| April
2008 "Beyond the Bubble: Helping ALL Students to Excel" |
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The evening opened with a brief review of research findings about how and why
differentiation and ability grouping affect student achievement--examining both
cognitive and motivational factors. Then, guest panelists discussed challenges,
strategies for improving differentiation and the likelihood of success under
various circumstances. The audience "rap" discussion considered the
supports and resources required to affect change, and how policymakers, teachers,
parents, community members, business leaders, and others can advocate to improve
instruction for all students. The wrap-up discussion focused on recommendations
and next steps.
A diverse and seasoned group of researchers and practitioners spoke from informed
perspectives. Panelists included Professors Richard Elmore and Tom
Hehir of the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Michelle Burgos,
Teacher Leader, Roxbury, MA and Yvonne Allen, Teacher Leader, Shaker Heights,
OH. Ronald Ferguson, Faculty Co-Chair and Director of the Achievement
Gap Initiative presented the research overview. |
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| March
2008 "Race,
Identity & Achievement: What Role for Elites?” |
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The discussion focused on
how economic, academic and social “elites” can play a role
in helping young people to cope with race- and identity-related pressures
that interfere with achievement.
The evening opened with a brief research review on ways that social,
psychological, cultural and structural phenomena can affect student achievement.
Then, panelists offered comments from several informed perspectives.
Professor David Thomas of Harvard Business School served as
Moderator. Other panelists included Ronald Ferguson, Faculty
Co-Chair of the Achievement Gap Initiative at Harvard University, Cedric
Jones, a minister, former World-Wide VP at Johnson & Johnson
and co-founder of "Adults Committed to Excellence," and Joshua
Garriga, Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) Graduate Student and Co-Chair
of the HKS Black Student Caucus.
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|
February 2008 "Hip Hop Music and School Success"
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The first “Rap on the Gap” event
was an opportunity to share ideas about the potential for developing
more commercially-viable, pro-achievement messages in hip hop
music. In addition, the discussion considered ways of helping
young people to be thoughtful consumers of hip hop music and
other expressions of popular culture.
Spanning a range of sectors and perspectives, panelists included Steve
Perry, Principal of the Capital Preparatory Charter
School in Hartford, CT, Daren Graves, Assistant
Professor of Education at Simmons College, and J-Live,
Hip Hop Artist/MC and Teacher, New York. The session was
moderated by Jay Huguley, Doctoral Candidate
at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Huguley. Ron
Ferguson, AGI Director, gave a brief introduction
to highlight relevant findings from recent research.
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