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Bridging the Gap

Presidential Commission on Hispanic Education
to Meet in New York City
Experts to offer ways to make college a reality for Latino students

WASHINGTON - The President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans will meet on Monday, December 16, 2002, at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York, NY to hear testimony from higher education experts.

Over the two days, there will be a series of panel discussions and keynote speeches focusing on accessibility, accountability and higher education degree completion for Hispanic students

WHEN: Monday, December 16, 2002

WHERE: Marriott Marquis Hotel, 1535 Broadway, New York, NY 10036

PANELS

8:15 am - 9:15 am
Accountability, Standards Used in High Performing Schools

Key Witnesses
Brad Duggan, President, National Center for Educational Accountability (Moderator)
Jean Rutherford, Ed.D., Director of Education Initiatives, National Center for Educational Accountability
Margarita Pinkos, Ed.D., Director of ESOL, Palm Beach County
Carolyn Bacon, Executive Director, O'Donnell Foundation
Sandra Dean, Director of Special Program, Durham District School Board, Canada

10:00 am - 11:15 am
Access & Accountability in Higher Education

Key Witnesses
Dr. Teresa Sullivan, Vice President & Dean of Graduate Studies, University of Texas at Austin
Anne Coles, Senior Vice President, College Access Services, The Education Resources Institute (TERI)
Wilbert Bryant, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Higher Education Programs Office of Postsecondary Education, U.S. Department of Education

2:00 pm - 3:15 pm
Capacity Building and Easing Transitions to Four-Year Universities

Key Witnesses
Roberto Suro, Director, Pew Hispanic Center (Moderator)
Dr. Ricardo R. Fernandez, President Lehman College and Board Member, Hispanic Association for Colleges and Universities
Antonio Perez, President, Borough of Manhattan Community College

The Commission, established by President Bush on October 12, 2001, is charged with creating a multi-year plan to close the educational achievement gap for Hispanic Americans. The Commission will work to finalize their recommendations for their final report to President Bush on March 30, 2003.

The plan will highlight models of success that will help improve achievement among Hispanic students through coordinated efforts among parents, community leaders, business leaders, educators and public officials.

* Media interviews with Commission members and Leslie Sanchez, Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans, are available upon request.

All media must show a valid photo press credential to enter event. Press check-in area will be located near the main entrance. For additional questions regarding event logistics, please contact David Almacy at (202) 401-6178.

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