Education Innovations is looking for teachers, students, Pittsburgh community members, and parents who would be willing to give their two cents worth on the ideal education experience for children. We are hosting a series of focus groups in mid to late September. We are looking for specific feedback with each focus group so read the description before getting involved. All focus groups will take place at the Education Innovations, Inc. offices in the Kingsley Association at 6435 Frankstown Avenue, at the intersection of Frankstown Avenue and East Liberty Blvd. Community Focus Group *When: Wednesday September 14, 2005 *Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm *Location: Kingsley Association 6435 Frankstown Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 *Working Title/question: How does a school fit into the life of the community? What we are going for here is for your input on how a school goes beyond being located in a community, or how a school can be another friend in the community. *Who we are looking for: Pittsburgh community members at large, parents, students, businesses, etc. Critical Thinking/Workforce Forum *Date: Wednesday September 21 *Time 6:30pm – 8:30pm *Location: Kingsley Association 6435 Frankstown Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 *Working Title: "Critical Thinking: the foundation for a creative and productive workforce." What we are going for here is to gather expert opinion on the role of primary and secondary education in preparing students for the workforce. Further, we are looking for expert opinion on the role of scientific principles (inquiry, creative problem solving) in the creative workforce. *Who we are looking for: workforce leaders, heads of science related companies, foundations who fund science/critical thinking initiatives Teacher Focus Group *Date: Wednesday September 28, 2005 *Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm *Location: Kingsley Association 6435 Frankstown Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 *Working Questions: What makes you /would make an innovative and creative teacher? Who we are looking for: Teachers who teach in a school environment, whether charter school/public school, or private school, who would like to share their thoughts on how school systems (i.e., teaching, assessment, training systems etc.) make them./would make them innovative and creative teachers. If your child has had an innovative/creative teacher, feel free to nominate him/her by sending us their contact information. We will discreetly invite them to the forum. If you are interested in participating in any of these focus groups, would like to be involved in the planning process, would like to receive an informational brochure on the Education InnovationsLAB Charter School, or would like to add to the list of potential, students, send email to: info@educationinnovations.org or call 412.661.8751 xt. 150. Sincerely, Salvador Wilcox CEO Education Innovations, Inc. 914 Heberton Street Pittsburgh, PA 15206 www.educationinnovations.org 412.363.7707