In presenting this award, AERA's Lorraine McDonnell said, "What is truly outstanding about Governor Hunt's record is that he focused the public spotlight on improving schools more than 20 years ago, long before chief executives in other states even knew what it meant to be an 'education governor.'
"Over his four terms as governor of North Carolina, Governor Hunt effectively translated education research into feasible policy and practice," added Dr. McDonnell, former chair of AERA's Government Relations Committee and a political scientist at the University of Santa Barbara.
The award was presented Wednesday during AERA's 84th Annual Meeting in Chicago, where approximately 12,000 education researchers are meeting April 21 to 25 to discuss research findings that impact education, from pre-kindergarten to post-secondary education and beyond. Many sessions focus on the issue of accountability and the shared responsibility for educational quality.
Prior to the award presentation, Governor Hunt addressed leading education researchers on the topic How I Know that We Can Make Every School Work and Help Every Child Learn. He described his personal journey in learning the methods and value of education research and how he based his education policies squarely on research findings.
North Carolina has been one of the leading states in improving student performance, and Governor Hunt shared with the research community the data that he found compelling in leading efforts to change schools and get results.
At AERA's Annual Meeting here, the former governor also described the role of the new Hunt Institute for Educational Leadership and Policy in Chapel Hill, N.C., and its special work with governors and other top education and political leaders in America. Established in 2001 as part of the University of North Carolina system, the Institute works with current and emerging education, business and political leaders nationally to improve public education. Hunt chairs the Institute's board. He also is a partner in the law firm of Womble Carlyle Sandridge and Rice, practicing in Raleigh, N.C.
During his tenure as governor (1977 to 1985, and 1993 to 2001), Hunt focused on early childhood development issues and improving the quality of teaching in America. He devoted significant time to excellence in teaching, co-chairing the "Committee of 50" which eventually led to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
For additional information on AERA and this award, contact AERA Communications at (202) 223-9485, or outreach@aera.net In Chicago, call the AERA Pressroom, (312) 329-7080. For information on Governor Hunt and the Institute, contact Kelli Murphy at (919) 843-0182 or Lkmurphy@northcarolina.edu
The American Educational Research Association (AERA) represents approximately 20,000 educators who conduct research and evaluation in education. Founded in 1916 and based in Washington, D.C., AERA offers a comprehensive program of scholarly publications, training, fellowships, and meetings to advance educational research, to disseminate knowledge, and to improve the capacity of the profession for the public's good.
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