Schools have struggled to close a minority achievement gap.  A report published by the Education Trust-West (August, 2009) states that in California, despite some progress, the gaps in achievement separating Latino, African-American, and low-income students from their more advantaged peers are not closing but in some cases, are actually widening.

What are you doing in your classroom to address this issue?  What is being done at your district and state level?

Leave your comments below.  The full report can be found at http://www.edtrust.org/west/publication/persistent-challenges-and-paths-forward-achievement-in-california-2009.

Did you know that RAPSA kicked off its Collabinar series this week?  Our first online collaboration was a great success!  The informal discussion format and free-flowing conversation allowed educators thousands of miles apart to share strategies and easy-to-implement classroom management techniques.  As one participant put it, "“This is a great format.  I’m in Florida and meeting with teachers in California!  I would never be able to meet with you all otherwise!” 

Don't miss out on the future collabinars with topics such as special needs, leadership, virtual classroom strategies, and much more!  Check back frequently as dates will be announced soon. 

Do you have an idea for a collabinar?  Would you like to lead the discussion?  Tell us about it!  Write a topic you would like to facilitate in the blog comments section below.

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
3:00 – 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)

Power up your Personal Learning Network with RAPSA’s GLOBAL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITY COLLABINARS!

Straight talk…good conversation…inventive ideas

Why join in?

• A collabinar is an easy and convenient way to add professional development to your day.
• You’re tired of being talked at during lackluster webinars.
• You crave a professional development platform that features more collaboration, less lecturing.
• Teachers steer the conversation – no more wading through the fluff to get to the real issues.

Register now to build your PLN

Questions: info@rapsa.org or 800.871.7482