Kathleen Leos to Head Office of English Language Acquisition

[Harold F. Schiffman]

Kathleen Leos to Head Office of English Language Acquisition

September 7, 2005 Contacts: Samara Yudof
Chad Colby


U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings has named Kathleen Leos
assistant deputy secretary and director of the Office of English Language
Acquisition (OELA). Previously, Leos served as associate assistant deputy
secretary and senior policy advisor in OELA.

"Kathleen has a keen understanding of the issues affecting English
language learners and believes that every child can learn and deserves the
opportunity to learn," Secretary Spellings said. "I am confident she will
be a strong leader for the Office of English Language Acquisition."

In her new position, Leos will be responsible for identifying major issues
affecting the education of English language learners; assisting and
supporting state and local efforts that emphasize high academic standards,
school accountability, professional training and parent involvement; and
providing national leadership in promoting high-quality education for
English language learners.

As associate assistant deputy secretary and senior policy advisor in OELA,
Leos was charged with developing policy and regulations for states
regarding English language learners. Previously, Leos was a trustee on the
Dallas Public Schools Board of Education and held several positions,
including president and state legislative liaison. As a trustee, she
co-authored Texas' HB 103, or "No Exemption" law, which required all
English language learners to be included in Texas' accountability system
for the first time in the state's history. Leos also founded Basic
English, Inc., a non-profit agency whose mission is to transition
non-English speaking families into English while staying focused on their
children's academic achievement, and she has received many awards and
recognitions for her work.

Leos received her Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal arts from The George
Washington University in Washington, D.C.


http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2005/09/09072005.html