Orange County Department of Education, County Superintendent to host 'Saving Our Most Vulnerable Boys and Young Men' event
The May 2 forum to feature research and insight from renowned academic experts
ORANGE, Calif., April 2, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Educators from Orange County and beyond will gather in May for a special forum to address the needs of vulnerable boys and young men within public school systems.
Hosted by the Orange County Department of Education and County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Al Mijares, "Know My Name, Face and Story: Saving Our Most Vulnerable Boys and Young Men" will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 2 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Anaheim - Orange County.
The daylong forum will feature research and insight from renowned academic experts, along with in-depth breakout sessions designed to promote equity, access and opportunity for all students. Speakers will include Pedro Noguera, Ph.D., founder for the Center for the Transformation of Schools at UCLA; Shaun Harper, Ph.D., professor and executive director of the Race and Equity Center at USC; and Victor Rios, Ph.D., professor of sociology at UC Santa Barbara.
"In far too many of our school systems and communities, we have seen widening achievement gaps and cycles of poverty and despair that have persisted for generations," Dr. Mijares said. "It is time that we deeply understand some of the systemic causes of chronic underperformance and embrace our capacity to be change-agents and advocates for our most vulnerable student populations."
OCDE has long prioritized educating the whole child in inclusive learning environments that promote excellence, equity and access. In 2016, the department was tapped by the state to help school districts implement the California Multi-Tiered System of Support framework, which aligns new and existing strategies to meet students' academic, behavioral and social-emotional needs. Based on the theme "All Means All," MTSS builds on the strengths of each school, offering core supports for all students, additional assistance for some and targeted interventions for those with the greatest needs.
OCDE also established the One Billion Acts of Kindness initiative, which was launched three years ago to promote character, improve school climates and amplify civility.
The "Know My Name, Face and Story" forum on May 2 will be held in partnership with Latino Youth Leadership Orange County. Teachers, counselors, administrators and others who educate and support students are encouraged to attend.
To learn more or to register, visit link.ocde.us/forum-registration.
About OCDE
The Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) serves some of Orange County's most vulnerable student populations and provides support and mandated fiscal oversight to 27 school districts serving more than 600 schools and nearly 500,000 students.
In addition to providing direct instruction to students through its alternative and special education programs, OCDE administers an array of programs and services that are critical to the operations of local school districts and community colleges, facilitating professional development, legal guidance, payroll, career and technical education support, high-speed internet access, Local Control and Accountability Plan assistance and approval, resources for families, and student enrichment.
OCDE's vision, outlined in its most recent Strategic Plan, is that "Orange County students will lead the nation in college and career readiness and success." Department staff are working to achieve this goal in collaboration with educators at all levels of student development, from early childhood through higher education, and in partnership with families, businesses and community organizations.
Contact:
Ian Hanigan
[email protected]
SOURCE Orange County Department of Education
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