Dr. Gary Mangiofico, CEO of LAUP, was one of several distinguished panelists to participate in a one-day conference on July 14 that addressed the need for educational reform to help rebuild the economy of California and the nation as a whole. Also on the panel were Peggy O’Brien, Chief Communications Officer, District of Columbia Public Schools; The Honorable Paul Pastorek, State Superintendent of Education, Louisiana and Marco Petruzzi, President and Chief Executive Officer, Green Dot Public Schools. Business leader and education supporter Eli Broad served as the moderator of the panel.

The panel titled, “Bright spots in Education” discussed different and alternative approaches to education around the country that are making great strides and garnering successful results.

The conference, “2001-2101: The Education Century? Rebuilding Our Economy Through Education Reform,” was presented by Town Hall Los Angeles and Corwin Press in downtown Los Angeles at the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy at the Japanese American National Museum.

“Our nation’s educational system is facing many challenges today, and the conference addressed the association between the need for sound education reform and the rebuilding of our economy,” Dr. Mangiofico said. “I am glad I was able to participate in a spirited discussion and stress the need for Early Childhood Education as an important way of better preparing our children for the global economy.”

The objective of this conference was to initiate discussion about educational programs and ideas that work, as described by the experts who have developed and implemented them.

“Education reform is as critical to our region as it is for the nation,” Dr. Mangiofico said. “This conference brought together opinion leaders and educators from across the country, who highlighted and explored what our state and nation can do to advance the quality of education in our country.”