National Forum on Dropout Prevention:

National Forum on Dropout Prevention: Serving Native Students and Tribal Communities.
​March  6-9 Oklahoma City, Ok.

This event opened up the discussion and need to understand the unique dropout rate represented on Reservations and native grounds. Placed forth were strategies that proved successful from all over the spectrum of curriculum. From anti-bullying programs, to "Healing the Wounded Student", presenters came together to offer authentic approaches to real problems.

Two presenters in particular stood out above my expectations. One being a close friend, Scott Shickler. His presentation, as many times as I have seen it, inspires me every time. "The Mindset Revolution: Proven Strategies To Boost Achievement and Graduation". After years of studying and  an immense amount of energy his team figured out the 7  mindsets that all successful individuals have in common. I feel it's a way we live our lives, however Mr Shickler and his team organize it in such a way that it makes it easy to understand, repeat, and encourage. I watched his presentation twice on Monday and found it equally as entertaining and educational both times.. 

I also heard for the first time Hotep of Make a Way Program. "Behavior is a Symptom Not a Problem".  He broke down how we treat symptoms such as acting out, aggressive behavior, bullying, lack of respect, as the problem and then reward that  problem by sending them to an exclusive place. In so many situations it makes sense to me. He broke down the problem from upbringing, to belief systems, Decisions, Behaviors and outcomes. Really you should grab "A Pain in the Class", a book written by Hotep, himself, founder of Hustle University. With a motto like "Scholars makes Dollars" it was easy to see how Make-a-way programs bring results to such an Entrepreneur like mind, like that of these students. 

​I got to speak on the "The Art of Communicating with the Millennial: Power of Technology and thinking on the same level of Techno-babies". Using the same technology our students use, we can empower our youth and teach them how to start movements through a smart phone. From recording music to taking pictures on snapchat, our Smart Phones are changing the way we learn. how do we as teachers/mentors use that to our advantage in and out of the classroom? I had a great time guiding discussions surrounding this topic. We even played 'Sweep the Tepee" and some drama games. Good times were shared by all. 

The entertainment was beautiful and inspirational and the speakers were full of insight, knowledge, encouragement, and passionate. MS Consuelo Kickbusch got my heart and my ear. Her tears of hope left my heart wanting to hear more. Compassionate and courageous she told her story of being a Lieutenant Colonel and her mother's wish for her to be the leader of her community that she envisioned her as. A heroic tale. I bought her book on the spot "Journey of the Future".
​Bill Mendoza who represents Native Rights at DC and Mr Albert Pooley who represents Native American Fatherhood and Families Association, also lit the floor with empowerment as they told of their purpose and fight for change. 
Overall it was an incredible experience. Very much looking forward to the next conference in October 2016, Detroit Michigan "NODO 16" National Dropout Prevention Network Conference. 

More information about this conference as well as the conference photos gallery visit here: http://dropoutprevention.org/conferen...