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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2004
CONTACT: Kay Augustine, (515) 271-1908, kay.augustine@drake.edu
CONFERENCE ON SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES TO EXPLORE NEW RESEARCH FINDINGS
The Schools and Communities: Stronger Together Conference, which will be held
Oct. 19 and 20 at the Fort Des Moines Hotel in downtown Des Moines, will explore
new research findings that can help Iowans more fully utilize school and community
partnerships to benefit the youth of Iowa.
At 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 19, Dr. Kathleen Kovner-Kline of Dartmouth Medical
School will present the findings of the “Hardwired to Connect” report
produced by the Commission on Children at Risk. This 2003 report, coordinated
through the YMCA of the USA, reviews recent scientific findings suggesting that
children are biologically "hardwired" for enduring attachments to
other people and for moral and spiritual meaning. Meeting these needs through
a rich network of supportive, nurturing relationships can promote individual
and social health in ways that are demonstrable at the biological level.
Kovner-Kline, principal investigator for the commission, will share the report's
new model for looking at children's mental health – a model that integrates
the "hard science" of infant attachment and child and adolescent brain
development with sociological evidence on how civil society shapes outcomes
for children. She also will share the commission's recommendations and describe
the benefits of building Authoritative Communities.
"The findings of this research are applicable to anyone working to improve
the lives of Iowa’s children," said Kay Augustine, associate director
of the Institute for Character Development at Drake University. "The model
being presented raises important questions about current youth development practices
in Iowa’s schools and communities."
On Wednesday, Oct. 20, the conference will focus on positive youth development
and youth leadership. Steve Siemens, president of Siemens People Builders, will
present a motivational speech followed by an interactive leadership session
focused on participating middle and high school students. Sessions for the adults
at that time will include professional and personal development opportunities
for those who work with or plan programming for youth.
In addition, there will be a Youth Issues Forum, which offers networking sessions
within the various components of community education such as: advisory committees,
asset building, after-school initiatives, 21st Century Learning Centers, character
education and service-learning to name a few. The conference will conclude with
a fun and inspirational closing session especially prepared by youth through
Iowa State University Extension.
Additional conference sessions throughout the two days will highlight best practices
in youth and adult partnerships and school and community partnerships appropriate
for all individuals working with youth at any level or through any venue.
The Schools and Communities: Stronger Together Conference is co-sponsored by
the Iowa Community Education Association, the Iowa Asset Building Coalition,
the Iowa Afterschool Alliance, the Institute for Character Development at Drake
University and the Iowa Department of Education.
For registration information, including details about scholarships for students,
visit www.iowacommunityeducation.org
or call (515) 271-1908.
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