As part of African American History Month, the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans will host a discussion Wednesday at the Education Department in Washington on, "Reducing Disparities and Promoting Positive School Discipline to Ensure Educational Excellence for African Americans."
A panel moderated by David Johns, executive director of the initiative, will examine ways to raise awareness about positive school discipline strategies that shrink disparities in school discipline and achievement in order to accelerate learning and development of African American students, schools and communities.
The conversation will spotlight the joint School Discipline Guidance released in January by the departments of Education and Justice. Participants will also discuss changes to school discipline policies enacted as a result of recent civil rights agreements and actions. And, they'll talk about current research on reducing racial disparities in school and identify what's working in communities to promote positive school discipline programs, practices and policies.
Among those expected to attend are more than 150 people associated with civil rights organizations, philanthropy and local, state, and federal governments. Also, officials from youth organizations, schools, school districts and juvenile justice.