"I have known Ken James for the past 20 years and have admired and respected the work he has done both as a district superintendent and chief state school officer. Like America's Choice, Ken is committed to both high standards and to getting all children to those standards, no matter where they start. These commitments have been the hallmark of a career in public education that has earned him the admiration of his peers. America's Choice is very fortunate to have Ken join us in a major leadership position." – Judy Codding, President and CEO of America’s Choice
|
|
"During his tenure as commissioner, Dr. Ken James was committed to the academic success of Arkansas students. ACT and America's Choice share this commitment to the success of our nation's students through joint efforts toward college and career readiness. I am confident that our ability to positively impact the American education system will be significantly strengthened with the addition of Dr. James as a member of the America's Choice team." - Dr. Cynthia B. Schmeiser, President and COO of ACT, Inc.
|
|
"Ken has been one of the most innovative and effective state school chiefs in the country, and CCSSO has benefitted greatly from his leadership. I look forward to working with Ken in his new role as executive vice president and chief operating officer America's Choice. They, like the students, teachers, and families of Arkansas before them, are lucky to have him." – Gene Wilhoit, Executive Director of the Council of Chief State School Officers
|
|
“My congratulations to America’s Choice in naming Ken James to the leadership position of executive vice president and chief operating officer. America’s Choice is one of our nation’s foremost organizations in working with schools to deliver 21st century solutions to complex issues in education. It has been my pleasure to work with Ken James as a partner in encouraging states to adopt a core set of common education standards. I applaud him for his efforts not only in Arkansas but as a national leader. America’s Choice is fortunate to have Ken on board.” –Former North Carolina Governor James Hunt
|
|
“The nation will now have an opportunity to benefit from Ken's expertise! His leadership and demonstrated results in Arkansas over the last several years is proof that raising expectations for children can lead to improved outcomes. I look forward to working with Ken as NGA works to help governors ensure all students have an equal opportunity to get their piece of the American dream.” – Dane Linn, Director of the National Governors Association Education Division
|
|
“Ken has provided first rate leadership to improve education in Arkansas, and has been a widely respected chief state school officer nationally. He knows what it takes to increase student achievement. Even more importantly, he knows how to get it done. States, school districts and schools participating in America's Choice will benefit tremendously from his wisdom, experience and support.” – Michael Cohen, President of Achieve, Inc.
|
|
“Ken James has played an invaluable role in moving Arkansas’s education system out of the courtroom and onto the path of excellence. The educational advancements he oversaw have already produced measurable improvements for our students, but the true extent of those advancements will be revealed further with each additional school year. On behalf of all Arkansans, I thank Ken for his tireless, single-minded efforts to improve the education of our children.” – Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe
|
|
“If I were to sum Ken up in one word it would be ‘remarkable.’ The thing that is most impressive to me about Ken is that every decision he’s made has been made in the context of what's in the best interest of children. Arkansas’ loss is absolutely going to be America’s Choice’s gain. Ken took a state that struggled for years to improve student achievement, and made Arkansas the envy of the nation. I’m incredibly excited that Ken is moving to a position that will allow him to continue to impact the lives of children.” – Luke Gordy, Executive Director of Arkansans for Education Reform Foundation
|
|
“Ken understands, values and respects the role of the classroom educator. He knows that student achievement really improves with fully prepared and supported teachers who are so vital to the learning process. America’s Choice is fortunate to have an individual who will bring that same level of understanding and dedication to the schools it serves.” - Rich Nagel, Executive Director of the Arkansas Education Association
|
