Keynotes

Monday, October 15, 2007

7:45 – 9:30 am — Breakfast & Keynote

The Disease of Violence—A NEW Public Health Model: Prevention, Intervention and Rehabilitation
Dr. Joseph Marshall, Jr., Cofounder and Executive Director of the Omega Boys Club/Street Soldiers

What are the risk factors associated with violent behavior in our youth? How can you help them overcome their anger, fear and pain? Is it possible to have violence-free communities? How can we make our schools safer? This presentation will explore the what, why and how of eliminating violence and reducing conflict in individual lives and communities through the model of public health.

Dr. Joseph Marshall, Jr., is the co-founder and executive director of the Omega Boys Club/Street Soldiers, a youth development and violence prevention organization head-quartered in San Francisco, California, that emphasizes academic achievement and non-involvement with drugs. This organization, founded in February 1987, has produced 115 college graduates, all supported by the Omega Boys Club Scholarship Fund. Another 70 Omegas are currently enrolled in college.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

11:00 am – 1:15 pm — Lunch & Keynote

The Kids Left Behind: Catching Up the Underachieving Children of Poverty
William Parrett, Director, Center for School Improvement and Policy Studies, Boise State University, ID; Dr. Robert Barr, Speaker and Author

Teaching poor, underachieving children is a daunting challenge for educators, schools and districts. But, studies show that with appropriate school and classroom intervention, dramatic achievement gain for these students will occur. This keynote will present compelling research, program and policy recommendations, and effective classroom strategies. K–12 high-achieving schools with significant populations of low SES students will be featured.

William Parrett has received international recognition for his work in school improvement, small schools and alternative education, and for his efforts to help youth at risk. His professional experiences include public school and university teaching. He co-authored The Kids Left Behind: Catching Up the Underachieving Children of Poverty, and numerous other books and articles.

Dr. Robert Barr has gained national and international recognition for his research on at-risk children and youth, teacher education and alternative schools. He is a nationally recognized speaker, consultant, and scholar in the areas of at-risk youth, school improvement and alternative education. Barr has been widely published in educational journals and is the author or co-author of eight books.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

10:00 –11:30 am — Breakfast & Keynote

Revisioning Success
Victor La Cerva, M.D., Consultant, Speaker and Writer, NM

What does it mean to be successful in the modern world, both personally and professionally? This keynote will explore seven principles for nurturing success in young people. From strategies for coping with life’s difficulties to the joys of “wondering around” and creating a lifelong passion for learning, attendees will find out how to help students create a meaningful life for themselves.

Victor La Cerva has been actively working in violence prevention for more than 16 years. He recently retired from his position as medical director of the Family Health Bureau, New Mexico Department of Health, and holds a clinical faculty appointment with the Department of Pediatrics at the University of New Mexico Medical School.

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