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SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell will host a meeting of state and national educational leaders and thousands of attendees at his two-day Achievement Gap Summit that begins today at the Sacramento Convention Center. 

"We know every child has the ability to succeed academically, yet so many of our students are struggling in school," said O'Connell. "As public school classrooms in California and across the nation become increasingly diverse, the most pernicious and challenging education issue of our time is the academic achievement gap. During this Summit, I am asking participants to speak out openly and courageously, to take an honest look at the reasons why this gap exists, and to explore solutions for removing barriers to student success."

Up to 4,000 California educators will gather to hear from more than 125 leading education experts during speeches and panel discussions. They will share best practices and work together on ways to address and eliminate the racial and economic achievement gaps that threaten the competitiveness and quality of life in California and the nation.

"In a state with 6.3 million public school students – nearly half of whom are Hispanic, 25 percent still learning the English language and 40 percent struggling against poverty – closing the achievement gap is essential to a secure future," O'Connell said.

While the achievement gap has vexed educators nationwide for many years, this is the first time a comprehensive statewide effort has been made to focus on why the gap exists and to develop sustainable, systemic solutions for closing it. The Summit is part of a yearlong effort by O'Connell, in partnership with the California Department of Education, educators, researchers, and community leaders throughout the state and nation.

The entire Summit will be open to media. Some of the highlights include:

• The Great Debate: Internal vs. External Factors in Closing the Achievement Gap. Chester Finn, president of the Thomas B. Fordham Foundation will debate Richard Rothstein, research associate of the Economic Policy Institute, adjunct lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and former national education columnist of The New York Times;
•  A keynote address by broadcaster, author, advocate, and philanthropist Tavis Smiley;
• Panel discussions of urban school superintendents, state legislators, and distinguished journalists. There will also be dozens of other interesting featured speakers, breakout sessions, and workshops. For a complete listing of Achievement Gap Summit speakers and events, please visit:Achievement Gap Summit [http://www.sjcoe.org/summit/index.aspx] (Outside Source).

Summit Information

When journalists arrive, look for the "MEDIA" registration table in the West lobby of the Sacramento Convention Center. If you have pre-registered, simply pick up your credentials and Summit materials. If you have not pre-registered, you can do so on-site at "MEDIA" registration. Reporters should present their name and media credential or business card to receive a badge and materials.

There will be a Media Room located in Room 101. This room and the Internet Café will have free Internet connections where reporters may check e-mails, file stories, or convene. A quiet room will be set aside for one-on-one interviews during the Summit. To schedule an interview with O'Connell or a speaker, make arrangements with a CDE Communications Division staff member who will be available at the Media registration desk and the Media Room.