The Daily Times

Dr. Willard R. Daggett, the International Center for Leadership in Education’s CEO, will talk with educators at 4 p.m. Feb. 17 in the Clayton Center for the Arts’ Ronald and Lynda Nutt Theatre. Parents and the community are invited to a free, public presentation at 7 p.m.

Alcoa, Blount County and Maryville schools are sponsoring the upcoming event, and officials are encouraging residents and community leaders to attend the presentation.

Blount County Director of Schools Rob Britt has heard Daggett’s presentations on numerous occasions. “He’s a very entertaining speaker. I think one of the things that he does best is convey the message of why we need to reform education. Parents and community leaders need to know what we’re doing in the education system, because we have to prepare students to compete for today’s jobs.”

“We’re very excited to have Dr. Daggett back in Blount County,” said Maryville Director of Schools Stephanie Thompson. “He spoke to a small group in 2006. So, we’re excited to have more people hear him this time. We want a bigger audience. He has a wealth of knowledge about education in the nation and world.”

Daggett spoke at Maryville College’s Leadership Summit in 2006.

Alcoa Director of Schools Tom Shamblin agreed with his educational counterparts. “I’ve enjoyed hearing him talk, and I think the community will benefit from hearing his message. He’s worked with the state on Race to the Top and can explain the importance of our reforms. His presentations help justify what’s going on in the state of Tennessee.”

Former educator

Before founding the International Center for Leadership in Education in 1991, Daggett was a teacher and administrator at the secondary and postsecondary levels. He also served as a director with the New York State Education Department where he spearheaded restructuring initiatives to focus the state’s education system on the skills and knowledge students need in a technological, information-based society.

Daggett is the creator of the Application Model and Rigor/Relevance Framework, a practical planning and instructional tool for determining the relevance of curriculum and assessment to real-world situations. His model has become a cornerstone of many school reform efforts throughout the United States.

Daggett has also assisted many states and school districts with their school improvement initiatives. He has also collaborated with education ministries in several countries, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Council of Chief State School Officers and National Governors Association.

Daggett is also the author of numerous books about learning and education, textbooks and research studies, reports and journal articles.

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