AUGUSTA (AP) – The Maine State Board of Education is asking a special panel to consider what students will need to know and be able to do to prosper in the 21st century.

Among those named to take up the task are former Gov. Angus King, former University of Maine System Chancellor Robert Woodbury, former Attorney General James Tierney and former Central Maine Power chief David Flanagan.

“The Maine Learning Results, Essential Programs and Services, the quality of Maine teachers, and the positive performance of Maine students allow us to address the big questions’ from a position of confidence and strength,” said state board Chairman Jim Carignan.

“There is much that is good that characterizes Maine’s schools today, but we know that fundamental changes will be necessary to continue our effectiveness in a new and different world tomorrow.”

Also serving on the Select Panel on Revisioning Education in Maine will be Carignan, Yellow Light Breen of Bangor Savings Bank, Colleen Quint of the Mitchell Institute, Seymour Papert, founder of The Learning Barn, SAD 75 Superintendent Michael Wilhelm, Pamela Plumb of Portland, 2005 Teacher of the Year Sherry Gould and board members Jean Gulliver and Weston Bonney.

“As we stand in the doorway of the 21st century with considerable strength and success in education in Maine, it is appropriate, indeed necessary, to step back and assess the changing demands on young people in the future to be sure that we are doing every thing that we can to ensure that Maine kids can function effectively in the fast changing world they will experience,” Carignan said in a statement issued Friday.

Recommendations to the board are expected this summer.