John Quiñones ABC News Veteran and Host of What Would You Do? Thursday, October 25, 2018 5:30-7:00 p.m. New York Hilton Midtown Grand Ballroom, 3rd floor

If you witnessed a person being bullied or treated unfairly, what would you do? Would you intervene or look the other way?

In his Keynote address, John Quiñones talks about the ethical dilemmas facing each one of us today. As host and creator of What Would You Do? the hidden camera ethical dilemma newsmagazine, he has become “the face of doing the right thing.” He’ll provide clear cut descriptions about the type of people who get involved as well as those who don’t. Often, the “everyday heroes” captured on hidden camera are not the persons one might expect.

John celebrates the life-changing power of education, champions the Latino American Dream, and provides thought provoking insights into human nature and ethical behavior. You won’t want to miss hearing his odds-defying journey that has taken him from poverty in the barrios to ABC News Veteran.

MaryEllen Elia New York State Education Commissioner Friday, Oct. 26 9:00 - 10:45 a.m.

Don’t miss your opportunity to ask State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia your questions about the trending topics related to public education in New York state. This is a popular event so arrive early to get a good seat.

Paul Davignon Senior Investigator, New York State Police Friday, Oct. 26 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Prescription opioids and heroin use is at a crisis level for New York students and families. Learn how the drugs are used and packaged, what intervention strategies are effective and what to look for if you suspect use.

Ira Schwartz Assistant Commissioner, Office of Accountability, NYS Education Department Friday, Oct. 26 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

The 2018 - 19 school year is the first one in which New York will be implementing its approved Every Student Succeeds Act plan. Learn about the new district and school accountability system and how it will affect your board’s responsibilities and the operation of your schools.

Robert Freeman Executive Director, New York State Committee on Open Government Friday, Oct. 26 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Whether you’re concerned about disclosure of records under FOIL, executive sessions, meeting notices or side discussions with fellow board members, you’ll need to know what the Open Meetings Law requires and permits. Bring your questions and get the latest updates.

Robert Jarvis, Ph.D. Director of K-12 Outreach and Equity Leadership Initiatives Graduate School of Education, University of Pennsylvania

William Johnson, Ed.D. Superintendent, Rockville Centre Union Free School District

Our communities’ future viability will be contingent on our capacities to better serve all children well and eliminate achievement disparities defined by students’ backgrounds or identities. Learn how we can assure that all students are exposed to rigorous learning experiences necessary to thrive in tomorrow’s world.

Jonathan Cohen, Ph.D. Adjunct Professor in Psychology and Education, Teachers College at Columbia University Friday, Oct. 26 2:45 - 3:45 p.m.

District leaders can support effective and sustainable efforts to improve school climate, prevent bullying and nurture social emotional learning. Attend this session to find practical guidelines, measurements for effectiveness through the discussion of case studies.

Anthony Johnson Apple Distinguished Education Science and Social Studies Teacher Isenberg Elementary School, Salisbury, N.C. Friday, Oct. 26 2:45 - 3:45 p.m.

Learn how a high school dropout became an Apple Distinguished Educator and is using technology to motivate students to stay in school. Join an interactive discussion on creating an innovative classroom through a one-to-one digital learning initiative.

School Board Meeting - The Musical (Off-Broadway) Saturday, Oct. 27 8:30 – 10:45 a.m.

Are your board members all “singing the same tune?” Join us for a musically-infused school board meeting: an informational, interactive, and entertaining look at common board scenarios and personalities. Between “scenes,” attendees can engage in conversation with board governance experts.

L. Oliver Robinson, Ph.D. Superintendent, Shenendehowa Central School District

Elizabeth Wood, Ph.D. Assistant Superintendent, Shenendehowa Central School District

Laura Feijoo, Ph.D. Senior Superintendent, New York City Department of Education

Jacinda Conboy, Esq. General Counsel, New York State Council of School Superintendents

Luvelle Brown, Ph.D. Superintendent, Ithaca City School District

Hiring top quality superintendents, principals, and teachers is essential in schools. Attend this session to explore the role of bias in hiring practices and learn how to increase diversity among school leadership to reflect changing student demographics.