Photo

Deborah Stipek, a former dean of Stanford's School of Education, will discuss the future of public schools at a talk at 4 p.m. today (Dec. 4) at the Corte Madera School annex at 4575 Alpine Road in Portola Valley.

During the program, which runs to 5:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public, she will also discuss affecting change within schools, and motivating and engaging students.

Prior to serving as dean at Stanford, Ms. Stipek was a professor at UCLA, where she was the director of its K-6 university lab school. A Woodside resident, she is a researcher in the areas of early education (preschool and elementary school) with particular emphasis on student engagement and motivation.

Kid-sitting will be available in the Corte Madera Library with eighth-graders on duty.

The program is sponsored by the Innovations in Education Committee of the Portola Valley School District. The committee is made up of parents and teachers.

Click here to see a 2006 Almanac cover story on Deborah Stipek.

Are you receiving Express, our free daily e-mail edition? See a sample and sign-up for Express.