World's Largest National Symposium onPartnerships to Feature Dr. James Comer and Former...

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 16, 1998--More than 1,000 corporate decision makers, educators and public policy makers from across the United States and other countries, including Japan, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Norway and the United Kingdom, will participate in the Partners in Education National

The National Symposium is the world's largest annual gathering of business and education leaders and experts in the education partnership movement.

The Symposium, "The Power of Partnerships: Linking Education to the 21st Century," will provide the framework for attendees to access cutting-edge information on exemplary partnerships and school volunteer programs, and will offer a broad range of professional development opportunities.

The Symposium will focus on how collaborations among schools, businesses, families and communities can ensure the healthy development of the "whole" child and provide a positive learning environment for young people.

Dr. James P. Comer, acclaimed child psychiatrist and champion for school reform, will speak at the Opening Plenary Session on Oct. 21 at 1 p.m. in the Marquis Ballroom. Comer is renowned for his visionary approach to public education. His School Development Program, known as the "Comer Model," has been instrumental in improving the educational climate of more than 600 schools nationwide.

Comer will share with Symposium participants how this concept of collaborative teamwork is helping create better-adjusted, healthier and more successful students.

Former Secretary of Labor and United States Trade Representative Bill Brock will introduce the "Preparing Students for the Global Economy" pathway on Oct. 21 at 3 p.m. in the Marquis Salons. Brock, who served in the Reagan Cabinet as U.S. Trade Representative (1981-1985) and Secretary of Labor (1985-1987), is "deeply concerned about our Nation's ability to compete in the world."

Throughout his career, Brock has had a deep and abiding interest in our nation's education system. As Secretary of Labor, Brock initiated the landmark study "Workforce 2000."

Following his departure from government services, Brock co-chaired The National Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) whose report and recommendations set a new course for elementary and secondary education. "We must not forget that no nation can remain great without developing a truly well-educated people."

In addition to expert plenary speakers and more than 100 stimulating workshops, skill-building and think-tank sessions, participants will have the opportunity to see actual partnerships in action by visiting one of the eight sites in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

And, for the first time in the history of the Symposium, attendees will have the chance to earn one continuing education unit (CEU) for attending the conference. Participants will also have the unique opportunity to network with colleagues in the field through regional meetings, affinity group breakfasts, luncheons, awards banquets and the Partnership Expo.

The Partners in Education National Symposium was established in 1984 by the President's Office of Private Sector Initiatives. McKee Foods Corp. is the Symposium's Principal Corporate Sponsor with more than 50 other corporations co-sponsoring the event.

The National Association of Partners in Education is the only national nonprofit membership organization devoted solely to the mission of providing leadership in the formation and growth of effective partnerships that ensure success for all students. Partners in Education was formed in 1988 through the merger of the National School Volunteer Program (NSVP), organized in 1964, and the National Symposium on School Business Partnerships, initiated by the White Office on Private Sector Initiatives in 1984.