Spring Leadership Conference 2026

MassCUE & MSAA Spring Conf 2026

The Spring Leadership Conference 2026, a partnership with MassCUE and MSAA, brings together K–12 curriculum leaders and school administrators for a critical, forward-looking conversation on assessment in today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape. As artificial intelligence reshapes teaching and learning, traditional approaches to assessment are being challenged—creating both urgency and opportunity for district leaders.

This one-day conference on Friday, March 6, 2026 held at Holy Cross in Worcester, explores how authentic assessment can become a powerful driver of learning, curiosity, and student ownership. With Massachusetts advancing new graduation requirements that emphasize portfolios, research projects, and performance-based assessments, districts are at a pivotal moment to reimagine how student learning is measured, how rigor and integrity are maintained, and how assessment reflects real-world skills.

Through keynotes, panels, and collaborative sessions, attendees will examine emerging assessment models, explore policy shifts, and gain practical strategies for leading meaningful change at the district and school level.

About the Conference

Who Should Attend

This conference is designed for district leadership teams, including:

  • School and district administrators
  • Curriculum and instruction leaders

What You’ll Take Away

Participants will leave with:

  • A clearer vision for authentic assessment in an AI-influenced world
  • Concrete examples of assessment practices in action
  • Actionable strategies for guiding districts toward more meaningful, student-centered approaches that assess not just knowledge, but curiosity, growth, and wonder

Event Details

Date: March 6, 2026
 Time: 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
 Location: Hogan Center, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, Massachusetts

Call for Proposals

We invite educators and school leaders to submit presentation proposals for the Spring Leadership Conference 2026: Assessing Wonder—Inspiring Leaders. This one-day conference explores authentic assessment in a new era, with a focus on performance-based learning, AI-informed practices, and evolving Massachusetts graduation requirements.

Speaking applications due January 31, 2026.

Presenters may submit proposals aligned to one or more of the following strands:

Strand 1: Assessment in Action – Rethinking Classroom Learning

Discover how authentic assessment is transforming everyday teaching. This strand emphasizes hands-on approaches that let students demonstrate understanding through meaningful, real-world tasks. Attendees will walk away with actionable strategies to design assessments that spark curiosity, promote student ownership, and deepen learning—moving beyond traditional tests and quizzes.

Strand 2: Strategic Data – Using AI to Inform Instruction

Explore how artificial intelligence and data can help educators better understand student learning. This strand focuses on leveraging technology to personalize instruction, track progress, and make informed, evidence-based decisions. Learn practical ways to integrate AI tools ethically and effectively to improve outcomes across your classroom or district.

Strand 3: Evidence & Innovation – Research-Driven Assessment

Dive into the latest research on authentic assessment and AI in education. This strand emphasizes the “why” behind innovative assessment practices, highlighting evidence-based strategies and emerging trends. Attendees will gain insights into what works, what the data says, and how to apply research findings to implement effective, forward-thinking assessment practices.

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2026-03-06 08:00 2026-03-06 15:00 America/New_York Spring Leadership Conference 2026

The Spring Leadership Conference 2026, a partnership with MassCUE and MSAA, brings together K–12 curriculum leaders and school administrators for a critical, forward-looking conversation on assessment in today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape. As artificial intelligence reshapes teaching and learning, traditional approaches to assessment are being challenged—creating both urgency and opportunity for district leaders. This one-day […]

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