AM Education Sessions

NCSL News graphic

July 8, 2003

Melinda Gates, 'No Child Left Behind,' School Financing on NCSL Annual Meeting Agenda

SAN FRANCISCO -- Sliding bottom lines coupled with orders from the federal government are making it difficult for states to leave education budgets alone these days. At the National Conference of State Legislatures annual meeting July 21-25, find out how states and their schools are coping. Also, hear Melinda Gates, co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, talk about America's educational system. Below are highlights from the diverse agenda of the nearly 20 education-related sessions scheduled:

Strengthening Education to Strengthen America -- Melinda Gates, co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, will discuss her belief that we can strengthen our educational system to better prepare America's young people for college, work and citizenship. The Gates Foundation is dedicated to improving people's lives by sharing advances in health and learning with the global community. Fri., July 25, 9:45-10:45 a.m., Room 135, Exhibit Level, Moscone Center.

No Child Left Behind: How Are the States Doing? -- The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 provides unprecedented federal resources to improve low-performing schools and close the achievement gap. But it also demands that states meet many specific mandates. Find out how states are meeting these requirements in tough economic times. Wed., July 23, 2:15-4:15 p.m., Room 303, Street Level, Moscone Center.

New Funding Strategies for Higher Education -- When the economy buckles, states tend to cut support for higher education. Several states are reexamining the funding process for higher education to make it less dependent on economic fluctuations. This session will explore some of those strategies, including funding students instead of institutions. Thurs., July 24, 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Room 224-226, East Mezzanine Level, Moscone Center.

Funding Education in a Changing Environment -- Some states are finding it impossible to maintain K-12 funding levels in these tough times. With the passage of the No Child Left Behind Act, the federal government is requiring states to spend significant money. This session looks at the changing federal role and how states are adjusting. Thurs., July 24, 2:15-4:00 p.m., Room 304, Street Level, Moscone Center.

Keeping Highly Qualified Teachers -- In the next decade, 2.4 million more teachers will be needed in the nation's classrooms. The federal government has mandated, in the No Child Left Behind Act, that each one of them be "highly qualified" by 2005. This session will review how states are facing this challenge. Tues., July 22, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Room 301, Moscone Center.

If you haven't registered for the annual meeting yet, instructions are on NCSL's Web site, at http://www.ncsl.org/programs/press/2003/am03.htm.

NCSL is a bipartisan organization serving the legislators and legislative staff of the states, commonwealths and territories. Its mission is to improve the quality and effectiveness of state legislatures, foster interstate communication and provide the states a strong, cohesive voice in the federal system.

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