The federal No Child Left Behind Act has been controversial from the start, attracting opposition — and support — from across the political spectrum. In 2007, its reauthorization will come before Congress — but the time for a serious discussion about reforming NCLB needs to take place now, rather than two years from now.

That’s why the Thomas Jefferson Institute is hosting this luncheon panel on the first day of the annual Virginia School Boards Association Convention, on Wednesday, November 16, at the Williamsburg Marriott Hotel. Speakers will include:

• Hon. Mickey Vanderwerker, vice chair of the Bedford County School Board and co-founder of Parents Across Virginia to Reform the SOLs (PAVRSOL).
• Michael Petrilli, Vice President for National Progrms and Policy at the Thomas B. Fordham Foundation, and former Associate Assistant Deputy Education Secretary, and
• Neal McCluskey, Education Policy analyst for the Cato Institute, and a former high school English teacher.

  The luncheon will begin at 12:00 noon. Prior to November 1, the registration fee is only $15.00 ($25.00 afterwards).