Educators, Youth Workers Tackle Student Issues

Nashville, TN – Bullying prevention and minority overrepresentation in the juvenile justice system are among the learning obstacles educators and youth workers from across Tennessee are tackling this month. Educators, counselors, school resource officers and others involved in youth mentoring and intervention programs are studying innovative ways to address these issues at the 2007 Yes2Kids Conference, February 25-27 at the Cool Springs Marriott.

“We are proud to support a program that provides dynamic, goal-oriented support to those involved with young Tennesseans,” said Mike Herrmann, executive director of the Office of School Safety and Learning Support Services. “Our intent is to share effective strategies and connect professionals facing the same issues.”

Workshops cover novel practices for bullying prevention, character development, school health, and school and community issues.

“One of the ways we can meet students individualized needs is through varied after-school programs serving students across Tennessee,” said Laura Nichols, director for Extended Learning Programs and Character Education. “The success of this project stems from the fact that we focus on many areas of youth development.”

Two outstanding lottery for education after-school programs (LEAPs) will present at the conference: TOPS and New Directions Academy. These lottery-funded after-school programs provide students enrichment activities to reinforce the academic goals for all Tennessee students.

The conference is co-sponsored by the Department of Education’s Office of School Safety and Learning Support Services. For more information, contact Rachel Woods at (615) 253-1960 or Rachel.Woods@state.tn.us.