Reforming Teacher Compensation
November 5, 2007, 9:00am – 10:30amThere is growing recognition that the way we compensate teachers isn't helping states and districts attract or retain effective teachers, particularly in struggling schools. Over the last couple of years, policymakers have responded by implementing a number of alternative compensation strategies, including pay for performance. What can we learn from these recent efforts to inform future policies and programs? What are the key elements of promising programs?
Join us for a lively discussion of two new papers from the Center for American Progress about effective strategies for reforming teacher compensation. The first, by Joan Baratz-Snowden, looks at the factors driving the adoption of performance pay programs as well as the elements of the Denver school system's successful effort to implement a radically different pay plan which was created with the full cooperation and involvement of the local union. The second, by Robin Chait, examines recent developments in state programs to reform teacher pay. This event will feature comments from experts who have been intimately involved in policy development and implementation of local teacher compensation programs.
The Forgotten Front: A New Strategy for Afghanistan
November 6, 2007, 12:30pm – 2:00pmSix years after the United States led an invasion of Afghanistan to remove the Taliban from power and destroy Al Qaeda's safe haven, Afghanistan faces a growing insurgency that directly threatens its stability and the national security interests of the United States and its allies. The United States, in coordination with the Afghan government and the international community must change its current approach toward Afghanistan.
The Center for American Progress will release a new counterinsurgency strategy for Afghanistan, outlining a set of recommendations for strengthening the Afghan government, increasing security, accelerating reconstruction, combating the narcotics trade, and removing the terrorist safe haven in Pakistan. The panelists will discuss the new Center report, as well as offer their valuable insights on U.S. policy towards Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The United States and its international partners have a window of opportunity to reverse the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan. But that window is closing rapidly. A failure to turn the situation around in the near future could allow Afghanistan to revert to a failed state that is a terrorist haven for Al Qaeda and affiliated terrorist networks. Please join the panelists for a provocative discussion on the real front in the fight against international terrorist networks.
War/Dance
November 8, 2007, 7:00pm – 9:30pmENOUGH, Think Films, Shine Global, and the Center for American Progress are pleased to present War/Dance. Set in Northern Uganda, a country ravaged by more than two decades of civil war, War/Dance tells the story of Dominic, Rose, and Nancy, three children whose families have been torn apart, their homes destroyed, and who currently reside in a displaced persons camp in Patongo. When they are invited to compete in an annual music and dance festival, their historic journey to their nation's capital is also an opportunity to regain a part of their childhood and to taste victory for the first time in their lives.
Please join us for a provocative panel discussion and Q&A session immediately following the film.
Grace is Gone
November 12, 2007, 7:30pm – 10:00pmThere was a time when Stanley Phillips (John Cusack) could see his entire life clearly. He dreamed of patriotic service and was destined for a military career. He came close to that dream until it was cut short simply because of his poor eyesight. Now he's serving customers at a home supply store while his Sergeant wife is fighting in Iraq.
Equally as awkward at home as he is at work, he's raising Heidi, their twelve-year-old daughter and her 8-year-old sister Dawn. Although a loving father, Stanley is unable to conform to a more affectionate role and the girls miss their mother deeply.
While tolerating his job and stumbling through parenting he is abruptly awakened when tragedy strikes. Ill prepared to deal with it himself, he is at a complete loss contemplating how to tell his children. Desperate to delay telling the children they embark on a spontaneous road trip. Grasping to give them their last moments of innocence, Stanley reveals a softer side as they travel to Dawn's chosen destination - Enchanted Gardens Theme Park.
The farther they drive the closer they become yet Stanley knows he must face the inevitable task of changing their lives forever.
Please join us for a provocative Q&A session immediately following the film.
Turmoil in Pakistan: Implications for U.S. Security
November 30, 2007, 9:00am – 10:30amRecent developments in Pakistan are deeply troubling to U.S. interests in the country and the region. In declaring emergency rule on November 3, President General Pervez Musharraf suspended the constitution, detained many leading opposition politicians, and jailed thousands of protesting lawyers and human rights workers. While he has announced that elections will occur on January 8, he has given no clear indication as to when the security crackdown will end.
The Center for American Progress will convene a panel to explore the situation in Pakistan and the prospects for civilian, democratic rule. The panelists will offer their valuable insights on the multiple challenges facing U.S. national security, including the growing terrorist threat, the international mission in Afghanistan, and the security of Pakistan's nuclear weapons program.