When was it? July 24-27, 2008

Here’s a copy of the conf. schedule:

http://www.algebra.org/articles/APconfsched_20080617.pdf

For over a quarter century, the Algebra Project has been working at the forefront of a civil rights struggle against one root cause of racial inequity in the United States: math education. The 2007-2008 academic year heralded the 25th anniversary of AP, as well as a few other significant anniversaries:

150th Anniversary of Dred Scott v. Sandford

50th Anniversary of Civil Rights Act of 1957

50th Anniversary of Public School Integration of Little Rock 9

15th Anniversary of the Algebra Project in Jackson, MS

From July 24 to July 27, 2008 AP held its inaugural anniversary conference in Jackson, Mississippi: hosted by Jackson State University in partnership with Florida International University, QECR and the YPP, with generous support from the Willow Springs Foundation, the Tides Foundation, the Marguerite Casey Foundation, the National Science Foundation, donors and registrants.

The National conference sought to synthesize and mobilize the 25-year history of the Algebra Project for a broad national audience. The meeting provided an opportunity for AP veterans to reconnect, celebrate our work together and included participation of other groups and individuals. We re-affirmed our common vision, highlighting both current programs and other organizations inspired by the AP such as QECR and YPP, and used these to motivate and frame our future work. Networking among participants and mobilization of resources for the future work of the AP were outgrowths of these sessions.

AP started from one parent’s desire to see his child understand algebra in middle school so that she could enter high school and enroll in college-preparatory math courses. In doing so, he saw the need to change youth culture around math education – to get them excited about math – and to break down institutional barriers to a quality public education.

That is exactly what AP students are doing: overcoming obstacles and spreading the excitement to be in the classroom. How often do you hear your high school students say they want to take math – 90 minutes a day, five days a week – and fully attend all year long? Calculate the minutes of class time that students are engaging themselves and each other, becoming agents of their future.

AP currently seeks a national response to establish a fundamental right that every child be guaranteed a quality public education; and you are part of this conversation!

Thank you for helping us celebrate math literacy and youth action for a quarter century and beyond. Please consider making a contribution toward a student travel scholarship by clicking on the “Donate Now” link above, or join our email list, also found at the top of this page.

RAISING THE FLOOR: Quality Education as a Constitutional Right

Where: Jackson State University, Jackson, MS

When: Thursday to Sunday, July 24-27, 2008

Directions to JSU: http://pr.jsums.edu/show.asp?durki=245

JSU Campus Map (download PDF) http://www.jsums.edu/map.pdf
Housing & Thurs. evening reception: Campbell dormitories (49),
Meals: Dining Hall (14),
WORKING SESSIONS:
Friday morning, Friday night film, Saturday & Sunday sessions: new Student Center-Campus Union (48),
Friday afternoon: T.B. Ellis (21).

Registration: Please visit: http://www2.jsums.edu/forms/algebraconference/

Schedule: (as of 7/17/08) http://www.algebra.org/confschedule.php

Questions: ebrooks@algebra.org.

Volunteering: Email ebrooks@algebra.org if you’d like to volunteer on one of the committees or at the event.

For over a quarter century, the Algebra Project has been working at the forefront of a civil rights struggle against one root cause of racial inequity in the United States: math education. This academic year heralds the 25th anniversary of AP, as well as a few other significant anniversaries:

150th Anniversary of Dred Scott v. Sandford

50th Anniversary of Civil Rights Act of 1957

50th Anniversary of Public School Integration of Little Rock 9

15th Anniversary of the Algebra Project in Jackson, MS

From July 24 to July 27, 2008 (save the date!) AP will hold its inaugural anniversary conference in Jackson, Mississippi: hosted by Jackson State University and partnering with Florida International University. Registration is now available:

http://www2.jsums.edu/forms/algebraconference/

The Algebra Project (AP) national conference seeks to engage youth and adult participants in facilitated small and large group discussions, working sessions, and interactive activities. The overall goal of the conference is to rigorously evaluate the requirements and strategies needed to create a Quality Public School Education for all students. Anticipated outcomes include networking among participants and organizations to mobilize resources for the future work of raising the floor of education for all students.

AP started from one parent’s desire to see his child understand algebra in middle school so that she could enter high school and enroll in college-preparatory math courses. In doing so, he saw the need to change youth culture around math education – to get them excited about math – and to break down institutional barriers to a quality public education.

That is exactly what AP students are doing: overcoming obstacles and spreading the excitement to be in the classroom. How often do you hear your high school students say they want to take math – 90 minutes a day, five days a week – and fully attend all year long? Calculate the minutes of class time that students are engaging themselves and each other, becoming agents of their future.

AP currently seeks a national response to establish a fundamental right that every child be guaranteed a quality public education; and you are part of this conversation!

Please join us in celebrating math literacy and youth action for a quarter century and beyond. And, if you find that you cannot attend our conference in 2008, please consider making a contribution toward a student travel scholarship by clicking on the “Donate Now” link above, or join our email list, also found at the top of this page.