California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators
CAAASA STATE CONFERENCE 2010 SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA February 18-19, 2010
Initiative 2010: Implementation of “Education is a Civil Right�
Rationale The historic and documented educational underachievement of African-American students in public schools throughout the Nation is the most glaring inequity and unfulfilled initiative of the incessant struggle for social justice during the 20th and 21st centuries. Educational justice remains the most significant Civil Right that has not been provided to all African-American students and families. - Dr. George McKenna
California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators
Sheraton Grand Sacramento
February 18 & 19, 2010
California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators
Sheraton Grand Sacramento
February 18 & 19, 2010
California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators
February 18, 2010
President’s Message Welcome to the 2010 CAAASA conference, “Initiative 2010: Implementation of Education is a Civil Right.” The CAAASA organization is committed to implementing the goals and objectives outlined in the “Education is a Civil Right” action plan. We are delighted that you have chosen to participate in this initiative. Additionally, we are committed to reaching out to all current, aspiring, and retired administrators, school board members, support staff, resource specialists and our political leaders in an effort to be inclusive, supportive and contributors to the development of professionals and programs that promote growth, ideals and foster true partnerships and collegiality. The conference will feature several professional and political panels that will provide participants with information regarding state and federal initiatives and programs; information on the state budget challenges and its impact on education; programs and research strategies that better engage students, enhance learning and provide teachers with tools and strategies geared towards fulfilling the Education is a Civil Right agenda; legislative input on challenges impacting education and legal rights for parents. I am especially pleased that the conference allows us the opportunity to meet and hear from representatives from our legislature, state and local school boards, Black Lawyers Association, educational advocacy groups, parents, and others. I hope that each of you will take advantage of the networking opportunities and the potential for collaboration and sustained partnerships. Yours truly,
Pamela Short Powell, Ed.D. President, CAAASA
California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators
California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators
February 18, 2010
It is my great pleasure to serve as your CAAASA Conference Chair this year. We hope you enjoy the program. This year, our goal was to give conferees tools they can use to continue to push the Education is a Civil Right agenda. We want participants to walk away with strategies to improve outcomes for African-American students. Our work is intentional, giving you research, best practices, and time to collaborate with colleagues so you can walk away energized and ready to put a plan into action. Another goal this year was to reach beyond the walls of education, and begin to partner with parents and community-based organizations. As the community leaders become more aware of current trends and best practices, our hope is that they will continue to serve as active partners with CAAASA, to improve our educational system. Because we are all lifelong learners we have workshops for parents, teachers, administrators, board members and community leaders. I would like to extend my special thanks to our corporate sponsors, and all others who gave financial gifts, gifts of time, and moral support as we planned for this event. We want your conference experience to be a positive one, and believe that you will be inspired by all of our gifted presenters and performers. We thank all those who have taken time out of their schedules to present, attend, contribute and eventually act, on behalf of students. I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to our President Dr. Pamela Short-Powell, Executive Director, Dwight Bonds, assistant, Krista Da Silva, and all planning committee members, particularly Dr. George King and Dr. Brenda Harris. Enjoy!
Ramona E. Bishop, Ed.D.
Sheraton Grand Sacramento
February 18 & 19, 2010
California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators
Initiative 2010: Implementation of Education is a Civil Right Education is a Civil Right is a response to research that clearly reveals the existence and growing inequities between white and black students in academic achievement, dropout rates, grade retention, suspensions and special education placement. Disparities continue into and throughout adulthood in the criminal justice system, unemployment, wage earnings, and life expectancy. The California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators (CAAASA) contend that these inequalities can be reduced and finally eliminated through quality education. Dr. Pamela Short-Powell President, CAAASA
I would also like to thank ACSA for their generous support and commitment to CAAASA. We look forward to working with ACSA on our new Partnering for Success program
State Conference Planning Committee Ramona Bishop State Conference Chair Associate Superintendent
California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators
“Education Is A Civil Right”: An Agenda for Academic Success George King Principal Consultant Speaker’s Office for the California State Assembly
Adonai Mack Legislative Advocate, ACSA
Shirley Thornton School Board Member
Kay Burnside Superintendent
Michael Watkins Superintendent
Dennis Byas Superintendent
“Education is a Civil Right” is a response to research that clearly reveals the existence and growing inequities between white and AfricanAmerican students in academic achievement, dropout rates, grade retention, suspensions and Special Education placement. Disparities continue into and throughout adulthood in the criminal justice system, unemployment, wage earnings, and life expectancy. The California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators (CAAASA) contend that these inequities can be eliminated through quality education. CAAASA hereby declares “Education is a Civil Right” as its Agenda and urges all citizens to take action.
George McKenna Superintendent
Charlie Mae Knight Consultant
Sheraton Grand Sacramento
Dwight Bonds CAAASA Executive Director
February 18 & 19, 2010
California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators
California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators
CONTENTS Welcome Letters
1
Conference Planning Committee
8
About CAAASA
11
Conference Schedule
12
Presenter Biographies
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2010 Conference Goals
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1.
Become knowledgeable of strategies, programs and services to improve high school graduation rates for African-American students.
2.
Provide successful best practices and models with proven results in educating African-American males.
3.
Provide training and support for parents and families of underachieving AfricanAmerican students.
4.
Review proposed changes to the Elementary and Secondary Education Acts with California congressional representatives.
Sheraton Grand Sacramento
February 18 & 19, 2010
California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators
Mission Statement The California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators (CAAASA), a group of educational leaders, is committed to identify and to address the critical issues in education through public policy relative to the status and performance of African-American students in California.
About CAAASA CAAASA was organized in 1993. Its membership consists of African-American school superintendents, assistant superintendents, deputy superintendents, directors and other administrators. CAAASA has a history of hosting Institutes, state meetings, state conferences, and many special events since its inception. Serving as an informative link to California Department of Education (CDE), CAAASA makes recommendations on topics to include curriculum and instruction, staff development, parent involvement, funding and gender specific issues. CAAASA has submitted testimony to the Speaker of the Assembly, which included six recommendations for the California Legislative Commission, which would improve the status of AfricanAmerican males relative to their disproportionate representation in the penal system and in the Nation’s colleges and universities. CAAASA has worked in partnership with the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) by sponsoring events and programs that support increased student achievement and that proved to be successful in addressing the needs of African-American students. Under CAAASA leadership, the organization is working closely with new and proposed initiatives that impact African-American students including a most successful and recently sponsored statewide conference in Sacramento focusing on achievement of African-American students, “Education is a Civil Right.” Additionally, we have met with Executive Search Firms and other stakeholders to address the under representation of African-American Superintendents in California school districts. CAAASA will continue to collaborate with California Department of Education (CDE) and other prominent organizations on projects and programs.
CAAASA Officers President: Pamela Short-Powell, Ed.D. Vice President: Edna E. Davis-Herring Treasurer: Joseph Jones Secretary: Ramona Robinson-Bishop, Ph.D. Consultant: Charlie Mae Knight, Ed.D. Membership Chair: George J. McKenna III, Ed.D. Executive Director: Dwight Bonds California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators
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The
Program
Thursday, February 18, 2010 8:00-8:20
Continental Breakfast
8:20-8:45
Pearson Foundation – Adam Ray Target Excellence Sponsor – Keith Herron
Sacramento Area Youth Speaks
Conference Opening 8:45-9:30
Welcome and Introductions ß CAAASA President, Dr. Pamela Powell ß CAAASA Conference Chair, Dr. Ramona Bishop ß ACSA, Earl Perkins, Assistant Superintendent, Los Angeles Unified School District ß ACSA Executive Director, Bob Wells Keynote Speech – Education Is a Civil Right Dr. George McKenna, Local District Superintendent, LAUSD
REsearch summit 9:30-10:30
Moderator Ms. Edna E. Davis-Herring, Consultant Keynote Speech “ The Race is On: A Deeper Analysis of Data to Ensure African-American Students Race to the Top ” Dr Edwin Javius, Ed Equity Response Panel – Moderator Dr. Edwin Javius Dr. William Ellerbee, Deputy Superintendent, California Department of Education Dr. Sharon Robinson, Special Assistant to the Superintendent, Los Angeles Unified School District Jerome Horton, Vice-Chair, California State Board of Equalization Dr. Shelley Jones-Holt, Principal, Twin Rivers Unified School District
10:45 – 11:30
Census 2010 Dianne Audrick-Smith, U.S. Census Bureau Introduction of Speaker Dr. Kaye Burnside, Superintendent, Compton Unified School District Keynote Speech “P-16 Council Recommendations on Closing the Achievement Gap and Race to the Top” Jose Ortega, Director P-16 Unit, California Department of Education Questions and Answers from the Floor
11:30-11:45
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Race to the Top Senator Gloria Romero Candidate, State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Sheraton Grand Sacramento
February 18 & 19, 2010
Legislative summit 11:45
Dr. Charlie Mae Knight Luncheon Moderator - Marguerite Poindexter- LaMotte, District 1 Board Member Los Angeles Unified School District Phyllis Marshall, American Association of Publishers All God’s Children – Be Blessed
12:30 – 1:15
Recognizing Emerging Leaders Award Dr. Charlie Knight Recognizing emerging leaders committed to ensuring academic excellence, equity and access for African-American students
Keynote Speech “No Progress Without Struggle: A Legislative Perspective on Closing Achievement Gaps in Ohio” Dr. Venita Kelly, Special Representative to the Governor of Ohio
1:15-2:15
Legislative Caucus Roundtable Discussion
2:15-2:30
Break
2:30-4:00
Breakout Sessions
Parent Summit
Research Summit
School Board Policy Roundtable
Superintendents Summit
Legal Summit
Location: Gardenia Room
Location: Falor Room
Location: Bondi Room
Location: Beavis Room
Location: Compagno Room
Panel – Advocating for Improved Educational Systems for African-American Students Facilitator – Dr. Tom Williams, President/ CEO, ILEAD Derrell Roberts Roberts Family Development Center Sacramento, CA Carl Pinkston Black Parallel School Board Sacramento, CA Angela Jemmott & John Taylor Concerned African-American Parents Elk Grove, CA
Panel – Hands-on Strategies for Building Stronger Family and School Partnerships
Facilitator – Jo A.S. Loss, President California State PTA Paul Orlando, Principal Rio Tierra Junior High Sacramento, CA
Panel - School Board Policy Roundtable Discussion – Policies that Eliminate the Achievement Gap for African-American Students
Superintendency – Is it for me? Mentoring and Support for your next Superintendency
Panel – Let’s Make a Deal – Everything Administrators Need to Know About Negotiating Contracts During Difficult Times
Facilitator, Paul Chatman, Trustee, Oceanside Unified School District Marguerite LaMotte, Trustee, Los Angeles Unified School District
Dr. Ruth Love, RBL Enterprises Oakland, CA
Facilitator – Adrienne Konigar-Macklin Attorney At Law Aleshire and Winder, LLP
Lynetta Hughes President Sacramento Council PTA
Henry Hendricks Board President West Fresno Elementary School District
Emmett Keith-Jones Career Technical Advisor Riverside County Office of Education
Virniecia Davis Trustee Lake Perris Elementary School District
Bob Harris Executive Manager, Pearson Curriculum Group Sacramento, CA
Alice Spearman Trustee Oakland Unified School District Emma Turner CSBA Green Valley School District
Corporate Leadership in Education
Amina Merritt Attorney at Law Merritt Law Clinic Oakland, CA Associate Justice Vance Raye Court of Appeals 3rd Appellate District Diane Marshall-Freeman Attorney at Law Fegan, Friedman and Fulfrost Sacramento, CA Jabari Willis, Attorney at Law Atkinson, Andelson, Loyola, Rudd, and Romo Cerritos, CA
4:00 P.M – 5:00 P.M
California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators
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Reception 5:00-6:00
Refreshments and Drinks Sponsor – Atkinson, Andelson, Loyola Rudd, and Romo 1029 J Street Dinner on your Own
Friday, February 19, 2010 Dr. Rex Fortune Breakfast 7:30 – 9:00
Moderator: Adonai Mack, Association of California School Administrators Welcome and Introductions David Deluz, President/CEO, Greater Sacramento Urban League Betty Williams, President, NAACP – Sacramento Branch Azizza Davis Goines, Sacramento Black Chamber of Commerce Cortez Quinn, Trustee, Twin Rivers Unified School District Jonathon Raymond, Superintendent, Sacramento City Unified School District Introduction of Speaker Keynote Speech Rex Fortune, Fortune School of Education
Legislative Summit 9:00- 9:45
Moderator: Dr. Dennis Byas, Superintendent, San Lorenzo Unified School District Statements from Candidates for State Superintendent of Public Instruction Larry Aceves Ron Hickey
9:45- 10:15
Closing the Achievement Gap Jack O’Connell – State Superintendent of Public Instruction
10:15-10:30
Break
10:30-11:30
Breakout Sessions
Legal Summit
Research Panel
Superintendent’s Summit
Best Practices for Leaders
Location: Falor Room
Location: Bondi Room
Location: Beavis Room
Location: Compagno Room
Education is a Civil Right: A Light to Equality in Education
Improving the Health of AfricanAmerican Students /Parents through school and community partnerships
Facilitator, Adrienne Konigar Macklin
Cynthia Robinson Network for a Healthy California – African-American Campaign
Amina Merritt, Attorney at Law Merritt Law Clinic Oakland, CA
Dr. Brenda Harris California Department of Education
Diane Marshall-Freeman Attorney at Law Fegan, Friedman and Fulfrost Sacramento, CA
Sheraton Grand Sacramento
Using After school programs to increase student achievement for Students of Color
George McKenna Local District Superintendent Los Angeles Unified School District
Keith Herron, President/CEO Target Excellence
Kaye Burnside Superintendent Compton Unified School District Dennis Byas Superintendent San Lorenzo Unified School District
Associate Justice Vance Raye Court of Appeals 3rd Appellate District
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Superintendency – Is it for me? Mentoring and Support for your next Superintendency
February 18 & 19, 2010
11:30-1:30
Education is a Civil Right Luncheon
Moderator:
Dr. Pamela Powell, President, CAAASA Remarks from Governor Arnold Schwarzenneger’s Office Kathryn Radtacy-Gaither, Undersecretary of Educations Bismarck Obando, Director of External Affairs
Panel Discussion: Next Steps – Organizing for Action Alice Huffman, State President, NAACP Alice Spearman, Board Member, Oakland Unified School District
Diane Daniels, Executive Director, National Council on Educating Black Children Paul Brock, National Gateway Academic Program Coordinator
Dr. Daryao Khatri, Professor of Physics, University of District of Columbia
Closing Remarks
California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators
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&
Education is a Civil Right
Honoring CAAASA Founders Dr Charlie
Mae Knight
Rex
Fortune
Dr. Charlie Mae Knight Luncheon February 18, 2010 Dr. Charlie Mae Knight Awards Luncheon is recognizing emerging leaders in education for the state of California, leaders who are committed to ensuring academic excellence, equity and access for African-American students. Â These award recipients reflect the best and brightest with diverse work experiences. Emerging Leaders Award Recipients
Stan Echols
Gloria Hill
Sandra Williams-Hemp
Margaret Fortune
Assistant Principal C.K. McClatchy High School
New Teacher Support /BTSA Coordinator Human Resources/ SUHSD
Executive Director, K-12 College Board Western Regional Office
Trustee of the California State University System
Rex Fortune Breakfast February 19, 2010
Learn About
Current research on student achievement for African-American and Latino students in California.
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Education is a Civil Right
Larry
Aceves
Larry Aceves is a candidate for California Superintendent of Public Instruction. An educator with more than 30 years of experience, he has served as teacher and principal in school districts in San Jose and San Diego and the Central Coast. He has served as the President of ACSA, the largest educational leadership association in the nation. As a school district superintendent, Larry worked with the public and private sectors to establish programs and facilities including a free medical and dental clinic for low income children, preschool programs, parent and community centers, parent training centers, English Language Development programs and gang prevention training. He championed and maintained music, art, and physical education classes for all students.
Tahir
Ahad, MBA, CPA
Tahir Ahad, MBA, CPA is the president and chief executive officer of Total School Solutions (TSS). Founded in 1999, he is involved in providing direct services to clients, primarily in the areas of efficiency studies, performance audits and evaluations, systems improvement, and developing and implementing best educational management practices. He has had a distinguished career in public education, serving as chief business official in five school districts. In each, he managed and implemented facilities programs, three of which exceeded $100 million in construction. His areas of expertise include financing, planning, construction, and furnishing of school facilities. In addition to his work as a chief business official, Mr. Ahad is recognized for his knowledge of educational programs and expertise in employee-employer relationships, contract negotiations and maintenance, and human resources. Ahad holds a masters degree in business administration from Arizona State University and is a certified public accountant in California.
Dr. Ramona E.
Bishop
Dr. Ramona E. Bishop serves as Associate Superintendent for Curriculum and Academic Achievement with the Twin Rivers Unified School District. She holds a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Pacific, Stockton; a Master of Science Degree in Educational Leadership from California State University, Hayward, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of California at Berkeley. Dr. Bishop served as Superintendent of the Del Paso Heights School District, Sacramento, Director III Multilingual/Multicultural Equity, Access and Achievements in Sacramento City Unified School District, Principal and in a dual role as Associate Superintendent of Curriculum/Instruction and Principal of Anna Yates Elementary School, Emery Unified School District.
Paul
Brock
Paul Brock is President of Estellar Productions and the public relations consulting firm of News & Information Management Systems (NIMS). He currently serves as National Coordinator of the Gateway Academic Program (GAP), and works with a team of University of the District of Columbia (UDC) professors on a number of education-related issues. A former radio news journalist, television writer, producer and news anchor, he has held various positions within the media, education, political, policy and non-profit sectors. As a public relations practitioner, he has publicized several high profile events. He is a founder of the National Black Public Relations Society as well as the first President of the Black Public Relations Society of Southern California.
California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators
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Education is a Civil Right
Burnside
Dr. Kay E.
Dr. Kay E. Burnside serves as Superintendent with the Compton Unified School District. Prior to joining Compton, she served as teacher, project assistant, principal, Regional Superintendent, Chief Academic Officer, Associate Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent during her tenure with the West Contra Costa Unified School District. She also served for 10 years within the U.S. Department of Education prior to joining WCCUSD. In 1999, she received the “Woman of the Year Education Award,” from the State of California.
Dr. Dennis
Byas
Dr. Dennis Byas has served as Superintendent of the San Lorenzo Unified School District since 2007. Prior to his current assignment, he served for nearly eight years as Superintendent of the Colton Joint Unified School District, which enjoyed seven consecutive years of improved test scores and increased college attendance rates under his leadership. Dr. Byas has taught at various colleges and universities for more than 17 years. He received a B.A. in Economics from California State University at San Bernardino and both Master of Arts and Master of Business Administration Degrees at Claremont Graduate School-Peter F. Drucker Management Center. He is also a 2005 graduate of the Eli Broad Center’s Superintendent Academy and is one of fewer than 100 Broad Fellows in the Nation.
Paul H.
Chatman
Paul H. Chatman, a Board Member in the Ocean View School District in Ventura County, is the 2008-09 Immediate Past President of the California School Boards Association. Chatman has served on the Board of Trustees for the Ocean View School District since 1989, with ten years as president. He has been a member of the Ventura County Association of School Boards since 1989 and was chairman in 1996. In 1994, Chatman received the Senate Resolution for Distinguished Community Service. In 1996 he received the Summit Award for Outstanding Statesman and the California Teachers Association State Gold Award, Outstanding Public Official. Chatman is a member of community organizations, including Rotary Club of Oxnard Sunrise, and the Oxnard Police Chief Advisory Committee.
Diana
Daniels
Diana Daniels is a teacher, central office administrator, consultant, college professor, entrepreneur, historian and community activist, who has worked in public education for more than 39 years.. She holds a B.S. in Social Sciences and Psychology from Ball State University, an M.S. in Elementary Education from Butler University, and is working toward a Doctorate in Reading, Special Education and School Administration. After her retirement from the Indianapolis Public Schools in 2001, she served three years as Midwest Regional Director for Ventures Education Systems Corporation. In 2004 she began a partnership with Quality Leadership Resources, Inc. as Vice President of Sales/Staff Development, with a focus on restructuring schools through leadership and the alignment of structure, function and processes of a school and school district. She has delivered and participated in the staff development training of school boards, district leadership teams, and school teams. Mrs. Daniels is a highly regarded educator and her passion, expertise, and knowledge for educating African-American children is nationally recognized.
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California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators
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Education is a Civil Right
Assemblyman Mike
Davis
Assemblyman Mike Davis was elected to serve the 48th District of the California Assembly in November of 2006. Assemblyman Davis has authored legislation on topics such as: public utilities procurement for minority owned businesses, career technical education, elder and dependent adult abuse, notaries public, gasoline dispensing: weight and measures, vandalism penalties: community service, Political Reform Act of 1974: electronic filing, and military service job protection among others. Prior to being elected, Mr. Davis served as Senior Deputy Director for Los Angeles County Supervisor Yvonne Brathwaite Burke. He also served as District Director for Maxine Waters during her tenure in the California State Assembly and later, when she was elected to Congress. Davis earned a B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte; an M.A. in Public Administration from California State University at Northridge; and an M.A. in Behavioral Science with a concentration in Negotiations and Conflict Management from California State University at Dominguez Hills. Additionally, he completed the Innovations in Governance Program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
Dr. William J.
Ellerbee, Jr.
Dr. William J. Ellerbee, Jr. is Deputy Superintendent of the School and District Operations Branch with the California Department of Education (CDE). In this capacity, he is responsible for general oversight activities and policies within the following divisions: Nutrition Services, State Special Schools and Services, Charter Schools, and School Facilities and Planning. Prior to joining CDE, he served as the Associate Superintendent for Elementary Education with the Sacramento City Unified School District. He has more than 24 years of experience in education administration, in addition to experience as an elementary teacher and paraprofessional. He has served as an adjunct instructor with National University, the University of California, Berkeley Extension, and the University of the Pacific, Stockton. Dr. Ellerbee also has 10 years of experience as a legislative aide with the California State Assembly. He received B.A. and M.A. degrees from California State University, Sacramento, and an Ed.D. from the University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA.
Dr. Rex
Fortune
Dr. Rex Fortune is the Founder of Fortune School of Education (formerly Project Pipeline), a Teacher Alternative Certification and Hiring (TEACH) Program. He leads the Research and Evaluation Department at his school, which provides teacher certification training in Alameda, Contra Costa and Sacramento Counties. A lifelong educator, he served as Associate Superintendent of Public Instruction for the California State Department of Education for 11 years, Superintendent of the Inglewood Unified School District for five years and Superintendent of the Center Unified School District for 15 years before retiring in 2003. .He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from A & T State University in Greensboro, North Carolina, a Master of Arts Degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Doctorate in Education from Stanford University. He co-authored a book based on research conducted in four California school districts titled, Leadership on Purpose: Promising Practices for African-American and Hispanic Students. Dr. Fortune resides in Granite Bay California.
California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators
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Education is a Civil Right
Bob
Harris
Bob Harris has been an educator for the past thirty eight years. After a successful teaching career, he transitioned into the educational publishing industry to provide support in curriculum and instruction to teachers and students. During his publishing career, Bob has served in a variety of roles. For the past ten years, he has worked for Pearson as a Vice President in sales and as an Executive Manager for large urban accounts. He has helped to develop successful programs in reading, math, science and social studies that have been innovative in their design, easy for teachers to use, while they support student achievement for English learners, in part by a high degree of relevancy for students. He currently oversees a unique, philanthropic program for schools for Pearson called the Pearson Model Schools program, which provides at no cost customized support for K-12 schools in California in low income areas with high English learner and African American students. Bob also serves as chairperson for the California chapter for the California American Association of Publishers
Henry A.
Hendrix
Henry Hendrix wears many hats. A resident of Fresno, he is a community activist and advocate for civil and human rights. Additionally, he has served as a Master Teacher in Social Science and an acting assistant high school principal. Hendrix’s experience is varied. He has served as Deputy City Manager, Community Development Director, Deputy Sheriff, Consultant in Urban Planning, Program Evaluation and Planning Director, U.S. Post Office and U.S. Army Surveyor. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from California State University, Fresno and a Master of Arts from Fresno Pacific University.
Edna E.
Davis-Herring
Edna E. Davis-Herring of EDucational Network and Associates, provides educational consulting, and motivational speaking on topics relative to student achievement, leadership, women, youth and African-Americans. She served seven and one-half years as the Superintendent of the Rialto Unified School District (RUSD). Her career in education spans more than thirty-eight years. Following twelve years as a Spanish and English teacher at the community college and secondary school levels, she ventured into administration. Her administrative experiences include Program Manager for the Teacher Evaluation Program for the Louisiana Department of Education, Baton Rouge. In May 2008, she was featured on ABC World News Tonight with Charles Gibson on the District’s use of technology to protect and support students with food allergies.
Ronald
Hickey
Ronald Hickey is an administrator in the California public school system, the Chairman and CEO of Etalon mos, Inc., a California non-profit corporation that provides educational opportunities to California youth and President and CEO of Velron Publishing Company. Ronald has spent a lifetime mentoring under-privileged children throughout California. A member of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. and the National Black Police Association, he also serves his local community of Roseville as a member on the Board of Appeals and in the Chamber of Commerce. A graduate of the University of San Francisco with a degree in Public Administration, he is also the author and publisher of the book, “The Hoola Hoop Paradigm: Are You Up for the Challenge? Become as Great as You Want to Be!”
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Education is a Civil Right
Jerome E.
Horton
Jerome E. Horton currently serves as the Vice Chair of the California State Board of Equalization. Mr. Horton brings to the Board twenty-one years of prior Board of Equalization experience as business tax law specialist and a keen understanding of public policy as a former member of the California State Assembly and Inglewood City Council. His appointment to the Board is historic in that he is the first member to join the Board with twenty-one years of prior Board of Equalization experience, the first African American to serve on the Board and the third African American California Constitutional Officer.
Alice A.
Huffman
Alice A. Huffman is Founder and President/CEO of A.C. Public Affairs, Inc., a public affairs firm that specializes in public policy and grass roots advocacy. Additionally, she was elected President of the California State Conference of the NAACP in October 1999 and was re-elected for the fifth time last October. She is the first woman to hold the post. Active in political affairs, she served as the State President of the Black American Political Association of California. She also served as the Associate Executive Director for Politics for the California Teachers Association. She is a graduate of the University of California Berkeley in Social/Cultural Anthropology, with advance studies at University of Pennsylvania, University of California Davis, and University of Southern California. The Los Angeles Times listed her as one of the most powerful people in California and The California Journal listed her as one of the top 50 individuals who had the greatest impact on California over the last 25 years.
Lynetta
Hughes
Lynetta Hughes currently serves as president of the Sacramento Council of PTAs, which oversee all of the PTA units in the Sacramento Unified School District. Due to her dedication to the education and welfare of children and families, she also volunteers as secretary for the California Association for Compensatory Education-Title 1, is a member of the Oak Park Foundation, and serves on both the School Site Council and PTA at Bret Harte Elementary School. Lynetta has worked for the Sacramento City USD for more than 14 years as a Healthy Start Block Parent, Instructional Aide and in her current position as a Special Education Instructional Aide and Yard Duty Supervisor.
Dr. Edwin Lou
Javius
Dr. Edwin Lou Javius, is founder, President and CEO of EDEquity, Inc., an educational consultant firm, professes that “Equity is not a Strategy! It is a Mindset!� Dissatisfied by the un-changing narrowing of the racial achievement gap, Javius has established a reputation of inspiring educators to tackle the difficult issues of Educational Equity. His firm supports school districts and school sites in designing, implementing, and sustaining promising practices to improve instruction and close the achievement gap. A highly sought-after speaker, he is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley and holds a M.Ed. in Urban Leadership from Fresno Pacific University and a Doctorate in Urban School Leadership from the University of Southern California.
California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators
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Education is a Civil Right
Angela G.
Jemmott
Angela G. Jemmott is co-founder and President of the Concerned African American Parents (CAAP) advocacy group at Laguna Creek High School in the Elk Grove Unified School District. As a parent-advocate, Angela focuses on student retention, academic improvement, and cultural competence for children enrolled in public education. Angela brings a wealth of passion as well as system know-how to her volunteer work in the Elk Grove Unified School District where her children attended school. She works tirelessly to improve environmental conditions, parent networks, cultural diversity, racial equality and quality educational standards throughout the greater Sacramento region. Angela earned a B.A. in Organizational Communications from Sacramento State University.
Emmett
Keith-Jones
Emmett Keith-Jones is a Career Technical Education Instructor and Riverside County Office of Education Administrator candidate. He holds the position of Parent Involvement Commissioner with the California State PTA, and is a member of the State Board of Managers. Emmett also serves as Program Chairman with the 23rd District PTA (Riverside County). He has served as an advocate for students for many years, both within and outside of the PTA. In addition to his volunteer PTA work, he has volunteered for more than nine years for the Boy Scouts of America Orange County Council.
Joseph
Jones
Joseph Jones serves as Assistant Executive Director of Member Services and Professional Standards with the Association of California School Administrators (ASCA), with whom he has worked for the past 16 years. In this role, he assists California superintendents and administrators with due process, contract development, legal problems, conflict resolution, interest-based bargaining, site-based decision making, and sexual harassment workshops. He also serves as ACSA’s liaison to numerous state and national associations and boards. His educational experience includes thirty-five years in public schools, pre-college and the university levels as classroom teacher, middle school counselor, middle and high school assistant principal, and high school principal. Jones has also served as a part-time instructor of graduate students in teacher education and school administration, and as a nationally distinguished lecturer.
George
King
Dr. George King is the principal consultant to the Speaker’s Office for the California State Assembly. With extensive experience in management and consulting, he has also served as President and CEO of KAM Management and Consulting Services; “Connections Project” Consultant for the California Department of Education; Special Assistant to the Speaker for the California State Legislature; Senior Program Associate in the Curriculum Resources Group for the Institute for Services to Education in Washington, D.C.; and several positions as professor and assistant professor at prestigious universities across the country. A published author, Dr. King has served as director for in-service training institutes to support education agencies and community groups. He has also served as a guest speaker for the National Education Association (NEA), and numerous school districts, colleges, universities, and professional associations throughout the United States.
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Michelle
King
Michelle King is the Superintendent for Local District 3 of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Prior to accepting this position, she served as the Interim Chief Instructional Officer, Secondary, where she was responsible for curriculum, instruction and assessment for more than 170 middle and high schools and 64 options and alternative school programs. She has also held the positions of Interim Chief Instructional Officer, Deputy Chief Instructional Officer and Assistant Superintendent of Health and Human Services, where she was responsible for health education programs, pupil services and attendance, student medical health, school mental health, drug free school programs, and integrated student health partnerships. Since joining the LAUSD in 1984, Michelle has served as teacher, coordinator, assistant principal and Principal. Michelle earned a B.S, in Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles, a California Life Science Secondary Teaching Credential in 1986, an M.S. in Administration from Pepperdine University in 1992, and a California Professional Administrative Services Credential from National University in 1999.
Venita
Kelley, Ph.D.
Venita Kelley, Ph.D. was recently named the Governor’s Special Representative for Closing the Achievement Gap by Ohio Governor Ted Strickland. With interdisciplinary expertise, including intercultural communication, media, and leadership development, Dr. Kelley previously served as urban scholar for the cultural competency professional development training segment of the Governor’s Initiative, based in the Institute of Urban Education at Central State University. A popular speaker, Dr. Kelley holds a B.A. in Social Science with a concentration in Mass Communication, Cinema, & Literature from the University of California in Berkeley, a M.A. in Mass Communication and Public Policy from Howard University, and a Ph.D. in Intercultural and Public Communication from the University of Kansas. She is the founder and CEO of Kelley Communications and Consulting, a cultural competence, leadership development, and media consulting firm.
Daryao
Khatri, Ph.D.
Daryao Khatri, Ph.D. is a researcher, professor and a team leader of the “Gateway Academic Program (GAP),” with the University of the District of Columbia. Dr. Khatri is the author/co-author of over 45 publications in the fields of physics, computer science, and education and the co-author of two books on pedagogy: (1) “American Education Apartheid—Again,” and (2) “Color-Blind Teaching: Excellence for Diverse Classrooms”. The manuscript of a third book, “Closing the Gap:” “The Bypass Around Remediation,” has been accepted for publication with an expected date of July 2010. As a researcher and professor, he has received over $6 million in grant funds from public and private agencies. He holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in physics from the University of Delhi, India and a Ph.D. in physics from The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC.
Jabari
Willis
Jabari Willis is a senior associate in the Cerritos office of Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo. Mr. Willis represents public entities in all aspects labor and employment law, including employment litigation defense. Mr. Willis also represents school districts in all aspects of education law, including special education and student discipline. He has represented employers in matters before the Public Employment Relations Board, Department of Fair Employment and Housing, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Office of Administrative Hearings. In addition, Mr. Willis has assisted public employers with litigation matters in state and federal courts including successfully obtaining temporary restraining orders and permanent injunctions. He also conducts investigations into allegations of harassment and discrimination. California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators
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Adrienne
Konigar-Macklin
Adrienne Konigar-Macklin is an attorney and specializes in the representation of public school districts and other educational and public entities. She has served as special counsel in several districts, general counsel for both the Pomona Unified School District and the Inglewood Unified School District, and legal division leader for the Los Angeles Unified School District. Konigar-Macklin provides legal and administrative advice on an array of education related issues facing school districts and public agencies, including conflicts of interest, Special Education, inter-agency agreements, territory transfers, employee evaluation and discipline, charter schools, internal policies, agency organization, legislation, and merit system operation and has represented her clients before various legal bodies. She has also served as a member of the School Board Member in the Pomona Unified School District since 2009. Mrs. Konigar-Macklin is a graduate of the University of California, Irvine and Hastings College of the Law.
Marguerite
Poindexter LaMotte
Marguerite Poindexter LaMotte has served the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) as the elected Board Member for Board District 1 since 2003. A tireless advocate for children, she is vocal on a number of education-related issues, including “equal access for all children” and “education as a civil right.” An experienced educator, she served as a teacher, counselor, principal and administrator with LAUSD for more than 25 years, prior to her election. LaMotte earned a B.A. from Southern University and an M.Ed. in from Louisiana State University, where she was also the first African American woman to serve as visiting professor in the undergraduate school of education. LaMotte has served as President of the Los Angeles Council of Black Administrators (COBA); Los Angeles Chapter; President of the Assault on Illiteracy Program and as a volunteer and member of numerous community and civic organizations.
Ruth B.
Love, PhD.
Ruth B. Love, PhD., is the Founder and President of RBL Enterprises, an education consulting company. A nationally and internationally recognized educator, Dr. Love has served as General Superintendent for the Chicago Board of Education as well as Superintendent with the Oakland (California) Unified School District. In addition to her consulting responsibilities, she continues to teach university-level courses Dr. Love’s educational experience includes serving as a statewide consultant for the California Department of Education and Bureau Chief for Program Development with office of the State Superintendent. As a result, many of her strategies were adopted by the U.S. Department of Education. She also served as National Director of the Right to Read Program with the federal office of education. Her work with the U.S. Congress resulted in important legislation regarding literacy. Throughout the years, Dr. Love has led many executive searches for prospective superintendents and serves on several national and local boards of directors. The recipient of more than 200 awards, she also holds 12 Honorary Doctorates. The author of numerous articles, she is currently completing a book on urban education.
Adonai
Mack
Adonai Mack is a legislative advocate for the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA). Mack advocates on behalf of members of ACSA in areas including the State budget, Special Education, transportation, pupil services and pre-school. Prior to joining ACSA, Mack served as legislative advocate at the California School Boards Association, where he focused on charter schools, facilities, retirement and professional development. He has also worked as an advocate for State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell and in the Office of the Secretary for Education for former Governor Gray Davis. A native of Davis, California and the son of former longtime Sacramento-area Superintendent Carl Mack, he is a graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta.
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“The US Census Bureau supports the education of students in our communities.” Help us to make sure that EVERYONE is COUNTED. Sheraton Grand Sacramento
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Education is a Civil Right
Diane
Marshall-Freeman
Diane Marshall-Freeman is a managing partner with Fagen Friedman & Fulfrost, LLP, Sacramento office. A highly skilled practitioner with an extensive background in all areas of General and Special Education Law, she serves as general counsel to the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF). An experienced litigator, Ms. Marshall-Freeman has successfully argued cases at the federal and state levels. As general counsel to CIF, she has appeared in state courts on matters involving student athletic eligibility, qualifications for Section and State championships, and CIF jurisdiction. She holds B.A. and J.D. Degrees from the University of California at Los Angeles.
Amina R.
Merritt
Amina R. Merritt is founding Attorney at the Merritt Law Clinic, Sacramento, California. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Amherst College in 1980. After a one-year fellowship in the Masters’ Program for Public Administration at Fordham University, NY, Ms. Merritt attended the University of Southern California, Gould School of Law, where she earned a Juris Doctorate in 1984. Prior to relocating to Northern California in 1999, Ms. Merritt was a defense litigation associate at Collins, Collins, Muir & Traver in Pasadena, CA, then Walsh & Declues, LLP, Encino, CA, where her experience included defense of excessive force, wrongful termination and discrimination actions. While there, she represented various public entities, including the County of Los Angeles, several cities, and school districts throughout the state. For several years, she has volunteered as a mentor for a variety of youth, civic, religious and political organizations.
Gabriel E.
McCurtis
Gabriel E. McCurtis is the Superintendent of Schools for the McFarland Unified School District. He earned both the bachelor and master degree at the University of California, Riverside. He is currently working on a doctorate in the field of Christian Education through the Calvary Chapel Teachers College in San Diego. He has served as a teacher, principal and school administrator in various districts, including Rialto Unified School District, Pittsburgh Unified School District, Berkeley Unified School District, Santa Paula Union High School District. He has also served as an adjunct professor for Azusa Pacific University. In addition to his educational interests, he is also an ordained minister and the pastor of the Unity Christian Fellowship Church of God in Christ, a ministry he founded in 1991.
Dr. George
McKenna
Dr. George McKenna currently serves as Superintendent, Local District 7, with the Los Angeles Unified School District. A lifelong educator, McKenna held several positions within the district before joining Washington Preparatory High School in Los Angeles as its Principal. While at Washington Prep, he developed and implemented the Preparatory School Model, stressing academic excellence at all levels. In four years, he successfully changed an inner-city high school that had been torn by violence, low achievement and lack of community confidence into a school with an attendance waiting list, and nearly 80% of the graduates enrolled in college. Because of his success, Dr. McKenna’s programs have been widely modeled throughout the country. Additionally, a motion picture about his success was released in 1986. In addition to serving as a teacher and principal, he served as General, Deputy, Local District, and Assistant Superintendents in Inglewood, Compton, Los Angeles, and Pasadena School Unified Districts before coming out of retirement to work with LAUSD again.
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Education is a Civil Right
Steven
Niederman
Steven Niederman is the Executive Vice President for myChinese360. Steve has been involved in the educational technology field for more than 28 years and has been active with helping underserved students across the country. He has served as an advisor and sponsor of many leading education associations, such as NABSE, NCEBC, ALAS and CAAASA, etc. He is the recipient of the 2009 NABSE Presidents Award for long-term service to the organization and he currently serves as the Corporate Convention Chair for the National Council for the Education of Black Children. With myChinese360, Steve has a goal of increasing minority participation in courses, such as Chinese, by providing opportunities where none exist.
Paul
Orlando
Paul Orlando serves as principal of the Rio Tierra Junior High School in the Twin Rivers Unified School District. In 2009, under his leadership, Rio Tierra Junior High School developed a partnership in the newly formed Pearson Model School Program, a zero cost program designed to give the school specially designed programs and professional development centered on increasing student achievement for their English learners and lowest performing students. Prior to this, Paul served as Vice Principal at Highlands High School in Sacramento, and also as principal at Golden State Middle School in West Sacramento School District. He is a graduate of San Francisco University with a Masters in Educational Administration.
Chenai
Okammor
Chenai Okammor is the Vice President of National Accounts with the Pearson Curriculum Group. As V.P. ,she leads a team of consultants who are responsible for creating and executing practical educational partnerships in large school districts across the Nation.. She has the responsibility of supporting product offerings, for grades K through 12, with the end result of positively affecting student performance in all types of environments. Chenai has been with Pearson for 11 years and has served in various capacities. As a former teacher, central office administrator, Professional Development Facilitator and Mathematics Director in New York City District Twelve, Chenai continuously employs the practical lessons learned from the urban educators who work to overcome varying challenges by partnering with external organizations.
Jose
Ortega
Jose Ortega, has served as an administrator with the California Department of Education since 2002. In this capacity, he is responsible for the administration of the pre-kindergarten through postsecondary education council (P-16 Council) initiatives for closing the achievement gap and college preparation for the California State Superintendent of Public Instruction. His 24 years of education-related experience include servicing as a former teacher (on various levels), principal and high school dean of students. He holds a M. Ed. in Educational Administration, and a Juris Doctorate.
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Earl R.
Perkins
Earl R. Perkins serves as Assistant Superintendent, School Operations with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), where his focus areas include Safety, Crisis Counseling, Emergency Preparedness, Human Relations, Diversity and Equity, Youth Relations, Environmental Health and Safety, School Police, School Management Services and Facilities. His 31-year tenure with LAUSD includes stints as teacher and administrator with various schools, from elementary through adult education. He is actively involved in education-related and community activities. Perkins holds degrees and credentials from Virginia Union University, Virginia Commonwealth University, California Lutheran University, Mt. Saint Mary’s College, El Camino College, Compton College, and San Diego State University.
Carl
Pinkston
Carl Pinkston is Founder and Secretary of Black Parallel School Board, Founder of the Freedom Bound Center and Special Project Coordinator for Roberts Family Development Center. Pinkston provides training and technical assistance in non-profit formations and on organizational development. He has provided organizational leadership to communities for events, such as the 1996 Sacramento “Thousand Man March”, Rev Jesse Jackson’s “Save the Dream” Sacramento March and the Fruitridge Community Credit Union. Pinkston has published articles including: “Education Not Incarceration,” “Shades of Power 2000,” and “Obama: An Historic Moment.”
Dr. Pamela
Short Powell
Dr. Pamela Short Powell has spent the last thirty-five years serving as an educator in the public school system. She served as the Superintendent of the Inglewood Unified School District, the Interim Superintendent as well as Chief Academic Officer for the Oklahoma City Public Schools, and the Assistant Superintendent for Schools, Director of Elementary Instruction, Principal, Curriculum Resource Specialist and teacher for the Pasadena Unified School District. Dr. Powell actively and successfully pursued various community outreach ventures for the benefit of children, such as implementing the Adopt-A-School Program; establishing a partnership with the Association of Inglewood Ministerial Alliance and initiated a district-wide fatherhood outreach effort. She has been a visiting professor for the University of San Diego and Azusa Pacific University.
Senator Curren
Price
Senator Curren Price began his career with the California Legislature as an Assemblyman, elected in 2006. He was re-elected to represent the 51st District by an overwhelming margin in 2008. After serving one full term in the California State Assembly, he was elected in May 2009 to represent the 26th District in the State Senate. Senator Price is a strong advocate for investing in our public schools, empowering parents and challenging all students to meet higher academic standards and seeks to give all Californians, regardless of income or socioeconomic status, the chance to go to college and develop the skills needed to succeed in today’s highly competitive workplace. As a champion for working families, Senator Price has fought to protect the rights of California workers. He has led efforts to support homecare workers, hotel workers, security guards and other workers that are vital to California’s economy, in order to organize for better wages and benefits. Senator Price serves on a range of important committees including the Legislative Joint Committee on the Arts, which he chairs, as well as the several Senate Select Committees. Additionally, he serves on Appropriations, Banking Finance and Insurance, Education, Gov-
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Education is a Civil Right
Dr. Sharon
Valear Robinson
Dr. Sharon Valear Robinson serves as Special Assistant to the Superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). A lifelong educator, she has been a classroom teacher, School Psychologist, Principal and Local District Superintendent for the district. She earned a Doctorate in Educational Technology and is a leader in Instructional Technology. She is committed to closing the digital divide as well the achievement gap in urban settings. Dr. Robinson has served as a consultant to publishing companies in the areas of digital learning and product development and has also served as Vice-Chair of the Curriculum Development and Supplemental Materials Commission for the State of California.
State Senator Gloria
Romero
State Senator Gloria Romero has represented the 24th District since 2001. As the first woman Majority Leader, Romero has broken through California’s glass ceiling and has served as a role model for generations of young men and women committed to public service. In December 2008, she was named Chair of the Senate Education Committee, making her one of the highest ranking and most influential voices on education policy in California. She currently serves as Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Urban School Governance and the Chair of the Senate Public Safety Committee. Additionally, she serves on the Senate Education Committee, the Senate Human Services Committee, the Senate Select Committee on High School Graduation and the Senate Select Committee on Asian Pacific Islander Affairs. Romero has taught at every level of higher education in California, including community colleges, CSU and CU systems. Currently, she is a full professor of Psychology at CSU, Los Angeles. Senator Romero earned the B.A. in Psychology at California State University, Long Beach and holds an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of California, Riverside.
Alice
Spearman
Alice Spearman represents District 7 as a member of the School Board with the Oakland Unified School District. She is an advocate for education for children and adults. Her priority is to assist parents in helping their children learn how to navigate within the educational institutions in order to ensure that they receive the best education. Ms. Spearman has volunteered at many schools, and formerly served as Chair of the District Advisory Council; the National Coalition of Title I Parents, Region 9; and Board Member of the Family Action Network, California State Department of Education; and past Board Member of the Community Action Agency.
John W.
Taylor
John W. Taylor is co-founder and 1st Vice-President of the Concerned African American Parents (CAAP) advocacy group at Laguna Creek High School in the Elk Grove Unified School District. John has assisted the group in creating a dynamic organization of volunteer parents and programs for students that include mentoring, tutoring, enrichment, and scholarship assistance. John also co-founded and directs the Alpha Academy, a mentoring, tutoring, parent support program at Cosumnes River College now in its fifth year, and serves on several boards, commissions, and committees involving the elimination of the academic achievement gap.
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Join CAAASA’s efforts to generate programmatic initiatives, which impact educational outcomes for K-16 African-American students and their families. 1. 2.
California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators
Videos featuring congressional leaders and encouraging America’s youth. http://www.caaasa.org/video3.html http://www.caaasa.org/video.html
A copy of the Black Educational Civil Rights Agenda (BECRA) that identifies strategies and four priority areas, along with suggested activities for implementation, by local school districts hosted on the following website: http://www.educationisacivilright.com/ http://www.educationisacivilright.com/uploads/ThePlanABlackEdCivilRightsAgenda__vApril-07_.pdf
3.
Public Service Announcement (PSA) videos by California teachers and students from Los Angeles, Inglewood, Compton, and Rialto Unified School Districts. Teacher: Student:
http://www.caaasa.org/video5.html http://www.pearsonfoundation.org/pg5.11.html
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Shirley
Thornton, Ed.D.
Shirley Thornton, Ed.D., is a scholar, educator, administrator, author, and member of the Sausalito Marin City School Board.. She also serves as Adjunct Professor in the Educational Administration and Policy Studies Department with the California State University, Sacramento’s School Of Education. Dr. Thornton specializes in assisting school districts and individual schools in providing quality education for all students who are most atrisk of academic failure. Dr. Thornton’s textbook, “Transforming Schools, Finding Success For Students At Risk Through Systemic Change,” is a practical guide that gives a clear process for improving troubled schools. She holds a B.A. in Biological Sciences from San Francisco State University an M.A. in Counseling and credentials in teaching, counseling, and administration. She holds a Doctorate of Education from the University of San Francisco in Curriculum and Instruction. She also graduated from the Command and General Staff College, US Army Reserves, and retired a full Colonel.
Michael C.
Walker
Michael C. Walker is Business Development Manager for AdvancePath Academics. In this role, he works handin-hand with school districts to implement cutting edge in-house academies designed to stop the flow of dropouts and keep kids in school. Walker utilizes his experience as a former high school teacher and coach to his task of assisting school districts across the country in their efforts to educate all children. Having represented several major publishing companies, most recently as National Sales Manager for SRA/McGraw-Hill, his knowledge of basal as well as supplementary pedagogy added to his educational experience inform his knowledge base in assisting educators in designing and implementing researched-based curriculum. Walker’s passion for educating children extends into his public service life, where he continues to serve as an active member of the Board of Directors for the Piney Woods School, a private boarding school in Piney Woods Mississippi that has a 99% graduation rate with 98% of students continuing on to institutions of higher learning.
Michael
Watkins
Michael Watkins was elected Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools in November 2006. Watkins had served in the Santa Cruz County Office of Education since 1980 as Director Special Education, then Director, Alternative Education. Additionally, he served as Past State President of the Juvenile Court, Community and Alternative School Administrators of California. A native of Oakland, California, he received a B.A. in Psychology, teaching credentials in both History and Special Education and a Masters degree in School Administration from Cal State University Hayward. His teaching experience includes one year as a teacher in Oakland, followed by seven years with the Alameda County Office of Education.
Bob
Wells
Bob Wells has served as Executive Director of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) since 1998. In his more than 25 years with ACSA, he has promoted an enduring commitment to support administrators at all levels in their efforts to preserve and improve the quality of life through public education. Wells also serves as Vice-chair of the Governing Board for the Deterding Charter School and member of the Board of Directors for the International Center for Civic Education. The Past President of the Association of State Executives, Wells is a current member of the American Association of School Administrators, American Society of Association Executives and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
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“Lift Every Voice and Sing” by James Weldon Johnson Originally written by Johnson for a presentation in celebration of the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, this was originally performed in Jacksonville, Florida, by children. The popular title for this work is: ‘THE NEGRO NATIONAL ANTHEM’ Lift every voice and sing Till earth and heaven ring, Ring with the harmonies of Liberty; Let our rejoicing rise High as the listening skies, Let it resound loud as the rolling sea. Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us, Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us, Facing the rising sun of our new day begun Let us march on till victory is won.
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Stony the road we trod, Bitter the chastening rod, Felt in the days when hope unborn had died; Yet with a steady beat, Have not our weary feet Come to the place for which our fathers sighed? We have come over a way that with tears have been watered, We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered, Sheraton Grand Sacramento
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Out from the gloomy past, Till now we stand at last Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast. God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who has brought us thus far on the way; Thou who has by Thy might Led us into the light, Keep us forever in the path, we pray. Lest our feet stray from the places, Our God, where we met Thee; Lest, our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee; Shadowed beneath Thy hand, May we forever stand. True to our GOD, True to our native land
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