RAPSA Forum 2025 Conference Strands
The RAPSA Forum 2025 brings together educators, administrators, and community leaders committed to advancing equity in education and supporting the success of At-Promise students. This national education conference will explore innovative leadership practices, evidence-based strategies, and proven interventions that create more inclusive and effective learning environments. Attendees will engage in professional development sessions that highlight best practices, celebrate student achievement, and strengthen partnerships across schools and communities.
To guide these conversations, the conference is organized into several key conference strands, each focused on actionable approaches to improving outcomes for At-Promise youth.
Leadership in Times of Change
Non-traditional secondary schools play a pivotal role in providing alternative pathways to educational achievement and career-readiness, often offering innovative approaches to learning that cater to the unique needs of At-Promise students. At the heart of this endeavor lies leadership - teacher-leaders, principals, and system-level leaders who champion equity, inclusion, and student success through high quality-programs and services.
This strand aims to connect policymakers, educators, researchers and practitioners to share insights, experiences, and innovations that promote improved outcomes for At-Promise students.
Nationwide Alternative Accountability
Traditional measures of accountability often fail to accurately measure the performance of alternative schools.
This strand aims to promote and advance our collective understanding of high-quality accountability systems in alternative education by exploring innovative approaches and alternative frameworks that create meaningful performance metrics for schools serving At-Promise students.
Policy & Advocacy
Alternative schools play an important role in providing educational opportunities for At-Promise students.
This strand aims to bring together educators, researchers, policymakers, to better understand the complexities of state, local, and federal education policies that impact schools serving At-Promise students, and to share insights and effective strategy for advancing education policy, that ensures equity, access college and career pathways for At-Promise students in alternative school settings.
Teaching for Progress
Effectively meeting the needs of At-Promise students requires a well-rounded understanding of effective teaching strategies, supportive environments, and tailored interventions.
This strand aims to engage practitioners, researchers and policymakers around high-leverage instruction, student engagement, transformative pedagogy, supportive learning environments, work-based learning, and CTE that foster student engagement and drive improved educational outcomes for At-Promise students.
Youth Innovation and Workforce Transformation
At-Promise students/Opportunity youth, defined as young people aged 16-24 who are neither enrolled in school nor participating in the labor market, face significant barriers to accessing workforce development programs. These barriers often stem from systemic inequalities, including socioeconomic status, racial disparities, inadequate educational opportunities, and geographic location. Despite the critical role of workforce development programs in providing pathways to economic stability and social mobility, many At-Promise students/Opportunity Youth are unable to benefit from these programs due to various structural and policy-related challenges.
This strand aims to convene policymakers, researchers, educators, advocates, and practitioners to explore innovative education policies that promote equitable access to workforce development programs for At-Promise students.
Registration for the 2025 RAPSA Forum is open!
Be part of a powerful movement to advance equity in education and expand opportunities for At-Promise students. The RAPSA Forum 2025 will be held November 3–5, 2025 at the San Diego Mission Bay Resort in San Diego, CA, bringing together educators, administrators, and community leaders from across the nation. This education conference offers dynamic professional development, networking, and actionable strategies to transform student success. Don’t miss your chance to connect, collaborate, and contribute—register today to secure your place at this inspiring event.
