Conferences: Big Shift In Focus For Yale Education Event

Once upon a time, there weren't many actual government employees in attendance at the annual Yale education summit, much less up on stage participating in panels. Charter school types, nonprofit and think tank folks dominated.  Charters, innovation, and entrepreneurship were all that mattered (or so it was easy to think). But all that has changed in the last couple of years, and nowhere is that clearer than looking at the list of scheduled speakers for next Friday's event.  Keynoting the event are three reformy state chiefs -- Huffman, Gist, and King.  District and state administrators scheduled to be there include Bill Horwath Houston Alex Shub NYC Cheryl Ohlson DCPS Sophia Pappas NYC Katya Levitan-Reiner New Haven Public Schools Emily Barton Tennessee Department of Education Garth Harries New Haven Public Schools, David Weiner NYC.  Union officials including Randi Weingarten American Federation of Teachers and Lily Eskelsen National Education Association.  The topics -- "Scaling Good Ideas Into Successful Districts," "Mobilizing Communities in Support of Student Outcomes," and "Collaboration between Districts, Unions and Charters" -- are also reflective of this shift.The Thursday pre-event will include appearances from various Connecticut officials and union leaders who may be leading the nation in improving schools or destroying them depending on whom you talk to.