History: The Education Issues Committee (EIC) was created by CABE in response to the growing need in the state and across the country to educate the general public on all issues relating to English language learner students and families. Attacks on Bilingual Education such as the 2002 Amendment 31 continue The need for an Ed. Issues Committee continues to increase in light of these continued attacks.

Purpose: The Ed. Issues Committee strives to educate all sectors of the public about those issues that impact English language learners, families, and public education. The EIC is committed to informing and educating all sectors about the benefits,advantages, and the research about Bilingual Education in general and about the successful programs in Colorado. The EIC also strives to educate all stakeholders about the needs of English language learners and the facts about second language acquisition.

Activities: The Ed. Issues Committee has presented at the 2002 NABE Annual Conference in January, 2003, and at the New Mexico Association for Bilingual Education Conference in March, 2003. The EIC has focused on collaboration with other key groups and organizations in Colorado including Colorado Common Sense, the Colorado Department of Education, English Plus, and ADOBE.

Committee: The EIC has been and continues to be supported by many individuals. The current composition includes the Chair, Silvana Carlos, silvana_carlos@ceo.cudenver.edu, Sheila Shannon, sshannon@ceo.cudenver.edu, and Jorge Garcia, AquiAssociates@yahoo.com.