LWV plans education trends legislative day March 27

Public education trends and issues is the focus of the League of Women Voters of Delaware’s annual legislative day, Wednesday, March 27, at the Outlook at the Duncan Center, 500 West Loockerman St., Dover.

The future of the community, state and nation rests upon the quality of the public education system. This democracy relies on schools to provide people with informed citizens prepared for adulthood in the community and the world of work. The program is designed to inform and to encourage discussion of key Delaware education issues in small groups with invited experts.

Registration is at 8:30 a.m., with keynote speaker Sen. David P. Sokola, at 9:15 a.m. Sokola has chaired the Senate Education Committee for many years and has a broad perspective on the educational system. He is also a member of the Southern Region Education Board, a 17-state consortium, and has served as president of the legislative advisory council.

There will be workshops at 10 a.m. on Delaware education trends, including innovations, charters and privatization, with John H. Carwell, charter school officer, Delaware Department of Education; public education funding and equalization issues with Mark Dufendach, assistant superintendent, Polytech School District; and accountability and transparency at school, district and state levels

After lunch, attendees are encouraged to attend legislative committee hearings in Legislative Hall in the afternoon and to meet with their own legislators about high priority issues.

Cosponsors include: AAUW, Caesar Rodney Institute, Civic League for New Castle County, DelCOG, Delaware Press Association, Delaware Commission for Women, Delaware Council on Gambling Problems, and Delaware Repeal Project.

Registration is $25. For a registration form go to  www.lwvdelaware.org/news.htm, call 302-571-8948 or email lwvde@voicenet.com.