ALAS was founded to provide a voice for all members on all issues of inequity for all children, but most inherently our LatinX youth. And, now more than ever, ALAS members are in a unique position to create a significant shift in an educational system that was designed to marginalize students of color, status, and need.
We invite you to watch this interactive conversation as this panel of bold thinkers, action-oriented leaders address the inequities in the here and now, and what might it look like this summer, and beyond.
A word from Dr. Maria Armstrong, ALAS Executive Director...
Richard A. Carranza
Richard A. Carranza is Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education. He leads the largest system in the nation, serving 1.1 million students, as parents and educators address the current crisis, in addition to long term issues of bias, structural inequities, and low expectations that in his words have, for too long have impacted black and brown students, students with disabilities, and those whose families speak English as a second language.
Dr. Gustavo Balderas
Dr. Gustavo Balderas is Superintendent of Eugene School District 4J, Oregon and the 2020 National Superintendent of the Year. Throughout his career Dr. Balderas has focused on leadership and increasing cultural proficiency, including developing equity systems around student behavior and teacher hiring practices; currently, his team is providing tens of thousands of meals, child care, and distance learning to his students and community.
Dr. Don Austin
Dr. Don Austin is the Superintendent of Schools for the Palo Alto Unified School District. As one of the premiere school districts in California, PAUSD serves a diverse range of students from advantaged children of tech industry giants and Stanford University professors to historically underrepresented students from poverty. Dr. Austin was born and raised in Chula Vista, California, attended Baker University in Kansas, and has served the students of California for the last 25 years.
Dr. LaTonya M Goffney
Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney serves as the Superintendent of Schools for the Aldine Independent School District. She has received several distinctions and honors, including being named a finalist for the 2020 Female Superintendent of the Year by AASA and was named Superintendent of the Year for Texas in 2017. During the current coronavirus pandemic, Dr. Goffney is ensuring that Aldine ISD continues to focus on issues of equity - including ensuring all families have access to learning, meals, and consistent contact with teachers and counselors for support.
Ms. Theresa Plascencia
Ms. Theresa Plascencia is Superintendent of Waukegan Public Schools, District 60, in Waukegan IL. Ms. Plascencia has made social activism and equity the key focus of her educational career, with an emphasis on providing all students with the tools they need to be successful in society. She is leading the efforts to provide remote learning, internet devices, and meal services.
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