Washington, DC, September 23, 2003 - Integrating English language learners in high school reform is the theme of a conference designed to promote nationwide dialogue and strategic planning on the appropriate inclusion of diverse students in comprehensive school reform plans. Hosted by the Council of Chief State School Officers, with support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, this meeting will center on conversations about high school reform and English language learners that have been occurring in states, districts and policy organizations throughout the country.
Sparking this national dialogue represents an important opportunity to bridge the issues of both high school reform and adolescent language and literacy, and to leverage the capacity of experts in each area to learn and work collaboratively on improving America's high schools. Given the number of English language learners in the high schools and districts now planning or undergoing reform, educators and experts from both sides of this issue will be given the opportunity to integrate their work, so that all students can reap the academic benefits of linguistically and culturally inclusive reforms.
Additionally, CCSSO will present and release three new publications on the inclusion of English language learners in school reform based on policy, best practice, and practitioner perspectives.
Invited participants include teams of state and local leaders from districts actively engaged in high school reform, as well as national leaders in high school reform and ESOL/bilingual education. Educational Testing Services, the National Council of La Raza, and the National High School Alliance are working in collaboration with CCSSO on this important event.
The meeting takes place at the Sonesta Hotel and Suites Coconut Grove in Miami, Florida on October 20-22, 2003. Registration for this meeting is open to all parties interested in learning more about implementing inclusive high school reforms. For more information, please contact Julia Lara julial@ccsso.org, Barbara Carolino barbarac@ccsso.org or Shelley Spaulding shelleys@ccsso.org.
The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) is a 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. The Council seeks members' consensus on major educational issues and expresses their views to civic and professional organizations, federal agencies, Congress, and the public.
