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 Besides the turkey, stuffing, gravy and pecan pie, CER gives thanks for many things even more important – well at least more important every other day of the year except this Thursday!
WE GIVE THANKS – like virtually everybody else in America, that the election is finally over. We are especially thankful that candidates who favored the CER education opportunity and innovation agenda did so well in all parts of the country and representing both parties. We reported last week on the full rundown of gubernatorial results – as a reminder they are here. Now we will need your help to hold the winners accountable. WE GIVE THANKS that alternative education options continue to be increasingly available to students and parents. Much, much more needs to be done frankly, but great strides are being made. For the full state-by-state rundown in CER’s “Parent Power! Index” go to parentpowerindex.edreform.com. WE GIVE THANKS for dedicated teachers, administrators and parents of all charter schools, especially those in challenging environments. One such example is Alma del Mar, a K-8 charter public school in Bedford Massachusetts. As the Wall Street Journal notes, “Alma del Mar (which means “soul of the sea”) is a success story in a city that badly needed one. Started in August 2011, it now has 446 children on its rolls—and even more than that on a waiting list, clamoring to be admitted.” WE DO NOT GIVE THANKS that Bedford’s shortsighted Mayor Jon Mitchell is opposing the schools plans to expand so it can serve more of the town’s disadvantaged kids. For opposing the rescue of his town’s students from his town’s failing schools Mitchell should get the gizzard on Thanksgiving. The full story can be read here 
WE GIVE THANKS for the courage of parents to fight for quality education in yet another northeast city with a challenging education environment- Philadelphia. The Philadelphia school board will consider three applications to open new charter schools this year, all affiliated with at least one school already operating in the city. If approved, the three proposed charter schools would add 2,300 students to the city’s charter enrollment. Charter schools already serve 70,000 pupils, or one-third of students in the district. With fully a third of students already being served by schools offering choice and innovation, it is understandable that the education Blob is in full panic mode. But shame on the Blob for putting obstacles in the path of largely poor parents fighting for a better education and future for their kids. Read the full coverage here. WE GIVE THANKS that we are adding “Cyber Education Monday” to the post-Thanksgiving days of Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Instead of cyber shopping, help CER shine a spotlight on Cyber Education on our Cyber Monday takeover! And, if you insist on cyber shopping this Cyber Monday, please do so through AmazonSmile and designate The Center for Education Reform as your charity. You can donate directly to CER on Monday November 26 to support innovation & opportunity in personalized learning, and new policies that provide more direct, immediate access for Americans to increase their education and workforce skills to align with the modern needs of US business and industry! We send our cyber-thanks in advance! WE ARE BEYOND THANKFUL for the wonderful, dedicated supporters and friends who helped us make it through our first 25 years and celebrate our silver anniversary with a Gala & Summit last month in Miami. It was an amazing two days with innovative and visionary leaders from all walks of life (including the newly crowned Miss America!) sharing their best thoughts, experiences and recommendations to help CER launch our 2nd quarter century. See a recap and pictures from the event here. LASTLY, WE ARE THANKFUL FOR AMERICA. We are unapologetic believers in American exceptionalism. CER’s mission is to help all of our country’s students become exceptional themselves. We are so very thankful to you. Our very best wishes for a blessed and joyous Thanksgiving. 
Founded in 1993, the Center for Education Reform aims to expand educational opportunities that lead to improved economic outcomes for all Americans — particularly our youth — ensuring that conditions are ripe for innovation, freedom and flexibility throughout U.S. education. |
