"I Came Here to Learn" Research and Action Symposium

Join the Center for Promise and America’s Promise Alliance for a research and action symposium to highlight the release of their upcoming research:

“I Came Here to Learn”: The Achievements and Experiences of Massachusetts Students Whose First Language is Not English

Thursday, May 11, 2017

8:30am – 10:30am

Boston University

Metcalf Trustee Center

1 Silber Way, 9th Floor

Boston, MA 02215

The popular discourse around young people learning English in America has often been one of deficits and academic difficulty. The Center for Promise research team found a different story. From analyzing student-level data and interviewing young people throughout Massachusetts, the researchers heard stories of strength, motivation, and a search for a better future. This research is part of the GradNation State Activation Initiative.

Join us on Thursday, May 11th as we engage in a discussion about young people in Massachusetts whose first language is not English, the motivation and resilience they possess, and the relationships and other factors that support or hinder their academic persistence.

The symposium will feature a brief research presentation and moderated panel discussion with practitioners and young people from across the state to discuss actions that policymakers and practitioners can take to better support FLNE youth.

Speakers and panelists include:

• Hardin Coleman, Dean, Boston University School of Education
• Evanggelia Diamantopoulos, ELL Coach, Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, Framingham Public Schools
• Nyal Fuentes, College and Career Readiness Specialist, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (ESE)
• John Gomperts, President and CEO, America’s Promise Alliance
• Ivan H., Student, Boston International Newcomers Academy
• Mary Jo Marión, Executive Director, Latino Education Institute, Worcester State University
• Laurie Silva, Director of Community Schools, Brockton Public Schools
• Stacy Skelly, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Pearson
  

The panel discussion will be moderated by Jonathan Zaff, Executive Director, Center for Promise. Breakfast will be served.

Questions?

Please contact us at CfP@AmericasPromise.org with any questions or to request a special accommodation.

About the GradNation State Activation Initiative

The GradNation State Activation Initiative is a three-year collaboration between America’s Promise and Pearson to increase U.S. high school graduation rates to 90 percent by 2020. The three-year initiative invests in three key strategies: encouraging statewide innovation and collaboration, sharing knowledge and replicating what works, and developing successful models all states can replicate. Massachusetts is one of three states participating in this Initiative.

America’s Promise Alliance acknowledges the generous support of Pearson for this study and its dissemination.