Foundation Primer to Highlight Innovative Education Models

AUSTIN – The Texas Public Policy Foundation’s next Policy Primer will focus on innovative education models for the 21st century.

Parents and students increasingly seek more access choice and flexibility than the traditional one-size-fits-all public education model provides. Innovative educators and lawmakers are exploring ways to incorporate technology with virtual courses allow parents to choose schools within the public education system and provide students flexibility with part-time enrollment.

All of these changes provide consumers with alternatives to the traditional public school monopoly while introducing competition that will raise the overall quality of public education.

The discussion will be moderated by Foundation education policy analysts Jamie Story and Brooke Dollens Terry.  Panelists will include:

* Rollie Ford – Founder of Star Charter School in Austin;

* Anita Givens – Senior Director of Instructional Materials and Education Technology for the Texas Education Agency;

* Tim Lambert – President of the Texas Home School Coalition; and

* Dr. Karen Soehnge – Chief Academic Officer for the Houston Independent School District.

The Policy Primer will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday August 15th at the Foundation’s headquarters in Austin.  While the event is “sold out” persons interested in attending may register for the waiting list on the Foundation’s website www.TexasPolicy.com.  A complimentary lunch will be provided.

WHAT:          Policy Primer – “Innovative Educational Models for the 21st Century”

WHEN:          Wednesday August 15 2007 – 11:30 a.m.

WHERE:        Texas Public Policy Foundation
                    900 Congress Avenue Suite 400 (Austin)

The Texas Public Policy Foundation is a non-profit free-market research institute based in Austin.