Forums to discuss education in a global era Nov. 13-14
On Nov. 13 and 14, the Under-Told Stories Project and Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting will host forums on both the Winona and Twin Cities campuses on “Closing the Global Gap: the complex issue of education in a global era.”
In America today, there is worry about a persistent achievement gap in our education system. Whether it is a drive to maintain global competitiveness or a desire to catch up, efforts are underway in many countries to rethink and modernize education. The mastery of reading, writing and math are no longer enough. Students need to think critically, reason, problem solve and communicate effectively in a global economy.
America would seem to be at a significant competitive disadvantage. How can we remove the barriers and allow for creative change? These forums will include a digest of the latest reporting on issues associated with youth education. International journalist Fred de Sam Lazaro will lead a distinguished panel and moderate a discussion with the audience.
Panelists will include:
• Nathalie Applewhite, managing director of the Pulitzer Center (both events)
• Dr. Samuel Yigzaw, principal of Higher Ground Academy in St. Paul (Twin Cities event)
• Dr. Christopher Clarke, vice principal for Academic Affairs, Shortwood Teachers College, Jamaica (Twin Cities event)
• Dr. Efe Agbamu, executive director, English Language Learners, St. Paul Public Schools (Winona event)
• Brother Ed Siderewicz, First-Generation Initiative (Winona event)
The Twin Cities event is planned for 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, at the Saint Mary's University Center, and the Winona event is scheduled for 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, in Figliulo Recital Hall. Both events are free and open to the public. For more information, go to www.smumn.edu/globalgap.
Fred de Sam Lazaro and Nathalie Applewhite are interested in speaking in classrooms on the Winona campus the afternoon of Nov. 14. If you are interested in having them come and speak, contact Deb Nahrgang at Ext. 6966 or dnahrgan@smumn.edu.
