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Education Leaders Unite
posted by: Alix | December 03, 2010, 01:51 PM   

On the heels of this week's Foundation for Excellence in Education conference in Washington D.C., the group has announced the formation of a new alliance of education reformers called the "Chiefs for Change". Comprised of education leaders throughout the country, they are committed to providing a strong voice for reforms on the federal, state, and local level.

The distinguished group of education leaders is as follows:

  • Tony Bennett, Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction
  • Deborah Gist, Rhode Island Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education
  • Paul Pastorek, Louisiana State Superintendent of Education
  • Gerard Robinson, Virginia Secretary of Education
  • Eric Smith, Florida Commissioner of Education
The chiefs' main mission is to be a united, driving force behind common sense and bold reforms, focusing on children first. Increasing student achievement and preparing students for success is the goal, regardless of state or school system.

Among the many initiatives and core principles are the focus on teacher and school achievement; rewarding excellence; high academic standards; transparent and rigorous accountability; and empowering parental options.

One member of the group, Dr. Tony Bennett, commented, "Never before has a bipartisan group of national and state political leaders come together with such resolve to comprehensively and immediately reform our system of schools. Some have called education the civil rights issue of our generation, but as we continue a decades-long quest to achieve equal educational opportunities for all students, it's clear that education is the civil rights issue for every generation. The bottom line is if we consistently set high expectations and deliver top-notch instruction, all children can learn. I am excited about the opportunity Chiefs for Change has to ensure all American students receive the high-quality education they deserve."

This coalition certainly has ambitious goals for education that will affect students and teachers alike. What's clear is that a unified voice and strong leadership is critical in insuring improvements across the country.

What do you think of this new group? Will it help schools in the long run?

Comment below.

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