Why Education Remains America's Most Ignored Crisisbr National Journal - The Newseumbr Politicians from both sides of the aisle agree: early childhood education plays a crucial role in ensuring America’s economy and global competitiveness. Even amid challenging fiscal climates, states have advanced innovative approaches to early learning policies, and new federal initiatives are trying to sustain their momentum and expand their reach. What’s next for early learning, and what can the White House and Congress do to support it?br br This National Journal policy summit will feature a panel of experts exploring how the two presidential candidates’ visions for early education might translate into policy and the impact these policies might have on the nation’s long term economic health. The discussion will also examine the current early childhood education policies at work in the states and offer a range of policy solutions to guarantee American children have the tools they need to succeed in a global economy.br br Fawn Johnsonbr Correspondentbr National JournalThe Honorable Michael Castlebr Partnerbr DLA PiperBarry Downingbr Presidentbr Northrock, Inc.Rolf Grafwallner, Ph.D.br Assistant State Superintendentbr Early Childhood Development, Maryland Department of EducationLaura McSorleybr Managing Directorbr Early Childhood Initiative, Teach For AmericaNina Reesbr Chief Executive Officerbr National Alliance for Public Charter SchoolsArthur J. Rolnick, Ph.D.br Senior Fellow and Co-Director of the Human Capital Research Collaborativebr Hubert H.