Education

High School Redesign

Across the region, state education leaders are taking a hard look at the comprehensive high schools created at the turn of the last century and trying to find ways to craft 21st century centers of learning. Perhaps no state has faced up to that challenge as much as Louisiana, where a state-wide commission has taken up the issue.

Donna Nola-Ganey, Assistant Superintendent, Louisiana Department of Education

Dual Enrollment and Dropout Prevention

Dual enrollment programs provide high school students access to post-secondary courses prior to graduation. These options help to make the high school experience challenging and ensure that students are able to find relevant instruction to prepare them for college or career. This discussion provides some overview of these programs nationally and perspectives on what makes them work.

Debra Mills, Director of Partnerships, Center for Occupational Research and Development, Illinois

21^st Century Learning:  Skills for the Future

Today’s students are more wired and technologically adept than ever. Todays’ successful schools are using new and emerging technology to reach this wired generation and make lessons relevant, interesting, and focused.

Jena Collins, Manager, Strategic Initiatives, Apple, Inc., Kentucky

Reauthorization of The No Child Left Behind Act

When the No Child Left Behind Act was enacted five years ago, it signaled a massive shift in educational policy and practice. Now up for renewal, there are myriad ideas on how to best improve the Act or dismantle it. The National Commission on the No Child Left Behind Act represents a bi-partisan attempt to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the Act and make recommendations for its reauthorization.

Dr. James L. Pughsley, former Charlotte-Mecklenburg Superintendent, North Carolina; Commissioner, National Commission on the No Child Left Behind Act