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Achieving Hispanic/Latino Student Success
An Enlightening Conference for all Education Leaders
2010 Hispanic/Latino Education Conference - August 26, 2010
The Hispanic/Latino Education Conference travels among Oklahoma, Colorado and Kansas. This year, it will be held August 26, 2010 in Oklahoma. For more information visit: http://www.ossba.org/hispanic-conference.2009 Hispanic/Latino Education Conference
Date: March 2-3, 2009
Location: Antlers Hilton, Colorado Springs
Post-Conference Information
General Session Speaker Materials
Eugene Garcia, Ph.D.
Recommended website:
National Task Force on Early Childhood Education for Hispanics
Juana Bordas
- Utilizing Hispanic Cultural Values to Enhance Educational Effectiveness (.pdf)
- De Colores: Celebrating Hispanic Cultural Values (.pdf)
- Latinismo (.pdf)
2009 Hispanic/Latino Conference
To increase student achievement for all students, education leaders and practitioners must build our shared knowledge about the issues that affect student learning. Hispanic and Latino students often face unique educational challenges, including:
- English fluency
- A school culture that differs from their culture
- Low expectations of students
- Lack of bi-lingual educators
- Technology access in their households
- Poverty level in Hispanic communities
Whether you’re in the administrative office or in the schools, you will benefit from this important educational conference. Learn more below.
Click here to register online.
Hispanic/Latino Conference Brochure (revised)
Conference Details
- Featured Keynote Speakers
- Breakout Sessions
- Program Agenda (Please note, the conference agenda changed. Here you’ll find the revised format.)
- Conference Registration Information
- Hotel Registration Information
- Printable Forms
The hotel reservation deadline has been extended to Friday, February 6th!
Featured Keynote Speakers
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Eugene Garcia, Ph.D. Vice President for Education Partnerships, Arizona State University Reducing the Achievement Gap for Hispanic Students Recent national data identified specific school and non-school variables that significantly reduce the existing achievement gap for Hispanic students. Join Eugene Garcia as he provides details on this data and directly addresses the implications in policy and practice that can dramatically affect the achievement gap challenge. Walk away with tools to implement positive change in your district and tools for building buy-in around these new initiatives. As the vice president for education partnerships at Arizona State University, Dr. Eugene Garcia works to strengthen K–12 education in the state of Arizona by linking the university and private sector in sharing fiscal and human resources. He also coordinates teacher preparation across Arizona campuses and heads the Arizona University–public school initiative to establish campus schools. Currently, he is chairing the National Task Force on Early Childhood Education for Hispanics funded by the Foundation for Child Development and the Mailman Family Foundation. He is presently conducting research on effective schooling for linguistically and culturally diverse student populations, funded by the National Science Foundation. His most recent books include, Hispanic Education in the United States: Raíces y Alas, Understanding and Meeting the Challenge of Student Diversity, and Teaching and Learning in Two Languages: Bilingualism and Schooling in the United States. |
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NEW ADDITION! Juana Bordas Mestiza Leadership International, president Celebrating Hispanic Cultural Traditions Schools face the unique challenge of educating their diverse student population. Though this comes with several challenges, like bridging cultural gaps, it also brings rich creative opportunities for school districts to engage their community. Through music, interaction and sharing, Juana Bordas will show you the energy and strength the vibrant multicultural Hispanic community can bring to your communities and schools. She’ll introduce you to strategies to infuse schools with Hispanic values and provide tools to create greater school diversity and build stronger partnerships with Hispanic families and communities. After her energizing session, Bordas will be available for signings of her acclaimed book Salsa, Soul and Spirit: Leadership for a Multicultural Age. Juana Bordas leads a life dedicated to connecting communities and serving others. She is currently president of Mestiza Leadership International, a company focusing on leadership, diversity and organizational change. As founding President/ CEO of the National Hispana Leadership Institute, she worked to prepare Latinas for national leadership. Three decades ago, she founded Denver’s Mi Casa Women’s Center where she served as executive director. Today, Mi Casa is recognized as a national model for women’s empowerment. Bordas’ twenty two years’ experience managing nonprofit corporations and building partnerships with the private sector to support innovative programs has not gone unnoticed. She was initiated into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame, was awarded the U.S. Peace Corps’ Franklin Williams Award for her lifelong commitment to uplifting communities of color, received Denver’s Martin Luther King Jr. social responsibility award and the Denver Business Journal selected her for their 2003 Outstanding Women in Business Award. Bordas’ book, Salsa, Soul and Spirit: Leadership for a Multicultural Age, was awarded the 2008 International Latino Book Award for Best Leadership Book. |
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Patrick Sanchez Principal, West High School, Denver Public Schools Engaging Hispanic and Latino Students Educating Hispanic and Latino students comes with unique and rewarding challenges. However, to meet those challenges, school and district employees must first understand how to engage students and their families so they feel a part of the school culture. Hear from a high school principal seasoned in best practices for involving students and gaining trust from their families. Also, hear how Denver Public Schools is addressing the challenges of a high Hispanic/Latino student population. Afterward, Colorado high school students will let you know what works when engaging them in learning and gaining their trust. The youngest of seven children, Colorado native Pat Sanchez was the first in his family to graduate high school, college and receive a master’s degree. Aspiring toward meaningful employment bringing him closer to the student he once was, Sanchez has worked both in Colorado and abroad in numerous middle schools and high schools as state director for career technical education, assistant principal, dean of students and principal. A public school administrator now for more than 15 years, Sanchez’s commitment to serving traditionally marginalized students has led him to chosen work in urban, predominantly Latino, schools. After implementing successful school-wide reform in Denver’s Scott Carpenter Middle School, Sanchez became principal at Denver’s West High School in 2006, where he finds himself today. Under his leadership, the school halted eight years of decline in test scores and increased enrollment by more than 100 students. |
Hispanic/Latino Conference Brochure (revised)
Breakout Sessions
Monday, March 2, 2009
10:15-11:30 a.m.
choose one of 4
1. Early Childhood Parent Education: A “Three-Step Process”
Richard Garcia, executive director and Raaki Garcia Ulam, early childhood parent education coordinator, Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition; Rocio Perez, consultant, Definitive Marketing
Parent involvement is an integral factor in preparing children for school success. Learn effective ways to involve parents of 3 and 4 year olds in key activities to aid early childhood providers as they prepare children for school. This method not only helps parents of children who have access to quality early childhood education (ECE), but also helps those parents that can’t afford ECE or choose to keep their children home during their preschool years.
2. Project Respect: A Truancy Reduction Program
Judge Dennis Maes, chief judge for the 10th Judicial District; Terri Martinez-McGraw, director of student intervention services and Ramon Arriaga, coordinator, Project Respect, Pueblo City Schools, Colorado
Research indicates truancy often leads to a life of delinquency and crime. The key to combating truancy is getting to the underlying causes of the problem. The Pueblo County Truancy Pilot Program aims to do just that by implementing effective interventions so all children can have the educational opportunities they deserve. Learn how Pueblo is positively affecting the truancy rate while also improving academic outcomes for students, increasing student and family access to community services and improving student and family social-emotional well-being.
3. Latino Education Achievement to Graduation Program (LEAG)
Michael Gallegos, former executive director of equity and minority student success, Mesa County Valley No. 51, Colorado
The Latino Education Achievement to Graduation (LEAG) Program, a voluntary intervention program for at-risk Latino students, has resulted in dramatic increases in school attendance, academic achievement and positive behavior. Learn how one district implemented the program and what type of training is needed for at-risk Latino students to achieve freedom, opportunity, self-respect and ultimately a high school diploma. Also, learn how the program builds cultural awareness and influences teachers, parents and students to strengthen collaboration and communication skills enabling students to achieve academic, and life, success.
4. State of the State for English Language Learners
Barbara Medina, assistant commissioner, Colorado Department of Education
(this session will also be presented at 2:45-4:00 p.m.)
The number of English language learners in Colorado is increasing at a rapid rate. Hear from CDE’s assistant commissioner of innovation and transformation about recent academic performance data on this population of students from a statewide perspective. You’ll learn their English proficiency levels, top languages spoken in Colorado, CSAP scores and more. Discuss what this information means for your district and how closely this data reflects your district’s challenges.
2:45-4:00 p.m.
choose one of 4
1. Cultural Awareness — The Impact of Bias in Our Lives
Bill de la Cruz, president, De la Cruz Consulting, Inc.
(this session will also be presented on Tuesday)
Explore the depths of bias and the acculturated and value-oriented behaviors associated with bias. Be prepared to ask yourself the question, “Do my biases inhibit or enhance my ability to be in relationships?” Join this session to learn, in a safe and relaxed environment, how to build relationships, brainstorm action steps and build awareness about bias that presents itself in our schools and communities.
2. Governing Diverse Cultures
Colorado board members Miguel Cendejas, Center Consolidated Schools; Marge Rinaldi, Adams 50; Theresa Peña, Denver Public Schools; Stephanie Garcia, Pueblo City Schools and Valerie Espinosa-Martinez, Brighton No. 27J, Colorado
Join this lively panel of board members in a discussion about how to lead in our growing environment of change and diversity. Hear from those immersed in diverse school districts how to have meaningful discussions about bridging achievement gaps, ideas for discovering and developing emerging Latino leaders, and how to truly engage your unique community. Be prepared to learn and, most of all, to ask questions!
3. Building Parent Leadership Teams to Fulfill NCLB Requirements
Richard Garcia, executive director, Scott Filipinni, parent leadership team coordinator, and Raaki Garcia Ulam, early childhood parent education coordinator, Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition
Since becoming a federally-funded Parent Information and Resource Center (COPIRC) in 2006, the Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition expanded and sustained more than a dozen parent leadership teams in schools with primarily Latino students. The Parent Leadership Team, composed of an administrator, several parent leaders, two teachers and other staff or community partners, has proven to be an effective model for increasing Parental Involvement, and meeting the requirements of NCLB. Get an overview over the parent leadership team process, results from their efforts and strategies for engaging Latino parents. You’ll even walk away with a training brochure titled “Engaging Mexican Immigrant Parents in their Children’s Education,” as well as current research and follow-up opportunities.
4. State of the State for English Language Learners
Barbara Medina, assistant commissioner, Colorado Department of Education
The number of English language learners in Colorado is increasing at a rapid rate. Hear from CDE’s assistant commissioner of innovation and transformation about recent academic performance data on this population of students from a statewide perspective. You’ll learn their English proficiency levels, top languages spoken in Colorado, CSAP scores and more. Discuss what this information means for your district and how closely this data reflects your district’s challenges.
4:15-5:30 p.m.
choose one of 4
1. Engaging Your Hispanic Community in Technology Education
George Welsh, superintendent, Miguel Cendejas, board member; Rebecca Reed, librarian; Julio Paez, director of technology, Center Consolidated Schools, Colorado
Recognizing that educating the “whole family” is just as important as educating the “whole child,” rural district Center Schools has made major strides in connecting families with technology—families of which only 15% have an Internet connection. Learn how this district provided technology resources and basic technology instruction to families to engage them in district activities and to build support around students and their technology education.
2. Best Practices for Bridging the Communication Gap
Stan Perea, president and founder, New America Consulting Group, Colorado
Most miscommunication happens when people fail to speak the “same language.” This doesn’t only apply to those who don’t speak the same mother tongue. Bridging the communication gap means learning about cultural differences and most of all, learning how to engage those who come from different cultural backgrounds. It can be done, but it takes work. Learn how your schools can increase their communications with staff, students, families and the community at large. You will leave this session with ready-to-apply action steps.
3. Colorado Department of Education Efforts to Close the Achievement Gap
Anita Foxworth, director, Achievement Gap and Academic Support Office, Colorado Department of Education and Bill de la Cruz, president, De la Cruz Consulting, Inc.
Gather new information about recent efforts to close Colorado’s achievement gap. Equally important, share with others what you’re doing locally to close “the gap.” This interactive session will include time for discussion about the definition of and solutions to the achievement gap.
4. Building ELA Programs: Creatively Connecting Crucial Components
Diane M. Catlin, MEd, ELA Coordinator, Poudre School District
Educating English Language Learners is most successful through a collaborative effort. Learn how one district connected programs and buildings to create an interwoven web of support for English Language Learners. Hear how they strengthened the ELL skills of mainstream teachers and other staff members and strengthened cultural and linguistic awareness. Take notes on how this district engaged parents in the process and creatively celebrate student success and encourage them to be proud to become bilingual. Learn more through a mini-documentary of the "Walk A Mile In Their Shoes" immersion program.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
9:15-10:30 a.m.
choose one of 4
1. Cultural Awareness — The Impact of Bias in Our Lives
Bill de la Cruz, president, De la Cruz Consulting, Inc.
Explore the depths of bias and the acculturated and value-oriented behaviors associated with bias. Be prepared to ask yourself the question, “Do my biases inhibit or enhance my ability to be in relationships?” Join this session to learn, in a safe and relaxed environment, how to build relationships, brainstorm action steps and build awareness about bias that presents itself in our schools and communities.
2. The Student Perspective: Adams 14 Student Board of Education
Matthew LaCrue, student board of education president; Jeannette Lewis, board member; Dr. Susan Chandler, superintendent; Wesley Paxton, principal, Adams City High School, Adams 14, Colorado
As school district leaders, how do you connect with the students within your community? The Adams 14 Student Board of Education provides student perspectives in the decision-making process of the Board of Education. In its first school year, their Student Board is already making a difference. Learn how to develop your own Student Board of Education—from policy adoption to recruitment and election of your student leaders. Come learn how you can involve the leaders of the future in shaping the direction of your school district.
3. On-site Bilingual Parent Support
Rod Blunck, superintendent and Valerie Espinosa-Martinez, board member, Brighton Public Schools, Colorado
After attending the Heartland Hispanic conference in Oklahoma City two years ago, Brighton Public Schools embarked on a strategic journey to reach out to families to build a bridge between school and the home. Hear about this journey and, in particular, an investment in people whose primary jobs were to build relationships with families to ensure a quality educational experience for all children. This strategic investment resulted in an increase of communications between school, families and support structures for parents. Learn how Brighton Public Schools constructed a foundation that assisted all students achieving school success.
4. VOICES: Building Bridges Between Schools and the Community
Dan Vallez, director, VOICES Community Resource Center, Adams 50, Colorado
What is your district doing to help your families through these tough times? Are the non-academic barriers to student achievement becoming more pronounced as your district changes? Find out what Adams County School District 50 is doing to address these and more issues through community engagement. See how their resource and referral centers bring families closer to the district and provide assistance with housing, employment, and health care. In addition, hear about activities and partnerships that increase teacher retention, and efforts to increase communication through free English classes to hundreds of families in the district and Spanish classes for teachers, staff and members of the community.
Hispanic/Latino Conference Brochure (revised)
Program Agenda
Monday, March 2
8:30-10:00 a.m., General Session: Eugene Garcia
10:15-11:30 a.m., Breakout Sessions
11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m., Lunch
1:00-2:30 p.m., General Session: Juana Bordas
2:45-4:00 p.m., Breakout Sessions
4:15-5:30 p.m., Breakout Sessions
5:30-6:30 p.m., Reception
Tuesday, March 3
7:30-8:30 a.m., Breakfast
8:45-10:00 a.m., Breakout Sessions
10:15 a.m.-Noon, General Session: Patrick Sanchez and student dialogue
Conference Registration Information
REGISTRATION
$225 per person (includes Monday continental breakfast, lunch, breaks and reception and Tuesday continental breakfast and breaks)
Please see the downloadable registration form below. Payment is appreciated in advance, but is not required. Visa and MasterCard payments will be accepted with online registrations only.
Click here to register online.
Hispanic/Latino Conference Brochure (revised)
Hotel Registration Information
PARKING
Valet parking is available at the Antlers Hilton for $10, short term and $15, overnight. Self-parking is also available at a discounted rate of $5 per day.
QUESTIONS?
For questions or additional information, please click here to contact CASB, or call (303) 832-1000 or (800) 530-8430.
HOTEL RESERVATIONS
ANTLERS HILTON, COLORADO SPRINGS
4 South Cascade Avenue • Colorado Springs, CO 80903
The conference will be held in downtown Colorado Springs, with commanding views of Pikes Peak and the Rocky Mountains. Only 25 minutes from Colorado Springs Municipal Airport. Rooms are available at a discounted rate starting at $119, single/double occupancy.
Make reservations by calling (866) 299-4602 or click here to make an online reservation. Be sure to state you are attending the CASB Hispanic/Latino Conference to receive the discounted room rate. Deadline for reservations is Friday, February 6, 2009. Reservations made after this date will be on a space available basis.
Directions
From I-25, take Exit 142, Bijou Street, where hotel is visible from the interstate, and turn East. Turn right on North Cascade Ave., which is the second stoplight, and the hotel will be on your right.
2009 Printable Forms (.pdf)
- Hispanic/Latino Conference Brochure (revised)
- Mail-in/Fax Registration Form
- Invitation to Exhibit and Sponsorship Opportunities Information
Online Registration Form