5th Anniversary Celebration
& Salute to the Nation's Unsung Education Heroes

and

American Education: The Next 15 Years
A National Conference

October 27-28, 1998

Introduction

        Five years ago, the Center for Education Reform opened its doors. We recognized that parents all over America wanted the best education possible for their children. But we also knew that parents often lacked the information they needed to transform schools caught in a one-size fits all trap. They wanted innovation, and change, and they wanted choices.

        Throughout the country, parents by the thousands were coming up with new ideas, challenging the educational establishment. But sharing that valuable information from one community to the next was a hit-or-miss proposition. What was needed was a place where people could come to learn from one another, to give each other encouragement and support.

        The Center for Education Reform stepped in to fill that void and today, more children than ever before have a choice. Parents are discovering that they can have an impact. Teachers and schools have better programs to choose from. Stronger standards, more accountability and bigger rewards for success are becoming the norm, rather than the exception.

        On October 27 & 28, 1998, the Center celebrated five years of progress, and the efforts and accomplishments of those thousands of dedicated people all over the United States who have given of themselves to improve education everywhere.

        In particular, we celebrated the work of seven very special people who represent among them the breadth and variety to be found in the education reform movement today.

        You will learn about those people and others, who most Americans don't know about, at least not yet. But they're heroes of a reform movement that's now moving the very foundation of American education in communities from coast to coast.

        We are pleased to bring you this special anniversary, expanded edition of The Monthly Letter to Friends highlighting the achievements of reformers nationwide, and in salute to your own commitment and dedication to the children you serve.

Table of Contents:

• The Case for Radical Reform
• Stories from the Front
• The Quest for Better Schools in Three Cities
• Bringing About Charter Schools: Three Success Stories
• A View From Outside the Box
• Our Gala Dinner & Salute to the Nation's Unsung Heroes
• Keynote Address by E. D. Hirsch
• Education And Choice: Taking It One School At A Time
• What Are We Teaching Our Children?
• Going From A Nation Still At Risk To A Nation Strong

Closing: The Next 15 Years

        I want to thank all of you who truly are my heroes, who have been our speakers and went out of your way to take time to be with us today and share your stories. We've enjoyed a stellar crowd of presenters and advocates at the helm.

        I also want to say a special thank you to all of you who took the time to be here. All of you have incredibly hectic schedules, I know, and it's really rewarding at the end of the day to see so many of you still here, your eyes still open, and lots of note-taking. I appreciate all of you coming and being a part of this important venture.

        The theme of our celebration and our conference has been one of heroes. People who struggle to create better schools, better laws, and to lead others to do the same. The heroes we've honored, and the others here today in this room have honored me many times throughout the day by recognizing the important work of the Center, and I'm humbled and honored. I have to say, however, that it's not difficult work when you've got really wonderful staff. These are the people who make it easy for me to take a phone call, these are the people who make it easy to analyze a law because they have done the work, and these are the people who have served you most.

        The Center's board is also to be commended for their dedication. It is a devoted, energetic, group of people who are involved with people around the country, working toward the same goals.

        People have asked us if we're going to do a conference like this again. Well, we're about change, not process, and we'll follow where we think people want us to lead. I hope you walk away as committed as you were when you came and take that energy, tell us what we need to do better, and how we can be of service to you. Again, thank you for taking time out of your day. We appreciate all you do to make education focus on those who count the most -- the children.

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