Riley Institute and OLLI present Straight Talk SC: Education for Life

Politicians, philanthropists, corporate leaders and educators call for education reform. Vast differences of opinion lead to disputes and finger-pointing. Yet most agree the goal is the same—to see children grow into adults who have the skills to be successful in their work and become responsible, engaged citizens.

The Riley Institute at Furman and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) have again teamed to present Straight Talk SC. In the sixth series presented by Furman, “Education for Life: Working together to fulfill the promise of education,” speakers will address the complex issues facing schools, families, and communities, and ways in which all stakeholders can work together to set students up for educational success.

The three-part series begins Tuesday, June 7, 6:30-8:30 p.m., and continues June 14 and June 21, 6:30-8:30 p.m., in the Younts Conference Center on Furman’s campus.

The opening session on June 7 is “Parents and Communities Fostering Lifelong Learners,” which tackles questions such as: What do parents, educators, and community members need to know about early child development? What can families and communities do to strengthen early child development? How should money and volunteer hours be invested for the greatest impact on outcomes?

The June 7 session includes former S.C. Governor and former U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley will set the stage for the series and introduce content and speakers. Speakers for the first session include Sara Ryder, M.D., pediatrician and clinical assistant professor at University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville; Susan Alford, State Director, South Carolina Department of Social Services; and Dan Wuori, Deputy Director, South Carolina First Steps.

Three-minute “Snapshot” presentations of programs having success in fostering lifelong learning will be delivered by Jamie Moon, President, Institute for Child Success; Kristy Way, Governance Committee member, Nicholtown Child and Family Collaborative; and Robin Reed, Executive Director of KNOW(2) Cherokee County.

Sessions are moderated by Scott Henderson, Ph.D., Furman’s William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Education, Director of Program Development and Evaluation, and Director of National/International Scholarships. Parts two and three of Education for Life are:

June 14: No Blank Slates: Family, Communities, and Success and Failure in K-12

June 21: Reframing Higher Education for a Changing Society

The cost for all three sessions is $35 ($25 for OLLI members), or $15 per session.

A detailed schedule of events with speaker bios and registration information is available at the Riley Institute website. Or contact OLLI at (864) 294-2998.