Maybe it’s not as bad as we thought. Stuart Udell, CEO of Achieve3000 has been tracking the rumored “learning loss” data since spring, and while the situation is by no means good, there are hopeful data points. In this episode, Stuart shares some results from the company’s upcoming report. He also highlights how remote technologies are enhancing Achieve3000’s work, from professional development workshops to the 2nd Annual National Literacy Summit it will be hosting next week.

In adherence to the CDC’s COVID-19 guidance, this year’s Summit will take place online November 5, 2020, from 8:30 am – 6:00 pm ET. Sessions will be led by 15 of today’s most respected and accomplished education thought leaders will offer compelling perspectives on literacy and learning in today’s rapidly changing K-12 environment.

This one-day professional learning event is designed for educators at all levels who are facing the difficult challenge of literacy instruction during a pandemic. Thought leaders and expert practitioners will explore the latest innovations and strategies to address the needs of students, especially those most at risk of falling behind. Presenters will focus on effective remote instruction, trauma skills, social-emotional learning, culturally responsive literacy instruction, and what we can expect the future of literacy to look like, among other on-trend themes.

“The Summit offers an unparalleled professional learning experience,” said Kevin Baird, Chief Academic Officer at Achieve3000. “This year brought many changes and challenges to school communities. Our panel of distinguished speakers will focus on these challenges and how educators can overcome them to create a positive impact in their schools.”

The Summit features prominent national education leaders presenting thought-provoking research and innovative ideas, including:

Kweku Mandela

Authentic Cultural Conversations: A Conversation with Kweku Mandela

Co-owner of the leading TV and film production company, Out of Africa, education activist, and grandson of the former South African President and anti-apartheid revolutionary, Nelson Mandela. Mandela also co-founded the non-profit Africa Rising with Ndaba Mandela with the mission of contributing to the development of the African continent and changing the perception of Africa by the global community through publications, film, media, and social interaction.

Dr. Pedro Noguera

Literacy for All: Understanding and Responding to Racial Injustice in Education

Critically acclaimed scholar, dynamic speaker, and a committed literacy activist. His work focuses on a broad range of issues related to education, social justice, and public policy. He is the author of several best-selling books and is a highly sought-after public speaker and international consultant. Noguera is Dean of the Rossier School of Education at the University of Southern California, Distinguished Professor of Education at the Graduate School of Education and Information Studies, and Faculty Director for the Center for the Transformation of Schools at UCLA.

Dr. Bill Daggett

Looking Forward: How Literacy Instructional Delivery is Going to Change

Nationally acclaimed author, presenter, thought leader, and adviser to educators and their stakeholders in planning and implementing systemic school change. He has served and consulted for such organizations as the Council of Chief State School Officers, the National Governors Association, and the U.S. Department of Education.

Dr. Douglas Fisher

The Skill, Will and Thrill of Comprehension

Author of numerous articles on reading and literacy, differentiated instruction and curriculum design, as well as books such as Visible Learning for Literacy, Building Equity, and Assessment-Capable Learners. He is also Professor and Chair of the Department of Educational Leadership at San Diego University.

Dr. Gholnecsar (Gholdy) Muhammad

Cultivating Genius: An Equity Model for Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy

Best-selling author of Cultivating Genius: An Equity Model for Culturally and Historically Responsive Literacy and transformative leader in culturally responsive education, Dr. Muhammad works with teachers and young people across the United States and South Africa to instill best practices for culturally responsive instruction. Dr. Muhammad is currently an associate professor of Language and Literacy at Georgia State University. Additionally, she serves as the director of the Urban Literacy Collaborative and Clinic.