On Friday, Nov. 3, Kalamazoo RESA hosted the 4^th Annual Educating Outside the Box Symposium at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. This year’s theme was “Empowering Minds, Igniting Futures: Unleashing Potential in Alternative and Innovative Education.” Author and researcher Horatio Sanchez gave the keynote address on overcoming the effects of poverty, improving school climate and brain-based instruction. The symposium was geared toward educators and community agencies who support students in challenging environments, such as alternative and special education programs. In addition to the keynote address, the 150 in-person attendees were able to choose from 16 different break-out sessions on a variety of topics.

Following the keynote address, the Kalamazoo RESA Instructional Services and Community Supports (KRESA ISCS) team awarded the 4^th annual Educating Outside the Box Symposium Award for Innovative Programming to Clint Wagner, the principal of Portage Community High School.

Wagner has been a determined advocate and ally for his students for nearly 30 years, igniting a passion for learning and fostering education beyond the classroom, said KRESA ISCS Program Administrator Stephanie Brown.

“Clint and his teachers have made the bold commitment to begin training and building a system that steps outside the boundaries of the familiar,” she said. “They are striving to create a system that we hope other alternative and innovative schools can replicate.”

KRESA Instructional Services and Community Supports provides educators and community members with leadership, support, and resources to ensure all students are college and career ready. This is accomplished by providing the most current training, coaching, and technical assistance available throughout Southwest Michigan.

To receive a link to watch the keynote address, please contact KRESA ISCS. See additional photos from the day's events on the KRESA Facebook page.