SXSW EDU extends SXSW’s support for the art of engagement to include society’s true rock stars: educators! Naturally, not every educator rock star can attend. But ATPE members are in luck! Our Professional Learning Portal now includes recorded sessions from the 2018 SXSW EDU. Here’s a roundup of the newly available courses.
 
Black Education in America
When it comes to education, the black community faces many unique issues, including funding inequities, the achievement gap, students graduating from high school not ready for college or the workforce, and access to great schools. This panel discusses current issues, data, and trends in pre-K through college with esteemed educational and civic leaders.
 
Examining Our Faith in Educational Technology
Technology tools and companies are at the epicenter of a national political storm. There is a growing awareness that while technology can help, it can also hinder. Within education, policymakers and innovators alike are asking more of classroom technology and data than ever before. Yet questions of efficacy and impact remain. Is “tech in ed” always a good thing? Can its potential to transform finally be realized?
 
Justice and Opportunity through Disruption
Do we believe every child deserves the freedom to tap into their fullest human potential? In our country’s most marginalized communities, there are too many instances where we are failing to provide youth with educational and economic opportunity. Disruption means breaking that cycle. We do it elsewhere—think taxis and shopping malls. Now think Uber and Amazon. This session takes a powerful and realistic look at disrupting the hopelessness that confronts many of our nation’s young people.
 
The Moth: Stories of Schooling & Getting Schooled
Since its launch in 1997, The Moth has presented thousands of stories told live and without notes. Moth shows are renowned for the great range of human experience they showcase. Each show starts with a theme, and the storytellers explore it—often in unexpected ways. Since each story is true and every voice authentic, the shows dance between documentary and theater, creating a unique, intimate, and often enlightening experience for the audience. Stories of Schooling & Getting Schooled features four teachers telling true stories from their lives—journeys taken in and outside of the classroom. Teachers bring their lives into the classroom, and their classrooms into their lives.
 
Trauma-Informed Education Policy & Practice
Researchers and evidence-based nonprofit partners work together with local communities to translate research and practice into responsive public policy. Speakers address topics from housing instability and food insecurity, to natural disasters and gun violence, and trauma and adversity that deeply affect children’s ability to learn and thrive. This session presents discussion on authentic stakeholder engagement and the role policymakers can play to drive resources toward evidence-based, trauma-informed practices.
 
What Hath We Wrought?
A decade ago, we imagined a world of participatory culture where youth would be empowered to actively and strategically use technology. Through peer/self-learning and formal education, young people have developed a well-informed understanding of the world through social media. However, this participatory culture can be unhealthy, cruel, and socially devastating. This talk explores unintended consequences of efforts to empower youth, media manipulation and literacy, polarization, and other issues.
  
Don’t forget that as a member of ATPE, you get access to this online learning portal as a way to earn continuing professional education (CPE) credits via online courses and webinars—all on your own time and free of charge. The PL Portal also provides you with a tracking system so that you can maintain a comprehensive history of CPE hours and certificates.
 
For more info on SXSW EDU, visit sxswedu.com.
 
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