Children and Community Focus of National Conference - American Association of School Administrators - Brief Article

School Administrator, March, 1996 by Homer H. Kearns

"Commitment to Children and Community." That's the theme driving AASA's National Conference on Education, March 8-11, in San Diego. We hope you'll be with us for this 128th annual conference, which promises to be one of the most exciting in AASA's history.

As school leaders, we are responsible for rallying our communities in support of children and education. Each of us needs to stand out as a primary child advocate, and to do that effectively, we need to be prepared.

At this historic gathering of our profession, you'll have an opportunity to hear firsthand from Jonathan Kozol, one of the world's leading child advocates, whose best-selling books, Amazing Grace and Savage Inequalities, are helping to shape the nation's conscience; Marian Wright Edelman, president of the Children's Defense Fund, an author, speaker, leader, and champion of all children; Secretary of Education Richard Riley, who has spent a good part of his life advocating sound education from the statehouse to the Cabinet Room at the White House; and paradigm guru Joel Barker, who will address what we need to consider as we prepare our children for the 21st century.

Of course, there is even more. Carlos Cortez will build our understanding and skills as we work with an increasingly multicultural society. Terry Deal will address "how to lead with soul." Geoffrey Canada will probe the scourge of violence and how to deal with it in a presentation titled, "Fist Stick Knife Gun." Cile Chavez will discuss "purpose, politics, and passion" for today's school leader, and Eva Baker will address the stimulating and knotty subject of student assessment.

Our programs during the 1996 National Conference will focus on developing leadership, creating 2lst century schools, improving the condition of children and youth, and building community.

Veterans of AASA's National Conference on Education know that it features one of the largest exhibitions of school products and services in the world. Our annual Partners Program is a gold mine of information and support for those who share the challenging public stage with school leaders.

I urge you to join us at this rallying point for our profession. If you have not already registered, please call today, 703-875-0748.

Pat and I look forward to greeting you personally during the annual President's Awards Reception, Thursday evening, March 7.

On March 15, Don Thompson, superintendent of the Montgomery County Board of Education in Dayton, Ohio, will become president of AASA. I know you join me in wishing him the very best as he provides leadership for our executive committee and for this great organization.

This past year has gone so quickly. It has been strenuous and exhilarating. What a great privilege to serve as AASA president and to represent the nation's school leaders in every corner of America and in other nations. AASA is a magnificent organization with a great future. I know you share my pride in being a member of this forceful and respected community of leaders who share a lasting commitment to children and community.

Thank you for the opportunity to be your president.