Topics: Speakers, Teachers College

September 3, 2010

International education expert Andreas Schleicher will speak about the status of the American education system in a global context during a Sept. 9 appearance at Ball State University.

His address, "Is the Sky the Limit to Educational Improvement — Lessons from the World on Successful Education Systems," begins at 8 p.m. in the Alumni Center's Assembly Hall, 2800 W. Bethel Ave., and is free and open to the public.

"As a national leader in preparing educators, Ball State Teachers College engages educational experts in our pursuit of teaching and education excellence," said John Jacobson, dean of the Teachers College. "Mr. Schleicher provides valuable data and insight into educational systems from a global vantage point that will help Hoosier educators, policymakers and parents understand where our nation's educational system is in relationship to other countries, giving us a framework within which to assess needed changes and make improvements."

Schleicher is a senior education official at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which brings together representatives of governments from countries committed to democracy and the market economy to compare policy experiences, seek answers to common problems, identify good practice and coordinate domestic and international policies. As division head, Schleicher has directed OECD's Program for International Student Assessment and the Indicators of Education Systems Program as well as steered the development of the Teaching and Learning International Survey and the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies.

Ball State is one of the largest producers of teachers and education professionals in the Midwest. Building on a rich tradition of excellence, the Ball State Teachers College is a leader in teacher preparation and human service-provider training across the state and nation. The Teachers College prizes teaching excellence, emphasizes applied research that enhances best practices and improves the quality of life for others, and values service to communities and the education profession.