To be announced.

In a thoughtful and provocative presentation outlining his vision for education reform, New York State Education Commissioner David Steiner said the current practice of designing curricula to meet a predetermined, standardized outcome "is actually backwards." What the state — and country — needs, he said, is a thoughtful conversation over the question, "What is an educated citizen?" If curricula are developed with that aim in mind, and teachers are properly trained to teach the curricula, then the desired outcome is more likely to be reached, Steiner continued. He called for a balance among curriculum development, teacher training and educational assessments to improve schools.

Audio of the full presentation, including question-and-answer session, is available at the link below. A summary and video will be available soon.

Redistricting Reform:
Visions for the Future in New York State

This forum, which the Institute co-sponsored with the League of Women Voters of New York State, addressed the issue of redrawing the boundaries for legislative districts in New York after the 2010 U.S. Census and the effect that may have on competitive elections. Panelists were state Assemblyman Daniel J. Burling (pictured, top left); state Assemblyman William Parment (pictured, bottom left); Jeffrey Wice, special counsel to state Senator Martin Malave Dilan Sr.; Gerald Benjamin, associate vice president for regional engagement at the State University of New York at New Paltz; and Blair Horner, legislative director of the New York Public Interest Research Group. The discussion was moderated by Susan Arbetter, host of WCNY’s “The Capitol Pressroom.”

What Federal Health Care Reform Means for
State and Local Governments

As Congress considers various health reform proposals aimed at providing insurance coverage for more Americans, state and local governments will face major new challenges of cost and implementation, according to government and academic experts speaking at this public policy forum. The speakers were Timothy J. Hoff of the University at Albany School of Public Health, Wendy Saunders of New York State and John W. Rodat (pictured) of Albany County.

States’ Long-Term Budget Gaps:
Are There Any Solutions?

New York State leaders and national experts on state finances explored the fiscal problems facing the states and proposed roadmaps for the future at the Institute’s first national conference on states’ long-term budget gaps. New York Lieutenant Governor Richard Ravitch called on both elected leaders and citizens to demand greater budgetary discipline, saying that national and state-level economic trends require a new approach. State University of New York Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher highlighted ways in which SUNY will leverage public resources in light of new economic realities. David M. Walker, president of the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, outlined the primary drivers of states’ long-term budget gaps and urged solutions including “fiscally responsible health care reform.”

Details on these and other speakers appear below.

Summary transcript of the day's discussion.