The District 202 School Board will hear a presentation on a minority achievement conference at its meeting tonight.

The conference offered students an opportunity to discuss solutions to the achievement gap among ethnic groups. It was organized by the Minority Student Achievement Network, a group of about 15 districts formed in 1999 to improve minority achievement.

The group focuses on issues facing black and Latino students. Urban and suburban districts across the nation that have similar problems with the achievement gap comprise the network. District 202 Superintendent Allan Alson was one of the network’s founders.

Board President Margaret Lurie said discussion of the achievement gap has been productive. For example, Lurie said, success was found in QUEST, a group for minority students who are high achievers to meet and discuss what has helped or hindered them in school.

Proposals for new courses, course changes and course deletions also will be discussed at tonight’s meeting. The discussion will deal with several policies, including what textbooks should be used. Board member Steven Gilford said these conversations occur on a regular basis.

The board will meet at 7:30 p.m. at Evanston Township High School, 1600 Dodge Ave. The meeting is open to the public.