WEST NEWBURY - Superintendent Paul Livingston will kick off the new school year with a free seminar the day before school starts that highlights how best to support 21st century learners.
The free 90-minute presentation, led by Ray McNulty, senior vice president of the International Center for Leadership in Education, is open to all Groveland, Merrimac and West Newbury residents: students, parents, community members, elected and appointed officials and municipal employees interested in the future of their schools.
The discussion takes place in the Pentucket Regional High School auditorium on Monday, Aug. 25, at 12:30 p.m. A complimentary lunch for all participants will precede the lecture at 11:45 a.m. in the cafeteria.
McNulty will pose questions, such as "What does a 21st century learner need to know and be able to do?" "How does a school know if it is serving its students well in meeting their need to be lifelong learners?" and "How do we know if our students have the ability to compete in a global society?"
McNulty will lead a similar presentation for district staff earlier in the day.
Prior to joining the International Center, McNulty was a senior fellow at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, where he worked with leading educators from around the country to reinvent the nation's high schools. He is a former president of the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
An educator since 1973, McNulty is recognized for his work on behalf of early childhood education. In 1997, ABC's "Nightline" featured him in connection with a program on early childhood education and infant brain development. He was named Vermont Superintendent of the Year in 2000.
McNulty has presented at the state, national and international levels concerning the need for school systems to accept the challenges that lie ahead. His focus is on raising the performance standards for both teachers and students and building solid connections between school and communities.
The International Center for Leadership in Education, established in 1991 and located in Rexford, N.Y., is best known for identifying and disseminating successful practices and techniques to assist all students in achieving higher standards. ICLE has collaborated with education ministries in several countries, as well as with the council of chief state school officers, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the National Governors Association and many other national organizations.
Livingston describe McNulty's visit to the Pentucket district as "an exciting opportunity, on the day before school opens, to help the community understand the work that is being done with staff and students to prepare students for successful careers and productive lives in our rapidly changing society."
