CANEC Presents 10th Annual Statewide Charter School Conference, March 27-29, 2003; ``Stepping Up: Quality, Accountability, Choice'' Will Take Place in Anaheim.

Business Editors/Education Writers

ANAHEIM, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 25, 2003

The California Network of Educational Charters (CANEC) is pleased to announce its hosting of the 10th Annual Statewide Charter Schools Conference, entitled "Stepping Up: Quality, Accountability, Choice," to be held on March 27-29 at the Anaheim Marriott in Anaheim.

The statewide conference will be a gathering of charter school teachers, principals and leaders and will serve as an opportunity for these individuals to exchange ideas and learn through intensive educational sessions designed by some of the pioneers in the charter school community.

"The growth of charter schools in California is a powerful testimony to the commitment of educators and the intense desire of families for high quality public schools," said Dr. David Patterson, Interim Executive Director of CANEC. "CANEC's ongoing work is to insure that every public school is of high quality, that each school can demonstrate strong academic accountability, and to insure that all students in California have choices of high quality public schools in their community. Through this work, charter schools are emerging as a strong force for the improvement of the entire system of public education in California."

CANEC has organized a wide range of breakout sessions on topics that include accountability, instruction, governance, facilities and finance. The conference will also include mini-boot camps, intensive workshops on CANEC's first-in-the-nation charter school Accreditation Program, charter school accountability and development.

The CANEC conference is the largest state level charter school conference in the nation. For more information on the conference or to attend one of the sessions, please visit www.canec.org/2003_program.html or contact Gary Larson at [phone].

Conference Highlights include:

Thursday lunch: CANEC President Marta Reyes will officially open the conference and will be joined by Orange County Superintendent Dr. William Habermehl. The formal program will begin at 7:20 a.m.

Thursday lunch: Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown will address the conference and will introduce California State Superintendent Jack O'Connell. Superintendent O'Connell will discuss his vision for education reform and the role charter schools have in the improvement in all of California's public schools. The formal program will begin at 12:20 p.m.

Thursday evening: Former NBA All-Star Kevin Johnson, founder of the recently-approved St. Hope Charter School at Sacramento High School, will reflect on his experiences in the charter school movement and his plans for reform of his alma mater. Johnson will be followed by United States Department of Education Under-Secretary Gene Hickok. Hickok is leading the federal government's implementation of "No Child Left Behind." He will discuss the role charter schools have in this ambitious effort by the federal government to improve public education nationwide. The formal program will begin at 7:00 p.m.

Friday lunch: Policy Forum: California Secretary for Education Kerry Mazzoni will anchor and moderate an exciting policy discussion featuring statewide policymakers who are focused on improving public education. This panel discussion will include State Senator Dede Alpert, State Assembly Members John Campbell and Lou Correa and San Diego Superintendent of Schools Alan Bersin. The formal program will begin at 11:45 a.m.

Friday Evening: 3rd Annual Charter Schools Job Fair: More than 350 teachers will network with over 50 exhibiting charter schools at the third annual CANEC Job Fair. The Job Fair will be held at the hotel from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Directions to Anaheim Marriott from Area Airports:

Orange County/John Wayne (SNA) - SNA (15 mi SE) Take 55N to 5N, exit Katella, and turn left. Go to Harbor Blvd, turn left. Turn right on Convention Way. Hotel is on left side.

Los Angeles (LAX) - LAX (35 mi NW) Take 405S to Garden Grove Fwy East, exit on Harbor North. Turn left on Convention Way.

Long Beach (LGB) - LGB (20 mi N) Take 405S to 22 E, exit on Harbor North. Turn right on Harbor and left on Convention Way.

About CANEC

The California Network of Educational Charters (CANEC) is California's premier charter school networking and service organization and is the public voice of its members for the charter school movement in California. CANEC represents its members through networking, advocacy and public awareness.