Sunday, August 5

8:00 am - 5:00 pm
North Lobby

Registration

Preparing All Students for College and Work (Breakfast and lunch are included)
This pre-conference is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

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.

Speakers:  Rebecca Garland, State Board of Education, North Carolina
Phyllis Hudecki, Oklahoma Business and Educaiton Coalition
Stanley Jones, Indiana Commission for Higher Education
Mark Thomas, Northview High School, Michigan

NCSL Blue Ribbon Commission Meeting 

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

Coordinating Services for Young Children, 0-5, with Disabilities through Interagency Collaboration--NCSL Interagency CADRE Meeting and Lunch
Sponsored by the IDEA Partnership, an investment funded by the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) and directed by the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDE)

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 
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

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

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
Sponsored by NCSL Education Technology Partners

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:  Representative Marie St. Fleur, Massachusetts
Tom Gluck, Department of Education, Pennsylvania

Steering Committee Meeting

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

Monday, August 6

7:00 am - 5:00 pm
North Lobby

Registration

Breakfast Briefing:  Higher Education's Hot Degree--Preparing Math and Science Professionals for Business and Industry
Sponsored by the Sloan Foundation

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:  Eleanor Babco, Council of Graduate Schools, Washington, D.C.
William Detrich, Northeastern University, Boston

7:30 am - 9:30 am 
Ballroom Foyer

Networking Roundtables and Continental Breakfast 

Standing Committee on Education Business Meeting

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

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

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
Co-sponsored by the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislatures and the ENLACE Project (Lunch to be provided)

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

Speakers:  Adrian Haugabrook, The Education Resource, Inc. Massachusetts
Sara Martinez Tucker, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 

Accountability in Early Childhood Education:  Approaches and Recommendations for States
Co-sponsored with the NCSL Standing Committee on Human Services and Welfare

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
Thomas Schultz, The National Early Childhood Accountability Task Force, Washington, D.C.

Respondent:  Representative Denise Merrill, Connecticut

Charters, Vouchers and Choice -- Oh My!

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
Representative Stephen Urquhart, Utah

Steering Committee Meeting 

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

Welcome Reception--A Night at Fenway Park

The spirit of baseball is alive in Boston, because America loves its baseball!  Welcome to a grand slam start to this year's meeting at one of America's favorite baseball parks, located in the heart of Boston!  Experience all the park has to offer from the games on the main concourse to the live Boston entertainment througout tonight's spectacular event.  Hit a home run with your family by arriving early for a behind-the-scenes self-guided tour of Fenway Park, which begins at 5:30 pm with the main event officially opening at 6:30 pm. 

Tuesday, August 7

8:00 am - 5:00 pm
North Foyer 

Registration

General Session--Our Place in History

America's most celebrated historical author and a multiple winner of the Pulitzer Prize has a unique perspective on America's history and its place in the world.  Learn about the extraordinary men who founded this nation and set it on a course of greatness.

Speaker:  David McCullough, Leading Authorities, Washington, D.C. 

The Future of Education Finance:  What's the Formula for Success? 

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:  Senator Dave Bisbee, Arkansas
Assemblyman Herb Conaway, New Jersey
Allan Odden, Consortium for Policy Research in Education, University of Wisconsin-Madison 

Education Committee Chairs Lunch:  Retaining Teachers Through High-Quality School Principals

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
Richard Laine, The Wallace Foundation, New York

Fit or Flabby?  Fresh or Fatty? -- School Wellness 
(Sponsored by the NCSL Standing Committees on Health and Education)

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

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
Representative Marie St. Fleur, Massachusetts
Heather Weiss, Harvard Family Research Project, Massachusetts

Tranforming Higher Education:  Enhancing Productivity, Maintaining Quality and Improving Access

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
Travis Reindl, Jobs for the Future, Massachusetts
William "Brit" Kirwan, University of Maryland System, Maryland 

Standing Committee Staff Officers and Staff Section Officers Reception

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. 

Wednesday, August 8

8:00 am - 11:00 pm
North Lobby

Registration

General Breakfast Session and Business Meeting

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

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

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. 
Marc Tucker, National Center on Education and the Economy,
Washington, D.C.
John Wilson, National Education Association, Washington, D.C.

Bye, Bye Local School Boards?

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:  Scott Plotkin, California School Boards Association
Elizabeth Reilinger, Boston School Committee, Massachusetts
Kenneth Wong, Education Department, Brown University,
Rhode Island

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.  Please RSVP to Sara Vitaska at 303-856-1647 or sara.vitaska@ncsl.org no later than Friday, July 27, if you plan to attend. 

Thursday, August 9

8:00 am - 11:00 am
North Foyer

Registration

General Breakfast Session--The American Presidents
Breakfast sponsored by AT&T

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
Sponsored by the Connecting America and the Education Technology Foundation for State Legislatures Partners Projects 

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
Wendy Lazarus, The Children's Partnership, Washington, D.C.
Emily Lyons, Hudson High School, Massachusetts
Susan Patrick, North American Council for Online Learning,
Washington, D.C.
Courtney Atkins, Hudson High School, Massachusetts

Is Adolescent Risk-Taking All in the Their Heads?
Sponsored by the NCSL Standing Committees on Education, Health and Human Services and Welfare

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

12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Room 253ABC

Boston Westin Waterfront 

Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee Luncheon

Republican Legislative Campaign Committee Luncheon
 

Legislative Education Staff Network (LESN) Presentation and Discussion:  Online and Distance Education:  Policy Challenges to States
Sponsored by the Legislative Education Staff Network

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:  Susan Patrick, North American Council for Online Learning, Washington, D.C.

Boston Pops Concert 

This year's finale celebration, with its harbor-front location, promises a spectacular night under the stars with the world-famous Boston Pops.  The state and audience take on a festive atmosphere with exhilarating music, featuring everything from classical to jazz, Broadway to the Beatles, Celtic reels to Brazilian sambas.  The Bank of American Pavilion opens at 6:30 pm for a pre-concert party including food and beverages, and a main state family friendly warmup act.  Don't be late!