Monday, December 6, 2010

Controversial D.C. school reformer takes agenda national - CNN.com

Controversial D.C. school reformer takes agenda national - CNN.com

Controversial D.C. school reformer takes agenda national

CNN Wires Staff
December 6, 2010 12:20 p.m. EST
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Former D.C. school chancellor to launch education advocacy group Monday
  • Michelle Rhee will make announcement on the Oprah Winfrey Show, website said
  • Rhee stepped down from position as Chancellor in October

(CNN) -- Known as a reformer and a rebel, Michelle Rhee took a "revolutionary" step Monday, when she posted on her website, her intent to launch an education advocacy group, according to one educator.

"There is a significant interest within the country around what's happening in our public schools," Steve Perry, a principal in Connecticut and contributor for CNN said.

"She's gonna put together a grass roots organization of educators, and parents and individuals who just care about public education," Perry said, "she's focused on how we can fix it."

Speaking as someone who has inside information on plans for the group, Perry said "the idea behind the group is to provide another voice in the political conversation," because she understands that "what happens in the classroom is impacted by what happens in Congress."

According to Studentsfirst.org, Rhee will discuss her vision for a better education system Monday afternoon on the Oprah Winfrey