HOUSTON, Texas, Aug. 21 -- The Harris County Department of Education issued the following press release:

The third annual Special Schools Curriculum Connections Conference was a hole-in-one for professional development. Nearly 200 educators gathered at the Irvington Conference Center on Aug. 19 to explore the power of purposeful classroom dialogue in driving student learning.

The event embraced a golf theme as #TeamHCDE members put on their game faces for a little "Play on DisCourse." Organizers kept teachers engaged throughout the day by incorporating the pastime into strategies that intentionally guide instructional communication, help learners think critically and engage students in meaningful discussion. Several breakout sessions also...