Conference Information

Making the Connection: Creating and Maintaining Conditions for Learning

Today's schools face a host of interrelated issues and challenges that influence student safety, well-being, and achievement. This conference concentrates on what is currently being done and what we can improve upon to positively affect key issues the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools (OSDFS) is working on with schools across the nation. Community leaders will have an opportunity to explore these topics show how we can take action on these new initiatives.

Conference Goals

The 2011 OSDFS National Conference theme is Making the Connection: Creating and Maintaining Conditions for Learning. Today's educational environment requires schools and communities to develop creative approaches to make the learning environment safe for students and engage and prepare them for the roles and challenges they will face.

The goals of the 2011 National Conference are to:

• Highlight information from research and the field that will demonstrate programs and best practices to improve the conditions for learning, and assist State and local officials in assessing needs, establishing priorities, and selecting the most effective programs and strategies.
• Examine new trends, innovative approaches, and comprehensive, integrated strategies that may offer new approaches to both old and emerging problems and challenges.
• Enable participants to build upon skills and receive training from practitioners in the fields of emergency management; health, mental health, and physical education; alcohol, drug, and violence prevention; and other areas related to school- and community-based prevention.

Who Should Attend

• OSDFS grantees
• Education and prevention leaders
• Representatives of Federal agencies and national associations
• State and local educational agency representatives, and Governor's staff
• Public and private school administrators
• Experts in the field of substance abuse and violence prevention
• School personnel (teachers, counselors, health educators)
• School safety and security officers, including school resources officers
• Faith-based organizations
• Representatives from alternative schools, such as charter schools

Conference Topics

• Alcohol and/or Drug Use Prevention
• Bullying/Cyber Bullying
• Training
• Violence Prevention
• Emergency Management
• Health, Mental Health, Environmental Health, and Physical Health Resources
• Data Collection
• Partnerships
• Special Populations
• Emerging Issues