April 23, 2009
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
21st Century Learning: A Necessity for Our Students
DR. STEVEN L. PAINE
State Superintendent of West Virginia Department of Education
Everyone seems to agree that students need 21st century skills to succeed when they graduate. West Virginia has acted on that need and is substantially changing much of its education system to ensure its students are in a position to be successful in higher education and the work force. Dr. Paine will describe the steps West Virginia has taken thus far, future steps to come, and hurdles they have had to overcome. The effective use of technology is an integral part of all aspects of West Virginia’s efforts. A keen focus for Dr. Paine is professional development to help teachers learn new approaches to teaching and assessing student progress. He is eager to answer questions and exchange ideas with FETC Virtual conference participants.
Dr. Paine's Bio
Dr. Steven L. Paine has served as West Virginia's 25th state superintendent of schools since July 1, 2005. Under the leadership of Dr. Paine, West Virginia has been internationally and nationally recognized for its 21st Century Learning program, Pre-k programs, school technology implementation, school leadership development programs, reading initiatives and teacher quality efforts.
Led by Dr. Paine, West Virginia is deeply engaged in systemically transforming its public school system with the goal of providing all West Virginia children the skills that will enable them to excel in a fiercely competitive global world. West Virginia's 21st Century Learning program is focused on the development of internationally rigorous and relevant curriculum standards; a balanced assessment strategy; research-based instructional practices; a parallel accountability system; aligned teacher preparation programs; development of a 21st Century leadership continuum; emphasis on pre-K programs; and integration of technology tools and skills in every classroom.
Paine joined the West Virginia Department of Education in 2003 as Deputy State Superintendent of Schools after serving as county superintendent in Morgan County, West Virginia. He has also served as principal, assistant principal, teacher and curriculum director in Upshur and Harrison County School Systems. During his tenure as principal, Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School was named a United States Department of Education Blue Ribbon School and a United States Department of Education Safe, Disciplined, Drug-Free School, one of approximately ten schools in the nation to earn both awards.
As a result of his work as principal, he was named a recipient of the prestigious Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award.
Dr. Paine is active in national education policy discussions as a member of the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) Board of Directors and as a member of the National Assessment Governing Board. As part of the Governing Board, Paine helps lead its work to set policy for the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), commonly known as The Nation's Report Card.
Dr. Paine earned his undergraduate degree from Fairmont State College, in Fairmont, West Virginia. He furthered his education by attending West Virginia University where he received his masters in educational administration and his doctorate in educational leadership.