St. Louis Was A Great Place to Talk About Education Equity

Some of the Missouri TASH Board members at the Regional Conference. From left to right: Kadesh Burnett, Animesh Shah, Rachel Morgan, April Regester, and Matthew Ferguson
Some of the Missouri TASH Board members at the Regional Conference. From left to right: Kadesh Burnett, Animesh Shah, Rachel Morgan, April Regester, and Matthew Ferguson

The 2014 TASH Regional Conference in St. Louis, MO, “Education Equity Matters” was a great success. Participants of this conference learned the philosophy and values that guide successful practice and quality instruction, as well as the critical role of education leaders in education equity. Attendees examined proven strategies that build partnerships among stakeholders, including students, educators, parents, school personnel and the surrounding community.

The one-day conference began with keynote speaker, Jessica Dunn, who discussed presumed competence, whether it’s the best we can do, and moving beyond this state of mind.  This presentation set the stage for an informative and productive day.

Following the keynote presentation, session presenters provided a basic overview of the afternoon how-to workshop topics and suggested ways other stakeholders (parents, self advocates, educators and education leaders) can work together to advance inclusive school communities.

The morning sessions were followed by a fabulous panel of parents and students.  This panel gave participants a chance to discuss systems change and collaboration with parents and students.

Throughout the afternoon, attendees participated in two of the following how-to workshops:

  • Grace Francis and Jessica Dunn from the SWIFT Center at the University of Kansas discussed “Excellence, Equity, and All Means All: Understanding the SWIFT Framework.”
  • Martha Blue-Banning, from the SWIFT Centered presented “Capacity Building for Sustainable Family-Community-School Partnerships.”
  • Michael Remus conducted a presentation and discussion on “Leadership for Inclusive Education.”
  • Tim Lewis, presented “Positive Behavior Support in the Classroom”

The conference concluded with closing remarks by TASH Executive Director, Barb Trader, and Missouri TASH Chapter Leader, April Regester.   Participants, presenters, and TASH staff met after the conference at a cozy reception to reflect enjoy the afternoon.

This conference was a joint effort between TASH and the Missouri TASH Chapter. We would like to thank all attendees, presenters, sponsors, organizers, exhibitors, and especially the Missouri TASH Board of Directors national office for making this event a success!

To view pictures of the 2014 TASH Regional Conference on the Missouri TASH Facebook page, click here.