Moving Forward Together
The BELE Network October Event Roundup
By The BELE Network
As schools, districts, and communities have navigated the return to school we have realized a simple and critical truth — the challenges presented by COVID-19 and racial injustice are not going anywhere anytime soon. The difficulties of remote and hybrid learning models are significant, but we have learned a lot over the past months about how we can reach and support students during COVID-19.
We’ve learned how access to technology and flexible touchpoints for students and educators can help translate BELE best practices to the format of remote learning, and how this subsequently improves student experiences and outcomes during an uncertain and unstable time. We’ve learned how the intersection of multiple crises can affect young people, and how the right support can allow growth during difficult times. And we’ve learned how, even amid competing priorities and distractions, leading for equity is still the best way to work towards a better future for our students.
With that in mind, it’s more important than ever that we do what we can to adapt to these circumstances and come together to leverage one of the best resources we have — each other. BELE members have been working tirelessly not only to learn what works, but also to share these learnings with like-minded colleagues who can apply them in their own classrooms and schools. In recognition of all the good work and incredible resources being put out into the world, here is a roundup of all of the BELE-aligned events you can attend this month to get the most up-to-date learnings from BELE’s learning partners and friends.
October 15–16, 2020: Kingmakers Fall Forum
On October 15th and 16th, the Kingmakers of Oakland will discuss their innovative and award winning approach to improving educational outcomes for Black boys. Learn more about their teaching approach, glean insights from their leadership, and join a networking event with attendees from across the country. Register today at this link.
October 21, 2020: Whole-Learner Education Fireside Chat with Ayanna Pressley
On October 21st, listen to American Forward in conversation with Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) about the transformation needed in our education system in order to equitable support all students, and what role the federal government can play in this effort.
Following the fireside chat, America Forward Executive Director Deborah Smolover will moderate a panel discussion with national education leaders, including BELE Network partner Robert Jaggers, Vice President of Research at CASEL. Register today at this link.
October 22, 2020: Transcend Education — Roads to Reinvention: Leaps for 21st Century Learning
Don’t miss out on this opportunity on October 22nd to learn from education trailblazers representing Transcend Education and The American Association of School Administrators about how schools can equitably respond, recover, and reinvent during the greatest educational disruption we’ve ever seen. Register today at this link.
October 22–23, 2020: EL Education Virtual Summit
On October 22 & 23, EL Education is holding a virtual summit — convening educators committed to racial justice, quality curriculum, and social-emotional learning to share promising practices through intimate conversations and interactive sessions. Learn more and register today at this link.
New from the National Equity Project: Carnegie Virtual Summit Series
Margaret Wheatley said “When we begin listening to each other, and when we talk about the things that matter to us, the world begins to change.” As we work to confront the institutional racism and inequities in our systems, listen to representatives from the National Equity Project speak at the 2020 Carnegie Foundation Summit on how we can lead for equity during these challenging times at this link.
Kingmakers of Oakland originated in the Oakland Unified School District’s Office of African American Male Achievement (AAMA). After 10+ years in the district, the independent non-profit now supports school districts across the country to improve the educational and life outcomes of Black boys by “healing the fish while treating the toxic ecosystem.”
Transcend Education’s work with school communities and the larger ecosystem is guided by five fundamental beliefs: all children have infinite potential; to realize this potential, we must reimagine “schooling” as we know it; the work is most successful when pursued through a rigorous, community-driven R&D process grounded in equity; while never easy, innovation is absolutely possible, accelerating progress requires strong local leadership, surrounded by a conducive ecosystem.
EL Education’s mission is to create classrooms where teachers can fulfill their highest aspirations, and students achieve more than they think possible, becoming active contributors to building a better world.
The National Equity Project is a leadership and systems change organization committed to increasing the capacity of people to achieve thriving, self-determining, educated, and just communities.
