Take Action Opportunity for Early Childhood Education

Thanks to a reader for sending in the following.  It goes nicely with my recent takeways from my Liberia trip on the need to take more action on influencing our policy makers:

Senator Bob Casey from Pennsylvania has introduced a bill that would reward states for advancing their early learning systems.

S. 470 would provide federal funding to help expand and improve early learning programs in the states. It reflects an understanding of over 50 years of research proving that high-quality early learning programs are very effective at reducing high school drop out rates.

Early support for bills like this can make or break it. The more people who write in, the more Senate co-sponsors the bill will gain and the more likely it is to ultimately come up for a vote.  Click HERE to support this bill.

The Latest in Education Reform

Before September, I had never heard of Michelle Rhee.  Now, she is dominating the media on education reform.   She was the D.C. Chancellor of Schools highlighted in the film "Waiting for Superman."  In October, she resigned and followed up with a large media blitz announcing her new venture StudentsFirst.org. 


Is Rhee's Project Right on Track?
from greatergreaterwashington.org
This article sums up how I feel about Rhee?  I am cheering for her, but I am unclear on her new venture.  Rhee is suppose release her legislative agenda this week so keep an eye out for it.


What Rhee Wrought
from Washington Post
Despite this negative article on Rhee, I am still rooting for her.


School Reform: A Chance for Bipartisn Governing 
from Washington Post
After reading this article, I was disappointed to realize it had been written by Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education. I would have liked a more unbiased author.  However, it's still worth reading and here is a link to a response to what he says, The Answer Sheet: A Reponse to Arne Duncan


Economist's Plan to Improve Schools Begins Before Kindergarten
from  New York Times
A prominent businessman's and a prominent economists' opinion that the solution to reducing the budget deficit and strengthening the economy is investing in early childhood education.  It is one more reason I am such a strong supporter of early childhood education.  Additionally, in David Brook's op-ed this week, regarding the size of government, he lists early childhood education as the first thing democrats believe is needed to compete in our society.


Low Performing Schools Replace Staff
from NPR
The Obama administration is behind and continuing to support nationally what was Rhee's controversial decision, as Washington D.C. Chancellor, to replace poor performing teachers despite huge battles with the teacher's union.


The Value of a Good Teacher
from Wall Street Journal
One economist estimates the added value of a good teacher to the future earnings of a class of 20 students to be $240,000 annually.