The 23 year history of #EdReform is also the making of a movement! Follow these #CER23 Timeline Tidbits to learn why it matters:
1993: 10 years after Nation at Risk & continued crisis, The Center for Education Reform is founded by @JeanneAllen to make all schools work better for all children.
1995: CER publishesThe School Reform Handbook, training an army of school reform pioneers.
1996: CER starts grading state charter school laws to ensure opportunity & innovation for all kids.
1997: Before the web took off, CER published the first ever roadmap to starting & advocating for charter schools
1998: Rep. Dwight Evans is honored as an Unsung Hero for his work helping Pennsylvania kids at CER’s 5th anniversary celebration.
1998: “We simply cannot afford to lose a single child.” — Words of urgency from Howard Fuller that still ring true today
1998: Leah Vukmir started as a concerned parent who used to call CER. Today, she’s leading the charge for opportunity as a Wisconsin State Senator.
2002: Choice & Accountability take the national stage with CER’s guidance and expertise
2002: US Supreme Court, in Zelman v. Simmons–Harris case, finds Ohio voucher program constitutional! CER Amicus Brief is credited with with shaping Justice O’Connor’s opinion.
2003: As CER celebrates its 10th anniversary, we honor Fannie Lewis, a mother turned City Councilwoman who fought the law for kids and won.
2003: “No longer can we brand kids by their zip code.” Rod Paige, who was Education Secretary at the time, makes this declaration at CER’s 10th anniversary dinner.
2004: CER never lets inaccuracy go unanswered, leading 33 renowned experts to pen an ad in the New York Times to set the record straight on charter schools.
2005: CER organizes national relief effort for students affected by Hurricane Katrina.
2005: CER vows to carry on the legacy of John Walton, who believed in school choice because it was the right thing to do.
2008: CER’s first tweet! And as this timeline will show, laws & minds did indeed change.
2010: After 17 years of work on the front lines influencing & authorizing legislation, CER’s voice & presence is unparalleled.
2011: CER’s impact in the media is marked by 5 billion media impressions since its inception.
2011: The Media Bullpen launches to hold media accountable for education reporting.
2012: As advisor to the movie Won’t Back Down, CER helps take school choice mainstream and makes Parent Power digital (which today, is now called the Parent Power Index!)
2013: After 20 years, CER takes stock of influencing 20 million parent power advocates since its inception.
2015: EdReformU launches with a groundbreaking online course to introduce a new generation to the history & struggle of #EdReform.
2016: A 360 look reveals A Movement at Risk. CER convenes groups throughout US to commit to parent power & innovation.
2016: CER relaunches to usher in next generation of policies & practices to expand Innovation + Opportunity throughout US education.
Thank you to all working to advance parent power! Use the #CER23 hashtag to share your favorite memory today as we mark a new year & recommit to the cause!