Workshop 2019 will shine a spotlight on an issue of significant importance in New Jersey: educational equity and how schools can make sure students have the support and resources they need to achieve success.
New Jersey Commissioner of Education Dr. Lamont Repollet will speak on “Equity in Action,” addressing how equity informs the department’s initiatives and programs to strengthen teaching and learning. Repollet’s speech will take place Tuesday Oct. 22 in the Investors Bank Theater.
In addition to Tuesday’s keynote speech, various aspects of educational equity will be examined in several group sessions and action labs:
- A Bigger Tent: Promoting Excellence and Equity Through an Inclusive AP Program, Tues. Oct. 22, 3-4 p.m. Presenter: William Smith, Point Pleasant Beach superintendent
- Courageous Voices: How to Organize for Equity in the Schools, Wed. Oct. 23, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Presenters (all from New Brunswick School District): Nadine Sanchez, principal; Danielle Mastrogiovanni, supervisor of humanities; Aquaus Kelley, educator.
- The Role of the Board in Equity Work, Wed. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Presenters: Joe Langowski, Lumberton school district superintendent; Dr. Shelley Zion, executive director, Center for Access, Success, and Equity, Rowan University College of Education.
- Exploring SEC and Trauma through the Lens of Equity and Connection, Wed. Oct. 23, 10-11:30 a.m. Presenter: Alisha De Lorenzo, interim deputy director, Garden State Equality.
- Equity is an Action: Districtwide Equity-Based Leadership, Wed. Oct. 23, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Presenters (all from Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District): Elford Rawls-Dill, director of curriculum and instruction; John Bombadier, assistant superintendent; Nelly Perez, assistant superintendent.
- NJSBA Equity Council, Oct. 23, 3-4 p.m. Presenters: Dr. Penelope Lattimer, consultant and former assistant commissioner, New Jersey Department of Education; Vincent DeLucia, NJSBA educator-in-residence.
- A Roadmap: Building an Equity Initiative, Thursday, Oct. 24, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Presenters: Dr. Piera Gravenor, Delsea Regional School District superintendent; Dr. Melissa Williams, Delsea Regional School District assistant superintendent; Dr. Shelley Zion, professor and executive director, Center for Access, Success, and Equity, Rowan University College of Education.
- Community Schools: A Vehicle for Equity, Thursday, Oct. 24, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Presenters: Gregory Stankiewicz, statewide coordinator, N.J. Community Schools Coalition; G. Kennedy Greene, Newton School District superintendent and chief educational officer; Bryan Murdock, director, Center for Community Engagement, Montclair State University.