Sec. Duncan to Speak at Ed Trust Conference

Some schools that are doing the vital work of educating the nation’s children are successfully producing strong academic achievement for large numbers of low-income students and students of color. On Thursday, Nov. 8, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will join The Education Trust as it honors several such schools at its annual Dispelling the Myth Awards ceremony and dinner. The event is part of the organization’s 2012 national conference, held Nov. 8-9 in Washington, D.C.

Each year, the Ed Trust recognizes schools that dispel negative, damaging myths about who can learn and who can’t because of circumstances that exist outside of school. By employing strong leadership and excellent instruction, these schools close achievement gaps and educate all their students to high levels. As a result, the schools’ students perform near the top of their states.

This year’s winners have yet to be announced, but they will attend and present at this year’s conference, as will staff from Dispelling the Myth Award-winning schools of years past. All honorees in attendance will lead concurrent sessions to share strategies and practices their schools have used to achieve positive results. The sessions provide opportunities for conference attendees to:

• Hear from a large elementary school in Las Vegas that has shattered literacy barriers for low-income students and English-language learners.
• Learn how principals of two Dispelling the Myth Award-winning schools earned the trust and respect of local parents and community members, then used that support to lead remarkable achievement gains.
• Hear how two award-winning schools are seeking and using alumni feedback to improve their practices and ensure all students leave well prepared.

This year marks the second time Sec. Duncan has joined the Ed Trust to congratulate Dispelling the Myth Award winners. Attendance at the dinner is limited to conference participants. On-site registration is available.