Contact: Beverley Wheeler, (202) 741-0884

Washington, DC -The District of Columbia State Board of Education (DCSBOE) received testimony on education in the 21st century on Wednesday, December 3, 2008.  Representatives from the community, education policy research agencies, award-winning school education teams, and a host of experts in the field weighed in on the subject. The testimonials focused on current issues like educator quality, local and national standards, 21st century skills, graduation rates, post-secondary and career readiness, infusing technology into lessons and classrooms, and education as a lifelong activity.

Members of the public who testified also commented on best practices from international programs and the need for clear and concise standards in reading and mathematics.  There were also recommendations for a more direct involvement by the State Board of Education in the future of education in the District.

There will be a second opportunity for the public to provide input, ideas, and recommendations to improve education in the 21st century at the DCSBOE Public Hearing on Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at 6 pm, following the previously scheduled hearing on the proposed truancy regulations.

Please view State Superintendent Deborah Gist’s presentation* to the DCSBOE on education in the 21st century.