Press Release- Aug 02, 2007
OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
THURSDAY, AUGUST 2, 2007
Contact:
Evan Dreyer, 720.350.8370
GOV. RITTER'S P-20 EDUCATION COUNCIL TO HOLD FIRST MEETING ON MONDAY IN COLORADO SPRINGS
Gov. Bill Ritter's new P-20 Education Coordinating Council will hold its first meeting on Monday in Colorado Springs, kicking off a comprehensive review of the state's academic systems from pre-school to grad-school.
"The goal of the P-20 Council is to create a seamless "education highway" from pre-school to grad-school," Gov. Ritter said. "As a state, we must do a better job preparing Colorado's young people for the rigors of a 21st century economy.
"Therefore, this P-20 Council will recommend specific strategies to better align our educational programs with the needs of our employers," the Governor added. "We want nothing short of being able to provide the industries of the future with the most highly educated, skilled and trained workforce in the country. As this week's CSAP results show, we have much work to do, but the P-20 Council offers us the perfect opportunity to make a lasting difference."
The P-20 Council co-chairs are Lt. Gov. Barbara O'Brien, Denver businessman and longtime education advocate Bruce Benson, and Colorado State University at Pueblo President Joe Garcia. Twenty-nine education experts from around Colorado, and four ex-officio advisers, comprise the Council's membership. Ex-officio members include Colorado Education Commissioner Dwight Jones and Higher Education Executive Director David Skaggs.
"Their representation demonstrates my commitment to aligning educational systems from pre-school through grade 20," Gov. Ritter said. "It also represents a new era of cooperation between the Governor's Office and the Department of Education."
Five subcommittees will serve as working groups this fall, focusing on Preparation and Transitions; Preschool to Grade 3; Teacher Preparation/Recruitment/Retention; Dropout Prevention and Recovery; and Data and Accountability.
Monday's meeting is scheduled for 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Pikes Peak Community College, Rampart Range Campus, 11195 Highway 83 (exit 153 off Interstate 25), Colorado Springs.
For additional information about the P-20 Council, click here.
Here is the agenda for Monday¿s meeting:
12:30 - 1:00 p.m.:
Welcome and Introduction
Lt. Governor Barbara O'Brien
Bruce Benson, President, Benson Mineral Group
Joe Garcia, President, Colorado State University - Pueblo
1:00 - 1:15 p.m.:
Dwight Jones, Commissioner, Department of Education
David Skaggs, Executive Director, Department of Higher Education
1:15 - 1:30 p.m.:
Governor Bill Ritter, Jr.
1:30 - 2:00 p.m.:
Question: What would a P-20 system of education look like in Colorado?
2:00 - 2:15 p.m.:
Break and Transition to Subcommittee Rooms
2:15 - 3:15 p.m.:
Subcommittee Meetings
-Preparation and Transitions
Chair: Joe Garcia
-P-3 (Preschool to Grade 3)
Chair: Lt. Governor Barbara O¿Brien
-Teacher Preparation/Recruitment/Retention
Chair: Bruce Benson
-Dropout Prevention & Recovery
Chair: Kathy Callum
-Data & Accountability
Chair: Teresa Pena
3:15 - 3:30 p.m.:
Break and Transition to General Meeting Room
3:30 - 4:15 p.m.:
General Meeting
Subcommittee Reports
4:14 - 5:30 p.m.:
Public Forum and Conclusion