The inaugural broadcast and Webcast of the Education Department's new monthly program Education News Parents Can Use takes place tonight from 8-9 p.m. EDT. This evening's program, entitled, "No Child Left Behind: Tools and Information Parents Can Use," will explore what the new No Child Left Behind Act means to families.

The 2002-2003 school year ushers in the full implementation of many of the new law's testing, accountability, and choice provisions. Through interviews and discussions, with Education Department officials, educators and parents across the country, this month's broadcast will help parents find resources, information, and answers to questions they may have about the law's Reading First program, testing requirements, and the many options available to parents whose children are attending schools in need of improvement.

The program will be Webcast live at http://www.connectlive.com/events/edtownmeetings/. It will also be telecast on a live and tape-delayed basis on dozens of cable TV outlets across the country. For a complete list of viewing options, visit http://registerevent.ed.gov/downlink/event-dowlink-list.asp?intEventID=160.

The September broadcast of Education News Parents Can Use will explore such questions as:

• How can I prepare my child to be a strong reader?

• What are the essential components of a quality reading program? What should I look for in my child's classroom?

• What questions should I ask my child's teacher or principal?

• What types of testing will be required under the law and how they help my child achieve?

• If my child's school is under-performing, what options are available to ensure my child receives a first class-education?

• What are supplemental services and how can I attain such services to ensure my child succeeds?

Participants in tonight's program include:

• Susan Neuman, assistant secretary for elementary and secondary education at the U.S. Department of Education.

• Susan Sclafani, counselor to the U.S. Secretary of Education.

• Joseph Pruden, a Prince Georges County, Md., parent and student advocate active in education issues.

• Joyce Covington, chair of the Mathematics Department at Holmes Middle School in Alexandria, Va.

• Bernice Whelchel, an educator for 32 years, and principal of City Springs Elementary School in Baltimore, Md.

• Cheri Yecke, director of Teacher Quality and Public School Choice at the U.S. Department of Education.

• Debra Schiavoni, a single-parent from Lancaster, Pa.

• Meredith Wade, executive secretary at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House Church and administrator of the Alexandria Tutoring Consortium in Virginia.