U of A professor to advise Romney on education issues

FAYETTEVILLE, AR – Mitt Romney, Republican candidate for president, has named University of Arkansas professor Robert Costrell to his advisory committee on education.

Costrell joined the faculty in 2006 after a career in education and public service that included seven years in major policy roles for three governors of Massachusetts. He was then-Gov. Romney’s education adviser.

Costrell worked closely with all three governors and Commissioner of Education David Driscoll throughout the period when Massachusetts’ education accountability reforms, based on exit exams, went into effect. He also helped develop Romney’s comprehensive education reform proposal of 2005 to advance accountability to the next level in Massachusetts.

Romney’s campaign said his Education Policy Advisory Group comprises 19 individuals with “deep and diverse experience in a variety of roles across K-12 education, postsecondary education, and workforce training in both the public and private sectors.”

Costrell holds the Twenty-First Century Chair in Education Accountability in the College of Education and Health Professions. He holds a doctorate in economics from Harvard. Much of his research centers on teacher pension reform.

“Gov. Romney has always placed a very high priority on education policy,” Costrell said. “My service in his administration was a very rewarding experience that helped Massachusetts achieve very strong educational progress. So, I am honored to have the opportunity to help Gov. Romney advance the national agenda on education policy in the federal context.”

University of Arkansas policy states that university employees have the right to engage in political activity. Costrell is not being paid for the advisory role in Romney’s campaign.