The Rouge Forum presents a testing conference, "Standardized Testing and Teaching for a Democratic Society," Friday and Saturday, Jan. 29 and 30, at Wayne State University.

Those attending may join other participants for dinner and conversation from 7-10 p.m. Friday at the Traffic Jam, 511 W. Canfield Street. Dinner is at one's own expense.

Sessions will run 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday in the WSU David Adamany Undergraduate Library, 5155 Gullen Mall.

Presenters include two nationally prominent experts on standardized testing, E. Wayne Ross, editor of Theory and Research in the Social Studies doing "Standards, Testing and Curriculum Control" and Monty Neill from Fair Test.

Ross is associate professor in the school of education and human development at State University of New York at Binghamton. He has written several articles and books on teaching for a democratic society.

Neill is executive director of Fair Test (The National Center for Fair& Open Testing), an advocacy organization working to end the abuses of standardized testing.

Also presenting is Detroit Story living, a group of professionals from the Detroit Historical Museum that includes the well-known Josh White, Jr. The group offers programs about local historical events and engages participants in the drama.

This second International Social Studies Conference will be a discussion-based opportunity to share ideas on education for a democratic society. Attendees are invited to provide leadership and discuss effective ideas, research, strategies, and tactics.

-More-

The Rouge Forum focuses on teaching for a democratic society and is research and action oriented. Interested parties are invited to join its members who are school workers, professors, students, parents, and community people.

As part of the Whole Schooling Consortium, the forum sponsors seminars in the U.S., bringing together hundreds of people to mutually build an agenda for democratic change.

Visit http://www.pipeline.com/~rgibson/rouge_forum/flyer.htm for updates and maps.

There is no charge for the conference, but space is limited so register now at e-mail elethinker@geocities.com