educators to increase student achievement, improve school culture and climate, develop equitable, innovative practices that enhance student learning, and ensure that our schools are safe and secure for students and staff while addressing mandates from the Ohio Department of Education.

Benefits of Cohorts

Create a growth mindset among participants to develop policies and practices that are student-centered and equitable for all students.

Share best practices that are research-based and improve student outcomes.

Gain knowledge from other leaders and educators regarding strategies for school improvement, i.e., Instructional strategies, social-emotional learning, PBIS, etc.

Access to resource tools and articles that promote teaching and learning, collaborative leadership, and emphasize innovation.

Identify areas of need to serve each student better and transform the teaching and learning process.

Receive personalized professional learning.

Learn how school districts are dealing with implementing state-mandated programs and services.

Access to nationally renowned educational experts knowledgeable about leadership, collaboration, and innovative practices.

Engagement

The High Aims Consortium believes in the active engagement of students and community in the educational process. Research shows that the more students are able to experience personalized learning, the more successful they are in school. Also, students who are engaged in learning tend to perform considerably higher on achievement tests than others.

The High Aims consortium is committed to learning and developing effective ways to enhance student engagement and motivation to learning. Some of these strategies are listed below:

1. Emphasize the importance of creating safe and positive classroom environments which enhance students self worth and belief.

2. Create authentic assessments to inform instruction.

3. Create an educational setting where the student(s) are empowered to own their learning and where the teacher is the facilitator.

4. Create an environment where parents and community members are informed and have opportunities to be engaged.

High Aims school districts also understand the importance of voice and choice. ENGAGEMENT of students, staff, parents, and community makes learning meaningful.

Strategies to promote engagement within all areas:

Build Relationships
Tell Stories of Triumph and Tragedy
Serving Others
Solve Real Problems
Champion a Cause
Be Passionate
Invite Reflection

Curriculum Leaders Cohort

Cohort-based professional development programs often focus on improving instructional practices and promoting effective teaching strategies. Research suggests that educational leaders more likely to implement evidence-based instructional approaches and support teachers in their efforts to enhance student learning outcomes.

Curriculum Leaders Cohort Meeting, Scarlet Oaks, September 28, 2023 - Meeting Minutes

Curriculum Leaders Cohort Meeting, Scarlet Oaks, October 26, 2023 - Meeting Minutes

Curriculum Leaders Cohort Meeting, Sycamore High School, January 25, 2024 - Meeting Minutes

Curriculum Leaders Cohort Meeting, Hamilton County ESC, February 29, 2024 - Meeting Minutes

Curriculum Leaders Cohort Meeting, Hamilton County ESC, March 28, 2024 - Meeting Cancelled

Curriculum Leaders Cohort Meeting, Location to be Determined, April 25, 2024

Curriculum Leaders Cohort Meeting, Hamilton County ESC, May 30, 2024

Instructional Coaches Cohort

Cohort participation facilitates networking and collaboration among educational leaders, enabling them to share resources, exchange ideas, and collaborate on common goals. Research suggests that these professional connections and networks can have long-lasting benefits.

Instructional Coaches Cohort Meeting, Scarlet Oaks, October 26, 2023 – Meeting Minutes

Instructional Coaches Cohort Meeting, Mason Middle School, November 16, 2023 – Meeting Minutes

Instructional Coaches Cohort Meeting, Indian Hill Elementary, January 25, 2024 – Meeting Minutes

Instructional Coaches Cohort Meeting, Reading School District, April 25, 2024 - Meeting Minutes

Call for Proposals

We are now accepting proposals for presenters at our 2022 Summer Institute. Please fill out this form to indicate your interest. You will be notified in early April if you are selected to present.

Elementary School Principal Cohort

Cohort members often engage in collaborative activities and discussions that allow them to learn from each other's experiences and perspectives, leading to personal and professional growth.

Minutes from all meetings is one continuous working document - Meeting Minutes

Elementary Principals Cohort Meeting, Children's Hospital, October 12, 2023

Elementary Principals Cohort Meeting, Indian Hill Primary, November 28, 2023

Elementary Principals Cohort Meeting, Princeton Administration Center, January 23, 2024

Elementary Principals Cohort Meeting, Lebanon, March 12, 2024

Elementary Principals Cohort Meeting, Location TBD, April 23, 2024

Student Leadership

We have had a group of young leaders explore a wide variety of topics this year and will share their findings at our summer institute on June 15th. Here are some pictures and videos of them.

Here are some examples of the work they have been completing.

Interested in becoming a sponsor/exhibitor?

You may sign up to help sponsor our summer institute by filling out this form. If you have any questions, please contact jthompson.highaims@gmail.com

Middle School Principal Cohort

Studies have found that educational leaders feel more supported and a sense of belonging, as well as the opportunities for learning and professional development.

Minutes from all meeting is one continuous working documenb - Meeting Minutes

Middle School Principal Cohort Meeting, Milford Board of Education, October 11, 203

Middle School Principal Cohort Meeting, Loveland Middle School, Noveber 8, 2023

Middle School Principal Cohort Meeting, Madeira Middle School, Dcember 13, 2024

Middle School Principal Cohort Meeting, Indian Hill Middle School, January 17, 2024

Middle School Principal Cohort Meeting, Mason Middle School, January, February 14, 2024

Middle School Principal Cohort Meeting, Kings Junior High School, March 13, 2024

Middle School Principal Cohort Meeting, West Clermont Middle School, April 10, 2024

Middle School Principal Cohort Meeting, Sycamore Junior High School, May 8, 2024

High School Principal Cohort

Research indicates that schools led by principals who participate in cohort-based professional development programs are more likely to demonstrate improvements in student achievement and school climate.

High School Principal Cohort Meeting, October 24, 2024, Scarlet Oaks - Meeting Minutes

High School Principal Cohort Meeting, November 28, 2023, Deer Park High School - Meeting Minutes

High School Principal Cohort Meeting, February 13, 2024, Harrison High School - Meeting Minutes

High School Principal Cohort Meeting, April 23, 2024

Assistant Principal Cohort

Professional learning and instructional practices are shared among cohort members to enhance student performance and innovative thinking.

Assistant Principal Cohort Meeting, October 19, 2023, Reading Junior High School - Meeting Minutes

Assistant Principal Cohort Meeting, November 16, 2023, Princeton - Meeting Minutes

Assistant Principal Cohort Meeting, January 18, 2024, Loveland Intermediate School - Meeting Minutes

Assistant Principal Cohort Meeting, March 21, 2024, Springoro School District

Elementary School Counselor Cohort

Cohort members come together to strengthen and support each other by learning from each other’s experiences, sharing and gaining knowledge about best practices, collaborating and hearing others’ authentic approaches to solving challenging situations, and deepening learning of practical strategies.

Elementary School Counselor Cohort Meeting, October 24, 2023, Scarlet Oaks - Meeting Minutes

Elementary School Counselor Cohort Meeting, November 28, 2023, Deer Park - Meeting Minutes

Elementary School Counselor Cohort Meeting, January 23, 2024, Goshen - Meeting Minutes

Elementary School Counselor Cohort Meeting, April 23, 2024, Readding

Secondary School Counselor Cohort

Cohort groups allow networking with other counselors to increase creativity, try new initiatives, and develop mentorship opportunities.

Secondary School Counselor Cohort Meeting, October 24, 2023, Scarlet Oaks - Meeting Minutes

Secondary School Counselor Cohort Meeting, November 28, 2023, Deer Park - Meeting Minutes

Secondary School Counselor Cohort Meeting, January 23, 2024, Goshen - Meeting Minutes

Secondary School Counselor Cohort Meeting, April 23, 2024, Reading - Meeting Minutes