Thursday, September 15, 2011

Despite current budget reductions and persistent challenges for public schools, some schools in Southeastern North Carolina are implementing innovative practices. On Monday, Sept. 19, the University of North Carolina Wilmington's Watson School of Education will bring together superintendents, principals and other representatives from its P-12 regional school partners to share these innovative ideas and practices with one another, and build collaborative partnerships to address continued challenges.

WHAT: Conference, "Innovation Inspires Collaboration: Exploring the Educational Landscape of Southeastern North Carolina in Challenging Economic Times"

WHO: Superintendents and principals, other personnel from Southeastern North Carolina School Districts, UNCW Watson School of Education faculty and staff and special guest Congressman Mike McIntyre

WHEN: Monday, Sept. 19, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

WHERE: Education Building Room 162 for large sessions, with breakout groups in smaller rooms within the Education Building

WHY: To bring together university and school personnel to share innovative ideas and practices, build partnerships for future collaboration and identify successful school initiatives

Media Opportunities: Media are welcome to attend and cover any portion of the conference. Best visual opps will be of small group discussions or speaker presentations. Presenters and participants will be available for interviews upon request. Full conference agenda is below.

Media contact: Dana Fischetti, media relations manager, 910.508.3127 or fischettid@uncw.edu

AGENDA:
9-9:10 a.m. Overview of the Day and Welcome

9:10-9:30 a.m. "Who Said Less is More?": The Challenges and Opportunities Facing Public Education in Southeastern North Carolina", Professor John Fischetti

9:30-10:15 a.m. Small working group sessions facilitated by WSE faculty members

10:20-10:50 a.m. Whole group discussion-summary of key themes from working group sessions

10:50-11 a.m. Break

11-11:30 a.m. Remarks by U.S. Congressman Mike McIntyre

11:30-11:45 a.m. Whole group discussion-responses to Rep. McIntyre's comments

11:45-12:15 p.m. identifying in-depth collaborations (schools and/or districts and community organizations) that will partner to implement initiatives

12:15-12:30 p.m. Wrap-up/closing comments