Creating a level playing field for students in Indiana schools is a concern not just for educators, but for all residents who want the state to be competitive in the 21st century economy. A conference Nov. 12-13 in Indianapolis is a chance for education, business and civic leaders to hear the latest thinking from around the nation on how communities can work together to prepare all students for success in school, career and life.

Indiana’s Future: Equity, Engagement & Education for Economic Success is the third annual statewide education conference organized by the University of Indianapolis’ Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning. Hundreds of participants from throughout the state will gather at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown for two days of presentations and discussions with a national lineup of speakers and panelists.

Topics will include innovative school models, leadership development, cultural and racial issues, math and science education, public policy and bridging the gap to higher education. Several sessions will discuss the New Tech High School model, which has already debuted in the Indianapolis, Decatur Township and Rochester school corporations and will come next year to the Monroe and Bartholomew county schools.

This year’s keynote presenters are:

• Arthur Levine, president of the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation
• Glenn Singleton, executive director of the Pacific Educational Group and co-author of Courageous Conversations About Race: A Field Guide for Achieving Equity in Schools
• Marc Tucker, president and CEO of the National Center on Education and the Economy
• Beth Harry, education professor at the University of Miami and authority on diversity and special education

Indiana-based panelists and moderators will include Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Suellen Reed, Indiana Chamber of Commerce President Kevin Brinegar, Central Indiana Corporate Partnership President and CEO Mark Miles, State Sens. David Ford and Teresa Lubbers, State Reps. Greg Porter and Terri Austin, Indianapolis Public Schools Superintendent Eugene White, Fort Wayne Community Schools Superintendent Wendy Robinson and Indiana Youth Institute President and CEO Bill Stanczykiewicz.

For participants who register by Oct. 12, the cost is $150 per individual or just $130 per person for groups of three or more. The cost is $190 per person after Oct. 12 and $225 per person after Nov. 7. Overnight accommodations are available at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, 350 W. Maryland St.

For more information and to register online, visit http://cell.uindy.edu or call (317) 791-5922.

About CELL
Created in 2001, the Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning at the University of Indianapolis serves as a leading catalyst and collaborator for dynamic education change to impact student achievement throughout Indiana. CELL’s efforts are rooted in the principle that all students, regardless of background, should graduate from high school prepared for postsecondary education, training and success in the 21st century global economy.