The James Logan Courier

Dr. Asa HilliardIII, a professor, author and expert on African-American education issues, will speak on the subject Saturday night in the Little Theater.

The event, sponsored by the James Logan Forensics program, will begin at 7 p.m. and is expected to end around 8 p.m.

Admission is free.


Hilliard, left, co-wrote Young, Gifted and Black.

According to Logan Principal Don Montoya, who today urged Logan staff to attend the talk, "He will be speaking to members of the community regarding how to help students become more successful in school, specifically addressing issues of the achievement gap and how the community can support their children in achieving excellence.

"Specifically, he will talk about, "How far have we come in addressing the EDUCATIONAL and psychological needs of students especially as we address their historical unique differences in school and society? What is the achievement data on how we have done during segregation, the sixties, and today?,' Montoya said.

According to the website, africawithin.com, Hilliard is "the Fuller E. Callaway Professor of Urban Education at Georgia State University, with joint appointments in the Department of Educational Policy Studies and the Department of Educational Psychology and Special Education. A teacher, psychologist, and historian, he began his career in the Denver Public Schools. He earned a B.A. in Educational Psychology, M.A. in Counseling, and Ed.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Denver, where he also taught in the College of Education and in the Philosophy colloquium of the Centennial Scholars Honors Program."

Hilliard also served in a variety of positions during an 18-year stint at San Francisco State University, including roles as the Dean of Education. He also served as a superintendent of schools in Monrovia, Liberia.

Hilliard is the author of "numerous technical papers, articles, and books on testing, Ancient African History, teaching strategies, public policy, cultural styles, and child growth and development. In addition, he has consulted with many of the leading school districts, universities, government agencies, and private corporations on valid assessment, curriculum equity and teacher training. Several of his programs in pluralistic curriculum, assessment, and valid teaching have become national models. He has also been the recipient of numerous honors and awards," according to africawithin.com.