The 20th Anniversary Parents for Public Schools Leadership Conference held Oct. 17-19 in Houston was a rousing success.
Approximately 200 parents and supporters from nearly every PPS chapter--including the new Hawaii chapter--gathered for a weekend of candid discussions, leadership development and the sharing of best practices.


PPS recognized some of its founders and key early leaders during a special banquet. Dick Molpus, who founded PPS with his wife and a few friends in their Jackson, Miss., living room, spoke on behalf of the founders at the banquet.

Other speakers included former U.S. Secretary of Education and Houston superintendent Rod Paige and actress and author Sonya Manzano--who plays Maria on "Sesame Street."

PPS has heard many great comments and suggestions about the conference. Thanks to the Houston PPS chapter for its leadership. We hope everyone returned home even better-equipped to support and improve public schools.

CONFERENCE BOOKLET

Click here to download the 2011 National Leadership Conference book (2.48MB, .pdf)

CONFERENCE VIDEOS AND PHOTOS

Click here to view and download pictures

Dr. Rod Paige, Former U.S. Secretary of Education
Watch Video

Dennis Bega, U.S. Department of Education
"Education Reform: A Public Imperative"
Watch Video

Dr. Ronald F. Ferguson, Harvard University
"Educational Excellence with Equity: A Social Movement for the 21st Century"
Watch Video

Sonia Manzano, "Maria" on Sesame Street and Children's Book Author
Watch Video

CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS

Harnessing the Power of Social Media for Non-Profit Organizations
Phil Case, Fluid Technology
Presentation (.pdf)

Education Reform: A Public Imperative
Dennis Bega, U.S. Department of Education
Presentation (.pdf)

Educational Excellence with Equity: A Social Movement for the 21st Century
Dr. Ronald F. Ferguson, Harvard University
Presentation (.pdf)
Handout (.pdf)

Building Civic Infrastructure To Support Our Children and Youth – Cradle to Career
Dr. Robert Wimpelberg, All Kids Alliance
Presentation (.pdf)

Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) Process
Celia Ulloa, Parent Resource Network TEAM Process
Presentation (.pdf)
Handout 1 (.pdf)
Handout 2 (.pdf)

Response to Intervention: Essentials for Parent Leaders
Dr. Kris Kaase, Institute for Evidence-Based Reform
Handout (.pdf)

Is Your Child a Good Digital Citizen? Navigating the Dizzying Pace of Technology
Merve Lapus, Common Sense Media
Presentation (.pdf)

Turning out the Troops: Collaborating with Community Organizers
Anne Henderson and Sara McAlister, The Annenbergy Institute for School Reform at Brown University
Presentation coming soon (.pdf)

Transforming a Culture Through Literacy
Sharon R. Wolder, Brockton High School (MA)
Handout 1 (.pdf)
Handout 2 (.pdf)