2019 Summer Newsletter

Summer Newsletter

Volume 14 Number 9

12th ANNUAL

SUMMER INSTITUTE

Teaching Children of Poverty:

Accepting the Challenge; Leveraging the Opportunity.

The Missouri Community Action Poverty Simulation was offered as a pre-conference event prior to the 2019 Summer Institute. More than 80 attendees assumed the roles of persons living in low income or poverty, experiencing four 15-minute 'weeks' in poverty. This role-play experience provides opportunities for participants to experience the types of stress faced by many under-resourced families. The simulation is designed to promote greater awareness, increase understanding, and inspire local change. One participant stated, "this was the most impactful training I have ever attended."

Simulation participants wait in line at 'Big Dave's Pawn Shop.'

POVERTY

SIMULATION

Simulation 'family members' plan strategies for the next week's challenges.

2019 Summer Institute

Each year the Center's Summer Institute program features nationally-recognized keynote speakers along with specialized breakout sessions.

William Parrett and Kathleen Budge began the conference with a book study focused on "5 Practices for Disrupting Poverty." John Hodge closed out the first day and began the second day of the institute with powerful messages that led attendees to consider their power to change lives. Todd Nesloney concluded the institute with encouragement and practical practices that can be used by teachers, administrators, and support staff to cultivate and maintain a positive school culture.

Multiple opportunities for professional development were offered during more than twenty-five breakout sessions. These specialized sessions provided attendees with practical, research-based information centered on revealing the potential of under-resourced (and ALL!) learners.

"BEST conference ever!"

"Amazing! Really, really enjoyed the information and well thought out training!"

Dr. Parrett and Dr. Budge challenged attendees to 'turn and talk' to discuss the question, " Where do your ideas about poverty come from?"

Institute attendees participated in The Brain Architecture Game session. This tabletop game experience builds understanding of the powerful role of life experiences on early brain development – what promotes it, what derails it, and with what consequences for society.

Read more about The Brain Architecture Game HERE!

Dr. John Hodge shared two powerful messages for educators. His personal stories illustrated how we can 'Be the One" for our students.

Institute presenter Deborah DePaoli of Save the Children Action Network shared advocacy ideas in her session entitled "Be a Voice for Kids."

Congratulations!

Saluda County Schools

2019 Lorin W. Anderson Award for Excellence

Receiving the 2019 Anderson Award are Mr. Robert Etheredge , Saluda High Assistant Principal; Dr. Lorin Anderson ; Dr. Harvey Livingston , Superintendent; Dr. Abbey Duggins , Office of Curriculum and Instruction Director; and Mr. Brian Chatman , Office of Student Services Director.

The Lorin W. Anderson Award for Excellence recognizes educational stakeholders who successfully implement Center strategies with under-resourced learners. This award honors the vision and leadership of Dr. Lorin W. Anderson, an advocate for focused preparation and ongoing support for teachers in high poverty schools and co-founder of the Center of Excellence to Prepare Teachers of Children of Poverty at Francis Marion University.

Saluda County Schools began sustained professional study in August 2017 that included after-school sessions focused on a new 'teaching children of poverty' practice each month. Participants then applied their knowledge in their classrooms and schools using an action research model. A second year of study followed the same format and included all Saluda Middle and High School educators. Congratulations, Saluda County Schools -- 2019 Lorin W. Anderson Award for Excellence recipients!