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by Mark Lerner
Examiner.com
October 11, 2013

My wife Michele and I had the distinct pleasure of attending the Center for Education Reform’s 20th anniversary Gala and Awards Show Wednesday evening. The Washington Hilton ballroom was filled with a who’s who of education reformers on both the local scene and national stage. At one end of the room was Kevin Chavous, Michelle Bernard, and Chester Finn while at the other was Joe Bruno and Brian Jones. Josh Kern joined us as did Lisa Graham Keegan, who was recently inducted into the National Charter Schools Hall of Fame. Also in attendance was my hero Donald Hense. The event was indeed a celebration as eight individuals were honored for their groundbreaking work in improving public education for those who, because of their low economic status, are the least able to be able to fight for themselves.

But the night was also bittersweet. The men assembled in black-ties and the women in formal gowns knew that together we were marking the end of an era. For it was at this moment in time that Jeanne Allen was stepping down as president of the Center for Education Reform, the school choice support organization she founded twenty years ago. How perfectly appropriate, then, that her husband, Dr. Kevin Strother, sang our National Anthem with passion usually reserved for our most solemn occasions.

The master of ceremonies for the program was none other than Michael Musante, the government relations expert for Friends of Choice in Urban Schools (FOCUS). Based upon his performance at the Gala I really think he should consider changing jobs. He moved through the crowd as if he was floating on air, sometimes telling jokes, other times singing classic Frank Sinatra songs with the assurance that comes from an experienced nightclub professional. After all you have to

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Highlights National Education Poll, and Honors The Nation’s Leaders in Innovation

CER Press Release
Washington, DC
October 11, 2013

The Center for Education Reform (CER) announced Wednesday the results of its recent poll on The State of Education in America at its 20th Anniversary Conference and Gala (CERat20) in Washington, DC, where pioneers were honored for their exemplary leadership and extraordinary achievement in advancing education reform.

The conference included a series of panel discussions with some of the nation’s leading experts on topics concerning the contentious relationship between schools and teacher unions, gaining allies in the legislative process, best practices in innovation and the challenges facing the movement in minority communities.

“What we learned at Wednesday’s conference really puts a rubber stamp on the poll results that we released this week,” said CER Founder and President, Jeanne Allen. “Throughout the day, from various panelists we heard a reoccuring that parents today are no different than they were 20 years ago when we started this journey. They want quality educational options in their communities, and they want them now.”

Panelists also reflected on their own experiences in developing quality educational options for students, and what needs to happen at the grassroots level to create the next generation of reformers.

Following the announcement of the poll results at the conference was a black-tie awards gala, where William J. Bennett, Yvonne Chan, Barbara Dreyer, The Gleason Family Foundation, Deborah McGriff and Michael Moe were awarded the distinguished “EdReformies” for their ongoing work on behalf of students and parents.

CER Founder and President Jeanne Allen was also honored for her years of service, advocacy and achievement in advancing innovative reform. Earlier this year, Allen announced that she was stepping aside as president effective Nov. 1.

“Since Jeanne Allen started CER in 1993, the organization has brought a unique sensibility,

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Survey Captures the Heartbeat of American Families on Education

CER Press Release
Washington, DC
October 8, 2013

Celebrating twenty years as the pioneer and leading advocate for substantive reform in education, The Center for Education Reform (CER) in collaboration with Education Nation, released a nationwide poll at NBC News’ Education Nation Summit yesterday. Full results to be announced Wednesday, October 9, 2013 at CER’s 20th Anniversary Conference at the Washington Hilton. Overall, the survey demonstrates that Americans increasingly support more accountability for students and schools, and more power for parents in the process.

“As when I founded CER, those who work to change the status quo and replace mediocrity with excellence are often met by resistance or calls for acquiescence by members of their own “flock” who want us to appeal to the reason of our opponents, or government officials who have a vested interest in the status quo,” said CER President, Jeanne Allen. “We took this poll to hear what Americans really think about education. We want their voice to be heard loud and clear,” she continued.

Former Governor of Florida and respected education thought leader, Jeb Bush has said that “Jeanne Allen and, the Center for Education Reform both have been incredible resources both on a personal and a policy level. Jeanne and CER was involved in the education reform movement in our country before it was cool…”

Said Joel Klein, CEO of Amplify and former NYC Chancellor about Allen and CER – “You don’t do what’s easy, you don’t do what’s comfortable. You simply do what is right.”

The Pollster who conducted the survey for CER, Kellyanne Conway, of the polling company inc./ WomanTrend, said “Americans continue to place high value on choice, accountability and innovation in education. They believe new technologies should complement traditional learning, and support alternatives to conventional schooling.

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William Bennett, Yvonne Chan, Barbara Dreyer, The Gleason Family Foundation (James, Janis and Tracy Gleason), Deborah McGriff and Michael Moe to Receive Awards in Washington, DC

CER Press Release
Washington, DC
August 1, 2013

Washington, DC – The Center for Education Reform (CER) turns 20-years-old this fall and, as part of its Anniversary Celebration, the organization will host “CER at 20,” an October 9th conference and gala in Washington, DC where the group will honor five individuals and one family foundation who have been the “classics” of the education reform movement.

These accomplished people, whose contributions to the enormous progress made on education reform are both unique and path breaking, will be presented EdReformies at the evening gala.

The announcement of the EdReformies awards was made by Jeanne Allen, founder and president, CER, who announced in February that she is stepping down from the CER presidency at the end of October to pursue other opportunities advancing the cause of meaningful education reform benefitting all children. Allen will remain a CER Board member and serve as a senior fellow of the organization. Kara Kerwin, currently vice president, external affairs, CER, will assume the role of president, CER, on November 1.

The EdReformie awardees are:

WILLIAM J. BENNETT
Former U.S. Secretary of Education, author and radio personality
Presented by Tony Bennett, Florida Commissioner of Education

YVONNE CHAN
Founder and Principal, Vaughn Next Century Learning Center, former California State board member and charter school activist
Co-Presented by Building Excellent Schools Fellows Jane Henzerling, founder the Mission Preparatory Charter School, San Francisco, CA and
David Singer, Head of School University Prep, Denver, CO

BARBARA DREYER
Co-founder and CEO, Connections Education and pioneer in virtual learning
Presented by Jonathan Hage, President & CEO, Charter Schools USA

JAMES, JANIS, AND TRACY GLEASON OF THE GLEASON FAMILY FOUNDATION
Principals of The Gleason Family Foundation, and leaders in

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