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With education taking up large shares of budgets in every state, this committee provides a forum for discussion of innovative programs and sharing of best practices amongst Western legislators. Encompassing the preschool through post-secondary learning years (P-20), preparing today’s youth for an ever globalized economy has a very different set of challenges than in past decades. Teachers/professors and administrators must figure out the most cost-effective ways for students to acquire 21st century skills and prepare themselves for tomorrow’s competitive world. All the while having to meet federal requirements and be competitive for opportunities such as Race to the Top and dealing with ever shifting demographics of the student body. The Education Committee welcomes all state legislators who are concerned about the pivotal decisions they must make, and jointly find the solutions for the best possible outcomes to advance the state of education in their respective districts. |
2009 Highlights: Members of the Education Committee heard from Aurora Community College President Dr. Linda Bowman and WestEd Policy Center & Southwest Comprehensive Center Director Paul Koehler to discuss policy strategies for educational reform and trends in education legislation. Members also participated in a special one-day STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) workshop on education and work force development provided by K-20 California Education Technology Collaborative and New Mexico Innovate-Educate. | 2008 Highlights: Education Committee members discussed the challenges of teacher shortages in K-12 and higher education as well as the state, federal and university resources to address the issues. They heard about AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) success stories - a new approach in which the student is an active participant in his or her career planning, resulting in improved academic performance and diminished drop outs. Members also heard and talked about the positive impacts and learning opportunities provided to students having technology access. | 2007 Highlights: The committee focused on an update of federal legislation, the “No Child Left Behind” act, and how changes could impact states in the western region. How to attain adequacy and equity when it comes to education finance in public schools was also an important discussion item. Members held a roundtable exchange on successful programs in their respective states. |
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