The Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color, a grantee of the Open Society Institute Campaign for Black Male Achievement, hosted its third annual gathering of educators, community leaders, and students.

The theme of this year's conference was "The Affirmative Development of Boys and Young Men of Color," exploring constructive and affirming interventions to advance the intellectual capacity of black male students.  Designed to thoughtfully and earnestly involve boys and young men in important cross-generational learning experiences, the gathering included youth keynote speeches, panels, and discussions. 

The "affirmative development" concept was first created by Edmund Gordon at Columbia University's Teachers College nearly two decades ago. It is based on the assumption that academic abilities are not simply inherited, but can be developed through pedagogical and societal interventions.  

In addition to a range of special guests and presenters, Pedro Noguera and colleagues facilitated a discussion unveiling an important set of commitments and standards for schools using the affirmative development method in educating young black males.  Informative and interactive workshops, forums, open space discussions, and social networking also shaped the conference, and emphasized overall the shared stake society has in the survival and progress of black male students.

For more information, please visit the Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color website.