Policy Foundation To Host Virtual Education Conference May 4 At Clinton Presidential Center

(April 2010) The Policy Foundation is hosting a one-day conference on virtual education on May 4 at the Clinton Presidential Center in downtown Little Rock. There is no charge to attend the conference, and lunch will be provided to participants who register with the Policy Foundation prior to the event, which will take place between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Issues to be discussed include hi-tech’s role in the Arkansas economy, and the state enrollment cap on students wishing to benefit from virtual education.

Former West Virginia Governor Bob Wise will serve as luncheon keynote speaker. Mr. Wise is President of the Alliance for Excellent Education, a Washington-based group that supports education reform.

The morning session will provide a historical overview of virtual education in Arkansas. The morning panel will feature Mr. John Riggs, an Arkansas State Senator (1999-2002); and Mr. James Boardman of the Arkansas Department of Education. The session will last from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

The afternoon session will include Arkansas parents and students benefiting from virtual education. The afternoon panel will feature Ms. Karen Ghidotti, Head of School, Arkansas Virtual Academy; and Ms. Susan Patrick, President/CEO of the International Association for K-12 Online Learning in Vienna, VA. The session will last from 1:15-2:30 p.m.

Policy Foundation executive director Greg Kaza will serve as moderator.

Please contact the Policy Foundation at (501) 537-0825 to reserve your spot at the May 4 conference.