Inaugural Education-Centered Film Screening Draws Crowd
In February, over 200 participants attended the first in what will be an annual film series highlighting issues in pk-16 education. The inaugural film, "Girl Rising," serves as a global action campaign for girls' education by examining the transformation power of educating. Tanya Flushman, professor of elementary literacy education, and a group of elementary multiple subject teacher candidates chose "Girl Rising" because it highlights the role educators play in empowering girls and women.
An art installation illustrating the status of girls globally accompanied the film, highlighting statistics such as the fact that educated mothers are more than twice as likely to send their children to school. Multiple community stakeholders also provided educational materials, and Flushman presented on possible next steps after the film.
Xicano Youth Conference
In January, the MEXA organization held its 20th Annual Xicano Youth Outreach Conference designed to encourage middle and high school minority and at-risk students to pursue and complete a college education. The School of Education provided funding for the conference for the first time this year thanks to a generous grant from Mary Bianco’s MOCA foundation.
The featured keynote speaker Jose Navarro, an English professor, and workshops about life in college, the Educational Opportunity Program, financial aid, immigration and social control, college environment, the role of parents, innovation, necessary steps to take to get to college, and college applications and personal statements or essays were offered.
Author Shares Ways to Cultivate Creativity
Each year, the School of Education brings a well-known author to the Central Coast. This year, creative problem solver Simon Silva shared ideas from his new book, "Cultivate a Creative Mind." Silva discussed methods for cultivating creativity with students, staff and faculty and presented at five local schools, including Lompoc High School, Mary Buren Elementary and Kermit McKenzie Junior High in Guadalupe, and Pacheco and C.L. Smith Elementary Schools in San Luis Obispo.
Candidates Travel to Bilingual Educators Conference
Each spring, a cohort of teacher candidates and faculty working with the multiple subject Bilingual Authorization Program attend the California Association for Bilingual Educators conference. The conference gives teacher candidates a better understanding of how to support and educate California's growing population of emerging English Language Learners, focusing on teaching strategies and social justice issues. Participants select the topics and themes of greatest interest to them. This year four bilingual candidates and their advisor — Julee Bauer, multiple subject program teacher in residence — will attend the CABE conference in Anaheim, Calif., April 3 - 5. This opportunity is funded in part through a private donation.
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