It's not too late to sign up for NYSUT's "Ending the Gap: Every Child Counts" symposium Oct. 25-27 featuring an impressive lineup of nationally known researchers, key state policymakers and other advocates for change.

"Closing the achievement gap is not only a goal but a responsibility of our union," said NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi. "Too many of New York's students — predominantly children of color — are being left behind with low test scores, high dropout rates and limited opportunities for success."

The achievement gap is not just a big-city problem, Iannuzzi noted. It hits schools in poverty-stricken rural areas as well.

The symposium, to be held at the Desmond Hotel in Albany, will feature a variety of informative and inspirational speakers.

Opening keynote speaker will be Donna Brazile, political strategist, activist and a regular commentator on CNN. Other speakers and panelists include: • Education Trust Director Kati Haycock; • Ronald Ferguson of Harvard University; • Manuel Rivera, deputy secretary for Education for New York state;  • Kenneth Adams of the Business Council of New York State; • Randi Weingarten, president of the United Federation of Teachers; • James Crawford, president of the Institute for Language and Education Policy; • Richard Rothstein of Columbia University; and • Pedro Noguera of New York University's Steinhardt School of Education.

The symposium will include program sessions that offer deeper discussion on specialized topics, such as Career and Technical Education; language proficiency; teacher recruitment and retention; and ways to improve high school graduation rates.

The gathering will bring together representatives of education and community groups, parents and business leaders.

"As we work to improve our schools, we want to partner with parents, elected officials, business owners and other community leaders to break the cycle of poverty and address the social factors that contribute to the achievement gap," Iannuzzi said. "This symposium is for people who want to be part of the solution."

For more information or to register online, visit http://www.endingthegap.com/. Seating will be limited, so register soon.