The Mackinac Center for Public Policy is pleased to host monthly Issues & Ideas Luncheons in Lansing. These luncheons, which feature experts on a diverse array of subjects, offer a forum that enhances and broadens the policy debate to include theoretical and philosophical ideals—and suggestions for achieving them.

News media, legislators, policy staff and interested citizens are cordially invited to the

SEPTEMBER ISSUES & IDEAS LUNCHEON

“A Superintendent’s Experience:
Choice, Accountability and Performance in
Public Schools ”

DATE:	Wednesday, September 13, 2006
TIME:	12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
LOCATION:	The Mackinac Room, 5th Floor, House Office Building 124 N. Capitol Lansing, MI 48933
COST:	Lunch is provided at no charge, with reservation.

Retired Superintendent Angus McBeath believes that “teachers transform lives.” He is so confident in teachers’ abilities that as superintendent of a large school district in Edmonton, Alberta, he offered public school choice to the parents of every student.

The result, according to “Making Schools Work” author William Ouchi, was that “In Edmonton Public today, 87 percent of first graders, 88 percent of seventh graders, and 92 percent of twelfth graders score at or above grade level on the Alberta Provincial standardized test ...”

The overwhelming success of McBeath’s work has been touted by educators and scholars around the world. Ouchi, a management professor at UCLA, praised educators in Edmonton for bringing about “a revolution.”

McBeath brings to his audiences more than 30 years of experience working with teachers, parents, administrators and union personnel. He has spoken around North America on public education reform, site-based decision making and improving student achievement. Having retired in 2005, he serves as Superintendent Emeritus of Focus on Results and as a fellow in public education reform with the Atlantic Institute of Market Studies.

The luncheon begins promptly at noon. Please make reservations for yourself and your guests by 5 p.m. on Monday, September 11th by calling the Mackinac Center at (989) 631‑0900.

The Purpose of the Issues & Ideas Luncheon

The nature of the legislative process is such that public policy debates are often framed by specific constituencies and political pragmatism rather than by sound principles. By offering a forum for wide-ranging discussion, the Mackinac Center for Public Policy hopes to broaden the debate to include theoretical and philosophical ideals — and how to achieve them. The best interests of Michigan citizens can be served only when legislation incorporates our best understanding of legal, economic, psychological, moral and scientific principles.