ORONO – More than 200 professionals working with students in schools, the juvenile justice system and after-school programs will gather next week for three days of training focused on gaining the tools needed to engage students in their learning and keep them from dropping out.
The Maine Positive Youth Development Institute, which takes place July 25-27 at the University of Maine, will highlight innovative research and practices to increase graduation rates, boost academic success and reduce dropout and detention rates.
The three-day gathering will feature more than 30 interactive workshops offered by a range of presenters, including students.
“We want to give plenty of tools so people not only see the warning signs, but know right up front what good engagement looks like,” said Shelley Reed, truancy and dropout prevention coordinator at the Maine Department of Education.
Tuesday’s agenda features a keynote address by Tony Wagner, Innovation Education Fellow at Harvard University’s Technology & Entrepreneurship Center. Wagner will also participate in a higher education roundtable discussion focused on teacher preparation.
The Positive Youth Development Institute’s 2011 theme is “Opening Doors to Student Success.”
View the conference agenda and workshop descriptions online at: http://www.maine.gov/cabinet/syv/index.htm. All sessions are open to media coverage.
David Connerty-Marin | Maine Department of Education | 207-624-6880