BOSTON — On Jan. 31–Feb. 1, the College Board New England Regional Office will host a conference of approximately 500 secondary school and college educators, administrators, and counselors from Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. The event will take place at the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel.
Participants will come together to discuss practical strategies for implementing change — from achieving greater college preparedness to helping students and their families navigate financial aid programs. The theme of the conference, “Investing in Education: A Call to Action,” sets the tone for thought-provoking sessions specifically geared toward the New England Region and its distinct issues.
Attendees will discuss ways to increase achievement levels and how the K–12 and higher education communities can work together to support students. The College Board will also name the winners of the third annual CollegeKeys Compact™ Innovation Awards. These outstanding regional education programs initiated innovative and effective best practices to help minority and low-income students get ready for, get into and get through college.
Freeman A. Hrabowski, president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore, will deliver the keynote address on raising academically successful African American men and women. Under his leadership, the school has become a powerhouse in math, science and engineering — achievements that led to Hrabowski being featured on the renowned CBS news program, 60 Minutes,in November. Hrabowski was also a leader in the civil rights movement in Birmingham, Ala., where he was born. He was prominently featured in 4 Little Girls, Spike Lee’s 1997 documentary on the 1963 bombing of Birmingham’s 16th Street Baptist Church. (Tuesday, Jan. 31, 8:30–9:30 a.m.)
Dozens of additional sessions examine timely and relevant topics in education. For example:
Tuesday, Jan. 31
- “Common Core State Standards: After the Adoption, the Work Begins!” (9:45–11 a.m.)
- “L.E.A.P. — Latinos Excelling in Advanced Placement®” (9:45–11 a.m.)
- “Teaching with Technology: Doing More with Less by Integrating Useful and Mostly Free Technology Tools in the Classroom” (11:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m.)
- “College Board Advocacy Spotlight: The Educational Experience of Latinos and Young Men of Color” (2–3:15 p.m.)
Wednesday, Feb. 1
- “The New Normal: Families, Finance and Financial Aid” (9–10:15 a.m.)
- “Rethinking Remediation: Proactive Intervention Strategies and Solutions” (9–10:15 a.m.)
- “The Economics of Higher Education: Labor Market Information Every Student Needs to Know” (10:30–11:45 a.m.)
- “Politics and Education — Government Relations in New England” (10:30–11:45 a.m.)
All sessions are open to the media. Visit http://newenglandforum.collegeboard.org/ to learn more. To arrange for a press pass or interviews, please contact the College Board Communications office at 212-713-8052 or communications@collegeboard.org.
About the College Board
The College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the College Board was created to expand access to higher education. Today, the membership association is made up of more than 5,900 of the world's leading educational institutions and is dedicated to promoting excellence and equity in education. Each year, the College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success — including the SAT® and the Advanced Placement Program®. The organization also serves the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators and schools.
For further information, visit www.collegeboard.org.