Pennsylvania Association for Career and Technical Administrators

Calendar

PACTA Symposium 2010

Exhibitor Information

Increasing Student Achievement Leads to a Successful Workforce: An Education and Workforce Development Symposium will be held February 16 and 17, 2010 at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center. The Symposium will begin at 12:30 p.m. on February 16, 2010 and will conclude at noon on February 17, 2010.

Description

Students entering the workforce of tomorrow will be facing challenges much different than new workers of the past. Globalization and new and emerging technologies are but two of the factors presenting challenges for new workforce entrants. These challenges will impact new workers whether they enter the workforce directly after high school or after earning a two or four year degree. National, state and local leaders will present their views on what steps Pennsylvania needs to take to increase student achievement that will lead to a successful workforce. Small group sessions will present best practices and programs. The symposium will highlight initiatives and programs such as Industry Partnerships, Career Pathways, STEM, High Schools That Work, Middle College, dual enrollment, integration of academic and career and technical education, programs of study, Regional Career Education Partnerships, Career Education and Work Standards, College and Career Success Initiatives and 2+2+2 Workforce Leadership Programs.

Agenda Format

February 16, 2010

9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. - Registraion
12:30 p.m.-2:15 p.m. - Opening Keynote Session
2:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m. - Small Group Workshops/Presentations
5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. - Reception
6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. - Dinner with Speaker

February 17, 2010

7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. - Breakfast
8:00 a.m.-10:15 a.m. - Small Group Workshops/Presentations
10:15 a.m.-11:45 a.m. - General Session
11:45 a.m.-Noon - Wrap-up

Featured State Education and Workforce Leaders

Sandi Vito, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry
Dr. Gerald Zahorchak, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Education (invited)

Other Featured Speakers

J. Domenic Giandomenico is the Director of Education and Workforce Programs for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for a Competitive Workforce (ICW), a 501(c) (3) nonprofit affiliate dedicated to strengthening the nation's educational standards and the quality of its workforce. ICW promotes high educational standards and effective workforce training systems so that they are aligned with each other and with today's rigorous business demands.

In 2009, Giandomenico implemented the Business LEADs Network, a national network of business leaders who work collaboratively with experts, elected officials and other stakeholders dedicated to improving education and workforce development in America through a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Giandomenico also guides ICW policy on education and workforce issues, including career technical education, digital skills literacy, elementary and secondary education, and the aging of our workforce.

Jim Warford is a courageous educational leader who did not follow a traditional career path. His unique combination of educational, business and creative experience allows him to translate his vision and passion for school reform into well-executed systemic changes resulting in dramatic increases in student performance. In early 2003 he was appointed as Florida’s first-ever Chancellor for public schools. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Florida Association of School Administrators and as a Senior Advisor for the International Center for Leadership in Education.

As Florida's Chancellor he was responsible for Florida’s $16 Billion budget for public schools and focusing every bureau within the Department of Education on the goal of raising student achievement. As Chancellor, he created and implemented Florida’s Continuous Improvement Model used by the "Assistance Plus" program, the largest state-intervention in low-performing schools in the nation, which resulted in over 80% of these schools moving off the list of failing schools.

Who Should Attend

Academic Administrators
Academic Instructors
Advisory Committee Members
2+2+2 Program Staff and Partners
Career Development Specialists
Career and Technical Administrators
Career and Technical Instructors
Chamber of Commerce Representatives
Community-Based Organization Representatives
Curriculum Specialists
School Counselors
Industry Partners
Intermediate Unit Personnel
Organized Labor Parnters
Postsecondary Educators
School Board Members
School-to-Work Partners
Workforce Investment Board Members
Workforce Investment Board Staff
Youth Council Members
Others Interested in Student Success

Registration

The cost of registration for the symposium is $170 per person. Checks should be made payable to PACTA. Dinner on February 16, a continental breakfast on February 17, refreshment breaks and conference materials are included in the registration fee. One day registrations are available at a cost of $95. The registration deadline is January 27, 2010.

Accommodations

A block of rooms has been reserved for symposium participants at a special rate of $145 single or double occupancy. Individuals are responsible for making reservations for hotel accommodations. Reservations may be made by calling (717) 533-3311. Identify yourself as part of the PACTA Symposium and refer to group number PAC0214 in order to receive the special rate when making your reservation. Make your reservations by January 13, 2010. Reservations made after that date will be on an as available basis at regular rates.

If you have any questions regarding the Symposium, please contact Jackie Cullen at (717) 761-3381 by e-mail at jackie@pacareertech.org.