The American people, policymakers, educators and parents agree that students in our K-12 public schools deserve and must have better. Everyone - superintendents, administrators, teachers, principals, union officials and elected legislators - is expected to start delivering results. The federal government, through competitive grants and NCLB waivers, for example, is attempting to drive reform. However, it has become apparent that states and districts are the key drivers of change. Many are leading reform efforts while having to tackle outdated policies. What's the right balance between accountability and flexibility in driving effective education system reform policies? How should states set appropriate requirements without stifling district flexibility and problem solving? What policies should be pursued to attract, develop, motivate and retain talent within the teaching profession? What role should charter schools, virtual education, common core state standards and other initiatives play?

Moderator:
Ross DeVol, Chief Research Officer, Milken Institute

Sustainable, long-term economic growth requires a high-quality labor pool. Along with a robust technology infrastructure and strategic partnerships among businesses, universities and government, a well-educated workforce is a critical ingredient for driving innovation. Part of maintaining a competitive labor pool is not only educating top students for the most demanding and highly specialized jobs, but also providing further education and training to less skilled workers. This panel will discuss strategies and investments to increase the quality of the overall workforce by expanding educational attainment. Which skills are essential for workers in the 21st century? How will they be developed? Which areas have the greatest demand for such skills?

This interactive lunch discussion will focus on innovative K-12 education programs and trends. Business and philanthropic leaders are welcome to provide input on solutions in this invitation-only dialogue with some of America's leading educators and government officials.

Moderator:
Thomas Boysen, Education Consultant

Information technology is either nibbling around the edges or transforming the core of American education, depending on the source of your information. Are multimedia content, online learning, mobile computing, social networking and digital games really making a difference in student performance and global competitiveness? Or is this a case of old wine in new bottles? Is the tech fluency of high school graduates making them college- and career-ready, or just socially hip? Is the digital divide between have and have not families and schools getting smaller or larger? Which federal and state policies have assisted impactful education technology, and which have not? How does meaningful research ever catch up with the rapid evolution of information in time to support good decision-making? What can businesses do to make a positive difference and a reasonable profit?

Moderator:
Fran Durekas, Founder and Chief Development Officer, CCLC

Look at any successful enterprise: Human capital is the secret weapon that generates creativity, momentum, client loyalty and a dynamic corporate culture that breeds success. Companies must effectively recruit, nurture and manage top leaders, create a culture that engages employees and leads to increased productivity, continue to improve core competencies, and provide attractive work-life benefits that meets the needs of a diverse workforce.

Moderator:
Elanna Yalow, CEO, Knowledge Universe Early Learning Programs

The most effective investments in human capital are those made at the earliest ages, as the work of Nobel laureate James Heckman has demonstrated. Maybe that's why, despite tight federal and state budgets, the Obama administration and a growing number of governors have put a high priority on investing scarce taxpayer dollars in early childhood education initiatives that feature student-readiness assessments and can demonstrate quality outcomes. At the same time, a growing number of philanthropists and foundations are renewing their focus on boosting grade-level proficiency in reading by the third grade, an effort that best begins in early childhood. This panel will examine federal, state, philanthropic and business initiatives designed to raise the bar on early childcare education.

Moderator:
Susan Wolford, Managing Director and Group Head, Business and Educational Services, BMO Capital Markets Corp.

As emerging markets capture a greater portion of the world's wealth, the quality and availability of education is also changing in those growing economies. Increasingly, nations are beginning to understand the value of Western education approaches and are seeking out expertise as they scale up all levels of education from early childhood to primary, secondary and universities. While some companies have successfully targeted ex-pat communities, the biggest opportunities lie in educating not only wealthy nationals but also the rapidly rising number of middle- and lower-middle class families. Companies targeting these markets face such challenges as learning customs and business regulations in different countries, developing the acumen to create local partnerships, and finding strategies to scale up multisite, multinational operations. Which nations are most welcoming? Is the time right to invest in education?

Moderator:
Steve Fireng, President and CEO, EmbanetCompass

America's institutions of higher education have always been essential drivers of regional economic growth, incubators of technology and medical research, and nurturers of the world's most valuable resource - human capital. Yet state legislatures are slashing funding for public institutions. Even President Obama, while proposing an expansion of student aid, has suggested that publicly supported colleges and universities must demonstrate their efficiency and cannot continue to "jack up tuition every single year." He insisted further that "Higher education is not a luxury. It is an economic imperative that every family in America should be able to afford." How can colleges and universities continue to deliver the best education in an era of shrinking budgets? What are the factors driving the rise in expenses? Are university curricula meeting the needs of the 21st-century career? How can universities continue to play a role in driving regional growth?

Moderator:
Paul Irving, Senior Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer, Milken Institute

With fresh thinking and an unlimited supply of creativity, a new generation of social entrepreneurs stands ready to harness the power of the marketplace to solve societal challenges. The 2012 International Impact Investing Challenge was a showcase for rising stars in this field. Students from leading business schools were invited to design investment vehicles that create sustainable impact, with the size and scope to interest institutional investors. This session will present the winning concept - and leave you feeling inspired about what the best and brightest young minds in finance can accomplish.