Though schools exist to teach the younger generation what it needs to know to take its place in the world, many school practices and policies -- from grading and testing to length of school year -- are set for adult convenience rather than for creating an ideal children's learning environment.
The University of Rochester will host a one-day conference on student-centered learning, Saturday, November 4, that will examine how to rethink policies and practices that get in the way of effective education. The conference is presented by the University's Margaret Warner Graduate School of Education and Human Development.
Carl T. Hayden, chancellor of the New York State Board of Regents, will deliver the conference's keynote speech, "How Does a Whole Village Work Together to Educate a Child?"
Hayden, an attorney in private practice in Elmira, has been engaged in community service for many years. He was president of the Elmira City School District Board of Education from 1981-83 and vice president of Southern Tier Economics Growth, Inc., from 1984-90. He was a founder and for six years president of the Mark Twain Arts Council, which produced "Mark Twain: The Musical," a Broadway-scale musical celebrating Mark Twain's life and writings in Elmira.
Following the keynote address, a panel discussion will explore ways to put child-centered learning concepts into practice. The panelists will include parents, teachers and persons representing higher education and social services.
Small-group sessions will focus on ways to bring about student-centered learning. The group session topics will include community collaborations, linking community science organizations with students, problem resolution skills at home and in school, and several other issues.
Pre-registration is required by Oct. 18. The cost is $25. All checks should be payable to the Warner School's Office of Professional Development. Completed forms and checks should be mailed to Prof. Edwardine Weaver, 2-141 Dewey Hall, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627. For more information call (585) 275-8270 or (585) 275-7833.
This conference is sponsored by the Aesthetic Education Institute, ASAR, Delta Kappa Gamma, Genesee Valley Developmental Learning Group, Goals for Greater Rochester, Industrial Management Council, Kodak 21st Century Challenge, Monroe County School Boards Association, Regional Compact Coalition Team, Department of Education and Human Development, S.U.N.Y. Brockport, and Strother and Associates.
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