Policy Forum on Public School Choice

Education reformer Ted Sizer, Maine Commissioner of Education J. Duke Albanese and a panel of experts will debate the pros and cons of public school choice at a daylong forum scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, April 27, at the Augusta Civic Center.
The forum, cosponsored by the USM Muskie School and the College of Education and Human Development, is the first in a series on the theme “Success for All Children.”

Organizer Jane Amero, a policy fellow at the Muskie School and former legislative leader, says the series is designed to give educators, legislators, parents and others a chance to “share ideas and gain practical information for improving education in Maine.” Future forums will address such issues as assessment, tax policy and school finance reform.

Registration for the forum on April 27 is $50, including lunch. Continuing education credits are available. Enrollment will be limited to 100. For more information, call 780-5326.
Teacher magazine described Sizer as “America’s most famous education reformer.” He is best known as director of the Annenberg Institute, the school-reform and research organization launched with a $50 million gift from publisher Walter Annenberg, and as chair of the nationwide Coalition of Essential Schools.

Editor’s Note: Former Maine Senate Minority Leader Jane Amero of Cape Elizabeth joined USM’s Edmund S. Muskie School of Public Service last December as a Muskie Public Policy Fellow. The position was established in 1998 to attract individuals with distinguished records of public service who can share their expertise in classrooms and contribute to the school’s research and public service activities. Amero succeeds former Maine Speaker of the House Elizabeth Mitchell. Amero can be reached at 228-8199.