A weekly report on education news and commentary you won’t find anywhere else — from the nation’s leading voice on education innovation and opportunity.

HAIL TO THE CHIEF

Today, for the 59th time since 1789, the oath of office was administered to a President-elect. That fact in and of itself makes America exceptional, that our still young, Democratic Republic could survive and thrive throughout unprecedented success, and challenge. We hope all citizens pause and consider that remarkable fact, and in doing so share our sense of pride.  In recognition of our country’s special day, a special edition of Newswire.  

LET’S TALK ABOUT OPPORTUNITY.  Now we’re not going to sugarcoat the situation - the Biden-Harris Administration enters significantly in love with the “system” point of view and their biggest backer was the teachers unions. For months, throughout the debates and the ensuing campaign, thousands of diverse opportunity supporters have pleaded with them. “Give parents power,” “Let money follow the student,” and let children, particularly our most vulnerable — choose their mode of education and not let their zip code determine their destiny.  And today, more than ever, parents know that the future of school needs to look very different from the past. Get ready for another case of history-in-the-making, as parents rise up to ensure that no child is locked out of opportunity.

first three first ladies also made history. They instituted a lot of the inaugural traditions observed today, supported their husbands in their work and even saved documents from the British as they burned the White House!  In helping teachers and students prepare to learn about transfers of power and what goes along with it, CER’s  "Why America?" webinar last week featured first hand accounts and comments on the inaugurations these esteemed ladies experienced and helped organize. (Turns out, they weren’t all harmonious back then either.) We suspect generations to come will be saying similar things about our ladies (and new second gentleman!) today.

PANDEMIC SCIENCE.  “Follow the science” is a mantra that is batted back and forth more than a tennis ball at Wimbledon. Let’s remind everyone that the science of safely reopening schools — ASAP — is over. Scientific studies — as opposed to union propaganda — overwhelmingly show that it is past time to open the doors and let the kids learn in school — if that’s the modality that best suits them. No matter where you go or who you are, you need to read up on the reality:

• A peer reviewed study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics has found that the spread of COVID-19 in surveyed elementary schools is extremely limited.

• Brown University is part of a coalition that is making the case that safety now is both possible and necessary to avoid any more trauma to kids.

• Another new study out of Tulane University says the benefits of getting children back into the classroom outweigh the risks.

As the Chicago Tribune points out, it’s not science but the teachers unions that are driving the insanity. “City Hall and CPS should not back down. They need to stick to their reopening plans and not pay CTU members who refuse to return to work.” Amen.

the agenda that will make your lives much easier - and fuller. Until then, don’t forget, this land is indeed OUR land. (J. Lo stole our thunder today — but she was good!)