What would happen if we would think of the Creative Potential of the International Great Lakes Region

This report and the website have great data on the Great Lakes region. It doesn't do justice to the issue of talent and creativity, ignoring the creative areas outside of the sciences. What else is new? But, what would happen if we were to begin thinking of our arts and culture assets in regional terms? What if we were to map these? Can we begin doing this with the assessment project?

From the Brookings Report:

The Vital Connection: Reclaiming Great Lakes Economic Leadership in the Bi-National
US-Canadian Region

20 of the World's Leading Universities are within the international Great Lakes Region

One of the most important contributors to innovation is talent—the creative, well- educated, and often specialized human capital that creates new ideas and processes and puts them to work. The binational Great Lakes economic region has a solid platform on which to produce the talent both nations need to thrive economically—a direct legacy of the region’s unique commitment to high-quality, lowcost education for all.

The bi-national Great Lakes region can continue to model what economic regions will look
like in the global economy—and also how they can thrive. To realize this vision will require
leadership and purposeful actions that acknowledge the unique opportunities provided by
the Great Lakes economy.

The first step toward this leadership is an awareness of the economic realities in the region, and
what is at stake. Canadians are more aware of the size and significance of the economic relationship with the United States—both out of concern that this interconnected economy can dominate or diminish unique Canadian culture and concerns, and in recognition of the fact that economic interdependence is vital to their economy.

American citizens are less aware, which leads to benign neglect in terms of policy and opportunity.

Within the United States, the leaders and citizens of the Great Lakes region have substantial economic stake in enhancing a broader bi-national economic understanding, and in public policy that supports a stronger relationship. As such, Great Lakes leaders need to elevate in national discourse the special nature of the relationship, and the economic opportunities that exist as a result of it.

Fear that movement toward EU-style integration in North America—begun with the SPP—will diminish sovereignty must be countered by appreciation of the economic, security, and quality of life benefits of close collaboration between people and populations disposed to rightfully trust each other. But this articulation has to come from the top. Only the U.S. president and Congress, along with the Canadian prime minister and Parliament, can promote understanding of the economic opportunities to be realized.

Working together, and working with federal leadership, the opportunity is real for the Great Lakes region to forge a new economic leadership position, and serve anew as a model for world economic and social innovation.

Creative Cities Summit 2.0

DSCN0603
Originally uploaded by Ana Luisa Cardona

There was some interesting conversation at this international gathering of creative thinkers, economists, and more.

They spoke about the benefits of thinking regionally - just what we've started to do.

Check out:

www.brookings.edu/projects/great-lakes.aspx

Definitely worth more conversation in this region.

For more photos and visual notes from this gathering, go to:

http://flickr.com/photos/31598310@N06/sets/72157608219087495/

Oct. 8th Michigan Dept. of Education Rick Stiggins Webinar

Michigan Department of Education’s

Office of Educational Assessment & Accountability,

In collaboration with Michigan Assessment Consortium, Wayne RESA,
and MI Streamnet presents:

“7 Actions: Assessment FOR Learning, the Achievement Gap, & Effective Schools

A Presentation with Dr. Rick Stiggins”

A Live Teleconference/Videoconference for:

Teachers, School Administrators, District and Building Assessment Coordinators, School Improvement Facilitators

Dr. Rick Stiggins of the Assessment Training Institute will be the featured speaker on the Wednesday, October 8, 2008 videoconference from 9:00 - 10:30 am. Dr Stiggins is widely regarded as the leading expert in the use of assessments to improve student learning and achievement. As the lines of accountability blur among members of educational teams serving students with multiple issues (e.g., RTI, ICT, child study teams), the need for understanding the role of assessment within this context becomes paramount. Dr. Stiggins will share 7 specific actions that will address this need.

When: October 8, 2007 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 am

Webcast: http://www.mistreamnet.com. Click on “Live Stream” link, or view the “Archived Streams” after the video conference. MI Streamnet Help Desk: 1-734-334-5254

Videotape and DVD copies will be available afterward. Cost $10 plus $4 shipping.
Contact Brenda Hose: 734-334-1437 or hoseb@resa.net