Make Education a priority in Election 08!

I wanted to tell you about a campaign called ED in 08. The purpose of this campaign is to make sure that EDUCATION is one of the major themes in the 2008 general election. We hear a lot about the economy, healthcare, Iraq (ok, not as much about Iraq as I would have expected, but...). But where do the candidates stand on education?

ED in 08 is a project of the Strong American Schools foundation. This group does not endorse or support any candidate or political party. All they want is to ensure that the state of Education in America is a priority in the election. Here's what their website says:

The world is changing, jobs are evolving, and far too many students are simply not being prepared to be successful adults:
• Seventy percent of eighth graders are not proficient in reading—and most will never catch up.
• Every year, more than 1.2 million students drop out of high school.
• Many of those who do graduate are not ready for college, for the workplace, and for life.
This is not about schools in some far-off city. This is about the students you see in your own neighborhood. This is not someone else's problem. This is an American problem that affects us all.

I encourage you to visit the website at www.edin08.org. Read some of the scary statistics about how American students match-up to their counterparts around the world. In your own election year activities (and I hope you do plan some election year activities or involvement beyond voting), please do your part to ensure that Education is part of the discussion. Ask questions. Write letters. Participate in online discussions.

And if you'd like a cool ED in 08 button to wear, email me. I've got plenty to share.