Finkelstein Memorial Lecture at URI features director ofAnnenberg Institute for School Reform

KINGSTON, R.I.-- November 23, 1998 -- The 25th Annual Robert and Augusta Finkelstein Memorial Lecture at the University of Rhode Island Wednesday, Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. will feature Warren Simmons, the director of the Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University.

Simmons' lecture, which is free and open to the public, "Making Standards-based Reform a Reality in Schools," will be held in the Barry Marks Auditorium of the Chafee Social Science Center at URI's Kingston Campus.

Simmons previously directed the Philadelphia Education Fund, a non-profit organization that provides technical assistance, professional development, and monetary support to improve Philadelphia's public schools. While there, he played a major role in helping the district develop and implement new academic standards and assessments, standards-based curriculum resources, and comprehensive reform models.

Simmons received his bachelor's degree in psychology from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn., and his doctorate in psychology from Cornell University.

In 1973, the University of Rhode Island established the Robert Finkelstein Memorial Lecture Series in honor of the late Robert Finkelstein, a noted Rhode Island industrialist and staunch believer in state and federal support of elementary and secondary education. The lecture series, founded by the generosity of Augusta Finkelstein in memory of her husband, was renamed in her honor following her death in 1997.

Program access will be provided for persons with disabilities. If you need special accommodations or have questions regarding accessibility, please call 874-2098 (TT) three days in advance.

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For Further Information: Dave Lavallee 401-874-2116