Education Program Sessions Overview
Presentations and Handouts NCSL Annual Meeting
Boston, Massachusetts
August 5-9, 2007
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Preparing All Students for College and Work
8:00 - 2:00 pm
Twenty-nine states are currently working with Achieve's American Diploma Project Network (ADP) to prepare all students to succeed in hgher education and the workplace. Network states have committed to addressing four policy priorities: Aligning high school standards and assessments with the knowledge and skills required for success after high school; requiring all graduates to take rigorous courses, aligned with state standards, that prepare them for life after high school; streamlining the assessment system so that the tests students take in high school also can serve as placement tests for college; and holding high schools accountable for graduating students who are ready for college or careers and holding postsecondary institutions accountable for students' success once enrolled. Legislators from Network states will meet to discuss national trends in aligning high school expectations and policies with the demands of college and work, strategies for packaging legislative priorities within states, and identifying and addressing challenges and obstacles that states encounter as they seek to raise expectations for all students. Presiding: - Matt Gandal, Achieve, Inc., Washington, D.C. [
 Presentation] Speakers: - Rebecca Garland, State Board of Education, North Carolina [ Presentation]
- Phyllis Hudecki, Oklahoma Business and Educaiton Coalition
- Stanley Jones, Indiana Commission for Higher Education
- Mark Thomas, Northview High School, Michigan
NCSL Blue Ribbon Commission on Higher Education Meeting
8:30 am- 1:00 pm The NCSL Blue Ribbon Commission will meet to discuss national and state activity that has occured following the late 2006 release of the Commission's Recommendations and plan activiites for 2007 and 2008. In addition, the Commission will discuss new research conducted by The College Board about revamping the state/federal student financial aid system. Presiding: - Representative Denise Merrill, Connecticut, Co-Chair, NCSL Blue Ribbon Commission
- Representative Geanie Morrison, Texas, Co-Chair, NCSL Blue Ribbon Commission
Speakers: - Sandy Baum, The College Board, Washington, D.C.
- Michael McPherson, The Spencer Foundation, Illinois
- Travis Reindl, Jobs for the Future, Massachusetts [ Presentation]
Coordinating Services for Young Children, 0-5, with Disabilities through Interagency Collaboration - NCSL Interagency CADRE Meeting and Lunch
9:00 am- 12:30 pm The NCSL Interagency CADRE consists of legislators from across the country who are committed to exploring innovative models of service coordination and cross-agency collaboration to improve results for vulnerable populations. This interactive meeting will inform participants about state practices that can improve outcomes of young children, 0-5, identified with disabilities. Speakers will discuss ways for states to create partnerships among various agencies, programs and systems to provide assistance to members of this group as they move from youth to adulthood. Presiding: - Representative RaeAnn Kelsch, North Dakota, Vice Chair, Standing Committee on Education
Speakers: - Joanne Cashman, the IDEA Partnership, National Association State Directors of Special Education, Virginia [ Presentation]
- Michelle Lewis, New Hampshire Parent Trining Information Center
- Susan Ord, Baby Watch Early Intervention Program, Utah Department
of Health - Nancy Sugarman, Vermont Northern Lights Career Development Center
Education Technology Partners Business Meeting
10:00 am - 12:00 pm Legislators, legislative staff and private partners interested in helping develop NCSL's work on 21st century education and education technology will meet to discuss future activities.
Federal Update: No Child Left Behind
3:00 pm - 4:15 pm Congressional activity on the reauthorization of No Child Left Behind proceeds with at least three very different proposals coming from the House. These proposals range from minor adjustments to substantial changes to the law. The Education committee will hear an update on the federal proposals, a review of recent meetings of NCSL's NCLB Task Force and see the latest--and most comprehensive--state cost estimates for complying with the law. Presiding: - Senator Jim Argue, Arkansas Chair, NCSL Standing Committee on Education
Speakers: - Congressman Scott Garrett, New Jersey
- Congressman Lee Terry, Nebraska
- Hank Hager, Senate Education Committee, West Virginia
- Representative Kory Holdaway, Utah
- Hanna Skandera, Senior Advisor to the Deputy Secretary of Education, Washington, D.C.
Preparing Today's Students for Tomorrow's Economy: State Leaders in Education Technology
4:15 pm - 5:30 pm Because schools have been slow to adopt the technological innovations of the 20th century, several states have taken action to ensure students will be prepared for new challenges in the 21st century. This session highlights states that are leading the way. Pennsylvania's Classrooms of the Future initiative will provide $200 million over three years to provide technology, teacher training, district coaches, and additional infrastructure to every high school in the state while Massachusetts is learning how low-performing urban schools with modern technology can be successful in closing the digital divide and achievement gap. Presiding: - Representative Roy Takumi, Hawaii Vice Chair, NCSL Standing Committee on Education
Speakers:
Monday, August 6, 2007 Breakfast Briefing: Higher Education's Hot Degree--Preparing Math and Science Professionals for Business and Industry
7:30 am - 8:30 am
Before Monday's plenary session on the future of higher education, learn of a growing national trend on college campuses. You've heard of the MBA and MPH degree, but did you know that the Professional Science Masters (PSM) degree is higher education's newest hot degree? Learn which states have combined studies in business and policy with math and science to prepare highly skilled and marketable employees for high-paying jobs. Presiding: - Ruth Webb, Kentucky General Assembly, Kentucky
Speakers:
Standing Committee on Education Business Meeting
8:30 am - 10:15 am The committee will consider official NCSL policy statements on National Achievement Standards and National Tests as previously discussed at both Fall and Spring Forums. In addition, the committee will iniatite discussion of a policy incorporating the findings of the NCSL Blue Ribbon Commission on Higher Education into a statement on reauthorization of the federal Higher Education Act. All members of the committee are encouraged to participate in this important discussion. Presiding: - Senator Jim Argue, Arkansas Chair, NCSL Standing Committee on Education
Speakers: - Dan Hurley, American Association of State Colleges and Universities, Washington, D.C.
- Representative Geanie Morrison, Texas
- David Shreve, National Conference of State Legislatures, Washington, D.C.
Opening Plenary Session -- College Bound: America's Great Challenge
1:30 am - 12:00 pm American higher edcuation has been the envy of the world. But new pressures--a generation of new students that include many minorities, rising costs and strained state funding--are risking not only the tradition of quality, accessibility and excellence, but America's place in the global economy. Presiding: - Senator Leticia Van de Putte, Texas, President, NCSL [Press Release]
Moderator: - Former Governor Jim Hunt, The Hunt Institute, North Carolina
Speakers: - Hank Brown, University of Colorado, Boulder
- Phyllis Eisen, The Manufacturing Institute, Washington, D.C.
- Sara Martinez Tucker, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C.
If They Don't Know, They Won't Go: Applying For and Financing College
12:15 pm - 1:45 pm States have become increasingly aware of the need to increase college participation, especially for low-income and students of color. This session will discuss some of the work at the federal level to demystify the college application and financial aid processes for students and families, and how states and the federal government can coordiante efforts to close the college participation gap. Co-Presiding: - Frances Ramirez-Maestas, Legislative Education Study Committee, New Mexico
Staff Vice Chair, NCSL Standing Committee on Education - Representative Joseph Miró, Delaware
Speaker:
Accountability in Early Childhood Education: Approaches and Recommendations for States
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm Legislators are seeking evidence that early childhood programs are effective and are helping children learn. Leaders of The National Early Childhood Accountability Task Force will share forthcoming recommendations around assessing young children and the programs serving them, and will highlight successful state early childhood evaluation and accountability efforts. Presiding: - Senator Jim Argue, Texas Chair, NCSL Standing Committee on Education
Speakers: - Sharon Lynn Kagan, Columbia University, New York [ Presentation]
- Thomas Schultz, The National Early Childhood Accountability Task Force, Washington, D.C.
Respondent: - Representative Denise Merrill, Connecticut
Charters, Vouchers and Choice -- Oh My!
3:45 pm - 5:00 pm Learn the latest research and policy developments--from Utah's landmark universal voucher law and Georgia's law creating charter districts, to recent studies providing support for, and against, these initiatives. Presiding: - Representative RaeAnn Kelsch, North Dakota
Vice Chair, NCSL Standing Committee on Education Speakers: - Representative Sheryl Allen, Utah
- Chad d'Entremont, National Center for the Study of Privatization in Education, Columbia University, New York [ Presentation]
- Representative Stephen Urquhart, Utah
Steering Committee Meeting
5:15 pm - 6:15 pm Standing Committee officers are encouraged to attend this important meeting. The committee will preview any policies anticipated for debate and make determinations regarding joint and re-referral of policy resolutions if necessary. Presiding: - Senator Richard Moore, Massachusetts Chair, NCSL Standing Committees
- Marti Harkness, OPPAGA, Florida Staff Chair, NCSL Standing Committees
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
The Future of Education Finance: What's the Formula for Success?
10:15am - 11:14 am How well are old education finance formulas serving new 21st century education initiatives? Can new funding approaches help ensure our students are best prepared for the global economy? Come learn the results of NCSL's study on the future of education finance--what the national experts predict, and what new evidence-based models are already showing success. Presiding: - Jan Yamane, Deputy Auditor, Hawaii Staff Vice Chair, NCSL Standing Committee on Education
Speakers:
Education Committee Chairs Lunch: Retaining Teachers Through High-Quality School Principals
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Landmark research tells us that classroom instruction and quality principals are the top two school-related factors that contribute to what students learn at school--and a critical element in making school reform succeed. This session discusses how high-quality principals can play a major role in retaining effective teachers. Presiding: - Representative Rick Miera, New Mexico
Speakers: - Eric Hirsch, New Teacher Center, California [ Presentation]
- Richard Laine, The Wallace Foundation, New York [ Presentation]
Fit or Flabby? Fresh or Fatty? -- School Wellness
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm Federal law now requires nearly all school districts to establish a local wellness plicy, including guidelines for nutritious school foods, physical activity and nutrition education. What's happened as a result? Presiding: - Representative Denise Provost, Massachusetts
Speakers:
Jessica Collins, Cambridge Health Alliance--Community Affairs, Massachusetts
Former State Senator Martha Escutia, California
Steven Kelder, University of Texas, Austin
Is the Traditional School Day Sufficient to Serve All Students? Rethinking Time and Learning for the 21st Century
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm A new report by the National Time and Learning Task Force suggests that educators and policymakers need to dramatically change their vision of school time and learning to incorporate new learning opportunities and accommodate different learning styles. Come see how these classrooms expand beyond four walls and the hours of 8 am - 3 pm to engage and excite students. With video provided by the George Lucas Education Foundation, learn how a new generation of students is driving some states to stretch and reshape learning time. Presiding: Eugene Hillsman, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, Michigan Speakers: - Milt Goldberg, Member of the Time, Learning and Afterschool Task Force, Virginia [ Handout]
- Representative Marie St. Fleur, Massachusetts [Handout]
- Heather Weiss, Harvard Family Research Project, Massachusetts
- [Video]
Tranforming Higher Education: Enhancing Productivity, Maintaining Quality and Improving Access
3:15 pm - 5:00 pm Many states are rethinking the importance of state investments in high quality and high performing higher education systems, but there will likely be little new money for higher education budgets. This session looks at how states and institutions can focus on productivity--to maximize the state investment in higher education while maintaining quality and improving access. Presiding: - Representative Denise Merrill, Connecticut
Co-Chair, NCSL Blue Ribbon Commission Speakers: - Pat Callan, National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, California
- William 'Brit" Kirwan, University of Maryland System, Maryland [ Presentation ]
- Travis Reindl, Jobs for the Future, Massachusetts [ Presentation]
Standing Committee Staff Officers and Staff Section Officers Reception
5:00 pm - 6:00PM This event, hosted by Marti Harkness, Staff Chair, NCSL Standing Committees, is an opportunity for staff officers of the standing committees and staff sections, to meet and greet.
General Breakfast Session and Business Meeting
8:15 am - 11:15 am Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff will be the featured speakers during this varied set of programs, which will also include NCSL's business meeting and a preview of the 2008 annual meeting in New Orleans. Secretary Chertoff will kick-off the morning with a look at DHS's plans for implementing the Real ID law. Speaker Pelosi will offer her thoughts about public policy challenges facing national and state lawmakers. The annual business meeting, which will be conducted in two parts, will feature debate over the resolutions that will guide NCSL's lobbying work over the next 12 months and beyond. Louisiana Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu will wrap things up with an invitation to come to Bayou country for next year's NCSL annual meeting.
New Orleans 2008 Preview: Mardi Gras Brunch and All That Jazz
11:15 am - 1:00 pm Set in a French Quarter atmosphere, this New Orleans-style jazz brunch will have you wishing you were in the Big Easy feasting on familiar Creole favorites like red beans and rice, beignets, bananas foster, grits and grillades. Feel the excitement and get ready to head way down yonder to Louisiana in 2008.
Building A Workforce for the 21st Century
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm Despite demand for highly skilled workers, businesses have difficulty finding qualified workers to fill high-paying jobs. The National Center on Education and the Economy has released a bold and controversial report which suggests a complete overhaul of the education system to ensure our workforce and economy are prepared for the 21st century. Learn about the recommendations and the controversy. Presiding: - Senator Peter Groff, Colorado
Speakers: - William Brock, U.S. Department of Labor, Washington, D.C. [ Presentation]
- Marc Tucker, National Center on Education and the Economy,
Washington, D.C. - John Wilson, National Education Association, Washington, D.C.
- [Extra Handout]
- [Extra Handout]
Bye, Bye Local School Boards?
2:45 pm - 4:15 pm Several states and major cities are experimenting with weakening the power of local school boards by strengthening the role of mayors and superintendents and consolidating school districts. This session explores these reforms and the thinking behind them. Presiding: - Senator Cynthia Nava, New Mexico Vice Chair, NCSL Standing Committee on Education
Speakers:
Legislative Education Staff Network Dutch Treat Dinner Join education staff colleagues from around the country for a great evening at a local restaurant! All legislative staff, their spouses and their guests are invited to attend this Dutch treat dinner.
General Breakfast Session--The American Presidents
8:30 am - 10:00 am
As Americans prepare to elect the 44th president of the United States in 2008, two distinguished presidential advisors will give insights into what makes a president great. David Gergen, advisor to Presidents Nixon, Ford, Reagan and Clinton and Andrew Card worked for Presidents Reagan, George H.W. Bush and the current president, will share an insider's look at the White House.
Web Wise: Getting Kids Up to Speed
1:15 am - 12:15 pm The Internet is becoming an essential infrastructure that links children to educational opportunites, health care access, workforce preparation, and civic participation. This session explores best policies and practices for making Internet services more widely available, especially to low-income children. Co-Presiding: - Representative Joe Pickens, Florida
- Lisa Wallmeyer, Joint Commission on Technology and Science, Virginia
Speakers: - Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles, Washington [ Presentation]
- Wendy Lazarus, The Children's Partnership, Washington, D.C. [ Presentation]
- Emily Lyons, Hudson High School, Massachusetts
- Susan Patrick, North American Council for Online Learning,
Washington, D.C. - Courtney Atkins, Hudson High School, Massachusetts
- [Website]
- [Website]
Is Adolescent Risk-Taking All in the Their Heads?
10:15 am - 12:15 pm Learn about the newest science in adolescent brain development and how it explains teen risk-taking. Policymakers can respond more effectively with a better understanding of how teens tick. Presiding: - Representative Ro Foege, Iowa
Speakers: - Claire Brindis, University of California, San Francisco
- Ken Winters, University of Minnesota, Minnesota
Legislative Staff Luncheon: Politics and the Internet
12:30pm - 2:30 pm Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee Luncheon
12:30 - 2:30 pm
Republican Legislative Campaign Committee Luncheon
12:30 - 2:30 pm
Legislative Education Staff Network (LESN) Presentation and Discussion: Online and Distance Education: Policy Challenges to States
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
As more states initiate, expand, and evaluate online/distance education programs in their state, legislatures are confronted with new policy challenges and opportunities. Susan Patrick will lead a discussion around the most pressing policy challenges for states to consider in online/distance education, as well as the enhanced benefits for students that this delivery method offers.
Presiding: -
Julie Pelegrin, Office of Legislative Legal Services, Colorado Former Staff Chair, NCSL Standing Committee on Education Speaker:
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