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9th Annual Indoor Air Quality Tooks for Schools National Symposium

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Agenda

The agenda for the 10th Annual IAQ Tools for Schools Symposium can be found below. If a presentation or supporting documents for a particular session is currently available for download, you may access the file by clicking on the link to the right of the session's name.

Download a PDF of the agenda (PDF).

TIME SESSION DOWNLOAD
Thursday, January 14, 2010
7:00 am
Registration Opens
Continental breakfast provided.
 
7:30 - 8:30 am
Pre-Conference Session—Healthy Schools 101: Getting Started with the IAQ Tools for Schools Program
This hands-on, introductory session for participants new to IAQ management and the IAQ Tools for Schools Program will provide a foundation to build upon throughout the Symposium. Participants will learn how to use the IAQ Tools for Schools Action Kit as the basis for developing a comprehensive IAQ management program for their schools. Award-winning faculty school district speakers will detail the concrete steps they took to get their sustainable IAQ programs up and running.
 
9:00 - 9:30 am
Welcome—Reflecting on 10 Years of Excellence
Join fellow IAQ Tools for Schools leaders and champions as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the IAQ Tools for Schools National Symposium. Speakers will highlight the notable results achieved by schools over the last 10 years and share their vision for the future of healthy, high performing schools for the 21st century.
 
9:30 - 10:30 am
Managing Environmental Risks in Schools: Steps You Can Take for Better Health and Improved Performance
Asthma triggers and radon are just two of the many environmental health risks in schools. Attendance, productivity, and performance are often the casualties of poorly managed indoor environments. In this session, attendees will learn the latest findings in IAQ research. Presenters will discuss the connection between maintaining healthy indoor environments and improving student health and achievement, as well as provide concrete steps that schools can take to manage environmental health risks. School district leaders will share how they use these findings to support environmental risk reduction efforts in their own districts.
 
10:30 - 10:45 am
Break
 
10:45 - 12:00 pm
Schools with Real IAQ Challenges: Finding Solutions Together Through Problem-Based Learning
Get ready to apply your newly acquired knowledge to a real-world IAQ challenge! In this interactive session, participants will hear from school districts facing real IAQ challenges. Participants will form teams and, over the course of the Symposium, work together to identify solutions and prepare recommendations for one of these real-world situations.
 
12:00 - 1:00 pm
Lunch
 
1:00 - 2:00 pm
Understanding Differences: The Effect of Learning Styles on Educational Outcomes
In this session, speakers will explore the relationship between individual learning styles, educational success, and high-functioning teams. This highly interactive session will introduce participants to a variety of learning styles and preferences and how this knowledge can be used to achieve lasting IAQ Tools for Schools Program results.
 
2:00 - 2:30 pm
Using IAQ as a Teaching and Learning Tool in Your District
IAQ problems affect kids, and kids can often play a key role in IAQ management, both at school and in their homes. This session will describe educational resources available for integrating IAQ issues into classroom curricula and highlight various activities for student participation.
 
2:30 - 3:30 pm
The IAQ Tools for Schools Approach: Providing a Framework for Success
Every school district can put in place a sustainable IAQ management program. This session explores what is known about effective school IAQ management - how and why it works - and how different school districts are putting key strategies in place to improve school environments and educational outcomes. Speakers will describe the components of the Framework for Effective School IAQ Management. In addition, faculty programs will describe how they used these proven strategies to build and sustain their award-winning programs.
 
3:30 - 3:45 pm
Break
 
3:45 - 4:30 pm
Applying the Framework: Using the Six Key Drivers to Develop Solutions
Participants will apply their newly gained knowledge of the Framework: Six Key Drivers to their case study schools. Working with their teams, participants will gain hands-on practice using these strategies to design and plan the implementation of a powerful management system approach for sustaining the school IAQ programs.
 
5:00 - 7:00 pm
Awards Ceremony and Reception
Join in a celebration to honor the 2009 winners of the prestigious IAQ Tools for Schools awards and reflect on the past accomplishments of the IAQ Tools for Schools Program. Light hors d'oeuvres will be served.
 
Friday, January 15, 2010
8:00 - 8:20 am
Welcome—Transforming Theory into Action
 
8:20 - 9:05 am
Moving From Theory to Practice: Taking the System and Making it Work in Your District
This session will describe the technical elements that comprise an effective IAQ management program in school districts. Learn about the key elements that are critical to any successful program and the wealth of technical resources that are available to assist you in putting in place the components for success.
 
9:05 - 10:15 am
Finding Solutions: The Virtual Walk-Through
This interactive session will describe how to conduct a facility walk-through to identify solutions to common IAQ problems. Using examples from the challenge school districts, presenters will describe how to use the IAQ Tools for Schools checklists as a basis for conducting a walk-through investigation.
 
10:15 - 10:30 am
Break
 
10:30 - 11:30 am
Breakout Sessions
Fresh Air: Optimal HVAC Management for Improved Health
This practical discussion of school heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems will highlight the importance of proper design, commissioning, maintenance, and operations of school equipment. Speakers will review the latest innovative tools and technologies available for school facility managers and operations and maintenance staff. This session will highlight the importance of proper ventilation as a key component in providing healthy learning environments.
 
Mold and Moisture: Double Trouble for Schools
Mold problems in schools can lead to health problems for school occupants, significant financial costs, and loss of credibility within the community. Participants will learn the basics about mold, myths about mold, when mold testing is necessary and when it's not, and practical solutions for mold prevention and management. Bring your questions for this interactive and informative session.
 
Pest Prevention: Integrated Pest Management in Schools
The use of harmful pesticides in school facilities can have dangerous consequences for staff and students. This session will teach the fundamentals of integrated pest management (IPM) practices. Speakers will review the latest tools and tips for schools using IPM, share cost-saving results, and provide least-toxic methods for pest management in the school environment.
 
Green Cleaning: Products and Practices
How can you effectively clean your school without causing health problems for students and staff? Is it possible to save money and time while maintaining clean and healthy facilities? This session will highlight key aspects of a green cleaning program, including environmentally preferable cleaning products, training, policy recommendations, and public awareness initiatives.
 
Materials Selection: New Developments in Certified Green Products
Choosing the appropriate products and materials is critical in designing and furnishing high performance schools. Learn about recent developments in certified green products, including products related to LEED and CHPS certification; environmentally preferable services, in particular; and how to develop green purchasing and facilities management practices. This session will provide attendees with effective strategies for choosing green materials and services that contribute to healthy IAQ in schools.
 
Controlling Radon at the Source
This session will discuss the importance of pollution source control and strategies for managing indoor pollutants. Radon, a leading environmental health risk, will serve as a source control example, and this session will offer an introduction to radon health risks and management in schools. Presenters will showcase highly effective radon-in-schools projects and discuss successful methods for addressing radon risks in schools.
 
11:30 - 12:30 pm

Lunch

 
12:30 - 1:00 pm
New Trends in Healthy, High Performance Schools
Sustainable schools are more than just high performance buildings. This session will highlight cost-effective ways to implement 'green' solutions in schools. Participants will learn how to collaborate with architects, designers, facility managers, and district decision makers to create healthy, sustainable, learning spaces of the future.
 
1:00 - 1:15 pm
Developing a Solution—Team Caucus
Problem-based learning teams will reconnect to share highpoints of their breakouts amongst group members.
 
1:30 - 2:30 pm
Breakout Sessions Repeat
 
2:30 - 2:45 pm
Break
 
2:45 - 3:30 pm
Developing a Solution—How to Use the Framework: Six Technical Solutions
Building upon the learning from the day's plenary and breakout sessions, problem-based learning teams will reconvene to address the technical issues that arise in their case study schools and use the knowledge and skills acquired to recommend solutions. Technical Solution breakout speakers will be on hand to help teams develop cohesive action plans.
 
3:30 - 4:30 pm
Overcoming Obstacles: Funding Your IAQ Management Program
Establishing funding mechanisms for IAQ improvements can be an obstacle to maintaining a sustainable and thriving program. This session will provide tips and strategies for financing preventive IAQ management practices and identify ways to find new sources of funding at the local, state, and federal level.
 
Saturday, January 16, 2010
8:00 - 8:20 am

Welcome-Preparing for Action

 
8:20 - 9:40 am
Sharing Solutions—Problem-Based Learning Presentations and Action Planning
During this session, problem-based learning teams will share their solutions to their case study schools with peers, panel experts, and the case study school districts. This interactive session will allow participants to learn from other problem-based learning teams and gain insight into the unique problems faced by these case study schools. Attendees will then develop their own action plans to take home to their districts. 
 
9:40 - 10:10 am
Sharing Solutions—Problem-Based Learning Feedback and Plenary
During this session, participants will hear from case study school district representatives. Case study school districts will then share their own action plans for success.
 
10:10 - 10:30 am
Action Learning Through the National IAQ Tools for Schools Network and Connector
Learn from leading IAQ champions and peers! In this session, participants will fine-tune their action plans and interact with faculty, regional representatives, and national partners. Discover new tools and resources that you can engage with year-round to support your IAQ Tools for Schools Program
 
10:30 - 11:30 am
The IAQ Tools for Schools Connector in Action: A Discussion of IAQ Hot Topics
Each year, new science emerges, new products hit the market, and new techniques for addressing IAQ emerge. This "open space" exercise will allow participants the opportunity to discuss the issues that are most pressing to them in developing and sustaining an effective IAQ management program. These participant-generated "hot topics" will also drive IAQ Tools for Schools Connector conversations throughout the year.
 
11:30 - 12:00 pm
Leaving in Action: Finding Your Leadership Voice
 
 
12:00 pm
Adjourn