Ed Reporter: Sept. 23, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
By: Glen Baity

Ed Reporter: Sept. 23, 2011

Message From EWA's Director

As this week's stock-market declines underscore, reinvigorating the United States’ economy may well require long-term efforts to increase the nation's competitiveness. What does this mean for America’s colleges and universities, forced to balance the demands to produce a better-educated workforce against the stark realities of diminishing government funds?

Some possible solutions to this postsecondary predicament will be the focus of the discussions at this year’s EWA Higher Education Seminar Nov. 4-5 in Los Angeles on the UCLA campus. The preliminary agenda is now available online. At this journalists-only gathering, we’ll tackle the topic of whether and how the nation’s colleges and universities can produce the estimated 20 million more graduates that experts say are needed by 2025 to position the nation’s workforce to succeed in the global economy. And we'll give you the tools to turn that big topic into compelling journalism.

We’ve assembled distinguished experts and journalists to guide us through topics affecting campuses across the country, including increasing student retention, educating adult learners and improving the success of underrepresented minorities. Leading the way will be the keynote presentation from Henry J. Eyring about his research published in his new book "The Innovative University: Changing the DNA of Higher Education." Others joining us include researchers from UCLA’s Higher Education Research Institute, Georgetown University’s Center for Education and the Workforce, and the College Board, along with leaders from the National Governors Association, Jobs for the Future, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, and others.

Hope to see you in L.A.!

Best regards,

Caroline Hendrie

2012 National Seminar

EWA's 65th National Seminar will take place May 17-19, 2012, in Philadelphia. An estimated 250 reporters, authors, producers, editors, researchers, bloggers, and others will gather for three days of in-depth discussions, site visits, newsmaker speeches, and interactive workshops on education and its coverage. Winners of the National Awards for Education Reporting will be honored at the event, and the winner of the contest's grand prize will be announced. EWA's flagship conference is being co-hosted by the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education and the American Educational Research Association. As ever, the event will be tailored to meet the unique needs and interests of journalists who cover education at all levels.

Stay tuned for agenda and registration details in the coming weeks. For sponsorship and advertisement opportunities, please contact Stephanie Cvetetic at scvetetic@ewa.org.

EdMedia Commons

EdMedia Commons is now open to all EWA members! This great new resource will be home to a wide range of content you won't be able to get anywhere else. If you want to connect with your colleagues across the country, workshop new story ideas, and interact with education experts and newsmakers, you need to be a part of EMC.

If you haven't signed up yet, click here to set up your account. It only takes a few seconds, and it's a free benefit of your EWA membership.

List Your Name in EWA's Freelance Database

Ed writers, are you currently freelancing, or looking to start? If you're seeking fresh job leads, be sure to include your name in EWA's Freelance Database! There's no charge to add your information, and it's an easy way to generate new freelance assignments. Click here to upload your information.

Public Editor At Your Service

EWA’s new public editor, Emily Richmond, has taken the reins at EducatedReporter.com and is blogging daily with great story suggestions and new angles on old topics. If you’re looking for a fresh spin on the well-worn "back to school" article, this is the blog for you. How does early-childhood education figure into Race to the Top? How do you interview kids more effectively? What stories are perfect for someone new to the higher ed beat?

Answers to those questions and many more are waiting at The Educated Reporter. Check back daily, or add it to your RSS reader. You can also get notified about new posts when you follow @EdWriters and @EWAEmily on Twitter.