2014 North Country Symposium
12th Annual Symposium
The 2014 North Country Symposium, “Education, Community and Economic Development”, continues the discussion of public school education by focusing on the role of education in the fabric of North Country life. The daily headlines of a year ago about school funding have mostly receded, only to be replaced by a growing awareness of what less money means for our schools, students and their families, and our communities. For many families it has become a kitchen table issue as parents and students sort out their personal options, but these issues have wider implications as well.
On the regional level what is at stake is the vitality of our communities. The loss of academic programs and opportunities hurts students and communities alike. In a time of declining financial resources the question becomes what community resources are there and how can they be marshalled to provide new opportunities for students. And, in turn, how can students connect to their communities in ways that offer the possibility of renewed vitality for the region as well.
The 12th North Country Symposium is over now, but the ideas and information presented continue to circulate for discussion and implementation.
Click here to review the program. There are also links for each presentation for either the Powerpoint and audio clips, or, in some cases just an audio clip.
Background Reading
Not only are the issues surrounding public education in Northern New York complicated, but events are unfolding rapidly. To assist potential attendees, and others, in learning more, the North Country Symposium is partnering with North Country Public Radio to offer a “special page” of relevant stories. Additional news reports about public education will be added as they become available - NCPR 2014 Symposium News. Thanks to the staff at NCPR for this valuable resource.
More information can be found at the following links: