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ALL WE WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS…

FORGET ABOUT TWO FRONT TEETH.  We’d gladly swap those for two more Governors like  educational choice superstars Kristi Noem of South Dakota and Jared Polis of Colorado. Republican Noem and Democrat Polis may not agree on much, but they are solid in their support of more innovation and opportunity for students stuck in failing schools. Having Governors in both parties with the courage and vision of Noem and Polis is even more important than being able to say “sister Suzie sittin’ on a thistle”.

MORE LEADERS LIKE “41”.   The passing of President George H.W. Bush reminds us of what a champion President Bush was of choice and alternative pathways for students to make their own future.  He earned and proudly wore the title “the education President”. Several charter schools and organizations won his “Thousand Points Of Light” award during his Presidency. He is sorely missed, but we can’t help but notice the thousand points of lights in the heavens at night, and strongly suspect that one of those stars has a slightly crooked smile and is holding hands with a lady named Barbara.

MISS AMERICA’S INSIGHT FOR ALL AMERICANS.  The reigning Miss America, Nia Franklin, was a special guest at our recent 25th Anniversary Summit and Gala. Nia credits having a strong arts curriculum available in her high school with bringing her out of her shell, instilling pride and self confidence, and giving her the gumption to compete for a long shot dream – becoming Miss America. That made her an advocate of educational opportunity.  A superb singer, she brought our anniversary crowd to its feet with her rendition of “America the Beautiful.” If you plan to sing “There she goes, Miss America…” you’d better be quick and have sharp eyes, for Nia is going to go far and do great things for our country.

STOCKINGS STUFFED WITH EDUCATORS LIKE “THE BLADE”.  Former Indiana Governor and now President of Purdue University Mitch Daniels ran the White House budget office for President George W. Bush, who dubbed Daniels “the blade” for his cost cutting skills. He has carried over those skills to Purdue -to the amazing extent that come graduation day in 2020, Purdue will not have raised tuition in eight years.

In 2017 Purdue purchased Kaplan University, an online, for-profit distance learning institution.  Now called Purdue Global, the online University enrolls 29,000 students. It’s aim is to serve working adults nationwide who want to complete a college degree but don’t have the time or geographic proximity to enroll in ordinary classes. “Distance learning” is a key component of providing educational opportunities to all students, regardless of age or location. There has of course been push-back from what we call the education “Blob” – the establishment that is so invested in brick-and-mortar, 20th century education concepts.  Those folks deserve lumps of coal in their stockings. We are informing the jolly fat man – Santa, not Chris Christie, via Fedex.

MORE ANGELS LIKE STEVE FORBES FOR THE TREE TOPPER.  Besides being a “Renaissance man” in the true meaning of that phrase, Steve Forbes has also been in the front lines fighting for a renaissance in education – giving students and parents the widest possible options to choose what educational path best suits them. He described this in his usual pithy prose. “When you don’t have real choice then you get not only mediocrity, but you often get institutions that become more interested in their own well being, rather than their original mission.” We’d put Steve on top of every tree so his voice would carry far and wide. Catch Steve on Reality Check with Jeanne Allen tonight at National Review Online and at staging.edreform.com.

FLORIDA SUNSHINE FOR ALL AMERICA.  Santa’s sleigh needs snow for optimum operation, so were not talking weather.  We’re talking the light of new ideas in education. Governor-Elect Rick DeSantis has been a champion for school innovation in the House of Representatives, and shows every sign of continuing to fight the good fight as Governor.  At a recent meeting of his education transition team, his chief education advisor Kim McDougal said; “We’re moving from school choice to informed, high quality school choice. The closer we can get to individualize education for each child the more success we will see.” Starting with Jeb Bush a long line of Florida Governors has recognized that in education, one size does not fit all. That trend will continue and grow under Governor DeSantis, and that is a present under the Christmas tree of every school child in Florida.

EVERY BLESSING OF CHRISTMAS ON YOU AND YOURS.  CER has been blessed in so many ways over our first 25 years, but the foremost blessing has been the support, encouragement, constructive critiques, prodding and yes love from you our friends, compatriots, and supporters. This is a season that brings reflection, and ours is one of heartfelt thanks to you. And though it’s not yet the “Night Before Christmas”, we join Clement Moore’s St. Nicholas in saying MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT.

Newswire will be vacationing until after the New Year. But fear thee not, as we will continue to bring great tidings through our Twitter and Facebook ​feeds, and online at staging.edreform.com!

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.