April 9, 2012
Panel of Experts to Discuss Importance of Improving Literacy in Developing Nations
Highlights
- RTI International will host a policy forum titled "Early Grade Learning: From Assessment to Action" on April 17
- International education experts will discuss progress and challenges associated with assessing and improving literacy in developing countries
- The event will take place at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
Media Contacts
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A group of international education experts will gather at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., April 17, to explore the fundamental components of education strategy and discuss progress and challenges associated with assessing and improving literacy in developing countries.
Although basic literacy is known to be key to economic and social development for individuals and societies, between 25 and 75 percent of children in developing nations are unable to read at grade level.
The policy forum, titled "Early Grade Learning: From Assessment to Action," will bring together a group of thought leaders who represent public, private and academic communities to discuss these issues.
The event, held from 8:30 to 11 a.m., is being hosted by RTI International. Speakers include Amber Gove, Ph.D., team leader, Teaching and Learning Group, RTI International; Benjamin Piper, Ph.D., senior research education analyst, RTI International; Daniel Wagner, Ph.D., UNESCO Chair in Learning and Literacy, professor of education at University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education; and Rebecca Winthrop, Ph.D., director, Center for Universal Education, Brookings Institute.
Luis Crouch, Ph.D., head of education for All Fast-Track Initiative, Global Partnership for Education Secretariat, will moderate the program.
Following the policy forum discussion, RTI will provide a hands-on demonstration of Tangerine™, an open-source data collection software developed by RTI using internal funds. Designed for mobile devices, it records student responses to early grade reading and mathematics assessments and background questionnaires. For more information, see www.tangerinecentral.org.
The event is the second forum of a seminar series that is exploring a variety of pressing public policy challenges facing our society.
The event is free and open to the public. Breakfast will be provided.
To attend this policy forum, please register at www.rti.org/register/policyforum2. More information on the event can be found here.