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About the Annual NECME CONFERENCE
In 1996 a consortium of
educational agencies and institutions came together to organize what has
become THE major multicultural education event in New England.
Educators, as well as parents and community members at all school
levels, were seeking ways to enhance teaching diverse students but also
a curriculum that could prepare all students for working in a diverse
world.
After years of holding an annual Connecticut Conference on Multicultural
Education at local hotels, the event outgrew the ballrooms limited to
500 attendees. Starting in 2007, the conference moved to the Connecticut
Convention Center, capable of seating 2,000+ attendees. The conference
expanded its reach to formally include all New England states, plus New
York and New Jersey. This one-day event has expanded to include three sets of 14 concurrent sessions.
Projected attendance will be in excess of 800 paid attendees.
About Multicultural Education
We are living in an incredibly exciting era, where working and
vacationing overseas, and meeting people from a multitude of different
cultural backgrounds is commonplace. The power of the Internet through
the use of technology such as email, web pages, blogs and instant
messaging has helped bring us all closer together. Our local
neighborhood has expanded. The entire world has become part of our
extended family. Our great nation is enriched with the words, songs,
fragrances and images of people from around the world who now are our
friends, neighbors and co-workers. The workers of the future must
develop the attitudes, knowledge and skills to succeed in a
multicultural environment or they will surely fail.
In order to help our students meet with success we must, in addition to preparing them academically, teach them to be culturally competent - to have the ability to live and work comfortably within the context of cultural differences. Studies show that a school culture that demands respect, cultural and academic competence, integrity and regard for others, is significant in creating an environment where all students can succeed. For schools, providing a multicultural curriculum and an equitable education for all students is one of the cornerstones of effective teaching and learning. Since its beginning as a discipline in the late 60’s, multicultural education has grown into an effective set of research-based teaching practices.
THE CONNECTICUT CONVENTION CENTER
The Connecticut Convention Center is Southern New England's largest meeting and convention facility. There are a wealth of hotels, restaurants and other enticing attractions in close proximity. With such a convenient location, Hartford and the Connecticut Convention Center are easily accessible from just about anywhere. Via car, the Convention Center is within a two hour driving distance of all major New England cities. Take to the air and fly into Bradley International Airport, only ten minutes away. Or travel by rail or bus to arrive at Hartford's Union Station. The 22-story Marriott Hartford Downtown is adjacent and features 409 guest rooms, full hotel services and a roof-top pool.
Copyright
2008 New England Conference on Multicultural Education