The National At-Risk Education Network

NARENnews

Keynote Announced for NAREN Annual Conference!

Carleen Vande Zande PhD
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Curricular Affairs and Student Academic Achievement
University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

Dr. Carleen Vande Zande is in charge of Curriculum and Student Academic Achievement at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. A renowned assessment expert, Carleen is on the Board of Directors of AACTE, has presented three papers at Oxford University, England, is a member of Higher Learning Commission's Peer Review Corps, and has written numerous professional articles. Not only is Dr. Vande Zande a recognized expert in assessment, she is an exciting and powerfully effective presenter. NAREN is fortunate to have her as our 5th Annual Conference in Panama City FL, on February 17, 2009.

More conference info...

Dateline: June 15, 2008

Freeport-McMoran Foundation Grants NAREN = $3500!
Anonymous Donor Grants = $3000!
June Grants Total for NAREN = $6500!

NAREN cannot do its work without the constant support of its associates and benefactors.* When we get that support we want to commend the beneficence by shouting if from the rooftops, or at least here, on our website.

Thanks to an anonymous donor's generosity, the Freeport-McMoran Foundation has matched the figure, plus adding an additional doubling of the first $500, bringing the amount to a total of $6500! We thank our friends for not only noticing and commending our efforts on behalf of at-risk kids (none of whom asked to be placed at risk), but also putting their money where their words were in the amount of $3000 and $3500. The monies applied and granted for were requested to upgrade and purchase new office equipment and fund a workshop for Boston Educators on October 9-10, 2008.

We thank you, our supporters. If you are interested in standing up, please go to our contributions page right now!

* NAREN does not accept governmental grants. Much of our work is not necessarily in alignment with the very federal goals that contribute to the problems we are working hard to resolve. NAREN sees it as hypocritical to accept funds from agencies that are partially responsible for the problem.

El Sistema: Changing Lives Through Music

Straight from CBS' 60 Minutes (April 13, 2008): "Through a system of early training and local orchestras, Venezuela has not only provided an uplifting musical experience for its at-risk youth, but also developed an orchestra that is world famous."

Read more on the CBS site, or view the entire segment below!

Candid Photos from Conference 2008

February 19-21, 2008
Edgewater Beach Resort, Panama City, Florida

The theme for our 5th Annual NAREN National Conference in Panama City, Florida, was Successful Strategies and Programs. At the conference were colleagues sharing their success in a highly-charged, powerful atmosphere where there were over 20 inspiring field-tested models, programs and teaching methods that work well with at-risk youth.

Frank Kros & Brain

The conference started off with a bang — literally! Thunderstorms with tremendous lightning and tornado warnings welcomed conference goers into Panama City Airport on Sunday the 17th of February. The next day it was 70 degrees and sunny as all get out. Go figure. None of this phased this years attendees who again set a record for the 4th straight year in attendance. The theme, "Successful Strategies and Programs", set a postiive atmosphere and all had a wonderful energizing time. Definitely the huge hit of the conference besides the amazing "palm tree weather" was Frank Kros, who performed a keynote, led a workshop, and added a breakout seminar. His stock could not have been higher as all were overwhelmed with gratitude for Frank's dedication, wisdom, humble insights and beautifully delivered presentations. Frank's specialty is brain-based research and how it impacts at-risk youth.

Frank Kros & Group

Over 23 presentations were met with appreciation, and explosive laughter and applause.

Crystal England & Group

Amy Dallmann-Jones, NAREN Conference Coordinator (at right),
with Julia Gonzalez and Everett Sterling Fuller from Texas

The Alaska Group — they came the farthest!

The conference was from Monday, February 18th (pre-conference workshop) until Thursday noon. Next year's topic is Reaching for the STARS and will be from February 16th (pre-conference) to the 19th at noon.

Speakers may already propose a topic, and earn a discount from the $300 registration fee.

PLEASE BUDGET FOR NEXT YEAR'S CONFERENCE now!

Want to be a Presenter at Next Year's Conference?

• Download the NAREN Conference Presenter form!