IDAHO TO HOST NATION’S TOP EDUCATION LEADERS

 Idaho will host the nation’s top education leaders next week as the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) kicks off its Summer Institute on Saturday evening in Coeur d’Alene.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna currently serves as President of CCSSO. CCSSO is a nonpartisan, nationwide, nonprofit organization of public officials who head departments of elementary and secondary education in the states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and five U.S. extra-state jurisdictions. CCSSO provides leadership, advocacy, and technical assistance on major educational issues.

“As many states work to reform public education for all students, Idaho has been on the forefront. I am excited to host these top education leaders in our great state over the next few days,” Superintendent Luna said. “The Summer Institute is always a great time for state chiefs to work together on how we as states will take the lead on critical issues and policies facing our nation today.”

CCSSO’s 2012 Summer Institute is scheduled July 14-17. It will focus on resourcing innovation. While the U.S. economy struggles to pull itself out of a recession, our public education system continues to institute major reforms that will help students prepare for postsecondary education and career. Tight budgets and a lack of resources are a reality that all states face.

The Summer Institute will open with a keynote address from author and columnist Matt Miller. Well-versed in issues of finance and innovation, Miller will speak about the inherent competition between education and other public services for resources and funding.

The agenda also will feature sessions focused on key reform issues such as teacher preparation and evaluation, standards and assessment implementation, and learning innovations, in the context of funding and budgets. How can we elevate the teaching profession in this country and support teachers throughout their career? What are realistic budget considerations when it comes to new assessment systems and standards implementation? What are alternative sources of funding that can be of service to states? Participants will hear from experts and practitioners about the implications of these reforms. The funding lens will be used to engage chiefs and deputies in frank, honest conversation about the future of education funding and innovation.

Superintendent Luna will kick off the conference on Saturday evening. On Sunday, he will introduce a panel discussion on teacher preparation and evaluation and participate in a panel discussion on how state education agencies can actively engage legislative leaders. Idaho State Senator John Goedde and State Representative Bob Nonini will also participate in this panel discussion.

For more information on CCSSO, visit www.ccsso.org.