State Education Officials to Visit EVIT Campus

Submitted by Tiffani Nichols

On Nov. 18, the East Valley Institute of Technology will host 40 state superintendents and members of their staff for lunch, a campus tour, and policy discussion as part of the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) Annual Policy Forum held in Phoenix from
Nov. 17-19.

EVIT is known throughout the country as a model for career and technical education. It provides students with the advanced skills and training needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market while getting a jump start on their college or advanced degree.

“It is a tremendous honor to welcome these elected officials to EVIT and show them how we are preparing our students for college and career through state-of-the art facilities, industry partnerships and exceptional teachers” said Dr. Sally Downey.

The event, sponsored by CORE Careers, will begin with lunch prepared by EVIT’s Culinary Arts program. Members will eat alongside students representing more than 30 different programs. Immediately following lunch, students will provide guests a tour of the campus. The afternoon wraps-up with a policy discussion in the auditorium as part of the CCSSO Forum.

Scheduled speakers include Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction John Huppenthal, EVIT Superintendent Dr. Sally Downey, medical assisting student Christian Buzzelle, and Dr. Art Piccinati, a local physician and supporter of EVIT.

About the CCSSO 2011 Annual Policy Forum
States are committed to leading true education reform to ensure that the American education system serves the needs of every student—including implementing college and career-ready standards, leading the development of new accountability systems, and leveraging research and international best practices to improve student achievement. The 2011 Annual Policy Forum provides an opportunity for chiefs and their key staff to collaborate around policies in the areas of redesigned use and application of federal funds; high-quality opportunities and options; educator effectiveness; low-performing schools; and, ESEA Reauthorization. For more information, visit www.ccsso.org.