The College of New Rochelle Presents: “Defining and Creating a World Class Education” with Global Education Expert Dr. Yong Zhao

Author, professor, and international global education consultant, Dr. Yong Zhao will speak at The Public Schools For Tomorrow’s Second Annual Tom Sobol Lecture hosted by The College of New Rochelle on October 29, 2013 at 4 p.m. on the 2nd floor of the Sweeny Campus Center. The topic is “Two Education Paradigms: What Defines and How to Create a World Class Education.” Dr. Tom Rogers and Dr. Carol Burris, recognized New York State educational experts, will respond to Dr. Zhao’s speech based on their professional insight and experience in the New York Educational System.

Dr. Zhao’s current work focuses on designing 21st Century schools in the context of globalization and the digital revolution. Dr. Zhao calls attention to our national emphasis on a specific skill set, through the widespread adoption of the New Common Core Standards in United States schools, which he argues is not supportive of the entrepreneurial and critical thinking skills that are required for success in the ever-evolving 21st century economy. 

“Given the many issues in education today, particularly the ongoing debate about the new emphasis on Common Core Standards, high stakes assessments, and teacher/leader evaluations, this is a very timely event and wonderful opportunity for local educators. It’s also a great tribute to Tom Sobol’s work to ensure high standards in the state,” commented Walter Sullivan, College of New Rochelle Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Leadership, who worked with Public Schools for Tomorrow to host Dr. Zhao’s Lecture.

Currently, Dr. Zhao is the Presidential Chair and Associate Dean for Global Education, at University of Oregon’s College of Education, where he also serves as the founding director of the Center for Teaching and Technology. He has consulted with governmental and educational agencies throughout the world. His publications include over 100 articles and 20 books.  His most recent book, World Class Learners: Educating Creative and Entrepreneurial Students, has won several awards, including the Society of Professors of Education Book Award (2013), Association of Education Publishers’ Judges’ Award and Distinguished Achievement Award in Education Leadership (2013).

Respondent Dr. Tom Rogers is the District Superintendent of Nassau BOCES, an organization of over 4,000 employees serving the 56 school districts responsible for educating Nassau County’s 225,000 public school students – the largest number served by any BOCES in the state.  Previously, he was Executive Director of the New York State Council of School Superintendents (NYSCOSS), the statewide professional association of chief school officers across New York State. In addition to education policy writing, Dr. Rogers is the author, co-author or editor of scholarly research publications on the superintendency and on the adult learning needs of educational leaders.

Respondent Dr. Carol Corbett Burris has served as principal of South Side High School in the Rockville Centre School District in NY since 2000.  In 2013, she was named SAANYS New York State High School Principal of the Year. She is the co-author of the New York Principals’ letter of concern regarding the evaluation of teachers by student test scores.  It has been signed by more than 1,535 New York principals and more than 6,500 teachers, parents, professors, administrators and citizens. Dr. Burris’s new book, On the Same Track: How Schools Can Join the 21st Century Struggle against Re-segregation, will be available from Beacon Press in the spring of 2014.

Dr. Zhao’s talk is sponsored by Public Schools For Tomorrow, a national group of public school superintendents, former superintendents, and friends.  Its goal is to bring about fundamental change in the schools and in society so that all children learn to high standards, nurture their personal growth and talents, and develop their capacities. The lecture series is named for Columbia University Professor Thomas Sobol. One of the association’s founding members and current president, Dr. Sobol is the Christian A. Johnson Professor Emeritus of Outstanding Educational Practice at Teachers College, Columbia University, a notable New York Educator and former New York State Commissioner of Education.

The first Catholic college for women in New York State, the College of New Rochelle was founded in 1904 by the Ursuline Order.  Today, it comprises the all-women School of Arts & Sciences, and three schools which admit women and men: the School of New Resources (for adult learners), the School of Nursing and the Graduate School.  The main campus of the College is located in lower Westchester County, 16 miles north of New York City.  The College maintains five other campus locations in New York City.  Visit the College’s website at www.cnr.edu.