Our first-ever Education Nation event in September 2010 shined a spotlight on one of the most pressing national issues of our time: Education in America.
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Education Nation 2010 included a two-day Summit at Rockefeller Center, where we heard from parents, students, educators, policymakers, elected officials, thought leaders, and members of the business community as they discussed key issues in education.
Panel Sessions
PANEL: The Innovation Gap
Leaders in technology and innovative educators discuss new models and methods of instruction and the use of cutting-edge technology to advance student learning and help close the achievement gap among ethnic and income groups.
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PANEL: Kids Can't Vote - How can the politics of education put students first?
In this Education Nation panel discussion, policy leaders, elected officials and district administrators focus on education governance structures and explore the benefits of and challenges posed by localization.
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PANEL: A fresh start
The Federal government invests five dollars in Americans over the age of 65 for every one dollar invested in children under the age of 5. Leaders in the field shine a light on the ways early education makes a deep and lasting difference in our lives and communities.
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PANEL: The path to the American dream
Voices from across the post-secondary landscape discuss how to best provide access to a quality higher education for all Americans.
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PANEL: Shrinking the achievement gap
Is education the civil rights issue of our time? Tom Brokaw moderates a panel that explores why the gap remains between African-American and Latino students and their white and Asian peers.
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PANEL: Study abroad
As other countries have gained ground in educating their students, America's public schools have stalled. In this Education Nation panel, educators from around the world gather to discuss what we might be able to learn from the global leaders in education.
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PANEL: Educating the Digital Generation
In this Education Nation panel discussion, media creators and teachers trade ideas on how we can encourage students to use the tools of the digital world in ways that are productive to their educational development.
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PANEL: Change Agents
During this panel discussion, a group of education innovators discuss their unique approaches, the hurdles they've encountered, the results they've achieved, and what we can all learn by their examples.
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PANEL: The parent and the village
NBC's Kate Snow moderates a panel of parents and community leaders who discuss ways that adults can support students' achievements outside the classroom.
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PANEL: How public schools can attract good apples
Panelists discuss how American public schools can attract the best talent, evaluate teachers based on performance, nurture and support a rapidly changing teacher workforce, and pay and retain top talent in the profession.
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PANEL: Lessons in education from post-Katrina New Orleans
NBC's Brian Williams moderates a panel of New Orleans civic leaders who have contributed to the many strides made in the realm of public education in the once hurricane-ravaged city.
During the week of Education Nation, Rockefeller Plaza was transformed into an interactive experience open to the public that explored some of the most innovative aspects of American education. Spanning five interactive galleries - the Learner, the Educator, the School & Community, the Nation, and the Call to Action - "Learning Plaza" illustrated how we must mobilize at every level to truly excel.
Watch the panel here!
Education Nation 2010 included a series of nationally-televised events which brought the conversation into the homes of millions of Americans across the country.
Education Nation closing session
The Education Nation summit concludes with a passionate discussion between parents, teachers, students, and policy makers about potential solutions to the challenges and obstacles facing America’s education system. NBC Nightly News anchor and managing editor Brian Williams moderates this special session.
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Summit Highlights
Tom Brokaw Talks to Arne Duncan
Tom Brokaw hosts an hour with the Secretary of Education live from the Education Nation Summit. Students on campuses across America get the opportunity to ask questions of Duncan via satellite.
Watch the highlightl here!
Powells on ending 'drop-out crisis'
Colin and Alma Powell join "Morning Joe" to talk about 50 percent of students dropping out of high school and other social problems caused by "drop-out factories."
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Obama on education, the future of our children
President Obama sits down for a one-on-one exclusive interview with TODAY's Matt Lauer to discuss the state of education in our country and responds to questions from educators from across the nation.
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Summit Town Halls
Teacher Town Hall
NBC's Brian Williams asks an audience of educators at the Education Nation summit about the myriad challenges they face. This is the complete unedited version of the live broadcast.
Watch the town hall here!
'Waiting for Superman' Town Hall
MSNBC's Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski host a town hall, featuring a discussion about Davis Guggenheim’s new documentary film, "Waiting for Superman."
Watch the town hall here!
