Aug. 1, 2008 – The Virgin Islands Department of Education will host an Invitational Education Summit designed to give U.S.V.I. stakeholders an opportunity to be represented in setting priorities for education in the territory, according to a press release from Education Commissioner Dr. La Verne Terry. The summit, themed "Empowering Parents and Community Toward Educational Excellence," will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Tuesday, Aug. 5, at the Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort and Spa on St. Thomas, and on Thursday, Aug. 7, at the Divi Carina Beach Resort on St. Croix.
Gov. John deJongh Jr. will bring greetings to the summit participants. A panel consisting of participants of the 2008 Model Schools Conference will share the ideas and insights they gained from the conference this past June. Keynote speaker, Sue Szachowicz, principal of the Brockton High School in Massachusetts, will speak on behalf of the International Center for Leadership in Education, highlighting the need for reform in school. She will facilitate discussions of the four exemplary practices adopted by successful schools: conducting comprehensive needs assessments, developing a sustained and quality professional development program, creating leadership density and committing to the engagement of all stakeholders.
During the afternoon session, attendees will gather in small groups to continue the morning discussions, examine data, reflect on best practices and make recommendations regarding the assigned areas of focus. These sessions will be co-facilitated by the Model School panelists.
Approximately 125 representatives–parents, teachers, principals, LEA (local education agency) and SEA (state education agency), school board, legislative and executive branches, higher education, unions, business organizations, and faith-based organizations–have been invited to participate from each district.
Terry said, "We, at the V.I. Department of Education are today, more than ever, committed to assisting our teachers, administrators, schools and families. This summit will be the first in a series of stakeholder meetings designed to provide ongoing input in the department's goal setting process. It will serve as a springboard for the development of a new department strategic plan and needed educational reforms. Additionally, we are very pleased to have the support of the Florida and Islands Comprehensive Center (FLICC) and International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE) who were instrumental in planning the summit."
