Montana schools chief Nancy Keenan has a new name. Just call her “Wise Owl Woman.”
In a ceremony at the Charlie Russell Art Show in Great Falls last week, Blackfeet tribal officials bestowed the name on the state superintendent for her work with Indian children as well as on behalf of all public school students in Montana.
A strong advocate for the education of American Indians, Ms. Keenan has consistently shown her commitment to the education of non-Indians about Indian culture, said Joe Lampson, a spokesman for the tribe. He said she has also been a strong supporter of the tribal colleges on each of the seven reservations in the state.
Ms. Keenan, who has been the superintendent since 1988, was also made an honorary member of the tribe.
“It was a moving experience,” Ms. Keenan told The Associated Press. “The naming and the drumming, you feel that totally from the heart.”
Phil Zarlengo has been tapped to head the Northeast and Islands Regional Educational Laboratory at Brown University, one of 10 federally funded research and development laboratories.
Mr. Zarlengo, who has held various teaching and administrative positions, has been the acting executive director of the laboratory since last year. The organization is involved in programs with schools, state education departments, and other agencies under a five-year, $24.3 million contract reached with the U.S. Department of Education in 1995.
The Northeast lab, based at Brown in Providence, R.I., is one of 10 regional labs sponsored by the department to promote school improvement. They provide access to research in areas such as improving teaching and learning and assessment.
The lab serves New England, New York, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
Gary L. Carlston, a former superintendent of the Logan school district in Utah, has been named the education deputy to Gov. Michael O. Leavitt of Utah.
Mr. Carlston, who is now associate dean of the college of education at Utah State University, will replace Corrine P. Hill, who is retiring.
Mr. Carlston will advise the Republican governor on issues concerning state public schools and colleges. His appointment takes effect this month.
ADRIENNE D. COLES acoles@epe.org
