Here is the final update email for our conference on Saturday. Things are looking great and we're thrilled that such an exciting group will be coming together for the event. Please take a few minutes to read this email carefully.
1. Location of conference
Included on this link is most of the information that you could want on how to get to St. Catherine's College:
Once you get to the College go through the Porter's Lodge into the main court. The Ramsden room is in the back left hand corner. The room will be on your left. If you have any trouble finding it the Porter can direct you.
2. Schedule:
12:00 - 12:10: Check-in
12:10 - 1:00: Introduction
1:00 - 2:00: First discussion
2:00 - 2:30: Break with coffee, tea, and biscuits
2:30 - 3:30: Second discussion
3:30 - 4:00: Collectively wrap-up policy thoughts
4:00 - 4:30: Second break
4:30 - 5:15: Dan Kilduff and Shaunna Thomas (plus Q & A)
5:15 - 6:00: Keynote address - Matthew Taylor (plus Q & A)
7:00: Dinner at Bombay Indian Restaurant
8:30: Slug and Lettuce (pub)
A few notes regarding the schedule:
a. Please arrive having already eaten lunch.
b. We can't bring food into the conference space, but there is a sandwich shop right next door where we can go between discussions.
c. Dinner is a set menu for ten pounds. We're subsidizing half of the dinner, but please bring exactly five pounds.
d. Unfortunately, Cassandra Butts, one of the speakers who was planning to come, will not be able to join us. She is sad to miss it but was called by the Obama campaign at the last minute to be in Chicago this weekend.
3. Dress code = business casual
4. Travel reimbursements
We have a limited amount of money set aside for travel reimbursements. If you need to be reimbursed let us know asap and definitely before Friday. If you let us know that you need to be reimbursed we will give you ten pounds upon you giving us your bus or train receipt when you check in at the beginning of the day.
5. Our cell phone numbers if you're having trouble finding us. Rob: 07942454176; Tyler: 07912652923; Kate: 07882219744
6. Discussion groups
Follow this link to find out what two discussions you're going to be involved with:
7. Readings
Depending on what two groups you're in, please arrive at the conference on Saturday having read the appropriate articles:
Education
Definitely read the following articles:
Some info regarding the national mood for education reform (should be taken with a grain of salt - note source):
How do we make/attract/retain great teachers:
Voice of a teacher's union:
Is teacher pay the answer? Is this particular experiment a productive part of the project to change the status of the teaching profession?
Optional reading:
Framing the debate around the cognitive abilities that will be required in the coming generations:
The "we're screwed" perspective:
What a conservative is thinking about education reform:
Energy Security and Climate Change
Please read the following three articles (one PDF attached and two linked to websites). At the very bottom, a further article is listed, but it is purely optional.
Arguing that we already possess the technology and know-how to solve the carbon and climate problem for the next 50 years:
S. Pacala, et al, "Stabilization Wedges: Solving the Climate Problem for the Next 50 Years with Current Technologies," Science
[Attached PDF]
Arguing why progressives should shift the emphasis from regulation to investment in their political and policy approach:
Peter Teague and Jeff Navin, "Global Warming in an Age of Energy Anxiety," The American Prospect
Arguing that tradable emissions permits are a popular, but inferior way, to tackle global warming:
"Doffing the Cap," The Economist
Optional article:
Asking: Will we rewire the world with clean energy -- or descend into political chaos, social disruption, and climate hell? And will Washington get with the program?
Ross Gelbspan, "Two Paths for the Planet," The American Prospect
Healthcare
Definitely read the following articles:
A comparison of the democrat's plans:
A positive view of McCain's healthcare plan:
A critique of McCains healthcare plan:
A non-election healthcare overview that supports a single payer system:
Optional reading:
The positions of the Democratic presidential candidates: attached
Dartmouth Atlas of Healthcare which looks at variations in healthcare costs across the US:
A look at state led universal healthcare: attached
Looking forward to meeting you all on Saturday!
No comments:
Post a Comment