Time to Collaborate

Over the course of the year, Lehigh will shine a light on the people, places and events that have withstood the test of time and that have made Lehigh the great institution that it is today—and is poised to become tomorrow.

We thrive because, as John A. Stoops, the College's first dean, once noted, "Lehigh's founders taught their University to be future-minded."

It is fitting then that we take a look at charter schools in this issue of Theory to Practice. Their proliferation across the country has given rise to vigorous debates among educators, lawmakers and others, reminding us of our collective responsibility to ensure that all children regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location receive a quality education. But sometimes, as voices rise on both sides of the charter school vs. public education debate, we lose sight of that promise to our nation's children. As the article strongly advises, it's time to start collaborating. In the search for common ground, the College of Education invited education activist Diane Ravitch to the campus earlier this calendar year. We include excerpts of our lively conversation with her, as she argued passionately for public education. This fall, the College will welcome Geoffrey Canada, who will present "The Promise of Charter Schools." Canada was prominently featured in the documentary Waiting for 'Superman.'

Also in this issue, we highlight the important research of associate professor Susan S. Woodhouse, who is challenging long-held beliefs about how mothers can best connect with their infants. Other articles focus on the research and global work of other scholars, interns and graduate students in the College of Education, including an important new collaboration among faculty the Early Development and Education Initiative.

We hope you enjoy this issue of Theory to Practice as we reflect on our accomplishments in this celebratory year and look forward to what we can accomplish in the years to come.