What: Roundtable discussion for Journalists and Opinion Leaders on how Albert Shanker's legacy affects current policy debates on education and other related issues. The event marks the release of Tough Liberal: Albert Shanker and the Battles Over Schools, Unions, Race and Democracy (Columbia University Press) by Century Foundation Senior Fellow Richard D. Kahlenberg.

When: Thursday, September 6, 2007, 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Where: The Century Foundation, 41 East 70th Street, New York City

Featuring: Richard D. Kahlenberg, senior fellow, The Century Foundation, Randi Weingarten, president, United Federation of Teachers, and moderator Greg Anrig, Jr., vice-president, policy, The Century Foundation.

Albert Shanker was a legendary and controversial leader of New York City's United Federation of Teachers (UFT) from 1964-1986 and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) from 1974-1997. Richard Kahlenberg's book, Tough Liberal, which provides the first complete narrative of Shanker's life, raises a number of questions for contemporary debates over education, labor, civil rights, and the future of liberalism. At a time when teacher unions are routinely dismissed as bad for education, why did Shanker and others first create the modern teacher union movement? Does Shanker's example suggest that teacher union leaders can also be progressive education reformers? As Congress begins to debate renewal of the federal No Child Left Behind Act, do the education standards and testing movement that Shanker championed remain faithful to his vision, or did it go off track? At a time when race-based school integration and affirmative action policies are under attack from the courts and ballot initiatives, does Shanker's alternative path, that sought to remedy discrimination with policies aimed at lifting up economically disadvantaged people of all races, make sense? At a time when the AFL-CIO continues to decline, what lessons can be learned from Shanker's union, which tripled in size during his tenure? At a time when liberals are ascendant but still have difficulty defining what they stand for, does Albert Shanker's simple and coherent answer—political and economic democracy—have relevance?

The group will explore these issues over a light breakfast. This event is for press and invited participants only, and space is limited. Media representatives should confirm attendance by contacting Laurie Ahlrich. Journalists who wish to receive a press copy of the book at the event must confirm attendance in advance.

The Century Foundation Senior Fellow, Richard D. Kahlenberg, author of Tough Liberal, discusses the legacy of Albert Shanker:

Randi Weingarten, president of the United Federation of Teachers, discusses her predicator, Albert Shanker:

Part Two of the Q & A segment: