AFT’S EDUCATIONAL ISSUES CONFERENCE OPENS THURSDAY

Washington, D.C.— About 3,000 teachers and other educators will be in Washington starting Thursday for the American Federation of Teachers’ QuEST educational issues conference, featuring speeches on the promises and problems of the No Child Left Behind Act, the 2004 presidential election, and professional development.

Events are at the Washington Hilton in the International Ballroom, unless otherwise noted.

 Reporters: Credentials may be picked up in the AFT Press Office:

The Hilton’s State Room (Terrace level)--202/797-4845

Thursday, July 10:

1:00 p.m.--AFT President Sandra Feldman opens conference with keynote speech focusing on problems and promises of No Child Left Behind Act.

Immediately following speech--President Feldman holds news availability--Room C-326.

Approx. 2:30 p.m.--Presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) speaks.  This is expected to be his campaign’s first major speech on education.

Friday, July 11:

9 a.m.--New York University Research Professor of Education Diane Ravitch discusses her new book, "The Language Police: How Pressure Groups Restrict What Students Learn." 

12:15 p.m. (Informal session)--D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton reads from a book about her life, "Fire in my Soul."

Saturday, July 12:

9:00 a.m.--A panel of educators explores successful professional development programs.  Speaking: Brenda Mitchell of New Orleans, Aimee Bolender of Dallas and Amanda Gentile of New York City.

Sunday, July 13:

11 a.m.--Betsy Rogers - 2003 Teacher of the Year & AFT member from Alabama - speaks.

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The AFT represents more than 1.3 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers, paraprofessionals and other school support employees, higher education faculty, nurses and other healthcare workers, and state and local government employees.