2011 Roundtable at Stanford: How do we fix America's schools?

By Melinda Sacks

America's schools are in trouble. Twenty-five percent of American kids drop out of high school. And those who graduate often are ill prepared for college or a 21st-century job.

But potential solutions are polarizing. Is the problem money? School administrators? Teachers unions? Parents? There is plenty of blame to go around, yet all agree the problem must be addressed.

Designing an education system that truly builds the skills necessary for today's enormously diverse student population to thrive is not easy. But it is the key to opportunity for our citizens, our nation's economic vitality and America's position as a world leader.

"Education Nation 2.0: Redefining K-12 Education in America, Before It Redefines Us" is the topic of the 2011 Roundtable at Stanford on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Maples Pavilion. Moderated by PBS' Charlie Rose, the panel will include:

• John L. Hennessy, president of Stanford University
• Cory A. Booker, mayor of Newark, N.J.
• Reed Hastings, founder and CEO of Netflix
• Salman Khan, founder of Khan Academy
• Kim Smith, co-founder and CEO of Bellwether Education Partners and a founding team member of Teach For America
• Claude M. Steele, dean of Stanford's School of Education

The Roundtable is free for students, staff and faculty with Stanford ID cards, as well as Reunion Homecoming participants with reunion nametags. Tickets for the general public are $10 and are available through the Stanford Ticket Office: (650) 725-2787. Parking is limited, so come early or use public transportation.

Melinda Sacks is director of media initiatives in the Office of Public Affairs.

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