Tools for the unique needs of students

Tools for the unique needs of students As classroom culture evolves, what tools are available for educators to address the unique needs of students? How are generations of educators acknowledging and adjusting to changes in the classroom from when they were in school? Are social/emotional techniques working/effective?

October 12, 2023 at 10:10AM

• Jenny Schulz

• Yen Veirhoven

• Gina Weekly

• Dan Devore

Creating Political Barriers to those who need help

A look at how newly passed regulations can face challenges when practiced at the local level, using SNAP benefits and free lunch program as examples. How do restrictions impact those that take the step for assistance, but are turned down or faced with too many obstacles? How can barriers be addressed so those that need it most can benefit?

October 12, 2023 at 10:10AM

• Luke Elzinga

• Keenan Crow

Opportunities and challenges for students of color

Though the diversity of Iowa’s schools continues to increase, finding teachers and support staff of color remains a challenge for school districts. We’ll look at how districts are trying to address the diversity of its teaching and education staff, while also working to address the way it serves students of color during and around the school day.

October 12, 2023 at 11:15AM

• Barb Hanson

• Sarah Swayze

Mental Health

How should Iowa’s mental health system be reimagined to solve access, fragmented care and high out of pocket costs and create a system that operates more seamlessly? What are the main barriers that are impacting the adult system, and what needs to be done to help scale up a system focused on children?

October 12, 2023 at 1:20PM

Intersection: Creative Ways to address food scarcity

Creative ways to address food scarcity. The number of people seeking help from foodbanks has continued to increase. While there have been grants for facilities, can Iowa do more to help their peers experiencing food scarcity. We’ll look at what’s being done in Iowa as well as whether there are additional programs that could be implemented or expanded that have worked other places.

October 12, 2023 at 1:20PM

• Linda Gorko

Support for diverse artists.

What do individuals from diverse backgrounds need to reach their full artistic potential? How have successful artists overcome obstacles when conditions for support are challenged? In addition to diversity, equity and inclusion, how are local arts communities fostering a sense of belonging for everyone who wants to participate?

October 12, 2023 at 2:25PM

• Antonio Chalmers (aka DJ Antonio "Tone Da Boss" Chalmers)

• Heather Wagner

• Caleb Rainey

Coming together for the greater economic good

Some Iowa communities have banded together to find ways to raise wages of childcare workers, or solve other access or equality issues at a community level. We’ll look at how communities have built momentum and plans to tackle the challenges or economic strategies at a community or regional level.

October 12, 2023 at 2:25PM

• Bethany Snyder

• Emily Schmitt

• Kaitlin Byers

• Dave Herrell

Navigating Iowa's Culture Wars

Just like many other states, Iowa has been thrust in cultural fights about gender, books, the extent of which parents or educators should drive decision-making in schools and more. What impact is this having on policy-making bodies, and how can the public at large navigate these divisive fights. We’ll explore how issue-framing and other strategies can reduce the intensity of these fights.

October 12, 2023 at 2:25PM

Life after incarceration

How are restorative programs working for people currently serving in and upon leaving prison? This session will look at how areas of need for an individual are identified and if the programs in place are truly setting people up for long-term success. Who are the key partners in tracking what’s working and ways to strengthen the need for these individuals to truly thrive?

October 12, 2023 at 2:25PM

• Michelle Heinz

• Peggy Huppert

Answering a neighborhood’s needs

What happens when community hubs localize their services, focusing on where people live? How can community hubs such as neighborhood centers serve as a central source for childcare, housing and more? This session will discuss how Iowa communities are using this approach, which can build trust, retention and engagement.

October 12, 2023 at 2:25PM

Balancing Intellectual diversity and polarization

Navigating the seas of political polarization and culture war issues pose unique challenges for universities. What are the risks culture wars pose to Iowa’s colleges and universities and what impact could that have if students align with like-minded colleges or avoid states where majority party politics differ from their own?

October 13, 2023 at 8:30AM

• Jed Peterson

Housing for all

The process and challenges when it comes to renting, buying, and maintaining a home. What resources are available for people at various stages of risk? How can assistance be more accessible-before the step of eviction or foreclosure?

October 13, 2023 at 8:30AM

• Carrie Woerdeman

• Denise Fuller

Beyond writing a check

We will assess the response to DEI initiatives and barriers they’ve faced. What’s going wrong and what’s going right when it comes to intent vs. Action from civic leaders, employers and the public? How can quick reaction without long term strategy negatively impact even the best intentions?

October 13, 2023 at 9:40AM

• Joy Briscoe

Customized employment

A session on Iowans who advocate individualized employment for people with disabilities, and how this unique approach is addressing Iowa’s continuous workforce challenges.

October 13, 2023 at 9:40AM

• Connie Parrish

• Theresa Lewis

Intersection: Social needs and partnerships between schools and non-profits

The ability to reach students and their families about available resources while gathered consistently at school. Who leads these partnerships? What communication or practice of information distribution is most effective? How can nonprofits build trust among the students, faculty, and staff?

October 13, 2023 at 9:40AM

• Maggie Hartzler

Strain within immigrant and refugee families

The transition to a new country and a new community can present myriad hardships, but what about the challenges in family dynamics? What do roles and traditions look like, and how do those contrast with life in Iowa? How does transition – of transportation, housing, education and employment -- affect the family? And how are these complicated by language barriers? What can be done to support families?

October 13, 2023 at 10:45AM

• Dr. Stacey Cole

• Mike Mbanza

• Elizabeth Buch

• Henny Ohr

• Mugisha Gloire

Environmental Justice in Iowa

Marginalized groups often face unique challenges and roadblocks when it comes to accessing clean air, water and resources that help them live sustainably. How can we draft environmental laws and policies that ensure everyone is being served and protected equally? What kind of assistance is available and how could it be improved?

October 13, 2023 at 10:45AM