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August 1, 2008
Dear Colleagues:
Welcome to the “Educational Policy and the 44th U. S. President” website, a sneak preview to the coming attraction of a national educational policy forum hosted by the School of Education at the University of Mississippi. On the dawn of a new presidential administration, the historic forum, “Educational Policy and the 44th U.S. President,” provides an important venue to examine the state of the pulse of public schools and higher education in the American society. The pulse of our nation’s schools and colleges, as evidenced through educational policies, research, and outcomes, remains the necessary informant in determining those areas in which we are progressing and those areas needing improvement. Thus, educational experts from across the country will engage diverse perspectives about current educational phenomena in critically insightful ways.
The significance of this forum reminds us, as educational stakeholders, of the need to constantly challenge ourselves to strive for academic excellence in the process by which education is delivered and, more importantly, how education is received by the constituencies we serve. We must look closely at whether or not the demands of high stakes testing and school accountability measures foster desired academic achievement in our quest to leave no child behind. College affordability and increased challenges to institutional access, too, remain fundamental barriers for many of those who aspire and desire academic credentials. The significance of the forum also pinpoints reflection toward establishing the implications of education for the larger society. While the pursuit and attainment of education and educational degrees may be considered a privilege for a few, a right for some, and/or an opportunity for many, irrespective of the political party that assumes office, demonstrated efforts must be taken to indicate that education is not purposed only for the privileged few, some of the righteous, and the many opportunists. Understanding the complexities involved with the identified forum educational issues of high stakes testing, school accountability, college affordability, and institutional access, educational stakeholders and the incoming presidential administration will be knowledgeable with theoretically-sound educational research and policy viewpoints.
Again, the “Educational Policy and the 44th U.S. President” forum extends you an invitation to experience the exchange of informed dialogue from renowned educational researchers and policy advocates. You are encouraged to RSVP today to secure your pass for the event. For the incoming 44th U.S. President and his respective administration, it is our hope that this educational policy forum will signify to you the importance of prioritizing education as a serious domestic issue. The strength of the pulse of the American educational system is clearly fundamental to the preservation of American democracy.
Sincerely,
RoSusan D. Bartee, Ph.D.
Director; National Educational Policy Forum
Associate Professor; Leadership and Counselor Education