Forum Offered on Higher Ed, K-12 Linkages and the 'No Child Left Behind' Mandate

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - The University of Arkansas and the National Office for Research Measurement and Evaluation Systems (NORMES) will host an educational forum, entitled "Linking K-12 and Higher Education to Meet the Challenges of No Child Left Behind (NCLB)," at 8 a.m., Monday, Sept. 13. The forum will take place in room 204 at the Continuing Education building, located on the downtown square in Fayetteville.

"The U of A, the College of Education and Health Professions, and NORMES are making important contributions to improving K-12 education in Arkansas and the nation," said Sean Mulvenon, director of NORMES. "The focus of this forum is to exchange ideas and discuss the role of higher education in supporting the implementation of assessment and accountability systems associated with NCLB."

Scheduled speakers include Congressman John Boozman and Ray Simon, assistant secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education from the U.S. Department of Education.

NORMES is a federally-funded research office involved in the development of solutions to the school improvement and accountability challenges that face public school systems.

As part of its research, NORMES uses interactive technology to identify the best educational practices contributing to increased student achievement. In addition, NORMES provides improved systems used for early detection of students who are at-risk academically and the specific information necessary for educators to respond accordingly.

"This forum will provide a unique opportunity to network with federal and state officials to create and maintain an effective dialogue that is essential to meet the assessment and accountability challenges of NCLB," Mulvenon said.