State Courts Rule That Education is Key to Our Future

Addressing the Education Commission of the States' annual National Forum on Education Policy on July 13 in Denver, Molly A. Hunter, ACCESS Network Director, reviewed the many school funding litigations that have gone on nationwide and discussed trends and recent developments emerging from those litigations and the states' responses. Pointing to the recent school funding rulings in North Carolina, Texas, and Kansas, Hunter concluded that the courts are articulating a vision for states' futures that depends on funding for quality public schools. The courts see quality education as a prerequisite to preserving democracy and fostering prosperity. They also warn that, by failing to provide quality schools for all our children, especially poor, minority, and immigrant children, we are causing a decline in America's potential for social and economic success.

ECS is a national, nonprofit organization that helps governors, legislators, state education officials, and others identify, develop, and implement public policies to improve student learning at all levels. This year's annual Forum -- held each July in Denver -- covered most of the current “hot topics” in education policy, including effective high school reform, the need for kindergarten, NCLB, and many others.

At the session on Lessons from School Funding Court Cases, Hunter was joined by moderator RaeAnn Kelsch, who chairs the House Education Committee in North Dakota, by Trent Blankenship, superintendent of public instruction in Wyoming and an ECS commissioner, and by Dan Biles, who represented the Kansas State Board of Education in the recent Montoy v. State proceedings, which have resulted in a major funding increase in Kansas. These state leaders presented a broad spectrum of often dramatic experience with school funding reform and litigation in their states.

Teachers College Connections

ACCESS will soon be moving to Teachers College, Columbia University, to become part of the College's new Campaign for Educational Equity, which will be dedicated to closing the resource and achievement gaps in education. Naturally, Teachers College participated in ECS's annual forum on education policy. Arthur Levine, president of Teachers College, moderated the session entitled Are We Preparing Teachers Better? How Do We Know? Moreover, Teachers College Professor Sharon Lynn Kagan, a visionary leader for improving the care and education of young children, was recognized for her outstanding contributions to American education. At a banquet given in her honor, Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, current Chair of ECS, presented her with the James Bryant Conant Award, one of the most prestigious awards given within the education community.

Prepared by Molly A. Hunter, August 9, 2005