Equity in Action | Partnering to Address Inequities

Inequities are not new. We’ve all talked about them. Research has studied them. Numerous estimates have been made in attempt to measure the disparity in both education and the workforce. The new difference is that COVID-19 has shone the spotlight on the way existing inequities are amplified and prior gaps are at risk of being further entrenched. Individual organizations, including ACT, are actively working on solutions to address these inequities. But we also know that none of us can address or overcome these hurdles alone. ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning is working with partners from across the education landscape to discuss and address the inequities that are deepened in the face of COVID-19 to meet them head on. ACT is proud to offer this unique opportunity to bring leading experts together to address some of the most critical inequities facing our students and employees today and to challenge us to work together to eliminate them.

When we collaborate to achieve a common goal, we can achieve greatness.

Closing the Chasm: What we know and how we can begin to address the Digital Divide
Wednesday, July 15, 2020 | 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT | 60 minutes
The chasm of the Digital Divide has been magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Students, families, and educators continue to experience great needs in access to devices and connectivity. This webinar is set to address inequalities while providing insights, opportunities, and emerging solutions and best practices that can be employed to address the critical digital access our students need to succeed in education and beyond.

Join industry experts as we delve into the complexities of the Digital Divide, ranging from:
  • slow to no internet connection
  • student access to technology devices (including multiple students from one household who must share limited devices)
  • educators prepared and professionally developed for digital learning; and
  • emerging solutions and best practices to bridge the divide.
Richard Culatta, CEO of International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), and Dr. Arsenio Romero, Superintendent of Deming Public Schools and a Regent for New Mexico State University, will join moderator Dr. Nancy Lewin, program director at ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning, in this timely discussion.

Richard Culatta

Richard Culatta
CEO of International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)
Dr. Arsenio Romero

Dr. Arsenio Romero
Superintendent of Deming Public Schools
Dr. Nancy Lewin

Dr. Nancy Lewin
Program Director at ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning

Eliminate Basic Needs Insecurities: What we know and how we can begin to eliminate the basic needs insecurities
Monday, July 27, 2020 | 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT | 75 minutes
As education leaders, this is our chance to do more than simply return to the status quo after COVID-19. Instead, let us seize this opportunity to reorient ourselves to the real challenge we face: helping our learners achieve success in an essentially transformed world.

This session will delve into the basic needs insecurities that students in both higher education and K-12 are currently facing as part of the COVID-19 crisis and the opportunities and solutions that are arising to address those critical needs

Join industry experts as we delve into the complexities of Basic Needs, ranging from:
  • Complications to learning due to lack of basic needs
  • Unique insecurities for learners in K-12 and higher education, highlighting results from #RealCollege During the Pandemic report
  • Innovative solutions to address basic need insecurities
Panelists are Sara Goldrick-Rab, the Founder of the Hope Center for College, Community and Justice and a leading voice on housing and food insecurity, and college affordability; Dr. David Miyashiro, the Superintendent of the Cajon Valley Union School District; and Richard Carranza, Chancellor of New York City Schools. This discussion is moderated by Tina Gridiron, VP of ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning.

Sara Goldrick-Rab

Sara Goldrick-Rab
Founder of the Hope Center for College, Community and Justice
Dr. David Miyashiro

Dr. David Miyashiro
Superintendent the Cajon Valley Union School District
Richard Carranza

Richard Carranza
Chancellor, New York City Department of Education
Tina Gridiron

Tina Gridiron
VP, ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning

Making the Case for College During COVID-19
Tuesday, August 4, 2020 | 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT | 60 minutes
How do we ensure our most vulnerable students pursue college and understand college is still possible? The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many students to question their plans for life after high school. This webinar will discuss how K-12, higher education, and business community leaders can work together to provide a unified voice that education beyond high school is for everyone and college is still a priority.

Join education and business experts as we examine:
  • the risks for underserved populations and our country’s economic prosperity if we don’t keep students, especially students from underserved populations, on the path to college
  • the role school counselors play in amplifying this message;
  • the role colleges and universities play to be a solution to the problem; and
  • how workforce can address and support the need to continue making strides in increasing postsecondary attainment rates.

Brian Coleman
Counseling Department Chair at Jones College Prep
Dr. Angel B. Perez

Dr. Angel B. Perez
CEO of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
Nicole Smith

Nicole Smith
Research Professor and Chief Economist at the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce
Doug Hughes

Doug Hughes
President, Navigation at ACT









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