Recognizing the uncommon success of high-poverty, high-performing schools, the authors Bill and Kathleen will present a compelling case for making such success more common. Revealing new insights drawn from their recent study of 12 diverse, high-poverty, high-performing schools, they will inspire conference participants to take immediate action in their own schools. Participants will explore the Framework for Collective Action, including ten key strategies designed to provide a roadmap for rethinking current practices and reimagining what is possible in a high-poverty school.
More specifically, participants will gain fresh perspectives on the critical importance of integrating social-emotional learning (SEL) into schoolwide processes, developing a common understanding of excellence in instruction, and enhancing support for the mental health of students and the adults who serve them. Most importantly, attendees will emerge with an understanding that the uncommon success of the schools studied was driven by, and can only become more common in all schools, through an unwavering commitment to equity in practice evidenced first, and foremost, by recommitting to each student’s success.
William H. Parrett has received international recognition for his work in school improvement related to children and adolescents who live in poverty. He has co-authored eleven books, the past three being best-sellers. As Director Emeritus of the Center for School Improvement & Policy Studies, (1996-2019), Bill coordinated funded projects and school improvement initiatives that exceeded $80 million. Recently honored as the Indiana University School of Education’s 2021 Distinguished Alumni, he continues as a frequent speaker at international and national events. Contact him at wparret@boisestate.edu or on Twitter at WHParrett.
Kathleen Budge brings a blend of 26 years of practical experience as a teacher and administrator combined with 14 years of work dedicated to bridging the gap between the university and the teaching profession. As associate professor Emerita of Educational Leadership in the Curriculum, Instruction, and Foundational Studies Department at Boise State University, she continues her research focus on poverty, rural education, school improvement, and leadership development. In addition to this book, Budge co-authored with Parrett, Disrupting Poverty: 5 Powerful Classroom Practices, and the video series Disrupting Poverty in Elementary and Secondary Classrooms. She continues to maintain that her most important and significant work has been teaching first graders to read. Contact her at kathleenbudge@boisestate.edu or on Twitter @KathleenBudge.