Conference Agenda

8:30 - 9:30 A.M.
Registration

9:30 - 9:45 A.M.
Welcome and Overview
Edward L. McCormick, Chairman, Educational Conference Board

9:45 - 10:30 A.M.
NCLB-Driven Accountability and Student Performance
The federal No Child Left Behind Act, specifically the adequate yearly progress (AYP) component, is driving school districts to new levels of accountability and impacting the design of education programs. How is the State Education Department helping districts successfully meet these changing requirements? What should be changed? What should be maintained? Discuss new state policies, regulations and guidance pertaining to student performance and school district accountability. Ira Schwartz, Senior Coordinator of Policy and Administration, NY State Education Department

10:30 - 11:15 A.M.
How Can Value-Added Assessment Lead to Greater Accountability?
With the advent of grade-by-grade testing, a unique student identifier system, data warehousing capabilities and AYP sanctions, valueadded assessment, which focuses on annual individual student gains rather than relying on raw scores to measure student progress, is an accountability method that is gaining ground in New York. Should this become the state's prime academic measurement methodology? Dr. William Sanders, Manager, Value-Added Assessment and Research, SAS Institute, Inc.

11:15 - 11:30 A.M.
Break and Organize for Small Group Discussion

11:30 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.
Policy and Practices Implications, Part I
We've explored issues surrounding the measurement of student performance and how it relates to accountability. Now, under the guidance of a professional facilitator, let's discuss the ramifications and advocacy strategies for our organizations and the education
communities we represent.

12:30 - 1:30 P.M.
Lunch
Meet the Educational Conference Board officers and view a special video of the overwhelmingly successful 2003 March for Public Education rally.

1:30 - 2:10 P.M.
It's Still About the Money!
How high are the money stakes? The special masters in the CFE case were directed to deal with the New York City school district. Does that mean the rest of New York's school districts are out in the cold? What can we do to ensure all our children benefit from additional state investments in education? Examine the just-released special masters' report and strategize positions to reform the state's dysfunctional education funding system. This will be the key issue for the 2005 legislative session and beyond until it's resolved in our children's favor. Michael A. Rebell, Executive Director, Campaign for Fiscal Equity, Inc.

2:10 - 2:50 P.M.
More Money Means More Controls
More dollars to education will mean more accountability and oversight of public school district operations. The state comptroller has signaled he will help make school districts more accountable with proposals such as audit committees, internal auditors, and tighter procurement policies. How will these proposals help districts maintain public trust while improving student achievement? Learn how the state comptroller will work with school districts to help make every dollar count.
Mark Pattison, Deputy Comptroller for Local Government Services and Economic Development, Office of the State Comptroller

2:50 - 3:30 P.M.
Policy and Practices Implications, Part II
Combine student performance measurements, accountability and money, and what do you get? Rejoin your morning group to discuss the policy and practices implications for your organization and
for the group as a whole. Begin to mobilize your organization to enter the 2005 New York State legislative session armed and confident with a set of strategies for student success.