Leading with Confidence in an Era of Uncertainty

Education Session

Never before have national governments so eagerly compared their educational outcomes to the best in the world. The motive for comparison is not to see how they rank, but to identify and learn strategies from the top performers and rapid improvers to boost their country’s own performance. 

Key Takeaways

• Learn new strategies from countries that are top performers and rapid improvers.
• Explore the skills favored in a 21st century economy.
• Understand the global competition your students must be prepared to face for available jobs.
• Learn how our nation’s education agenda will ensure US students are prepared to seize opportunities.

11:15 a.m. – Benchmarking for Success: Ensuring US Students Receive a World-Class Education
Dane Linn, Director, Education Division, National Governors Association

The 21st century’s knowledge and innovation economy favors workers who have postsecondary education or job training with skills in math, reading, complex problem solving and communication.  Available jobs will go to the best-educated candidate, no matter where he or she lives, which means that Americans will face more competition than ever for work. In this session, learn how the education agenda of our nation’s governors will ensure that US students are prepared to seize the opportunities our knowledge-based economy has to offer.

Speakers

Dane Linn
Director, Education Division
National Governors Association
Dane Linn oversees all education-related policy research, analysis and resource development at the National Governors Association. He regularly provides consultation and tailored analysis to the nation’s governors on a host of issues, including No Child Left Behind, early childhood, elementary, secondary and postsecondary education. Under Linn’s leadership, the NGA continues to assist governors on developing policies that increase the number of students who graduate from high school ready for postsecondary education and the workplace.

Recognized as a national expert in his field, Linn has authored numerous reports on issues ranging from school finance and teacher quality to school redesign and pay for performance. He recently spearheaded NGA’s national initiative Redesigning the American High School, launched by former Virginia Governor Mark Warner during his tenure as NGA Chair. Prior to his work at NGA, Linn worked at the West Virginia Department of Education and as legislative liaison to the House of Delegates. He began his education career as an elementary school teacher and principal.

A graduate of Cabrini College, Dane received a master’s degree from Marshall University Graduate College and is currently a doctoral candidate at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.