NC BOLD West 2026 Day 1 McDowell High School

Tired of “checked out” students who refuse to work, students looking for AI shortcuts, or activities that feel busy but lack deep learning? You aren’t alone! Come to this high-energy, "educator-as-student" session where we consider what rigor actually looks like— accessible but challenging tasks for ALL learners. We will dive into high-yield strategies that move students from "doing the work" to "loving the learning." The session includes time for you to “Choose your own adventure”, selecting a high-impact strategy to use in your own context. Options will be given that incorporate AI as well as options that do not. Whether you want to leverage technology to facilitate personalized voice and choice, design AI-resistant tasks, or you just need some “use tomorrow” quick instructional wins, you'll leave with a practical idea for your own context. Come discover how to take rigor, engagement, and personalization to deliver up some high-impact learning!