An Equity in ESSA Convening was hosted by the National Urban League, in partnership with UnidosUS. Participants from across the nation– including partners in the National Urban League’s Equity and Excellence Project (EEP) – to be a part of the convening. Their presence and perspective were essential as we reflected on progress to date and the work ahead, in pursuit of equity and excellence at scale.
The National Urban League and our partners are focused on improving education policy, access, quality and equity, as well as expanding educational opportunity through impactful advocacy. As such, the convening focused on the education advocacy work in which we have collectively engaged over 2017, and exploring the potential for developing shared plans into, and throughout, 2018.
The convening took place at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, Louisiana from Monday, October 30th until Tuesday, October 31st.
We kicked off the two-day convening with our national parents offering their definitions of equity. That was followed by a panel discussing the state of ESSA implementation across the country and a special keynote from Erika McConduit, President & CEO, Urban League of Louisiana.
On day two, we dove right into a report from our partner Dr. Silas Lee where he presented research on the way parents perspectives on equity, ESSA and their view of the current education system. That was followed by a spotlight presentation by Phyllis Nichols, President & CEO, Knoxville Area Urban League and Gini Pupo-Walker. Senior Director of Education Policy & Strategic Growth, Conexión Americas, about their coalition work in TN. Attendees used that insight as a blueprint to navigate our panels on building partner coalitions in their state and determining where and how to invest in their local communities.
We concluded the convening with a panel of educators, including two State Teachers of the Year, and how effective communications can engage communities in the work of ensure equity in ESSA implementation.
See the presentations coming out of our convening below.
Design expierience
