Invitation

Texas Forums a member of the LBJ Presidential Library family of organizations is hosting a tour of the School House to White House exhibit followed by a forum on, What is the 21st Century Mission for Our Public Schools?

The tour of the exhibit will begin in the lobby of the LBJ Presidential Library on November 14 at 9:00 a.m. followed by a light breakfast and a two-hour forum from 10-noon in the LBJ Library's brand new classrooms.

Schedule

9:00 - 9:10 Meet in the LBJ Lobby

9:10 - 9:40 Tour School House to White House exhibit

9:40 - 10:00 Light breakfast and welcome by the new LBJ Library Director, Mark Updegrove (tentative)

10:00 - noon Forum on the 21st Century Mission of Our Public School (materials to be provided)

About the topic

Here is a brief description of the questions we will consider during our forum:

What is the 21st Century Mission for Our Public Schools?

Public education for all children is a foundation stone of this nation's success. But changing times bring changing challenges. We can agree that children should learn basic skills, but what else do they need? What central purpose do we want our schools to serve today?

1. Should schools focus on preparing students to be successful in the workplace?
2. Is the purpose of public schools to prepare students to be active and responsible citizens?
3. Should we invest more of our energy in helping each student make the most of his or her abilities?

Our forum will consider these different perspectives. Together we will consider the advantages of each approach as well as any costs or consequences. The results of our forum will be reported to the Kettering Foundation, a public policy research organization that reports on the public forums conducted by organizations like Texas Forums.

About the Project

The LBJ Presidential Library is joining the twelve Presidential Libraries of the National Archives and Records AdministrationI in collaboration with the National Issues Forums Institute (NIFI) to host a series of discussions on public policy issues this fall and winter.

Forums will be on a range of topics including health care costs, immigration, federal debt, education, and energy. The forums will reflect the interests and enthusiasm of the community that supports the Libraries.

You can see an updated schedule of Presidential Libraries/National Issues Forums Initiative forums by clicking here or on the link above.