Educators from Orange County and beyond will gather in May for a special forum to address the needs of vulnerable boys and young men in public schools.
Hosted by OCDE and Orange County Superintendent 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.
Attendees can register for the event at link.ocde.us/forum-registration.
The daylong forum will feature research and insight from renowned academic experts followed by 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 systems 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.