12th Annual New England Conference On Multicultural Education

HARTFORD — In 1996, a consortium of educational agencies and institutions came together to organize what has become the major multicultural education event in New England. Educators, as well as parents and community members at all school levels, were seeking ways to enhance teaching diverse students but also a curriculum that could prepare all students for working in a diverse world.

After years of holding an Annual Connecticut Conference on Multicultural Education at local hotels, the event has outgrown the ballrooms limited to 500 attendees. Starting in 2007, the conference moves to the Connecticut Convention Center, capable of seating 2,000 attendees.

The 12th Annual New England Conference on Multicultural Education will be held Thursday, October 11, and thereafter, each year on the Thursday following Columbus Day.

This year’s conference is designed to provide preK–12 and higher education teachers, administrators, school board members, parents, students, and community activists with the opportunity to:

*Learn ways to reduce racial, ethnic, and economic isolation.

*Learn about innovative programs that infuse multicultural education into the curriculum.

*Learn about effective strategies to increase student achievement among diverse students.

*Highlight the work of exceptional individuals and programs engaged in multicultural education.

*Explore ways of working toward equity into schools, communities, and society.

The conference will expand its reach to formally include all New England states, plus New York and New Jersey. Although still remaining a one-day event for now, the day will be expanded to include three sets of 14 concurrent sessions.

An afternoon reception, and an evening banquet and keynote speaker are also in consideration. Projected attendance will be in excess of 600 paid attendees, not including a free evening event open to the public.