Presented by Dr. A. Katrise Perera, Superintendent, Gresham-Barlow School District, OR; Glenn Robbins, Superintendent, Brigantine Public Schools, NJ; and Dr. Aaron Spence, Superintendent, Virginia Beach City Public Schools, VA
Program Moderator: Ann McMullan, Project Director, CoSN EmpowerED Superintendent Initiative

Sponsored by ClassLink
This edWebinar series is co-hosted by CoSN, AASA, and edWeb.net

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The multiple crises of 2020 exposed the enormous inequities that manifest themselves when students lack effective and reliable access to digital devices and robust connectivity in their homes. Often referred to as the “Homework Gap,” the reality is that students and their families suffer major challenges related not only to learning, but also to the ability to stay connected with family and friends, as well as access health services, job opportunities and so much more, when they do not have home access to the appropriate digital tools and high-quality broadband connectivity.

Achieving digital equity requires focused leadership and innovative strategies. Given the current realities of remote and hybrid learning, as well as the use of digital resources within school classrooms, the issues involved in leading digital transformation are now more urgent and relevant than ever. The promise of anywhere, anytime learning—for all students—requires that schools and communities come together to solve the challenges of digital inequity and the widening disconnect that impacts millions of students and their families. Watch this edWebinar with three leading superintendents who share their strategies, and lessons learned along the way, as they seek to achieve digital equity for all students.

This recorded edWebinar is of particular value to superintendents, K-12 school and district leaders, and aspiring school leaders.

About the Presenters

Dr. A. Katrise Perera proudly serves as the superintendent in Gresham-Barlow School District, in Oregon. She was a successful education leader in Virginia, and Texas before McGraw-Hill recruited her to lead their Urban Markets 2015-2017. She attracted national recognition for the superintendent work she led in Isle of Wight County Schools in Smithfield, Virginia from 2011-2015. She went on to be named the Superintendent of the Year by the National Association of School Superintendents (NASS). Her work evolved from 2000-2011 as an area superintendent-school improvement officer in Houston Independent School District, administrator, principal, and as a teacher in Henrico County Public Schools in Virginia. Dr. Perera has been a strong advocate for equity, student voice, eLearning, culturally responsive teaching, and women in leadership. She is an active member of professional organizations, a frequent presenter, and has composed a number of articles and leadership book excerpts.

Glenn Robbins is Superintendent of Brigantine Public Schools in New Jersey. His passion is harnessing a school culture that thrives on design-thinking skills, innovative digital spaces, high-caliber professional development, exponential thinking, BYOD/1to1, social emotional learning Zen Dens, and makerspaces. Glenn encourages all students to have a voice, not only in building a school culture, but also in designing student-led courses. Glenn has been recognized by numerous organizations for his innovative technology implementation methods and has been a featured speaker at numerous events across the globe. Glenn is a New Jersey representative for the AASA National Governing Board, CoSN Empowered Superintendent Panel, NASSP National Digital Principal of the Year, and co-chair for New Jersey’s NJASA Technology Committee. By empowering students and staff to have a growth mindset through design thinking, while implementing digital tools, we better prepare them for the profound shifts that they will encounter in life.

A passionate and visionary leader in public education for 26 years, Dr. Aaron Spence is committed to ensuring that all students have access to the rigorous coursework, innovative learning opportunities, and resources they need to prepare them for success in college or the workforce. Dr. Spence has served as Superintendent of Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) since June 2014. As superintendent, he is responsible for the instructional leadership and administrative operation of 86 schools and centers serving more than 67,000 students. The more than 10,000 employees of Virginia Beach schools credit Dr. Spence with creating and fostering a culture where input is welcomed, opinions are valued, and differences are celebrated.

About the Host

Ann McMullan is Project Director for CoSN’s Empowered Superintendents Initiative. Ann served as Executive Director, Educational Technology in the Klein Independent School District, near Houston, Texas until September 2013, when she and her family moved to Los Angeles, California. For 16 years Ann led the district team that provided professional development on technology and 21st century instructional strategies to 4,000 professional educators serving 50,000 students. Ann served as co-chair of Texas Education Technology Advisory Committee which developed the Texas Long Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020. Today, Ann is based in Los Angeles working as a public speaker, writer, and education consultant focused on leadership and planning to meet the needs of today’s students. Ann serves on the Project Tomorrow advisory council and is a leadership consultant with Executive Service Corps of Southern California, serving non-profit associations. Ann co-authored Life Lessons in Leadership, a guide for leaders ages eight to 88.

Closed captioning will be added to the recording within 2 weeks of the live presentation.

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AASA is the premier association for school system leaders and serves as the national voice for public education and district leadership on Capitol Hill.

CoSN (the Consortium for School Networking) is the premier professional association for school system technology leaders. CoSN provides thought leadership resources, community, best practices and advocacy tools to help leaders succeed in the digital transformation. CoSN represents over 13 million students in school districts nationwide and continues to grow as a powerful and influential voice in K-12 education.

ClassLink empowers your students and teachers with instant access to their learning resources. ClassLink® OneClick® includes a library of over 5,000 single sign-on apps and instant links to file folders at school and on Google, Office 365, and Dropbox cloud drives. ClassLink Roster Server easily and securely delivers class rosters to any publisher using open technology standards. ClassLink Analytics gives decision makers the usage data they need. Accessible from any computer, tablet or smartphone, ClassLink is ideal for 1to1 and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiatives.