Schools That Can Takes To Chicago to Reimagine Education Through Real-World Learning

CONTACT: Rainesford Stauffer rstauffer@schoolsthatcan.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Originally published February 5th, 2018 Schools That Can Takes To Chicago to Reimagine Education Through Real-World Learning NEW YORK: On May 2nd and 3rd, 2018 Schools That Can (STC), an organization that reimagines education through real-world learning that closes the opportunity and skills gap, will host its 13th annual National Forum in Chicago. The STC Forum is an annual, public conference that will bring school leaders and educators from around the country to The Willis Tower, as they begin two days of networking, school visits, workshops, and panels in order to explore new pedagogical models and definitions of student success. 65% of today’s students will one day work in a career that does not exist yet. The path forward for students is exposing them to opportunities and experiences that allow them to develop diverse skillsets relevant for our changing economy in order to empower them to pursue fulfilling postsecondary education and employment. As the largest cross-sector network of urban schools in the country, STC empowers leaders to expand real-world learning across schools and develop teachers’ skills to facilitate real-world learning in their classrooms. The Forum is a continuation of that aim. “Technology replacing humans and the future of work is one of the most crucial issues of our time. Americans are feeling increasingly concerned about what jobs will look like for themselves and their children,” says Michael Druckman, Executive Chair of STC. “These issues demand new approaches to revitalizing the education to employment pipeline of K to 12 education in urban schools. Schools That Can  will address these issues with its focus on bringing real-world learning into classrooms. It is this approach that offers the hope that students are better prepared for the rapidly changing future they face.” Highlights of the 2018 STC Forum include the Leaders That Can and Robert F. Kennedy Urban Education Awards Luncheon, which will honor John Rogers, Jr., Chairman, CEO & Chief Investment Officer of Ariel Investments (Chicago) alongside nominated teachers, students, and school leaders dedicated to positively impacting their communities. The luncheon will also feature Illinois gubernatorial candidate Chris Kennedy. In addition, former U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, now the managing partner of Emerson Collective and former CEO of Chicago Public Schools, will deliver the Forum’s keynote speech. Educators will also enjoy study tours to schools across Chicago demonstrating elements of real-world learning, as well as panels and interactive workshops on programs, policies, and practices related to the implementation and outcomes of real-world learning. Schools That Can is committed to reimagining the educational landscape by bringing together leaders across all sectors (district, charter, private and faith-based) to share practices, support one another and celebrates successes in education. With innovative approaches to fill a much-needed void, STC helps prepare students for a rapidly changing future. As part of our mission, the Annual National Forum helps to empower school leaders and develop teachers to expand Real-World Learning across the country. Every year, the STC Forum hosts 200+ attendees. About Schools That Can In 2005, Schools That Can (STC) started with 12 schools from different sectors (charter, district, independent) and has since, grown into the country’s largest cross-sector network of urban schools serving low-income communities. The network currently reaches more than 180 schools across 15 cities, serving more than 70,000 students. STC prepares school leaders, teachers and students to reimagine education through real-world learning that closes the opportunity and skills gap. Innovative approaches fill a much-needed void to better prepare students for a rapidly changing future. By connecting leaders to powerful practices and models, developing teachers and engaging students, STC is poised to make an important difference in the lives of American urban youth. For more information on the Schools That Can 2018 National Forum, please visit https://www.schoolsthatcan.org/forum/ or email rstauffer@schoolsthatcan.org