MEDIA ADVISORY

TO:                      News Directors and Education Reporters

FROM:                 University Relations

SUBJECT:            Public Discussion Forum Set for Education Issues

DATE & TIME:     Tuesday, June 5 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.

LOCATION:         UAF International Arctic Research Center

The first of eleven public discussion forums on issues in education will take place Tuesday, June 5, 2001 from 7 — 8:30 p.m. in the International Arctic Research Center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Susan Stitham, Lathrop high school teacher and member of the State Board of Education, will discuss the, "State of the State: State Board’s Initiatives and Legislation that Impacts Our Schools."

UAF Chancellor Marshall Lind will lead a panel discussion on "Partnerships for the 21st Century" on Tuesday, June 12, 2001. The panel will include UA President Mark Hamilton, Alaska Education Commissioner Shirley Holloway and Jim Holt Superintendent of the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District.

Future forum topics focus on improving student achievement in a result-based education system built on academic standards, assessment and accountability. The forums provide education students, practicing teachers and community members an opportunity to learn and share relevant information about topics important to the teaching process.

"UAF’s Summer Sessions offerings this year are an excellent example of the kinds of things we’re doing to create partnerships in education for the future," said Chancellor Lind. "The discussion forums are a nice complement to a series of special topics that have come directly from listening to the needs expressed by the teaching community."

Other topics center around gifted and talented students, advanced placement teacher training, special education and implementation of various methods and strategies. Student and educators may also receive one professional development credit for attending the forums.

CONTACT: Jaclyn Hendrix, UAF Summer Sessions at (907) 474-7021 or visit the web site at www.uaf.edu/summer for more information.

CJB//06-05-01/01-077ma