LA MIRADA, CALIF. — Significant changes are on the horizon for California schools due to the implementation of the Common Core Standards. To address this change, Biola University's first event of their Educator's Lecture series will aim to prepare educators for the transition.

"The transition to Common Core standards is the largest curricular shift in decades,” said dean of Biola’s School of Education, June Hetzel.

On Saturday, Jan. 11, Biola University’s School of Education will kick off a four-part lecture series on education featuring Glen Thomas, former California Secretary of Education, and Keric Ashley, director of analysis, measurement, and accountability reporting for the California Department of Education.

“Every educator should be fluent in the rationale, content, and pedagogy of Common Core,” said Hetzel. “Additionally, California educators need to prepare their students for the shift to the Smarter Balanced Assessment System. This dynamic duo from Sacramento, Glen Thomas and Keric Ashley, will provide first hand insight into the latest implementation processes in California.”

Thomas and Ashley will speak on how to implement and assess the Common Core State Standards that are being introduced into the California curriculum. Attendees will also have the opportunity to interact with local educators that are early adopters of the computerized Smarter Balance Assessment System.

The lecture will be held at Biola University’s La Mirada campus in Moats Lecture Hall from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The event is free to attend, though registration is required.

The second lecture of the series, led by autism specialist Robin LaBarbera, director of special education at Biola University, on Saturday, March 8, will address autism and develop an understanding in attendees of autism spectrum disorders. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, autism is now found in one out of every 50 school-aged children.

"Parents, educators, and those in the medical and psychological helping professions have increasing concerns regarding the growing population of students with developmental disorders within the autism spectrum,” said Hetzel. “This seminar will acquaint you with typical behaviors and challenges and provide you with practical replacement strategies to reduce inappropriate behaviors.”

Learn more about the lecture series here.

Learn more about Biola University's School of Education.

For press passes, contact Jenna Bartlo, Media Relations Specialist, at 562.777.4061 or jenna.l.bartlo@biola.edu.