Focusing K-12 Education Reform on Teaching Efforts

May 8, 2025, 12 noon – 3 p.m.: Join Marquette Law School and the Marquette College of Education on May 8, 2025, for this timely and provocative program led by Alan Borsuk, senior fellow in law and public policy.

After decades of large-scale education reform, why are we still struggling to move the needle on student outcomes—especially for the kids who need it most? Have we been focusing policy reforms on the wrong thing all along?

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that challenges the status quo. Robert Pondiscio, a former teacher who is now a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, asked a bold question in the Fall 2024 Marquette Lawyer magazine: “What if instead of exclusively pulling policy levers, we directed the reform movement’s energy and enthusiasm toward improving classroom practice?” Pondiscio added, “Sustainable improvement in education requires a focus on the practical, everyday realities of teaching and learning, coupled with policies that support and enhance these practices rather than simply mandate them.”

Could shifting the focus from legislative halls to classrooms be the key to unlocking better student outcomes?

This early-afternoon conference, focusing on that question, will proceed as follows:

• Noon: A light complimentary lunch will be available.
• 12:30 p.m.: Robert Pondiscio will discuss his ideas.
• 1:15 p.m.: Sarah Almy, chief of external affairs for the National Council on Teacher Quality and former executive director of teacher and leader learning for Denver Public Schools, will offer her perspective.

• 2 p.m. A reactor panel of educators will talk about what could be done to increase the impact and success of teachers:

• • Kanika Burks, chief schools officer, Dr. Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy, Milwaukee, Wis.
  • Maggy Olson, director of equity and instruction, Greendale Schools, Greendale, Wis.
  • Professor Cynthia M. Ellwood, Marquette University College of Education

• 2:45 p.m. Mr. Pondiscio and Ms. Almy will offer responsive comments.

The conference, which is free and open to the public, will conclude by 3 p.m. Join us at noon, May 8, 2025, in the Lubar Center of Marquette Law School.