This year Lowell High School has began hosting occasional talks and panel discussions on contemporary issues. A few months ago, a group of experts on the crisis in Ukraine convened. Now, on Friday, June 13, 2014 from 2:45 to 4:00 p.m. in the Little Theater, Lowell High will sponsor a panel discussion on the topic “What Drives Education in the 21st Century?” Panelists include Monica Brady-Myerov, CEO, ListenEdition; formerly, NPR/WBUR reporter; Amy McLeod, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, Lowell High School; Christopher Scott, Enterprise Editor, Lowell Sun; and William Silver, Director of Technology, Lowell Public Schools.

The event will consist of brief presentations followed by audience Q & A. The issue to be discussed is how will education respond to 21st-century challenges? What new demands are being put on education today and what drives those demands? What does “21st-century education” mean? How can technology assist instruction? How is the digital communications revolution changing the education playing field?

All of these are essential questions for schools rising to the challenge of new technologies and new social and business demands in the 21st century. The panelists all represent a wealth of instructional, technology, and media- and business-analysis experience. Brady-Myerov is pioneering innovative technology and pedagogy to address new Common Core requirements. McLeod has spent a decade working innovatively with schools to change instructional practice to more effectively meet modern challenges. Scott has three decades of experience at the Lowell Sun, now focusing on the business landscape of the city. Silver currently oversees one of the largest secondary education technology departments in the Commonwealth. Anyone interested in how education is changing today — and where it is likely to go in the near future — will find the presentations and discussion useful.

Seating is open. The public is welcome, but must register with LHS security upon entering the main building. Parking is available for a modest fee across from the school near the Tsongas Center. Questions about the event? Phone 978-446-7335 or e-mail rdelossa@lowell.k12.ma.us.