We have partnered with Leadership Metro Richmond once again to present the 2017 Lora M. Robins Speakers Series.  This year’s topic: Exploring Education Reform. The series is comprised of three sessions that take place on April 25, May 25, and June 6 at a selection of the region’s top academic institutions. Each session will be held from 8:00 – 11:30am.  This year’s three-part series explores the topic of education reform and began by creating a foundation of understanding around the science of learning and development research.  The second session will focus on advocacy at the local and state levels, building up to the final session which will address policy change at the national level.

The series began last week with Lindsay Hill, education program officer for The Raikes Foundation. This Seattle-based organization works to empower young people through education, expanded learning opportunities and the elimination of youth homelessness. In addition to her national education strategy work, Lindsay co-leads the foundation’s efforts around diversity, equity and inclusion. Prior to joining the Raikes Foundation, she spent four years as the founding executive director of Teach For America – Washington. Lindsay lead an interactive session at the University of Richmond’s Jepson Alumni Center on April 25, 2017 to create a foundation of understanding around the science of learning and development research.  To see pictures from the event, check out the gallery below.

 

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The second session led by Derrell Bradford, Executive Vice President of 50CAN: The 50-State Campaign for Achievement Now, will take place on May 25, 2017 at Randolph-Macon College in Birdsong Hall. Derrell also serves as the Executive Director of the organization’s New York branch NYCAN. With more than fourteen years of experience in education reform policy and advocacy, Derrell will focus his session on educational choice and advocacy at the local and state levels. In his current role, Derrell trains and recruits local leaders across the country to serve as executive directors of state CANs, advocacy fellows, and citizen advocates. Derrell formerly served on New Jersey’s Educator Effectiveness Task Force and currently serves on several boards and leadership councils that focus on educational equity such as Success Academy Charter Schools, The Partnership for Educational Justice and The Parent Coalition for Excellent Education, among others.

 

Those two will build up to the final session on June 6, 2017 at Virginia Union University’s Living and Learning Center where John King Jr., former U.S. Secretary of Education under the Obama Administration, will address policy change at the national level. John currently serves as the President and Chief Executive of the Education Trust, a non-profit organization that advocates for high academic achievement for all students, particularly low-income students and students of color. Dr. King’s lifelong dedication to preparing every child for success as a teacher, principal and leader of schools and school systems led him to become New York’s first African-American and Puerto Rican Education Commissioner. From 2016 to 2017, Dr. King served as the U.S. Secretary of Education of with a focus on advancing excellence and equity throughout pre-school, K-12, and higher education, supporting educators and elevating the teaching profession, and improving college access, affordability, and completion.

 

This series will not only look at the research fueling the fight for education reform, but it will also pull in best practices from cities across the country and direct attendees on what we as community leaders can do to make a difference. Join us for this dynamic series that will bring together the leading ideas and best practices in education reform from around the nation.  These events are open to the public and the cost to attend each session is $50 for individuals and $20 for college students. Register online at lmronline.org. For more information call LMR at (804) 343-1500 or email pbradby@lmronline.org.