Stand for Children; Another Dangerous Group
When Stand for Children came to town, I was contacted by a very nice woman who sat down with me to explain who they were and what they were doing. I found it interesting but I also felt confused. Were they working with parents or not? I tried to get a bead on if they were trying to compete or compliment PTA. It sounded good but vague. One thing I do recall is her telling me they had a specific non-profit status so that they could lobby. That should have told me something but I wished her luck and went on my way.
Here's the thing; since 2009, Stand, both locally and nationally, changed their tune. They suddenly morphed into a less-than-grassroots organization and into a lobbying behemoth. Their motives, their tactics were on display when their founder, Jonah Edelman, went off in a videotape that was widely seen. It was a huge embarrassment but that didn't slow Stand much.
It is clear that Stand, StudentsFirst (Michelle Rhee's group) and Democrats for Education Reform are the lead players much of the big push for ed reform. It appears that Stand may be aided and abetted by ALEC. (Interesting item is that the Dems in California are fighting DFER's use of the word "Democrat" as it has a legal meaning in that state. It may be that they will be forced to quit using "Democrat" in their name in that state.
Here's the thing; since 2009, Stand, both locally and nationally, changed their tune. They suddenly morphed into a less-than-grassroots organization and into a lobbying behemoth. Their motives, their tactics were on display when their founder, Jonah Edelman, went off in a videotape that was widely seen. It was a huge embarrassment but that didn't slow Stand much.
It is clear that Stand, StudentsFirst (Michelle Rhee's group) and Democrats for Education Reform are the lead players much of the big push for ed reform. It appears that Stand may be aided and abetted by ALEC. (Interesting item is that the Dems in California are fighting DFER's use of the word "Democrat" as it has a legal meaning in that state. It may be that they will be forced to quit using "Democrat" in their name in that state.
Beware of AstroTurf Ed Reformers
Just Like Michelle Rhee's Students first only BETTER
Astroturf lobbying refers to political organizations or campaigns that appear to be made up of grassroots activists but are actually organized and run by corporate interests seeking to further their own agendas. Such groups are often typified by innocent-sounding names that have been chosen specifically to disguise the group's true backers
Just Like Michelle Rhee's
Students first Astroturf lobbying (only Better)
Other Astroturf lobbying groups
Just Like Michelle Rhee's
Students first Astroturf lobbying (only Better)