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October 6, 2010

As we reach the end of the first decade of the 21^st century, we take time to reflect on the theories and beliefs that have shaped our educational system.

On Wednesday, October 6, a group of educational and community leaders will help us consider how the schools of today and tomorrow can continue to prepare students as citizens, thinkers, and successful members of the global community. We will examine issues of ethics, economics, and social values as they affect teachers and students.

The program begins at 9:30 with a discussion questions and ideas about this concept as it relates to educational practice: What do our students need to know in order to succeed in modern society? How do we define success? How do topics such as literacy, technological aptitude, cultural tolerance, multidisciplinary thinking, mathematical skill, and environmental awareness fit into contemporary education?

Our discussions will revolve around technology, multidisciplinary thinking, and global citizenship. We will be joined by three speakers who bring entirely different perspectives to these issues. Bill Smith, Belmont Day School 21st Century Skills coordinator, will bring an elementary school perspective to the table. He will share some of his curricular work around engineering, problem-solving, and the use of tools. Our afternoon speakers are Professor Michael Cima, Sumitomo Electric Industries Professor of Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Rabbi Howard Jaffe of Temple Isaiah in Lexington Massachusetts. Professor Cima is a chemical engineer whose work in materials science has advanced medical research and human health. Rabbi Jaffe has been the senior rabbi at Temple Isaiah since 2000. He has been an active leader in the Boston area promoting religious tolerance, social justice, and human rights.