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July 14, 2008

New Advertising Campaign Hits Airwaves; Points to the Dire State of America’s Education System and its Risk to Students

Strong American Schools Launches One Nation Left Behind in Seven States

Washington, D.C. — To draw attention to America’s sub-par education system, Strong American Schools today launched a campaign of television, radio, print and online ads. The new ad campaign, One Nation Left Behind, will be running in 16 markets in seven states including: Colorado, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio, New Mexico, Virginia and Wisconsin, with a total expenditure of more than $5 million. Ads are also expected to run later this summer in Minnesota. Actress and children’s book author Jamie Lee Curtis provides the voice of the ads that speak to Americans about the ominous state of America’s public education system and urges them to become advocates for improving the country’s schools.

"I believe that every child deserves an education which helps them reach their full potential," said Jamie Lee Curtis, Emmy and Golden Globe nominated actress who provides the voiceover for Strong American Schools' new ad campaign. "Unfortunately, America’s current public education system is failing to give our students the skills they need to succeed in today’s global economy. As a mother, I know nothing is more important then ensuring our children have a solid foundation for their success later in life. This foundation includes strong schools and a world-class education to help them succeed. I urge our nation’s leaders to make education reform a priority."

Armed with startling statistics, including the fact that 70 percent of eighth grade students in America are not proficient in reading, the campaign, created with New York-based strategic communications firm SS+K, seeks to build a powerful online community among parents and education activists. It also serves as a platform for parents, educators, elected officials and journalists to hold an open dialogue about changing education on local and national levels.

"We know Americans care deeply about the issues that affect them and their families – and providing future generations of Americans with a world-class education is one of the most important issues our country is facing," said Roy Romer, chairman of Strong American Schools. "Our new ad campaign, coupled with our presence in states including Iowa, Missouri, and Ohio gives Americans the opportunity to talk about education and urge the leaders of this country to work with parents, teachers, activists and community leaders to create real change in the way we educate our kids."

"Strong American Schools' new ad, One Nation Left Behind, underscores the harsh reality that America has slipped to the middle of the pack," said Marc Lampkin, executive director of Strong American Schools. "Currently American students are being left behind when compared to their international peers. Recent tests show that, out of 30 industrialized nations, 24 countries outperformed American students in math and 20 outperformed American students in science. America’s leaders need to address this issue with fervor and make investing in students a national priority."

For a fact sheet about the ad campaign and scripts of the television and radio ads, click here.

Strong American Schools is a nonpartisan public awareness and advocacy effort aimed at elevating discussion amongst America's leaders about the need for education reform. The organization seeks to unite all Americans around the crucial mission of improving our public schools by elevating the discussion to a national stage. For more information and to view the new campaign, please visit www.strongamericanschools.org.

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 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.