News Release

Teachers, coaches and principals will demonstrate what Talent Development High Schools, a reform model with a proven track record, is all about at the program's National Conference this week in Baltimore. In addition, education veterans will talk about issues facing low-performing, high-poverty schools, where Talent Development has been proven effective.

More than 200 educators from around the country will be in Baltimore for three days of training, inspiration, practical ideas and social activities. Hosted by the Center for Social Organization of Schools at The Johns Hopkins University, the conference, "Talent Development High Schools: Building on Lessons Learned," will be held July 13 to 15 at the Radisson Plaza Lord Baltimore Hotel. Teams from Bridgeton, N.J.: Los Angeles; and Kansas City, Mo., will tell their success stories. Others will detail the continuing challenges of transforming many of America's high schools.

Education reporters are welcome to attend any of the lectures and workshops to gather story ideas from the high school educators and reformers, including researchers and curriculum developers at Johns Hopkins, who will be excellent sources for stories during the upcoming school year. To attend, contact Mary Maushard at 410-516-8810.

The keynote speaker — at the opening session at 8 a.m. Thursday — will be Martin Haberman, professor emeritus at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, and an expert on curriculum and instruction. In his latest book, Star Teachers of Children in Poverty, Haberman explores theories and practices that support effective teaching in schools that serve students who are at the greatest risk for academic failure and dropping out.

Other speakers:

Gail Awakuni, named 2005 principal of the year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Principal of Campbell High School in Ewa Beach, Hawaii, a Talent Development School, Wednesday 8 a.m. at the pre- conference leadership workshop.

Dr. Leslie A. Mobray veteran of 30 years in public education, many of them in Anne Arundel County Public Schools, 8 a.m. Saturday.

Restructuring the American High School, Improving Student Achievement and Understanding Our Students. Back by popular demand are two categories of sessions, Voices from the Field and Living Classroom, during which teachers and administrators share their experiences and best practices.