Seven leading education experts from across the country are coming together on Monday, June 2, 2008 as panelists in a bipartisan forum on education reform sponsored by The Center for Education Reform (CER). The forum will address why progress in public education is - and in some cases, is not - being made in efforts to create strong charter school laws. Panelists will discuss their own unique charter school stories and give behind-the-scenes details of the battles they have fought or are still fighting - to achieve success.
Panelists
Robert Ehrlich, Former Maryland Governor
Ehrlich has been a long-standing supporter for innovation in public education. Under his leadership, Maryland schools were supported and improved at record highs, with rigorous standards and targeted resources. As Governor, Ehrlich authored the state's first charter school law (the 40th in the nation to do so) and oversaw the implementation of 30 new charters schools in the first two years.
"The strength of this nation is based on our investment in the future," Ehrlich said. "It's a pleasure to join other education reformers from across the country and work together to eliminate obstacles to innovative educational opportunities for all children."
Governor Ehrlich has been an ardent supporter of education, which has earned him an "A" from Education Week for public school standards and accountability. A defining moment in his career was when he opened the first-ever public charter school in his state, and funded the construction of 45 new schools.
Kevin P. Chavous, Former D.C. Councilman and CER Distinguished Fellow
Chavous is a noted attorney, author and national school reform leader. As a member of the D.C. council, Chavous was responsible for passing the charter law, a law that has consistently ranked as one of the nation's strongest charter school laws. A former charter skeptic, Chavous became a convert after he served as the chair of the Council's Committee on Education, Libraries and Recreation. Mr. Chavous was at the forefront of promoting change within the District public school system and his efforts led to over 500 million new dollars being made available to educate children. He now travels throughout the nation in an effort to help other lawmakers in their challenges with education reform.
"Charter schools are providing educational solutions for thousands of children who otherwise would be trapped in failing schools," Chavous said. "Forums such as this are vitally important to ensuring we're doing all we can to provide the opportunity to succeed in school to all children."
A noted author, Mr. Chavous wrote Serving Our Children: Charter Schools and the Reform of American Public Education. His book represents a detailed discussion of the charter school movement both in the District of Columbia and around the country. Mr. Chavous' book has received praise from policymakers, educators and book critics.
Eugene Hickok, Former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education and Former Pennsylvania Secretary of Education
In addition to his time at the U.S. Department of Education, Hickok is also the former State Education Secretary of Pennsylvania, a post he held for six years and in which he earned a national reputation as a reformer. Hickok has long believed that educational entrepreneurship holds the key to improving America's schools and keeping America competitive globally. He is a staunch advocate of charter schools, school choice, higher standards for students and teachers, expansive use of technology, and competition.
"Charter schools are opening doors of opportunity in places where none existed for years," Hickok said. "As we compete in a new global economy, most industries are advancing at a lightning pace, and education should be no different. Our antiquated system is not adequately preparing the future leaders of this country for success."
Amy Edmonds, Wyoming House of Representatives
Rep. Edmonds (R-Cheyenne) championed a bill to improve Wyoming's charter law by creating multiple authorizers - independent entities with the authority to create charter schools. States with multiple authorizers consistently provide stronger education opportunities for children. The bill was defeated by one vote. Edmonds continues to be an outspoken advocate of education reform in Wyoming.
"Research shows that the public supports innovation and choice when it comes to public education," Edmonds said. "I'm thrilled to join with other reformers to break down barriers to educational progress not only in Wyoming, but across the country."
Rodney Hubbard, Missouri House of Representatives
Rep. Hubbard (D-St. Louis) was elected to the House in November 2002, and serves as Chair of the Special House Committee on Urban Issues. Representing a portion of St. Louis city, Hubbard understands the need for innovation in public education, and has championed several measures designed to provide educational solutions for urban youth, such as more school choices for children most in need.
"The status quo is no longer enough when it comes to educating our kids," Hubbard said. "Kids shouldn't be denied access to academic success because of geography. It's time to provide creative educational solutions for all children."
John Legg, Florida State Representative
Rep. Legg (R-Port Richey), himself an educator, was elected to the House in 2004. He championed the bill that created the Florida Schools of Excellence Commission, the state's independent authorizer of charter schools. Because of his hard work, children across the state have greater access to innovative and highly accountable charter schools.
"The status quo is no longer good enough when it comes to educating our children," Legg said. "Every child, regardless of income, gender, race, or geography, deserves the opportunity to succeed in school. Charter schools are providing that opportunity in Florida."
Jeanne Allen, President and Founder, The Center for Education Reform
As an author, activist, parent-trainer, and policy advisor, Ms. Allen is widely regarded as one of the country’s leading education experts. Her experience from Capitol Hill, the U.S. Department of Education, prominent policy foundations, and graduate studies inform her perspective and leadership role nationally in education reform.
CER creates opportunities for better education in America’s schools by advocating education reforms that foster high standards, accountability and freedom, school choice programs for children most in need, common sense teacher initiatives and proven instructional programs.
The forum will be held this Monday, June 2 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Marriot at Metro Center in Washington, D.C.
See also:
Early feedback from a Forum Attendee, blogging at the Heritage Foundation.
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The Center for Education Reform drives the creation of better educational opportunities for all children by leading parents, policymakers and the media in boldly advocating for school choice, advancing the charter school movement, and challenging the education establishment. The Center for Education Reform changes laws, minds and cultures to allow good schools to flourish.
