Speaker Name(s): Susan Fuhrman, Ron Cowell
Description: Introduction by Sarah Coon First presenter Susan Fuhrman, Teachers College, Columbia University Second presenter Ron Cowell, Education Policy and Leadership Center (EPLC) Abstract: Despite historic authority over education, state activity in the field was minor until the 1980s. Now states take the lead in standards, assessment and accountability, and, according to No Child Left Behind, in assuring that schools in need of improvement receive remedies. However, their capacity, perhaps reflecting their come lately status, is typically far inferior to their responsibilities, posing a major dilemma for education policy. State agencies lack resources and technical expertise and legislatures seem unwilling to redress the situation. Americans are beginning to expect state agencies to act like Ministries of Education in other nations--providing leadership and expertise to schools--but we are not making the investments required by that change in role.