Join Marquette University Law School and the College of Education for a program focused on K-12 education reform on Thursday, May 8, from noon to 3 p.m. in Eckstein Hall. The day will be led by Alan Borsuk, senior fellow in law and public policy.
Robert Pondiscio, a former teacher who is now a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, asked a bold question in the Fall 2024 Marquette Lawyer magazine: “What if instead of exclusively pulling policy levers, we directed the reform movement’s energy and enthusiasm toward improving classroom practice?” Pondiscio added, “Sustainable improvement in education requires a focus on the practical, everyday realities of teaching and learning, coupled with policies that support and enhance these practices rather than simply mandate them.”
Could shifting the focus from legislative halls to classrooms be the key to unlocking better student outcomes?
This early-afternoon conference, focusing on that question, will proceed as follows:
- Noon — A light complimentary lunch will be available.
- 12:30 p.m. — Pondiscio will discuss his ideas.
- 1:15 p.m. — Sarah Almy, chief of external affairs for the National Council on Teacher Quality and former executive director of teacher and leader learning for Denver Public Schools, will offer her perspective.
- 2 p.m. — A reactor panel of educators will talk about what could be done to increase the impact and success of teachers. The panel will include:
- Kanika Burks, chief schools officer, Milwaukee
- Maggy Olson, director of equity and instruction, Greendale Schools, Greendale, Wisconsin
- Dr. Cynthia M. Ellwood, clinical associate professor in the College of Education
- 2:45 p.m. — Pondiscio and Almy will offer responsive comments.
The conference is free and open to the public. Register online by Wednesday, May 7.
