OVERVIEW

Opportunities Beyond Obstacles is the annual, multidisciplinary conference of the Consortium for the Educational Development of Economically Disadvantaged Students (CEDEDS).

This conference provides an unparalleled opportunity to share new ideas or highlight noteworthy projects, research and practices with other professionals in the field of addressing the educational needs of children in poverty.

This Conference is dedicated to the exploration of issues relating to the education of the economically disadvantaged student.

The goals of Opportunities Beyond Obstacles include: developing a common understanding, focus on the causation rather than symptoms, and strategies to change the paradigm.

GOALS

Develop a Common Understanding

Given the population gains during the last decade and the demographic projections going forward, it has become apparent that addressing the educational needs of economically disadvantaged children is no longer a matter of periodic consideration but one requiring immediate action. While students anchored by economic stability have achieved unprecedented educational success, educational outcomes for the economically disadvantaged student have been appalling and abysmal.

Those unsuccessful outcomes can often be traced to the dearth of understanding of the multiple factors that compose the environment of the economically disadvantaged learner. This conference will endeavor to develop a common understanding of the complexities of the world experienced by students who live in poverty.

Focus on the Causations Rather Than Symptoms

The conference will approach the challenges of the economically disadvantaged student, from both practical and scientific platforms.

The conference will endeavor to initiate activities that will direct attention toward the root causes of the challenges faced by economically disadvantaged students via the following activities: Present relevant observations ■ Establish tentative descriptions (hypothesis) that are consistent with what has been observed ■ Use the descriptions (hypothesis) to make predictions ■ Test those predictions by further observations, and modify the descriptions (hypothesis) in the light of the results ■ Revise descriptions and test those predictions until there are no discrepancies between theory and observation.

Explore Opportunities to Change the Paradigm

Opportunities Beyond Obstacles will endeavor to transform the experience, wisdom, and insight of our panelists, practitioners, and participants into the meaningful development of a “transportable” strategy that can be utilized throughout our city, state and country. In addition to the expert analyses and case studies, the conference will include an examination and audience discussion of how best to translate what has been learned into a series of “next steps” to be conducted.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

All Occurring at Edgewood College (Anderson Auditorium)

Saturday, 16 September 2017

On-site Registration: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Conference Duration: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

REFUND AND CANCELLATION POLICY

All cancellations must be received before Friday, 8 September, 2017.

No refunds will be made for requests received after that date.

Refunds are subject to a $10 cancellation fee.

Cancellations must be received in writing by e-mail.

Refunds will be issued in the same form payment was made. Please allow two weeks for processing.

Registrants who cancel will not receive seminar materials.