French Lick Resort | June 18-19, 2024
Reading Comprehension Conference
Preparing students to master the standards for reading comprehension requires explicit, skill-based instruction. During the 2-day CompCON event at the French Lick Resort, you’ll gain the methods, materials, and motivation you need to take your skill-based comprehension instruction from good to great.
Learn
Gain classroom-tested guidance on how to lead standards-based reading comprehension mini-lessons using strategies that are explicit and engaging.
Plan
Utilize guided work time to develop a deeper understanding of the reading comprehension skills for your grade level and how to teach those skills all year long.
Rejuvenate
Experience two days of fun in a motivating environment—AND relevant PD that will equip you with strategies to start next school year with confidence.
Join us this summer at the French Lick Resort!
French Lick Springs Resort
June 18-19, 2024
Groups of 10+ receive a 10% discount. Contact us to learn more.
Can’t make it to French Lick?
Attend our virtual interactive CompCON on June 11-12.
How CompCON supports the science of reading
Educational research surrounding the science of reading has heightened the need for teaching phonics and specifically decoding. But, as we know from the research conducted by the National Reading Panel, effective reading instruction requires a combination of direct, explicit teaching of all five pillars of literacy: phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
While each of these components is important and necessary, CompCON focuses specifically on the pillar of reading comprehension. CompCON attendees spend two days learning practical and engaging lessons to deliver explicit, standards-based comprehension instruction.
Dr. Hollis Scarborough’s iconic Reading Rope reveals the essential strands for reading development. While many science of reading initiatives target the Word Recognition strand of Scarborough’s Reading Rope, CompCON addresses the Language Comprehension strand.
As important as it is that students learn how to decode words, they must simultaneously learn how to think about the words they are reading. This requires whole-class, teacher-led instruction on comprehension skills and strategies—and this is the focus of CompCON.
According to the Simple View of Reading formula, both word recognition and language comprehension are necessary to create a proficient reader.
The Simple View of Reading provides an argument for teaching decoding and phonics with intentionality. Likewise, direct instruction on teaching language comprehension is imperative as well.
Consequently, K-12 educators need to have whole-class lessons that target grade-level comprehension instruction—and this is the focus of CompCON.
What you will learn during CompCON
DAY 1 OVERVIEW
Teach whole-class comprehension skills with explicit instruction
Professional Development Focus
Armed with this big-picture understanding, the primary focus of this first morning will be to learn the process for planning and teaching a single comprehension skill across an entire week.
During the first day, Kristina Smekens will:
- Identify a set of comprehension skills from retelling to synthesizing that honors college and career-ready standards, grade-level expectations, and best-practice instruction.
- Detail the explicit instructional points that must be told, taught, and modeled for every week’s comprehension skill.
- Model how to use The Playbook to craft a week-long series of comprehension mini-lessons that honor the gradual release of responsibility (i.e., I do, We do, You do).
- Explain the process for selecting text excerpts to maximize teaching time in every whole-class comprehension lesson.
Collaboration & Guided Work Time
During guided work time, you’ll study the print and digital resources for your grade-specific set of yearlong comprehension skills. Then you’ll practice pairing your own texts with Playbook lessons. During this focused collaboration time, you will have access to Kristina and her team to ask questions, seek feedback, and troubleshoot concerns.
Get hands-on support
Ever been to a workshop and wished you had time to process the content and plan out your instruction? At CompCON, that’s exactly what you’ll get.
During the guided work times, we will lead you through the planning of your reading comprehension instruction. With the help of the Smekens team, there’s no need to wonder if you’re doing it right—you will leave with a clear plan, fully mapped out!
DAY 2 OVERVIEW
Map out a year of skills, texts, and writing
Knowing which comprehension skills to teach and how to teach them is the first step. The next hurdle is to determine when to teach these priority skills. The second day of CompCON will reveal how to use a week-by-week approach to introduce new grade-level comprehension skills while continuing to practice skills previously taught.
Professional Development Focus
Whether you follow the provided scope and sequence or a district-required one, day two of CompCON examines when individual comprehension skills are taught across the year.
You’ll learn how to:
- Launch the first weeks of whole-class comprehension lessons from The Comprehension Playbook while growing reader stamina and establishing independent routines.
- Analyze your daily schedule to fit “everything” into the reading block or class period.
- Spiral yearlong comprehension instruction to gradually release from I-do lessons to You-do assignments and assessments.
- Weave into reading instruction a weekly write-about-reading lesson that complements the broader writer’s workshop and prepares students for standardized test expectations.
Collaboration & Guided Work Time
With this deeper understanding, you’ll utilize guided work time to identify beginning-of-the-year texts to read and essential reading-response skills to teach. In addition, participants will determine their most important takeaways and prioritize their next steps. While working independently or with a group, Kristina and her team will again be available to answer questions, provide feedback, and troubleshoot concerns.
What you will get when you attend CompCON at French Lick
Professional Resources
A grade-specific copy of The Comprehension Playbook and a website of digital resources to support implementation
CompCON Kit containing everything you need for two days of fun & learning
Personalized support from Kristina and her team during the guided work sessions
A completion certificate reflecting 11 hours of professional development
Lifetime access to the CompCON “Secret Site”
A fun learning experience
Delicious breakfast, lunch, and snacks each day to fuel your learning
Fun evening entertainment featuring music, dancing, and games
High-energy atmosphere and special surprises designed to rekindle your passion for teaching
The opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle and feel pampered as you recharge for another school year
Time to browse the on-site bookstore to purchase discounted resources to support your reading comprehension lessons
So much more than a conference
When you attend CompCON in French Lick you will gain the knowledge and confidence you need to build stronger readers. But the CompCON experience doesn’t stop when the conference is over.
With lifetime access to the members-only “Secret Site” and Comprehension Playbook Digital Resources, you will always have the support you need to implement what you learn.
Two days of fun and learning
CompCON Schedule
All times listed are Eastern Time
Day One – June 18
7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
Registration and breakfast
8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Grade-level skills
9:45 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Lesson planning
10:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Guided work time
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Catered lunch
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Text selection
1:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Guided work time
3:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Closing session
Day Two – June 19
7:15 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
Catered breakfast
8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
First lessons
9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Schedule adjustments
11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Scope & sequence
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Catered lunch
12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Guided work time
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Read-write instruction
2:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Closing session
Experience the French Lick Resort
Historic Hotel
Enjoy old-world charm blended with modern, luxurious amenities that will make you feel like royalty.
Relaxing Spa
Unwind at The Spa with a massage, facial, or other signature treatments that are sure to rejuvenate you.
Delectable Dining
Choose from fine dining, casual sit-down restaraunts, along with grab-and-go-options.
Fun Shopping
Stroll through the shops to browse clothing, home decor, or a gift for yourself or a loved one.
Delightful Pools
Take a dip in one indoor pool and two outdoor pools, along with a hot tub and lots of space for soaking up the sun.
Endless Exploration
Hop on the trolley and access more than 3,200 scenic acres, including the remarkable West Baden Springs Hotel.
Reserve your room today
French Lick Springs Hotel
8670 IN-56, French Lick, IN 47432
(855) 690-0035
Traditional Guest Room: $185/night
(Single or Double Occupancy)
Click the button below and enter:
Group Code: 0624SME
Password: 0624SME
Room block expires May 28, 2024
How to get to the French Lick Resort
Located in the scenic Hoosier National Forest, French Lick is less than a half day's journey from many Midwestern cities.
Louisville, KY
1 hour 15 minutes
Indianapolis, IN
2 hours
Cincinnati, OH
3 hours
Nashville, TN
3 hours 15 minutes
St. Louis, MO
3 hours 30 minutes
Chicago, IL
5 hours
Bring your family to the French Lick Resort
From bowling to horseback riding to swimming, there is no shortage of family-friendly fun at the French Lick Resort.
Who should attend CompCON?
CompCON is for everyone who teaches comprehension!
Literacy Coaches & Coordinators
High-Ability Teachers
Principals & Assistant Principals
K-12 Curriculum Directors
CompCON Presenter: Kristina Smekens
Your comprehension coach
A celebrated educator, author, and literacy consultant, Kristina Smekens has built a reputation for using enthusiasm, humor, and common sense to equip K-12 educators with simple and effective strategies for teaching reading and writing.
As president and lead consultant for Smekens Education, Kristina is constantly developing new strategies to help teachers meet the demands of today’s College and Career-Ready Standards. She shares those strategies with teachers across the United States and beyond through on-site professional development, seminars, and an always-growing pool of print, digital, and video resources.
Why educators ❤ CompCON
See what past CompCON attendees had to say.
Switzerland County School Corp. – Vevay, IN
American School of Bombay – Mumbai, India
Northwest Middle School – Indianapolis, IN
Shari Switzer, Curriculum Director
North West Hendricks School Corp. – Indianapolis, IN
Tilden Hogge Elementary School – Morehead, KY
Turning Point Schools – Indianapolis, IN
St. Paul Lutheran School – Grafton, WI
Audra Locklear, Principal
Connie Alderman, Teacher
Triad Baptist Christian Academy – Kernersville, NC
Northwest Middle School – Indianapolis, IN
Frequently asked questions
What's included with my registration?
Beyond two days of fun, high-energy sessions, CompCON in-person attendees will also receive:
- CompCON Kit containing everything you need for two days of fun & learning.
- Grade-specific Comprehension Playbook with digital resource site.
- Support from Kristina and her team during the afternoon work sessions.
- Breakfast, lunch, & snacks both days.
- Lots of fun, entertainment, and special surprises.
- A completion certificate reflecting 11 hours of professional development.
- Lifetime access to the CompCON “Secret Site.”
Can I earn Continuing Education Credit?
With prior approval from the attendee’s school district, participants may receive professional development credit for participating in CompCON (In-person: 11 hours, Virtual: up to 11 hours depending on participation). After the conference concludes, attendees will be awarded a Certificate of Participation which can be used to verify attendance.
Visit our Continuing Education Credit page for more information about how this workshop fulfills your state’s unique continuing education requirements.
Can I earn Graduate-Level Units?
For an additional fee of $62 per credit/unit, CompCON attendees are eligible to pursue 1-4 graduate-level university semester credit units from the University of the Pacific, Center for Professional Development and Continuing Education. Please check with your district to determine course acceptability.
Do you offer a group discount?
Yes! For groups of 10 or more, take 10% off the current registration fee. Contact us for special pricing and arrangements.
How can I convince my administrator to let me attend?
Are you interested in attending CompCON this summer but need help convincing your administrator?
We’ve made it easier than ever with a pre-written template explaining how CompCON directly supports your school’s science of reading initiative.
Simply download, edit, and send it to your administrator.
- Word Doc
- Google Doc (make a copy and save to your Drive)
I’ve attended before. Should I go again?
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations of in-person attendance can occur up to 10 days prior to the workshop. In such cases, a refund, minus up to 5% transaction fees, will be available. Cancellations occurring less than 10 days prior to the in-person workshop do not qualify for any refund.
For virtual/interactive registrants, cancellations can occur at any time prior to the shipment of the CompCON Kit. In such cases, a refund, minus up to 5% transaction fees, will be available. After the Kit has been shipped, cancellations do not qualify for a refund. Substitutions may occur at any time.
If you need to cancel your registration, please submit your request to [email protected].
Don’t miss the biggest event of the summer!
Have a Question?
Complete the form below or call (888) 376-0448.