Author Steve Perry Will Discuss Ways to Better Educate Our Children

Part of 2015 Social Justice Series’ civil rights issue: Access to quality K-12 education

The goal of the Social Justice Series at the University of Missouri-Kansas City is to spark relevant dialogue around social justice issues and a commitment to civil rights for everyone, including students. This year’s speaker can ignite that conversation.

“… the elements that will make running effective schools possible in the new millennium: great teachers and great lesson plans, committed principals, a lengthened school calendar, the use of technology and an updated curriculum …” Steve Perry

The above excerpt is from Perry’s book, “Push Has Come to Shove: Getting Our Kids the Education They Deserve – Even If It Means Picking a Fight.” Perry, Ed.D., will speak at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28 in Pierson Auditorium, followed by a book signing.

“Dr. Perry has an uncompromising, no-excuses perspective and approach to school practices and accountability for the quality of education in the nation’s public schools, especially schools serving ethnic minority and low-income students,” said Etta Hollins, Ph.D., Kauffman Endowed Chair for Urban Teacher Education, UMKC School of Education.

Perry is founder and principal of what U.S. News and World Report has cited as one of the top schools in the country, Capital Preparatory Magnet School in Hartford, Conn. Capital Prep has sent 100 percent of its high school graduates to four-year colleges since its first class graduated in 2006. The students are predominantly low-income, minority and first-generation graduates. In addition, Perry is an education contributor for CNN and MSNBC, an Essence Magazine columnist, best-selling author and host of the No. 1 docudrama for TVONE “Save My Son.”

“Dr. Perry’s perspective is consistent with those of the U.S. Department of Education, state departments of education and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Each of these agencies has developed new standards for the performance and evidence for the effectiveness of P-12 schools and educator preparation programs, especially teacher preparation programs. These new standards hold P-12 schools and educator preparation programs accountable for the performance of their students and graduates,” said Hollins.

To register for the Oct. 28 lecture, visit Division of Diversity Event registration.

In addition to the lecture, numerous Social Justice Series opportunities are available, including the Black Studies Focus Week panel discussions, brown bag discussion and a debate . In early 2016, a civic engagement fair will take place.

Details for the events follow.

Black Studies Focus Week, Tuesday, Oct. 13 – Thursday, Oct. 15

Brown Bag Lunch Discussion, Noon – 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 21, sponsored by the School of Education Student Government Association, SOE Room 12

Education Policy Debate, featuring UMKC Debate Team members, hosted by the UMKC Debate Team and Debate KC, 6:30 – 8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 21, Royall Hall, Room 111

UMKC Multicultural Student Affairs’ Civic Engagement Fair, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016. Details will follow at a later date.

If you have questions, contact Jennifer Coldiron via email or call 816-235-1727.

 


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