FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 20, 2001
CONTACT: Kathleen McPartland
Tel: 530-898-4263
Judith Kerrins, Education
530-898-4849
Kay Cushing, Psychology
530-898-5281

Education Policy Analyst Gerald Bracey Presents
Talks for Educators

A full schedule of activities of special interest to educators is planned for the three days. The keynote address, a variety of sessions, and a question-and-answer series are all free and open to the public. See below for a detailed schedule. A dinner with Bracey, presented by the local educators' honor society Phi Delta Kappa on Thursday, Nov. 29, costs $16 and requires reservations.

Bracey is known for his "Bracey Reports," which began with the 1991 article "Why Can't They Be Like We Were?" That article drew the attention of The New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today and Education Week, and the wrath of the White House.

The first report, which became known as the "Bracey Report," has been followed annually with updated data analysis to debunk myths about American public education. You can read the current report at www.america-tomorrow.com/bracey/EDDRA/bracey11/htm.

Bracey will deliver his keynote address, "The Condition of American Public Education: Why the Critics Are Wrong," on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 4-5:30 p.m., in Laxson Auditorium. Following the talk, Bracey will answer questions and autograph copies of his books.

Bracey will address the following questions, among others, in his keynote address and in other discussions throughout the three days: Are AmericaÕs public school students really as far behind academically as students in other countries? Does money make a difference in the quality of education a child receives in a public school? Will the new California high school exit exam really improve student achievement? Does smaller class size result in improved student learning or just make teaching less exhausting for teachers?

Schedule of events

Wednesday, Nov. 28
2-3:15 p.m. BMU 210
The Role of Higher Education Faculty in Student Learning and School Improvement
4-5:30 p.m.
The Condition of American Public Education: Why the Critics Are Wrong

Thursday, Nov. 29
8-11 a.m. Kendall 207-209
Myths and Questions about Public Education in America
8-9 a.m. The Myth that Money Doesn't Matter
9-10 a.m. Do High Stakes Exit Exams Improve Student Learning?
10-11 a.m. Data vs. Spin: The Accuracy of Public Perceptions about America's Schools

6 p.m. Casa Lupe on Park Avenue
Dinner with Bracey
Phi Delta Kappa is sponsoring this dinner for members and non-members. For information and reservations, call Gary Estep at 530-345-6701 or the Department of Education at 530-898-6421.

Friday, Nov. 30
10:30-noon BMU Room 210
The Use and Misuse of Tests and Statistics

Gerald Bracey's visit is sponsored by the CSU, Chico Office of the President, Visiting Scholars program; College of Communication and Education; Department of Psychology; Chico Unified School District; Phi Delta Kappa; North State Professional Development Consortium; the History Social Science project; and PSY CHI National Honor Society.

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