Technology and the need for new skills are shifting our workforce — requiring workers to be more creative than ever before and demanding culturally relevant and innovative education strategies to prepare students to solve new problems. STEAM education provides students with additional access points to engage in both arts and STEM careers. This plenary session shares insights from practice to policy and explores lessons learned through panelists’ efforts to engage cultural institutions and diverse communities through STEAM education. Participants will gain new strategies related to culturally responsive teaching, inclusion of arts and cultural organizations within the education space and the role of policy in creating programming that reflects the community it serves.

Speakers:
Nile Blunt, Head, School Programs, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Marvin D. Carr, Senior Advisor, STEM and Community Relations, Institute of Museum and Library Services
Nettrice R. Gaskins, Content Manager, Fab Foundation

Moderator:
Brian A. Sponsler, Vice President, Policy, Education Commission of the States

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James F. Lane, Superintendent, Public Instruction, Virginia Department of Education
Lane discusses the impact that music education has had on his life and shares more about the arts in education in Virginia schools.

Lane serves as the executive officer of the Virginia Department of Education, which is the administrative agency for the commonwealth’s public schools. He also serves as secretary of the state board of education. Prior to his appointment as the commonwealth’s chief school officer, Lane served as a division superintendent in Chesterfield County, Goochland County and Middlesex County. He was recognized as the 2017 Virginia Superintendent of the Year for his leadership in Goochland County.

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