The California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators (CAAASA) concluded its annual State Conference in Sacramento with a head of steam. The theme for this year’s conference was Educational Excellence for African American Students. CAAASA makes recommendations to the CA. Department of Education (CDE) on topics such as curriculum and instruction, staff development, parent/community involvement, funding and gender specific issues. CAAASA has also submitted testimony to the speaker of the Assembly which would improve the status of African-American males relative to their disproportionate representation in the penal system and in the Nation’s colleges and universities.
The three day event which was attended by various stakeholders (i.e., educators, administrators, parents, elected officials, etc.) started with an Aspiring and New Superintendent Academy, where attendees were able to network with each other, experienced Superintendents, and meet with an executive search firm. This process is vital in creating opportunities for greater access to Superintendent Positions for African Americans (A/A).
A morning parent workshop was held to give parents (and others) information on how to access and desegregate data on African-American Students. The afternoon included a visit to the State Capitol Building for a Town Hall Meeting with legislative representatives from Congress. And the day ended with a film presentation back in the main meeting room at the Sheraton Grand Hotel.
Day two started with State Superintendent, Tom Torlakson addressing the conference audience on the state’s educational budget, common core standards, and future of CA. schools. Later in the day Seth Galanter, Acting Asst. Secretary for the Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Dept. of Education spoke of work his office is doing on behalf of improving educational opportunities for black students. The evening ended with an awards Gala where selected individuals were honored for their exceptional work in the field of education.
The third and final day of the conference included plenary (lecture) sessions where CA. Mayors, Congressman Robert “Bobby” Scott, and legislative advocates spoke on topics such as partnering with urban school districts, current and new initiatives impact on A/A students, and strategies and solutions for moving forward.
And of course the entire three days were filled with great workshops. Because of space restrictions on this article I can’t share all of them now – but plan to report a little more in detail when pictures and/or videos become available. So check back often or subscribe for free above and receive automatic notifications on new articles.
Special thanks go out to CAAASA President, Dr. Pamela Short-Powell, Conference Chair, Dr. Carole Cobb, Treasurer, Michael Dennis, Executive Director, Dwight Bond, and the entire planning committee. And the conference would not have happened without the support of the sponsors, vendors, and many participants who attended. Congratulations CAAASA on a great conference.
View slideshow here: www.examiner.com/slideshow/caaasa-2013
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