The K20 Center has scheduled its annual Winter Institute for later this month.

Lori Johnson, K20 Center public relations director, said the 12th annual all-day seminar will be 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. Jan. 29 at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center. Cost is $25 per person and includes lunch.

"We're expecting about 1,000 people this year and this is the first year we have added the community engagement and workforce and development strands," Johnson said.

She said people interested in learning about innovative education and its impact on workforce development and the community are encouraged to attend. The one-day conference is an opportunity for people to learn and share with educators who are transforming their schools and districts into high performing, technology-rich professional learning communities at the university, school and community levels, Johnson said.

People can attend four sessions each on workforce development and another four that covers community engagement.

"It's getting everyone at the table to discuss the best way to get our students ready for the 21st century," Johnson said.

Johnson said the Winter Institute offers professional development and networking sessions and discussion panels and guest speakers.

The conference is sponsored in partnership with the National Science Foundation's Partnerships for Innovation, Oklahoma Educational Technology Trust and the University of Oklahoma.

To register for the conference, call 325-1267 or e-mail k20winterinstitute.com. For accommodations on the basis of disability contact the K20 Center.

Meghan McCormick

366-3539

mmccormick@normantranscript.com