NEWS RELEASE

Contact: David West (west@alpha.nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

2/21/2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES - Northwestern State University will host a PK-16+ Council meeting Wednesday March 6 at 11 a.m. in the Friedman Student Union Ballroom. The meeting is designed to help further the partnership between Northwestern and area schools under Louisiana's Blue Ribbon Commisson on Teacher Quality.

The Blue Ribbon Commission was formed by the Louisiana Board of Regents and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to improve teacher quality in Louisiana. The commission has the task of recommending policies to the governor, Board of Regents and BESE.

These policies are designed to lead to a cohesive system from pre-kindergarten through college to hold universities and school districts accountable for the aggressive recruitment, preparation, support and retention of quality teachers who will produce higher achieving students in kindergarten through grade 12.

Speakers at the meeting will discuss teacher education reform from the perspective of the Board of Regents, BESE and universities. Scheduled to speak are Jeanne Burns of the Governor's Office and Board of Regents, BESE member Walter Lee and NSU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Thomas A. Burns.

Discussion groups will also exchange information on school ­ university admnistrators, beginning teacher support, technology integration in instruction and cadet teachers.

Superintendents, teachers and school officials from Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, DeSoto, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Red River, Sabine, Vernon and Winn Parishes have been invited to attend.

For more information on the meeting contact NSU PK-16+ Coordinator Bob Lumpkins at (318) 357-5362 or by e-mail at lumpkinsb@alpha.nsula.edu.

Main Menu