NASBE Members Learn from Leaders at Annual Conference
DENVER—Oct. 17, 2014—Inspiring words, backed up with examples of strong action, took center stage today at the National Association of State Boards of Education annual conference.
Aneesh Chopra, the first U.S. chief technology officer, implored state board members to “liberate the data” created in education in order to spur greater innovation in the K–12 system.
Leaders from Georgia, Massachusetts and Oregon shared how they have implemented innovative policies to improve teacher effectiveness.
NASBE also honored Dr. Terry Holliday, Kentucky Commissioner of Education, as its Policy Leader of the Year for his leadership during the state’s the transition to new college and career readiness standards. Dr. Holliday noted that the percentage of high school students meeting readiness benchmarks rose 28 percent over the last four years.
During a breakfast session, attendees learned about the link between health and academics through a presentation from Melissa Fahrenbruch with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In a panel on career readiness, business leaders urged state boards to help schools make better use of their expertise in helping students develop the skills they need to enter the work force. Other panels covered advancing education in science, technology, engineering, and math; and improving the recruitment and preparation of school principals.
Election Results
NASBE attendees selected Kansas State Board of Education member Jim McNiece as president-elect for 2015.
McNiece has 39 years of experience as a teacher, coach and principal in Kansas, serving both public and private schools. He is a former Principal of the Year and recipient of the “Excellence in Public Service” award.
Maryland board member Madhu Sidhu was selected as a NASBE board member and Southern Area Director. Oregon board member Dr. Samuel Henry was selected as a NASBE board member and Western Area Director. Michigan board member Dr. Richard Zeile was voted in as NASBE treasurer and Central Area Director. Allan Taylor will serve as Northeast Area Director.
Washington, D.C., board member Mary Lord will serve as president in 2015.
This is the largest annual gathering of members of state education boards. The theme this year is “Leaders Learning from Leaders.”
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The National Association of State Boards of Education represents America’s state and territorial boards of education. Our principal objectives are to strengthen state leadership in education policymaking; advocate equality of access to educational opportunity; promote excellence in the education of all students; and assure responsible lay governance of education. Learn more at www.nasbe.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Adam Shapiro
202-427-3603