12:30 PM -- 5:00 PM
Answering Critical Policy Questions: Leveraging Longitudinal P-20/Workforce Data Systems (session #125)
Lunch will begin at 12:30 p.m. The meeting will begin at 1:00 p.m.

Hosted by the Data Quality Campaign.

How can longitudinal data help your state improve student achievement and inform policy and programmatic decisions? What is the role of P-16/P-20 Councils and other interagency state bodies to provide vital governance to data systems? Join us to learn how other states are using longitudinal data to affect policy change!

Why you should attend: All states have committed to building statewide longitudinal data systems that can follow an individual from P-20 and into the workforce by September 2011. With rising expectations for improved outcomes throughout the education system the pressure is on states to act quickly and effectively. Make sure that your state creates the necessary policies and practices and takes advantage of funding opportunities to develop a high-quality, usable data system.

What you will get from this session:

• An overview of states’ status on the development and use of statewide longitudinal data systems;
• Examples from leading states on how they are able to link and share data across agencies;
• An opportunity to address issues such as data privacy and security;
• Time to connect and work with your peers, including teams of state Commissioners, to develop the critical questions that are specific to your state;
• Information on state models and data governance structures, including the role of P-16/P-20 Councils;
• Tools and resources for you to use when you return to your state.

3:15 PM -- 5:00 PM
Starting Strong by Building Effective PreK to Grade 3 Systems (session #345)
This special session — supported by Pre-K Now, a campaign of the Pew Center on the States — will address how states and districts can build college and workforce readiness by enacting policies that strengthen teaching and learning in preschool and the early grades. Session highlights include:

• Keynote address from Jerry Weast (featured in the new book, Leading for Equity: The Pursuit of Excellence in the Montgomery County Public Schools, by Stacey M. Childress, Denis P. Doyle and David A. Thomas)
• Pre-K policy experts from the Pew Center on the States share best practices
• Facilitated group discussion: Making PK-3 a Reality in My State.

PARTICIPANTS
	David S. Beard, Senior Associate, The Pew Charitable Trusts, District of Columbia
	Allison de la Torre, The PEW Charitable Trusts, District of Columbia
	Kristie Kauerz, Program Director, Harvard Graduate School of Education, Massachusetts
	Jerry Weast, Superintendent of Montgomery County Schools, Maryland