Building Effective Relationships with Students with Challenging Behaviors (Online Workshop 10am-12pm)

MSAA Professional Development Workshop for Administrators, 
 Department Chairs, and Teachers

Designing Standards-Based Grading Units: 

Aligning Power Standards and Dynamic Assessment Practices

This interactive session equips educators with the tools and strategies to design a comprehensive, standards-based grading (SBG) unit. Drawing on Rick Wormeli’s principles and best practices, participants will learn to identify power standards, develop aligned learning activities, and incorporate dynamic assessment practices that guide and enhance both teaching and learning.

Educators will leave with:

·         A draft standards-based unit plan (power standards, learning activities, and built-in assessments)

·         Strategies for engaging students with power standards

·         Tools for creating rubrics, success criteria, and formative assessments

·         A framework for using formative assessment interactively

·         Empowerment to design equitable, clear, and high-achieving units using standards-based grading

When: Friday, February 6, 2026, from 8:30 am to 11:30 am

Delivery Method: In-Person Workshop

Location: The MSAA Office, 33 Forge Parkway, Franklin, MA

Presenter: Sean Gallagher, Newburyport Public Schools

PD Hours: 3 in Content Area Data and Assessment

Fees: Member $150 / Non-Member $205

MSAA Contact: Ethel Kawesa, ekawesa@msaa.net

Sean Gallagher |Newburyport Public Schools

Sean Gallagher, Superintendent of Newburyport Public Schools, Massachusetts, has dedicated 31 years to education. Starting as a science, health, and special education teacher, he transitioned into administration, serving as Dean of Students, Athletic Director, and Principal at Beverly High School. As Principal, he launched innovative programs like a 1:1 laptop initiative, Freshman Academy, Senior Internship Program, and Standards Based Grading Program, while also overseeing the high school's building project. He later served as Assistant Superintendent in Wilmington, focusing on curriculum, professional development, and technology integration. Since becoming Newburyport's Superintendent in 2018, he has led strategic planning (portrait of a graduate), enhanced their 1:1 technology program, fostered inclusion practices, supported staff development, and ensured student equity. Beyond education, Gallagher's background includes experience as a police officer and adjunct professor at Endicott College.