Student Success Summit to focus on collaboration among educators and community
More than 500 individuals expected to attend the event in Morgantown
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – More than 500 education administrators, teachers, students, military leaders and community group members will join forces this week to find ways to help students prepare for lifelong success.
Education representatives ranging from pre-school teachers to college presidents to the students they serve will convene during the fifth annual Student Success Summit (Summit) to be held Wednesday, July 29 and Thursday, July 30 at the Waterfront Hotel and Conference Center in Morgantown. Organizers say the two-day event encourages participants to work together to create a more seamless, life-long education system.
“This annual conference provides a unique opportunity to address the full education spectrum in West Virginia. From early learning through higher education and beyond, our work must be smartly linked and positively innovative,” said Dr. Paul Hill, Chancellor of the state’s Higher Education Policy Commission. “Our full focus is on the success of West Virginia students at every stage in their educational careers.”
The Summit will feature more than 60 sessions on topics ranging from using technology in the classroom to college access and completion to collaboration with employers. This year’s conference theme is “Reach Higher,” a tribute to the call to action put forth by First Lady Michelle Obama to increase the number of students pursuing education and training beyond high school. State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Martirano, West Virginia University President E. Gordon Gee and State Board of Education Immediate Past President Gayle Manchin will serve as keynote speakers during the event.
“I am delighted to see our education community come together for a fifth year to share ideas and encourage professional development among teachers, administrators and community members who are all focused on one goal: ensuring a world-class education for all students in West Virginia,” said State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Martirano. “We know a growing number of jobs in West Virginia are going to require education beyond high school, so a focus on pursuing postsecondary education is critical.”
Four high schools — Berkeley Springs, Hedgesville, John Marshall and Oak Glenn — will send teams of students to participate in a focused Youth Summit track of the conference. Students will learn leadership skills and strategies to build and strengthen a college-going culture in their communities. They will present what they have learned during the morning plenary session on July 30.
The Summit is sponsored by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the West Virginia Department of Education, with support from the West Virginia Community and Technical College System, the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts, and the State’s military service units. Registration is free and open to the public. To register or learn more, visit www.cfwv.com.
###
Media note: The conference agenda is available here: https://guidebook.com/g/2015-Student-Success-Summit/
Related social media hashtags: #StudentSuccessWV and #ReachHigher