3rd Annual “Reaching At-Promise Students” Conference Inspires and Motivates

Over 500 educators attended this year’s “Reaching ‘At-Promise Students” National Conference, held in San Diego July 8-11. Hosted by SIATech, attendees sought practical information on strategies and tools to reach their struggling learners.

Highlights of this conference included educational consultant Larry Bell, who returned to the conference this year as one of keynote speakers and was praised for his powerful motivation and informative and fun presentation. Bell’s session, titled “Strategies for Turning At-Risk into At-Promise,” provided research-based information and specific strategies for reaching under-achieving students. This interactive presentation provided teachers with the opportunity to discuss practical solutions for their classrooms.

Jack O’Connell, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, addressed the issue of reaching the at-promise population through career technical education. He noted that “research indicates that rigorous career-oriented education options are effective in raising the achievement of students struggling to achieve in more traditional classrooms.” O’Connell’s hope is that “all students graduating from high school have real choices for their future. High school should equip all students with the knowledge and skills they need to go directly into a career pathway or, if they choose, on to higher education.”

Not satisfied with hearing reasons why schools cannot achieve their learning goals, Dr. Douglas Reeves demonstrated specifics on how educators can work for academic success. Reeves, an expert on assessment and school reform, listened to teachers and provided practical, easy to understand solutions for the challenges facing teachers and administrators today.

Dr. Harry Wong provided the final keynote on the necessity of strong classroom management for high student achievement. Dr. Wong, using his own teaching background, helped teachers with his practical ideas on keeping their classrooms structured, organized, and consistent, and showed them how to reach “maximum success.”

In addition to the keynote speeches, participants enjoyed dynamic, “hands-on” presentations from other leaders in the field. Student achievement was at the forefront of the discussions, and educators had valuable time to confer with colleagues on the best practices needed to help all students succeed.

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The Last Word: Reflections on the RAPS Conference

“This was an extremely well-organized conference. I enjoyed all the sessions I attended and gained many useful strategies that I cannot wait to implement in my classroom. This was the first conference I attended where I learned so many things in each session and none of them were a waste of time. I hope to be back next year with more people from my school site.”
–Andrea Harb, Costa Mesa High School/Middle School

“At a time of restructuring for my alternative education department, I need effective, research-based strategies. Every session was exactly what I needed. We have not been disappointed. Thanks for providing some of the tools to a new school year that I feel will be very exciting and successful.”
–Diane B. Wyatt, School District of Palm Beach County, Fla.

“I found the conference invigorating and helpful. It’s great to get together with other educators dealing with many of the same issues and hear their ideas and solutions. It’s fun to talk with others who don’t give up on these kids and are committed to making a difference.”
–Lisa Lewis, The Bridge Academy

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The Bridge Academy Alternative School, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, fills a vital need for those students for whom traditional educational methods have failed. Established four years ago as an alternative for high school learning, The Bridge Academy has helped hundreds of students improve their self-esteem and reach their goal of graduation.

Part of their success is due to the fact that students are required to obtain employment and complete community service. This sense of responsibility prepares them for the general work force and instills confidence. Recently, the teachers and staff at this school were honored with the Idaho Brightest Star award, presented by Governor James Risch, for their tireless work to help the children of their community.

For more information on this school site, please visit the www.rapsa.org “Shining Stars” section.

Ivory Kennedy Recognized for Best Practices Award

When students at PACE High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, enter Ivory Kennedy’s classroom, they feel secure and ready to learn. Ms. Kennedy recognizes that students thrive in an environment of encouragement and support, and she works tirelessly to promote a positive attitude and strong work ethic.

Students at PACE often lead lives that present numerous challenges; her class is filled with convicted felons, drug abusers, and runaways. These students hold promise, and Ms. Kennedy refuses to let outside influences stifle the educational process. She works with all students to come up with academic plans tailored for each individual, and she refuses to let them give up. Life may throw out obstacles for these young adults, but Ivory Kennedy is there to smooth the road for them.

MathRaps Achieves "Making a Difference" Exhibitor Award

Alex Kajitani searched for a way to incorporate his middle school students’ love of rap music with the knowledge he wanted them to learn in mathematics. In 2006, MathRaps was born. The Rappin’ Mathematician, Volume 1, uses rap music to promote a positive lifestyle, real self-confidence, and an increased interest in math. Students using this program have higher standardized test scores than other students in their district and dramatically improved their understanding of mathematical concepts.

For more information on this exhibitor, please visit the www.rapsa.org “Partners in Promise” section.

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Students at SIATech complete coursework towards their high school diplomas and work at their own pace. Teachers motivate their students to learn with individualized attention and small class sizes. With a comprehensive curriculum and job training experience, graduates of SIATech are ready to compete in today’s global workforce.

Visit www.siatech.org to learn more about this nationwide program.

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Teaching ideas must be original and unpublished; in the case of an adapted lesson, please provide credit to all sources. Student and parent permission must accompany any sample work included in the article.

Send submissions or inquiries to info@rapsa.org.

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Join us for an information-filled three days as we look at what it means to be a leader at school sites. This institute is designed for anyone seeking to improve leadership skills and develop a richer understanding of education today.

4th Annual "Reaching 'At-Promise' Students" National Conference
February 2009

Join us for interactive sessions and powerful presentations, all designed to give K-12 educators the tools they need to motivate and teach all students. This conference provides inspiration and practical applications for anyone working with at-promise youth.

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