NESSC School Redesign in Action

We all know that fighting for educational equity involves closing the achievement gap. But what will it take to close that gap? Who are the players to make it happen? And what can each of us do, empowered by our roles, to personally enact change in our schools and communities?

In this plenary session, we will all be invited to reflect on the questions above by listening to one student’s story. Javon Gonzalez, an eleventh-grade student at Blackstone Academy Charter School in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, will tell of his journey through the education system, and pose the critical question, what we can each do to truly see and understand all of our students as we work to make success for all a reality?

ABOUT JAVON
Javon Gonzalez is an eleventh-grade student at Blackstone Academy Charter School in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Javon is a resident of Providence, Rhode Island, and is a varsity athlete in both football and track. He has a wide range of volunteer and leadership experiences, including as a trained facilitator for Facing History & Ourselves where he worked to educate and inspire students to have more positive attitudes towards discussions of race, gender, and sexuality. Javon is hoping to continue to grow as a leader and student by attending college in the future.

Presenters: Dr. Ken Wagner (Commissioner, Rhode Island Department of Education), Michelle Milstein (Senior Associate, Great Schools Partnership), Javon Gonzalez (Student, Blackstone Academy Charter School, RI)

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Come hear three students reflect on equity in education, the meaning of success, and authentic student engagement. Tianna Ridge (Attleboro High School, MA), Jamaal Hankey (Essex High School, VT), and Anna Parker (Yarmouth High School, ME) will discuss the experiences and relationships that have contributed to their success. Tianna, Jamaal, and Anna will share their hopes for all students, and will challenge us to think about how we can each support, inspire, and engage all of the young people with whom we work. At the close of the plenary, participants will be asked to make a personal commitment to learning and leading for equity in their own way, informed by these students’ perspectives.

Presenters: Jamaal Hankey (Student, Essex High School, VT), Andrea Summers (Senior Associate, Great Schools Partnership), Moises Nuñez (Senior Associate, Great Schools Partnership), Anna Parker (Student, Yarmouth High School, ME), Tianna Ridge (Student, Attleboro High School, MA)

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