Multicultural Student Achievement Network

2014 MSAN Student Conference: Pre-Conference materials

Pre-Conference Materials

The Farmington planning committee has selected several readings for your team to review and reflect on prior to arrival at the conference. While no formal written response is required, you might find notes helpful as you will be discussing these readings throughout the conference.

1.  “Bridging Difference through Dialogue” by Ximena Zúñiga About Campus (2003), 7: 8-16.

  1. What are your experiences with Intergroup Dialogue in your school?
  2. How would you rate your school in terms of helping students to communicate honestly, understand one another, explore social and cultural differences, and find common ground?
  3. Can you visualize an approach like the one described by the author, for helping students from different backgrounds talk and learn from one another, in your own school?

2.    My Dreams are Not a Secret: Teenagers in Metropolitan Detroit Speak Out.  Providence: What  Kids Can Do, 2013.  Abe Louis Young

  1. Have you ever experienced or observed stereotypes or discrimination in your school and, if so, did you stay silent or say something?
  2. How well do your teachers handle these situations?
  3. How is student voice significant in addressing situations of discrimination?
  4. Can you visualize students in your school writing a book like this, which was written in a weekend, and if so, who would you ask to participate?

The student planning team also asks that you watch a video clip of the Summer Youth Dialogues Program to see intergroup dialogue and social justice in action prior to attending the conference.


Take the Road Less Traveled

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Multicultural Student Achievement Network (MSAN)
Wisconsin Center for Education Research
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MSAN's Impact

  • "[MSAN is] transforming our thinking one student at a time."
    ~ PD conference attendee

  • "This is the best conference I've ever attended of any kind. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"
    ~ PD conference attendee

  • "This was a fabulous mini-conference! Every minute taught me something and made me think more deeply about work at my school and in my district."
    ~ PD conference attendee

  • "The experience that the Minority Student Achievement Network has given me is one that I will cherish for the rest of my life."
    ~ MSAN Scholar Jazin Rocha, HBW 10th grader, Arlington Public Schools

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    ~ PD conference attendee

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    ~ MSAN RPC Member

  • "Meeting with this select group of superintendents reinforces and builds commitment/capacity to address diversity as a strength, not a challenge."
    ~ MSAN Superintendent

  • "This was very informative and very rich in network and strategies from the districts."
    ~ PD conference attendee

  • "I liked how different people from different states came to contribute their ideas and find a way to close the achievement gap."
    ~ Student conference attendee

  • "I see myself as a representative of my school and a person who can provide different perspectives to others in regards to the achievement gap."
    ~ Student conference attendee

  • "Just being here [helps me know] that I'm working to better my district and strengthen my leadership skills."
    ~ Student conference attendee

  • "Thank you much! … I attend quite a bit of professional development and many conferences. This conference has by far changed my mindset and how I address my daily work. I am so grateful for the opportunity!"
    ~ Andrea Dinan, Ed.D. - Director of Service-Learning & Experiential Programs, Princeton Public Schools

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  • "...when we came together with our own district to put together our action plan, that made me feel like I can make a huge change in the world."
    ~ Student conference attendee

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