'Education Reform Then and Now: A Policy Conference' to Celebrate 20 Years, Examine Challenges in Field

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Department of Education Reform faculty members pause for a photo with members of their stakeholder advisory committee.

The Department of Education Reform is hosting Education Reform Then and Now: A Policy Conference on Oct. 23-24 at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art to celebrate 20 years and examine core challenges in education reform.

The department was established in the College of Education and Health Professions in 2005 amid the era of transparency, test-based accountability, school choice and other No Child Left Behind reforms. Focusing on pioneering research in critical policy areas and intervention programs, the department has worked to improve educational outcomes in Arkansas and across the nation.

"For two decades, the Department of Education Reform has been committed to advancing evidence-based policies that expand opportunity and improve student outcomes. This conference is both a reflection on how far education reform has come and a chance to chart the path forward — ensuring that research continues to inform practice and benefit learners in Arkansas and beyond," said department head and conference co-chair Harry Patrinos.

Key conference questions will include:

• What have been the most promising and sustaining accomplishments in education reform over the past two decades?
• Where should researchers and policymakers focus their efforts now to improve student achievement and character development for the benefit of individuals and society?

"The work of the Department of Education Reform has been at the center of education policy debates for two decades. While we celebrate our achievements, we refuse to rest on our laurels," said Distinguished Professor of Education Policy and conference co-chair Patrick Wolf. "We are committed to continuing to guide education policy in directions that benefit families and communities."

The co-chairs noted that Crystal Bridges is an excellent venue for bringing together thought leaders, reform-minded educators and policymakers from across the nation. Conference registration is open to everyone. There is no cost to attend the conference, but space is limited. Please register here by Sept. 30.

The program's highlights include keynote speakers Eric Hanushek, senior fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, and Howard Fuller, an education reform advocate. Panels include Artificial Intelligence in Education, Teacher Quality & the Teacher Pipeline, School Choice and The Learning Crisis in America. Additional information is available on the conference website.