We all teach students with wide ranging ability and while we focus much attention on differences, a characteristic many students share is falling short of their academic potential. Nationally recognized for his work with educators and students, Jim Kestner takes a fun and creative approach that equips teachers to empower students by (1) Recognizing the real reasons behind students’ lack of performance and (2) Applying strategies that not only improve achievement, but also counter the factors that have stood in students’ paths so far. Research-based approaches will help teachers empower students to become self-directed learners who set goals, improve study skills, maximize retention from textbook reading, take effective notes, manage time, organize for success, become better test takers, balance sports, activities, and academics, and tackle large, long-term projects. Teachers and administrators will improve students’ academic performance by:

* Relating strategies that empower students to differentiate between roadblocks over which they do and do not have practical ability to overcome;

* Explaining ways to equip students with research-based approaches to improving academic performance; and

* Devising plans that enhance students’ intrinsic motivation to pursue their academic potential.

A catered lunch will be included!