White House Education Convening

December 16, 2015

I was excited to attend a White House Convening of State Education Leaders in Washington, D.C. last week to discuss issues related to state education. I was able to learn from national leaders in the field including acting U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Incoming Acting U.S. Secretary of Education John King to discuss issues related to state education.

This was an invaluable learning opportunity for me and I look forward to applying that knowledge to my work on the Education Committee and to improve education in Torrington.

I was able to take part in a full day of programming with other state legislators from across the country.

Topics discussed include:

  • high school redesign
  • tuition-free Community College
  • Computer Science
  • College Opportunity and Affordability
  • Early Education
  • FAFSA
  • College Scorecard.

Our children only get one opportunity to get the education that they deserve. We have to be willing to try new methods and recognize that the traditional classroom setting may not benefit all students. Flexible learning is the direction education is headed and we have to start preparing for these changes so that all children succeed.

At a Government Relations meeting last week, I discussed the importance of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields with members of Torrington’s Chamber of Commerce. Investments in a STEM education was also stressed at the education convening, so I was very happy to learn more about the topic. Not only does a STEM education prepare students for real 21st century jobs, but there are several federal funding opportunities for schools that invest in STEM.