Education Experts To Discuss National Standards At WestConn Seminar

DANBURY — National standards, current practices, and policies in education will be the focus when a variety of state and local experts meet with the 25 students enrolled in the Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Instructional Leadership program at Western Connecticut State University, July 26–July 30.

The seminars will take place in Room 218 of the Westside Classroom Building on the university’s Westside campus, Lake Avenue Extension.

The weeklong seminar will be the third of the summer for those enrolled in the Ed.D. program’s first cohort, or group, of students. WestConn launched its four year, 60-credit Ed.D. program last fall. It is WestConn’s first doctoral degree program.

WestConn education professor Dr Thomas Cordy said the seminar topic is particularly important to K-12 educators because of the nation’s spotlight on educational reform and standards, such as those resulting from the federal 2002 “No Child Left Behind” legislation.

“This is probably one of the most critical issues in the state right now,” said Dr Cordy. “It’s particularly important to look at the national standards and the assessment that goes with them.”

Dean of Graduate Studies and External Programs Dr Ellen Dumin said she expects the sessions to be of great benefit.

“We have chosen very well-respected state and local practitioners and researchers to interact with our doctorial students in this seminar,” she said.

The seminar will feature WestConn President James R. Roach, curriculum specialist Dr Michael Hibbard, Danbury Public Schools Superintendent Eddie Davis, bureau chief of the state Department of Education office, Dr Jack Hasegawa and Susan Kennedy, an education consultant for the state Department of Education’s Bureau of Student Assessment.

For more information on the seminar or WestConn’s Ed.D. program, call the Division of Graduate Studies and External Programs at 203-837-8244 or the Office of Public Relations at 203-837-8486.