University of Richmond hosts panel discussion on the future of education; topics include new legislation, college readiness efforts

April 13, 2017

A panel of statewide experts will discuss the role of education in a changing economy at the University of Richmond on April 24 at 8:30 a.m.

Virginia’s Superintendent of Public Instruction Steve Staples will deliver the keynote. Panelists include Jamelle Wilson, dean of Richmond’s School of Professional and Continuing Studies; James Lane, superintendent of Chesterfield County Public Schools; and two Chesterfield County high school students. They will address student achievement, learning expectations, graduation requirements, the Standards of Learning assessments and college to career readiness efforts. UR education professor Scott Bray will moderate the discussion.

Virginia estimates that about 500,000 highly technical jobs will be created in the state throughout the next five years. Legislative changes are scheduled to take effect in fall 2018 with a goal of preparing students to be successful in a developing and complex economy.

“In Virginia, critics have long argued that the Commonwealth’s schools were not adequately preparing students to meet the challenges of this information-driven, globalized economy, pointing to the disparity between the knowledge and skills most students learn in school and the knowledge and skills needed to compete in the 21st century,” Bray said. “Our panel of experts will discuss this changing landscape and the implications for students, parents, educators and communities.”

The free event is being held in the Jepson Alumni Center and is open to the public, but registration is required.

The event is co-sponsored by the Center for Leadership in Education and the School of Professional & Continuing Studies Graduate Education program.

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