Dear SAS Supporter,
Thank you for being a part of the Strong American Schools' ED in '08 campaign. Our two-year campaign to elevate the need for improved public education in the Presidential campaign was successful because of the time and commitment of you and our valued supporters.
During the 2008 Presidential election, ED in '08 worked to highlight the growing crisis in America's schools and encouraged the debate on the issue of educating our children in order to secure our nation's future. We released more than 150 pages of research; signed up more than 125,000 supporters; had nearly 200 organizers and advisors across the country; and sponsored, co-sponsored, or had a presence at almost 1,000 events in 7 key states and beyond. The campaign generated over 6,000 media stories with an advertising value of $86 million and coverage in almost every major American newspaper.
As we close our doors at Strong American Schools, we have released a new report, Turning Campaign Pillars Into Presidential Priorities, that documents how Strong American Schools' ED in '08 campaign became one of the most successful independent advocacy initiatives of the 2008 election season and has helped turn the need for education reform from a low-priority campaign issue into one of the Obama Administration's top policy priorities. To build support and leverage change, Strong American Schools created a reform agenda for the campaign that focused on three policy pillars: common education standards, an effective teacher in every classroom, and expanded learning time for students.
The report cites several accomplishments of Strong American Schools, including:
- Winning support from both major party nominees. Then-Senator Obama supported -and his priorities as president continue to include-all three Strong American Schools' policy pillars. Senator McCain advocated for two of the three pillars.
- Shaping the views of other national figures. ED in '08 had significant input in the education plans produced by the campaigns of other presidential aspirants, some of whom continue to be influential within their parties: Then-Senators Clinton and Biden, Governor Romney and Mayor Giuliani.
- Changing political paradigms. ED in '08 changed the debate around performance pay for teachers-previously a non-starter for Democrat candidates-and helped political leaders advocate for the reform initiative.
The report is available online at http://www.strongamericanschools.org/files/SAS_Report_09_v17_FINAL.pdf
These successes were impossible without your partnership and willingness to participate in the debate. Your continued support for our nation's children will help establish an education system that prepares our students for a competitive world.
We know that the work to improve 21st century education for America's children must continue moving forward. SAS is pleased to introduce a new partner to you in this regard. The Education Equality Project (EEP) was founded by education professionals and concerned citizens who believe every school child in America deserves an effective school; and, that such a school is the only way to close the growing achievement gap for racial and ethnic minority students. EEP is picking up the mission that ED in '08 started-tirelessly advocating on behalf of students falling behind on education and the promise of the American dream.
We encourage you, as a partner in ED in '08, to join EEP for this national call to close the achievement gap in our country. Please visit the EEP website at http://www.educationequalityproject.org to sign up and learn more about EEP and how to help continue to improve schools across America.
Thank you again for your participation and support, which helped grow our effort. We appreciate your commitment to education and encourage you to remain involved with the issue.
Sincerely,
 Roy Romer Chairman |
 Marc Lampkin Executive Director |
Strong American Schools, a project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, is a nonpartisan campaign supported by The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation promoting sound education policies for all Americans. SAS does not support or oppose any candidate for public office and does not take positions on legislation.