Overview of The 2019 Student Conference

 
 

Welcome to The Student Conference. We are excited about this event as it promises to be historical. On October 21 2019, 2000 students from 50 association of metropolitan school districts and charter schools  will come together to share their vision of what education should look like in 2030. This conference is student planned and student led. The collective conversation will respond to the following challenge:

How might we design and build a school system that offers ALL children with an education that provides equal access, opportunity, and equity in an integrated environment by 2030? 

Here are the parameters:

  1. It must serve ALL students equally- every student regardless of race or socioeconomic status must have the same access and opportunity to an equal education.

  2. It must be equitable. Every student will get the resources they need to be successful.

  3. You must figure out a way for ALL students to be educated in a diverse (integrated) school setting. Schools cannot be predominantly one race, such as black, white or latinx. Also, schools within districts must be inclusive and integrated. Everyone shall have equal access to classes and programs  such as AP or orchestra or special education services.

During the conference, each district will pick five students to host a conversation about one of the following subject areas. See conference handbook for more information. Once you choose an area, make sure you reflect it on the registration form and return no later than October 14. 2019.


Physical Spaces — Technology — Curriculum/subject area classes — Leaders, teachers and staff — School Culture/climate — Athletics and Arts education — Health and Wellness — College and Career — AP and Special Education — Geography/school boundaries — Other

The conference format is also included in the handbook and outlines the conference process and the guidelines for break-out session hosts. The conference doors open at 8:00 AM. Student performances start at 8:30 AM. If any of your students would like to perform please have them fill out the sign-up sheet to be considered. Performance slots are limited and will be decided on a first come first served basis. 

We are asking schools districts to transport their students to and from the conference.  It will be important to let us know on the registration form, whether you will be parking busses all day or will leave and pick up. The conference ends at 2:30 PM. Lunch and snacks will be provided for students. There will be concession stands available at students own cost. 

The information and data obtained from the conference with help to further inform the Reimagine Minnesota work that districts are  collectively working on through the continued and generous support of The Association of Metropolitan School Districts. 

Finally, we need volunteers. If you or other staff members would like to volunteer for the conference, please let your district contact know and indicate so on the sign-up sheet. This is different from chaperoning the event. So, make sure that you have the required chaperones that complies with your district policies for field trips. We ask that you have students sign a permission slip. All adults should either be volunteers or Chaperones. We are so grateful to have your help.  

For information on how you can share and have a conversation about Reimagine Minnesota and the history of segregation in Minnesota, please take a look at the conference handbook. We have provided a conversation guide if you would like to host a conversation in your classes about the topic and the conference.   

If you have any questions please visit our frequently asked questions or email us at info@thestudentconference.com. 

We are excited to host The 2019 Student Conference and appreciate your support.

Paula & Dario