In addition to offering over one hundred sessions and workshops on pressing educational issues, Forum attendees were treated to exciting speeches and special events.

On November 10, the evening event began with a stroll through San Diego's historic Balboa Park. Filled with museums and theaters, sweeping flower gardens and fountains, Balboa Park is the crown jewel of San Diego and America's largest urban cultural park. Attendees enjoyed dinner and live entertainment in the galleries of the San Diego Natural History Museum

Dr. Steven B. Sample
A leader in interdisciplinary education and president of the University of Southern California, Dr. Steven B. Sample was an honorary chair of Forum 2006 and delivered the keynote address at the opening luncheon on Friday, November 10. The multitalented Sample is an electrical engineer, a musician, an outdoorsman, an inventor, and an author who has increased USC's prestige throughout the world. His best-selling book, The Contrarian's Guide to Leadership, was named one of the six "must-reads" for leaders by Harvard Management Update. Read Dr. Sample's speech, Redefining Undergraduate Education for the 21st Century.

Presentation of the College Board Medal for Distinguished Service to Education

In recognition of his unwavering dedication to and advocacy for students, whether as school superintendent in San Diego, as an assistant secretary in President Clinton's Department of Education, or more recently, as superintendent of the Boston Public School district, educator Thomas W. Payzant received the College Board Medal for Distinguished Service to Education at the opening luncheon. Past recipients include: Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, and Bill Cosby.

Sarah Jones
Every year, the College Board honors three outstanding public secondary schools for exemplary work in improving their academic environment and helping their students achieve equitable access to higher education. On November 11, the Inspiration Awards Luncheon honored New Mexico's Hobbs High School, Texas' John Tyler High School, and Virginia's Wakefield High School. 2006 Tony Award winner, Sarah Jones, hosted this year's luncheon. Ms. Jones' multicultural, multi-character solo shows include Bridge & Tunnel, which recently completed a critically acclaimed run on Broadway. Read a transcript of the Inspiration Awards ceremony (.pdf/83K).

Dr. Susan F. Martin
As part of Forum 2006's focus on the shifting demographics of our communities, Dr. Susan F. Martin, the director of the Institute for the Study of International Migration at Georgetown University and an expert on immigration and refugee policy, discussed the challenges and opportunities of student migration. Dr. Martin has conducted field-research on refugee issues in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central America in addition to working on U.S. and European immigration and refugee policy. Read Dr. Martin's speech, Reflections on International Migration (.pdf/83K).

Roy R. Romer
On the morning of Sunday, November 12, at the Plenary Breakfast and Annual Meeting, former Colorado Governor and current superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, Roy R. Romer, delivered his thoughts on the changes in education that he's witnessed over the course of his distinguished career, which has spanned the private sector, the world of politics, and the field of education. Governor Romer served as the general chairman of the Democratic National Committee from 1997 to 2000 and was the vice chair of the Democratic Leadership Council, a think tank that examines national political and policy issues. He has also served as chair of the Educational Commission of the States and the National Education Goals Panel.

Special Events

Immediately following the Inspiration Awards Luncheon, Forum's unique college fair — Dialogue & Dessert with Colleges— brought together high school guidance counselors and admissions and financial aid officers to talk informally over dessert. Representatives from hundreds of public and private colleges, universities, and secondary schools visited with each other and exchanged information as well as business cards in our casual college fair setting.

New at this Forum 2006, the Classroom Roundtable sessions featured a diverse cross-section of teachers who shared innovative teaching ideas and strategies on specific subjects that ranged from building skills through a social justice curriculum to using a deductive approach to teach electrodynamics.