October 1-2, 2007 (Louisville, Ky)

LouAnn Johnson, author of Dangerous Minds, opened the 13th annual Safe Schools, Successful Students Conference to over 700 educators, law enforcement officers, mental health workers, exhibiters and guests. Johnson shared the strategies and philosophy that have enabled her to successfully motivate students from many different backgrounds, including elementary non-readers, at-risk teens, college undergraduates, ESL students and developmental-level adult learners. She also shared the findings of her recent research into the connection between nutrition and behavior, and the effects of essential fatty acids on brain function, along with her own methods for turning reluctant readers into eager readers. Her inspiring story of how she taught the “unteachable” started the conference with information, ideas and energy.

Over 30 sessions were offered with topics ranging from bus safety to truancy. Each was filled with eager attendees gleaning strategies and techniques to adapt to their classrooms or unique school safety situations. The smooth flow of conference traffic was orchestrated by Tamara Tatum, School and Community Training Coordinator for the Kentucky Center of School Safety.

Executive Director Teresa Barton of the Office of Drug Control Policy (ODCP) addressed the conference crowd sharing the success of a program focusing on more than 2,800 fifth-grade elementary students in Clay, Floyd, Harlan, Johnson, Knott, Perry, Pike and Whitely Counties. This project implements the evidence-based substance abuse curriculum, “Too Good for Drugs.”

At 6 feet 9 inches, Harry Pickens had to bend over to talk into the microphone, but this gentle giant’s musical talent delighted the conference crowd at the luncheon on Monday. Pickens informed the educators about cutting-edge research and new ways to solve tough problems. He had the crowd tuned-in, turned-on and fired-up for positive change.

Dr. Marissa Randazo, co-author of the landmark federal study of school shootings conducted by the U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Secret Service, opened day two of the conference with a review of key findings on American school shootings and implications for prevention. The session emphasized how partnership among educators, law enforcement officials, mental health professionals and others is critical for assessing threats and creating safe school climates.

Jon Akers, Executive Director of the Kentucky Center for School Safety, reviewed successes of the Center and Safe School Assessment Program. Akers thanked the crowd for putting the safety of students as a priority and for their attendance at the conference.


Mark your calendar, next year's conference will be October 6-7, 2008