Retired Generals Host Roundtable on Deeper Learning with Community Leaders

Two retired U.S. Army generals from Mississippi hosted a roundtable discussion recently on deeper learning competencies at The University of Southern Mississippi's Trent Lott National Center for Economic Development & Entrepreneurship on the Hattiesburg campus.

Participants included Major General (Ret.) Jeff Hammond, U.S. Army; Major General (Ret.) Larry Harrington, U.S. Army; Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker; Miranda Beard, former President of the National School Boards Association; Dr. Sherry Herron, Associate Professor and Director of Science and Math Education at USM; and Daniel Jayroe, Vice President of Community Development for the Hattiesburg Area Development Partnership.

Gen. Hammond opened the discussion by welcoming all the participants and noted, “76 percent of young Mississippians are ineligible to serve in the military, with poor education being a major disqualifier. In order to ensure that students are able to succeed in the military or any career, we must teach them how to learn and how to collaborate and communicate effectively.”

During the roundtable, the participants discussed the importance of teaching students deeper learning skills during their K-12 education, such as communicating effectively, working collaboratively, and thinking critically. They noted that ensuring students master these competencies is critical to our future national security and the success of the Hattiesburg business community.

Gen. Harrington added, “It is important that we prepare our young people for real-world success. The military and civilian employers alike need qualified candidates who are resilient and able to think critically on their feet.”

The group also discussed the need for high-quality early education to prepare children for success, and the importance of ensuring equity in educational opportunities.

General Hammond and General Harrington are members of Mission: Readiness, the nonpartisan organization of 750 retired admirals and generals strengthening national security by ensuring kids stay in school, stay fit, and stay out of trouble.