GOOD Education: Preparing Students for Higher Learning

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Aug 17, 2010, 11:00 ET

GOOD and University of Phoenix Gather Thought Leaders to Explore Better Enabling Student Success

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On August 19, GOOD Inc., and University of Phoenix will launch the GOOD Education series of events, bringing together thought leaders to discuss what makes a successful school, and how to best prepare students for a positive college experience. The five-part series concludes in October with a presentation of the recommendations and the goal of implementing a best practices program in Los Angeles schools.

"This is a critical issue," says Ben Goldhirsh, CEO of GOOD. "We're trying to highlight the most interesting solutions in the space as well as dig into how innovators across business, policy, labor, and non-profit can play a team game to drive toward a shared objective here."

Education leaders from all sectors of Los Angeles will come together during the GOOD Education series, including American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten and Deputy Superintendent of LAUSD John Deasy. The events will address topics such as peer-to-peer mentoring, teacher quality, after school programs and arts in school, and how these varied factors affect learning. GOOD Education will provide thought-leaders with a forum for inspiring creative ideas and showcase their suggestions for improvements to the local, state and national educational stage.

"Education improves the quality of life for individuals, families, communities and entire countries. The more we collectively take steps to improve the quality of education at the community level, the more resilient and resistant the community will be during times of economic downturn," said Michael Sullivan, senior vice president, University of Phoenix.

Sullivan continued, "Our hope is that the conversations facilitated during these events will serve as a catalyst, becoming the sparks that ignite ongoing improvements in the Los Angeles school district -- which will better prepare these students for college. Our end goal is to equip the nation's workforce for tomorrow as we all strive to meet the economic demands in our global economy."

THE CONVERSATION BEGINS: EDUCATION KICKOFF EVENT

August 19th 7-9 PM

GOOD 915 N. Citrus Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Join the discussion with:

Randi Weingarten - President, American Federation of Teachers
John Deasy - Deputy Superintendent, LAUSD
Allison Graff-Weisner - Executive Director, City Year LA
Jordan Henry - Teacher, Santee Education Complex, UTLA House of Representatives Member
Steve Barr – Founder, Green Dot

R.S.V.P. to the event at GOODeducationevents at gmail dot com.

ABOUT GOOD and GOOD EDUCATION

GOOD enables individuals, businesses, and non-profits to do well and do good. Through award-winning media and innovative collaborations, GOOD builds community and sparks action to move the world forward. You can learn more and join GOOD at www.good.is. With the help of University of Phoenix, we have launched good.is/education – an online platform for thought and action around education. Our goal is to create the most vibrant discussion about these topics as currently exists online, in print, and in the real world.

ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX

University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help students balance education and life in a rapidly changing world. Through flexible schedules, challenging courses and interactive learning, students achieve personal and career aspirations without putting their lives on hold. As of May 31, 2010, 476,500 students were enrolled at University of Phoenix, the largest private university in North America. University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world.

SOURCE University of Phoenix