SOUTHEASTERN TO HOST EDUCATION SUMMIT ON THE FUTURE 
OF TEACHER PREPARATION
      HAMMOND – Three nationally recognized authorities on reforming teacher preparation programs will headline a summit meeting for statewide educational leaders at Southeastern Louisiana University’s University Center on Friday, March 21.
      Described as a “roll up your sleeves look at preparing tomorrow’s teachers and leaders,” the full day program is designed to impart cutting edge information on research-based approaches for the redesign of  teacher preparation, leadership development and graduate education programs. Attending the program will be school district leaders and educational teams from universities throughout the state.
      The program will feature presentations by Michael Fullan, international leaders in school change and dean of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto; G. Reid Lyon, chief of the Child Development and Behavior Branch of the National Institute of Child Health and President George W. Bush’s advisor on child development and education; and Robert J. Sternberg, IBM professor of psychology and education at Yale University and current president of the American Psychological Association.
      The leaders will make individual presentations in three different segments and debate issues in a “Point-Counterpoint” style. Program participants will then engage in discussion following each session and interact with Fullan, Lyon and Sternberg. 
      The summit is sponsored by Southeastern and the Center for Development and Learning in Covington in partnership with the Office of the Governor, the Louisiana Blue Ribbon Commission for Educational Excellence, Louisiana Board of Regents, Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, Louisiana Department of Education and the University of Louisiana System. 
      “The preparation of teachers must be a focal point in any discussion about reforming our educational system,” said Southeastern President Randy Moffett. “The quality of education that our children receive is directly impacted by the qualifications of the teachers in the classroom. By bringing together these recognized authorities in educational reform, we are providing our school and educational leaders with access to some of the leading minds in education. Their presentations will provide the basis of discussion on how we continue to improve our educational systems.”
      The lunch program will include a presentation by Delaine Eastin, director of the National Institute for School Leadership. The former superintendent for public instruction for the State of California, Eastin will present NISL’s new program designed to help school districts prepare principals to be outstanding instructional leaders. Also at lunch, Jeanne Burns of the Blue Ribbon Commission will present the state’s guidelines for redesign of graduate education programs.
      The three main speakers – all members of the Professional Advisory Board of the Center for Development and Learning – will each give summary remarks at the end of the conference as well as a call to action for the participants.
      Considered one of the world’s leading authorities on educational change, Fullan is the author of numerous books on educational change, including “Change Forces with a Vengeance” and “The Moral Imperative of School Leadership.” He serves on the editorial boards of several professional journals and has received a number of awards for his research and service in education. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Education Degree by the University of Edinburgh.
      In his position with the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Lyon is responsible for the direction, development and management of research programs in areas such as developmental psychology, cognitive neuroscience, and human learning and learning disorders. An advisor to the President on child development and educational research and policies, he also serves as a member of the President’s Commission on Excellence in Special Education. He has worked at all levels of education, including serving as a third grade classroom teacher, 12 years as a school psychologist, and more than 20 years as a university professor.
      Sternberg presently serves as president of the American Psychological Association. His research focuses on human intelligence, human creativity, styles of thinking and learning disabilities. Author or co-author of more than 600 publications, his books include “Successful Intelligence,” “Teaching for Successful Intelligence,” and the “Handbook of Creativity.” Sternberg is the recipient of numerous awards and has received four honorary doctorates from universities in Spain, France, Belgium and Cyprus.
      Additional information on the summit can be obtained from the Southeastern Office of the President at 985-549-5861 or the Center for Development and Learning at 985-893-7777.