The Future of Education in Georgia : A+ Education Reform Act of 2000

[In 1999] the Governor of the State of Georgia issued a challenge to his newly formed Education Reform Study Commission. He said: I am counting on this group to shake up the educational system as it exists today in Georgia. We have been able to put together a group of people who are both experienced with and devoted to educational issues, and I know that they will be able to develop sound ideas that will help restore public confidence in our schools. And shake up they did. As a result of the Commission\u27s work, House Bill 1187 was introduced to the Georgia General Assembly [in 2000]. A hotly debated bill, the A+ Education Reform Act of 2000 will affect all aspects of the educational system. As a part of this reform the leaders of Georgia\u27s educational institutions will come together to form the Education Coordinating Council. Their purpose will be to improve public education through a seamless coordination among Georgia\u27s public education providers. On March 31, we will have three very important members of this council to discuss their outlook on education in Georgia: Governor Roy Barnes (J.D. \u2772), Chairman of the State School Board Otis Brumby (J.D. \u2765), and Chancellor Stephen Portch

Optimizing the Nation's Investment: Persistence and Success in Postsecondary Education

Within the context of the forthcoming re-authorization of the Higher Education Act, this conference will focus on how the nation's resources can be best used to optimize student persistence to degree completion. The conference will broaden the discussion about student retention beyond the traditional boundaries that have limited previous debates about persistence. The nation's investment includes federal and state funding, funding for targeted programs by foundations, institutions and other organizations, and the investments made by families and individuals. Nationally distinguished speakers from each of these perspectives will address how the nation's investment can maximize persistence. The program will be convened by Alberto F. Cabrera, Professor, Department of Educational Administration and Senior Scholar, WISCAPE University of Wisconsin-Madison and will include panelists representing national, regional, and state perspectives -- scholars, policymakers, and postsecondary education leaders, along with representatives from public programs and units, private organizations, funding organizations, and accrediting agencies -- who will contribute their extensive knowledge on existing and emerging persistence policy issues