Ruby Payne will put on a three-hour workshop and deliver a closing keynote address at the 2008 ASBSD and SASD Annual Convention in August.

Payne is one of the nation’s leading experts on poverty and the mindsets of economic classes – a qualification that makes her one of the most coveted education speakers in America.

A professional educator since 1972, Payne’s ground-breaking book A Framework for Understanding Poverty has sold more than 1 million copies and is a go-to resource for professionals who have to work with individuals from poverty.

ASBSD Executive Director Wayne Lueders says Payne’s message will resonate with South Dakota school board members and administrators.

“Payne’s work helps us understand how the far-reaching effects of poverty impact the learning process,” Lueders said. “Most importantly, she focuses on how to help every student achieve, regardless of their economic background.”

Payne will be the capstone to a convention that also features Erin Gruwell, the nationally acclaimed California educator and author who delivers a powerful story about the transformative impact of reaching every student.

Together, Payne and Gruwell form the most powerful tandem of speakers that have ever been at convention, Lueders says.

“This is a can’t-miss convention,” he said. “You likely won’t see two speakers of this quality together on a program again.”

The ASBSD and SASD Joint Convention takes place on August 6-8 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.

For registration details, see page six or visit www.asbsd.org/convention.