Dr. John Q. Easton, the U.S. Department of Education’s chief research officer, will present the latest federal education research and evaluation priorities at a public meeting on March 25, 2010, in Boise. The free event, scheduled for 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Grove Hotel (Aspen Room), is sponsored by Education Northwest’s Board of Directors.

Easton’s remarks will address how to better connect education research, policy, and practice. A question and answer period will follow, during which Idaho education practitioners and policymakers can share insights on local and state education research needs. The meeting is open to school and district leaders, school board members, community advocates, and others interested in education policy. Those wishing to attend must register online prior to the event.

Easton was named director of the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) in May 2009. IES is the research arm of the U.S. Department of Education. It encompasses the National Center for Education Statistics, the National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance, the National Center for Education Research, and the National Center for Special Education Research. Prior to joining IES, Easton was executive director of the Consortium on Chicago School Research at the University of Chicago.

His appearance in Boise follows a meeting with the Education Northwest Board of Directors.