Contact: Jason Foster
SDSU Marketing & Communications
(619) 594-2585, (619) 620-1184 pager
foster@mail.sdsu.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Reporters from Throughout U.S. to Learn of SDSU's Leadership to Overcome Achievement Gap in Urban Schools

SAN DIEGO, Monday, April 22, 2002 — This week, eight journalists from across the country will get an up-close look at San Diego State University's efforts to bridge the "achievement gap" in local schools during the first annual SDSU Media Fellowship.

The program, taking place April 23-26, will provide education writers and producers an opportunity to see how new teaching methods and public-private partnerships are being used to encourage systemic change in urban schools.

The fellowship is one of 24 worldwide selected by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) for the 2001-2002 academic year and one of two that will focus on education (the other is being held at Harvard). CASE is an international nonprofit education association.

Participating journalists include: Rick Karlin, education writer, Times Union (Albany, NY); Kristen Kennedy, senior editor, Technology and Learning Magazine; Alan Miller, editorial writer, The San Diego Union-Tribune; Mel Melendez, education writer, The Arizona Republic (Tempe); Solomon Moore, education writer, Los Angeles Times; Anna Mulrine, senior editor, U.S. News & World Report; Sara Neufeld, education writer, The San Jose Mercury News, and Mary Ellen Flannery, education reporter, The Palm Beach Post (Fla.).

Visiting journalists will see demonstrations of innovative programs in City Heights such as the Reading Recovery Program at the SDSU Literacy Center and School in the Park. They also will get insight on SDSU's teacher education programs by participating in a professional development session with math teachers at Balboa Elementary School and by pairing up with student teachers at Rosa Parks Elementary School. They will also meet with administrators and faculty involved in the Compact for Success program partnering SDSU and the Sweetwater Union High School District. The journalists will also meet and talk with parents taking a class at the Parent Institute for Quality Education in Chula Vista.

The journalists also will meet with Sol Price to hear about his vision for the revitalization of City Heights, and they will hear a presentation by former National Teacher of the Year Sandra McBrayer, a graduate of SDSU's College of Education who is renown for her child advocacy efforts.

"The fellowship will enable journalists to interact with our faculty and leading educators from the San Diego region," said SDSU President Stephen L. Weber. "SDSU's College of Education is one of the most respected programs in the country, and this media fellowship is a great opportunity to showcase some of their outstanding work."

San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, SDSU has grown to offer bachelor's degrees in 78 areas, master's degrees in 61 areas and doctorates in 13. SDSU's more than 34,000 students participate in academic curricula distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future.
For more information, visit www.sdsu.edu.

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Editor's Note: For a complete schedule of SDSU Media Fellowship activities including times and locations, contact Jason Foster at (619) 594-2585 or foster@mail.sdsu.edu.