Filed under: Achievement Gap, Austin, E3 Alliance, Education, Non-profit
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Rick Olmos
Phone: (512) 223-7244
Email: rolmos@austincc.edu
Helping to Build a Blueprint for Change in Education in Central Texas
An open forum to help shape the education system in Central Texas
The E3 Alliance, in partnership with Austin Voices for Education and Youth and Texas Forums, seeks people willing to take an active role in reshaping education in Central Texas by taking part in the upcoming forums. Recent studies have shown that closing the gaps to education across all groups would benefit the Central Texas region by almost $52 Billion by 2030.
Throughout the months of October and early November, the E3 Alliance will host discussions about the impacts of Achievement Gaps in Education in six communities in the Central Texas region including Austin, Bastrop, Eanes (Westbank), Manor, Round Rock and San Marcos. These moderated discussions will allow each community to examine options for improving education outcomes for all students.
“It is vital that the public have an opportunity to participate in a discussion about education and the achievement gaps that threaten our economic future,” stated Susan Dawson, executive director for the E3 Alliance. Over the past year, the E3 Alliance has conducted objective, ground-breaking, region specific research to identify exactly where gaps are occurring between different groups, as well as trends in achievement. “Strategic decisions about education in Central Texas will require broad support, and these forums are the first step in gaining that support. Please join us to discuss how we can improve the educational future of Central Texas; we need your input. ”
The goal of the forums is to give everyone the opportunity to voice their opinion and share their views and, in turn, provide the community, experts and policy-makers more understanding prior to making decisions and setting education policies. These group discussions will strengthen the community’s standing in the eyes of policy makers and will build consensus and increase clarity within the community.
“These discussions will provide tangible approaches for addressing achievement gaps and a basis for an action plan,” stated Sylvia Acevedo, president and CEO of Communicard, LLC. “Ultimately, these efforts will strengthen the community and move the conversation from individual opinions to reasoned public judgment that supports systemic change.”
These deliberations will culminate in a Regional Delegate Forum November 15, where each community will take part in developing a region-wide plan to close education achievement gaps that will lay groundwork for a Blueprint for Change in Education for Central Texas.
For more information about the discussions in a specific community, to RSVP, or for materials, visit the E3 Alliance website at: www.e3alliance.org
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