Feedback on the Forum in written evaluations was overwhelmingly positive. We asked the attendees:

"Help us report to our funders! What is the value to you in general of EdSource's Annual Forums on California Education Policy? How do you benefit from attending? Why are they important?"

Their verbatim responses are below.

 

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"EdSource cuts through populist opinions and provides policy leaders research based information."  

You want to educate me—I am in my 50's, well educated, financially sound, semi-retired, and not a parent. I do not have to be here. From a perspective of no children, I am not personally invested. I am also President of my AAUW branch and can be influential and contribute.

You are not compromised by being in bed with unions, ACSA, etc. Research is always practical and current.

Well informed speakers. I always learn something. Useful Information. Good agenda. This conference helps me as a policy maker make better decisions and focus on the issues.

Well constructed program - one day = good substantive subject matter and presenters cutting edge topics - relevant.

We are facing critical issues: paralyzed legislature, funding, reform, student outcomes, recession. Need Forum to understand issues, best practices, etc. Opportunities for meaningful reform.

Very informative and address the "hot" topics that education is having to deal with in California. I would request that you consider offering a duplicate presentation in Southern California. (Was it webcast?)

Very important—to build background knowledge.

Very high value. So many people express opinions and advocate solutions regarding education. Almost all this information is anecdotal. EdSource cuts through populist opinions and provides policy leaders research based information. This is so important when setting policy.

Very great value. Sorry that I missed first two sessions. Session IV was worth it! Yes, glad community colleges are now a part of EdSource.

Very good overview of finances - helped me in making coming budget decisions - ditto middle school.

"This is probably the most important event I attend each year."

Very good information on budget and policy - keeps me informed on education issues - on federal and state level.

Very good discussion of financial and educational issues.

Value: Better understanding of education issues; take info back to our school district and share with legislative reps and PTA presidents. Benefit: Lots of people are better informed. Important: education is complex, so more people understand it, the better.

Value of the forums is great. Information obtained from these meetings is very helpful.

Up to date education news. Opportunity to connect with others in education. (For the past two weeks a frequent question in my education circles has been, "Are you going to EdSource?")

Topics are always relevant. I like to be "educated in person". I read a lot but I love to learn in person.

To be successful as educators, we must be educated/ EdSource is a key resource for our professional development.

To be informed - what is going on and what is happening - Education in California.

Timely, non-partisan information about critical education topics.

Timely issues, can report info/latest research back to my team, excellent/knowledgeable panelists.

Thoroughness of info presented and balanced, real worldview.

This is probably the most important event I attend each year. I am very active in advocating for children on all levels. When advocating in Sacramento the lack of knowledge of our legislators is disappointing. I share the knowledge I gain from this specific forum and your website helps me to inform our legislature as to the needs of all kids.

This is my first time. I use EdSource's resources weekly (including Ed-Data) to help inform my decision making as a trustee. Being a PI district with a wide achievement gap - your research reports are invaluable. Hearing the Middle School presentation vs. just reading it added a whole new depth to the information that will allow me to better articulate its important aspects.

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This is my first forum but I really found it helpful because all of the speakers delivered their views and topics in a way that I understood.

This is always informative.

This is a valuable opportunity for learning and professional engagement. In particular, I enjoy the LAO presentation.

"The annual forum is the only way that I can get unbiased, up to date ideas and reports about California education." 

This forum is the best way for a person with an interest in educational systemic improvement to step beyond their own context.

This forum brings well-respected leaders together and lets us hear status/ideas related to education (its policies and other legislation actions). Many decisions are being made that impact the effectiveness of our state's education system - we better stay informed and knowledgeable.

They are very important to keep us updated with our education.

These forums are invaluable. The information is useful in our work. The format which allows for questions by audience is great.

The vision, detailed explanation and clarifying of complex issues.

The value is the educational aspect, and learning, as a parent, what I should be insisting on at my child's school.

The superintendents' forum gave me insight into the candidates.

The studies EdSource conducts provide quantifiable research and statistics to drive funding considerations and legislative action and support.

The relevant and reliable data and the concise and clear presentation and dissemination.

The middle school study is so important for the future of our state. This alone is the worth of EdSource and the need for this Forum. The presentation of community colleges also opened my eyes more.

The information I receive and the contacts I make help me advocate for children and education back in my community.

The information I get at EdSource Forums is invaluable. The topics are always timely and important. I am able to go back to my community informed in education issues. Education in California is complicated. EdSource makes it simple.

The high quality of the research, speakers, topics.

"The studies EdSource conducts provide quantifiable research and statistics to drive funding considerations and legislative action and support."

The Forums are important to me both as a governing board member and parent leader because it provides me a clear direction and current information on the leading issues, as well as a chance to ask questions to experts. The layout of the program also demonstrates how everything is all inter-related.

The Forum provides information about issues in education that is not available elsewhere.

The data to help school board members make good decisions and create vision and provide direction.

The annual forum is the only way that I can get unbiased, up to date ideas and reports about California education.

The annual forum is a key time where non-partisan info is released. The speakers are always the tops in their fields. I benefit by reading the reports, all the data throughout the year is highlighted at the forum.

Seldom do Educators get to hear information or analysis of why we are facing the events we are today.

Research-based.

Reconnecting, face time.

Quality speakers, great topics, valuable information, opportunity to interact with colleagues.

Public education is difficult for the average citizen to understand. EdSource brings educators and community members together and informs both. Without the EdSource Forums I have attended over the past 12 years I would not be able to speak out on behalf of my children or children in my community. EdSource has been a main part of my education.

Provide timely and valuable summations of current thinking and issues affecting education.

Presentations informative - top notch presenters, knowledge imparted helps me better understand what needs to be done to make a positive difference with each student I come in contact with, hopefully EdSource is making inroads with the folks in Sacramento to hear what we have to say and break the gridlock that hampers public education.

Please tell your funders that you are a valuable source of vital educational information. The meeting is a valuable source of knowledge, a forecast (accurate) of the future and an amazing networking opportunity.

One reliable unbiased source for good information and solid research.

"I rely on the quality of information presented - it's always high. It is always a good opportunity to connect with state and district education leaders."

Objective, thoughtful analysis.

No longer teaching; left teaching to go into another profession because I got "pink-slipped" more than once in the 70's. Déjà vu - it's happening again. Once a teacher leaves teaching, they never go back.

Networking, big picture, in depth analysis.

Networking, always timely.

Network, results from middle grades study, Mac Taylor's talk was good, few details notwithstanding.

Needed as a resource, new ideas, new energy - ideas to be tested - new ground rules.

Need to extend to broader set of stakeholders who are interested in education but not educators.

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My professional work is more focused on curriculum and instruction. Attending EdSource helps remind me of how my work is connected to other work happening in the field.

My professional development.

My first so I don't have enough information to answer.

Most conferences skip the bigger picture. It is important to be mindful of one's place in the total.

More informed, broad understanding of complex education issues, opportunity to affect "political will" and break political gridlock, public engagement grows exponentially.

Middle years study - I will look at entire report for ideas to support my practice as a 6th and 8th grade teacher.

Learn why things are the way they are. Focal points of where to change - things are going right.

Know how to lead my college's budget.

Key and reliable data on critical issues we are dealing with - provide basis for our ongoing advocacy efforts.

Keeps me current regarding education issues and potential solutions to some of education's problems.

Keeping informed and up to date on the needs in California education system and the problems in California government.

It's been very informative at the state budget level. Understanding the importance beyond K-12 and the role of community colleges. It reminded me of the importance of supporting community colleges at the same level as CSUs.

It's always a great way to learn a lot of useful information.

It is always important to hear the current research from the researchers.

It helps me develop a context in which to look at local issues in my district.

It equips me to explain complex educational issues to my organization.

Invaluable!

Information from EdSource is credible and speakers present varied viewpoints. Hearing the differences helps attendees respond to our communities with understanding. The funding adds breadth to the panels.

I work with postsecondary education and need to build my exposure and linking to K-12. Got a lot of information, with strong database so I learned a lot and made some good connections.

I work for a company that produces SARCS and provides consulting services to school districts. Your conference provides me the opportunity to learn more about the education community.

I will use the materials at the bargaining table, in board report, in discussions with management personnel, in distribution to our junior high staff, and in senior management.

I will go home better prepared to engage my district's board members in a reality-based conversation.

I value EdSource and the important un-biased info they offer.

"I first started to read EdSource as a doctoral student at CSU-Sacramento - great resource for students in framing current/topical issues regarding policy in our state - I now use it as a continual point of reference in my job."

I value detailed information that I need to bring back to my district, staff, parents, and donors. I need to be armed with this information so I can have informed discussions and help educate others on how to make positive change in our local and state education issues.

I rely on the quality of information presented - it's always high. It is always a good opportunity to connect with state and district education leaders.

I look forward to this gathering, both as an opportunity to get together with colleagues, as well as the specifics of the program.

I look forward and dissect the information presented in their studies.

I like having an opportunity once a year to see live presentations of a variety of education issues by people at the center of these issues. As a PTA and district committee person I am able to bring back information based on a more direct experience.

I learn about my own issues - I hear from other segments of Education Community about their concerns. Make connections.

I have taken the information back to colleagues who were unable to attend and to my school staff. The presentations (on Middle Grades practices) influence my decisions and approaches as a principal.

I gained greatly from the topics discussed, even more because they weren't the ones I came in knowing I needed to know.

I first started to read EdSource as a doctoral student at CSU-Sacramento - great resource for students in framing current/topical issues regarding policy in our state - I now use it as a continual point of reference in my job.

I benefit because I have clearer understanding of the issues addressed, I know more than when I came, and I have ways of presenting information to others.

I appreciate the updates on circumstances driving and influencing public education and the expertise and perspective offered by educational leaders.

I appreciate how EdSource keeps abreast of the issues in California. It is forward thinking and its research agenda is very purposeful and timely.

I am here with board members - great opportunity for them to learn so we can discuss from an informed basis some of the important issues.

I am able to contribute to my community to help improve on K-12 education system.

I always walk away with information that can be turned into Parent Involvement Programs.

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I also make extensive use of EdSource materials in the graduate level course I teach.

Highly valuable.

Helps me to discuss education issues with members of my community and help to educate them about the issues.

Helps me to be more knowledgeable on education issues.

Helps focus our efforts by reporting quality research clearly.

Help me help Teacher Ed program function. Help me advise credential candidates.

Hearing research findings, budget updates, great speakers, networking.

Hear about current status of education budget and candidates for public instruction superintendent, etc. We need the support of organizations like EdSource to keep us up to date on education.

Having an opportunity to hear a broader perspective of issues beyond, but including, funding.

Have been coming to most for 25 years. Basic info for all advocates plus excellent networking.

Greater knowledge and understanding of educational issues, especially timely issues.

Great overview of what's going on right now. Excellent variety of topics with excellent presenters.

"EdSource Forums are valued because they increase my factual knowledge of current education issues, provide insights into policy challenges, and offer opportunity to exchange info and ideas with others. Thank you! Well worth my time."

Great overall snapshot of current Education issues in California.

Great opportunity to be part of a cross-section of public education stakeholders, as they focus on issues that are relevant to each.

Great info and opportunity to network and share learning with colleagues.

Good opportunity to hear from those deeply involved. Got educated and even inspired (not easy in this economy).

Getting to see the big (statewide) picture.

Get educated, change and improve focus based on data.

Forums give me information to take back to my community.

Excellent way to share information with the audience EdSource reaches.

Excellent and informative, thank you.

Education issues in California are extremely complex. It's great to have a resource to help clarify how California allocates education funds.

EdSource provides all the info we can't find elsewhere as easily or substantively.

EdSource keeps me in the loop on educational policy and sometimes I even convey the information I've learned to me fellow league members.

EdSource is highly regarded statewide as a knowledgeable, neutral source of education information.

EdSource Forums are valued because they increase my factual knowledge of current education issues, provide insights into policy challenges, and offer opportunity to exchange info and ideas with others. Thank you! Well worth my time.

Early education please!

Dissemination of useful information in a setting where you can talk with all sorts of people interested in education (professional, volunteer, political) about what you've learned.

Creates deeper awareness and encourages one to take action.

Connect with researchers who can improve our work, clear and concise update of complicated policy issues (budget!)

California politics and financing are a quagmire - I rely on EdSource to help us make sense of what is going on - both as a voter/citizen and also as an education researcher working to help improve education in California.

Budget information from LAO is always valuable and good counterpoint to School Services conferences. Networking.

Broadens my thinking and awareness.

Bringing together people who are in active in pursuing educational change and acquire a sense of common purpose from panels of experts addressing critical issues confronting our kids in schools.

Bringing together different folks on a specific education topic provides me with valuable information and insights.

Breaking down trends and concepts that are affecting education.

Best balance of education/budget/policy/research issues available anywhere. This helps me set aside time to focus on the major issues EdSource addresses.

Balanced presentations are EdSource's hallmark.

As Director of Education, League of Women Voters San Diego, my reporting informs in the direction of activism.

As an elected trustee, it is important for me to expand my knowledge on these complex topics.

As an advocate, I find it tremendously important to understand the issues. EdSource is one very reliable source of said information.

As a parent advocate, it is important to be able to hear a different perspective and to be able to go back and share that with other PTA members.

As a Board member of AAUW, I gain insight into ways our mission can be more effective.

Always a worthwhile day.

Allows me to see how the mainstream educational community is thinking.

AAUW, with one of the policy priorities being education, works to influence legislation in California. Having timely, in-depth information is extremely valuable to the four of us who attended.

A large group, many followers from the education power structures.

This is truly the best conference for education in California. So, I always learn a lot of information about whatever topics you select. Particular draw was SPI debate so very disappointing that Romero chose to not participate having accepted. Mac Taylor is huge impetus to attend. Loved variety of topics.

It's the EdSource Forum - that's all that I need. The program is always excellent.

It's an event I look forward to annually.

If it is EdSource it has to be good!

California politics and financing are a quagmire - I rely on EdSource to help us make sense of what is going on - both as a voter/citizen and also as an education researcher working to help improve education in California."

Have always found speakers and topics to be very informative and worthwhile. Better than CSBA!

EdSource in general and its facility for understanding and explaining complex issues. Also appreciate the concise one-day platform and solicitation of alternative points of view.

EdSource does great work. Tremendous respect for this organization.

Best source of balanced information. Always timely.

Attend every year and enjoy information provided.

Always find EdSource Forum worthwhile.

 

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