Putting Power in the Hands of Parents

Parent choice was the topic of conversation this week as Fox news analyst Juan Williams joined “The Jerry Bader Show” on WTAQ 1360AM in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

“This is really about kids,” said Williams. “This is about making sure the best education possible is available to our kids, no matter where they’re born, no matter who they are, no matter if they come from a single parent family. We as Americans need to do a better job of focusing on what goes on in terms of educating our children because we are falling behind in competition with other countries,” continued Williams. 

“It’s a global economy and our kids have to be prepared if we want to be the best.”

Williams talks about taking the politics out of education.  He said the focus needs to be placed on students and achieving success in the classroom, not on “maintaining the status quo of bad schools.”

Williams was the keynote speaker at the Americans for Prosperity Foundation's Academy Series on School Choice in Green Bay on February 7th.

- American Federation for Children | Alliance for School Choice, KMS

Were you unable to attend our 2012 National Policy Summit?

If so, then you missed an amazing event...but you're not entirely out of luck!

We documented all the highlights of our 2012 Summit, and we want to make sure we share them with you.

At our YouTube page, you'll find links to each of our keynote addresses from New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Newark Mayor Cory Booker, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, and author/commentator Juan Williams.

We also paid tribute to the late John T. Walton, the namesake for the Alliance for School Choice's annual Champions for School Choice Award, shined a light on the demand for educational options in New Jersey, and reminded folks that Parents Know Best.

There was one more video we showed at our Summit, but instead of telling you about it, we thought it'd be best to take a look yourself. Let's just say that the Summit wasn't themed "Breakthrough Victories for Children" for nothing.

We hope you enjoy!

 - American Federation for Children | Alliance for School Choice, MAG

Juan Williams on Parental Choice in the Windy City

We told you before that Juan Williams—one of the nation’s leading journalists, commentators, and political analysts—will deliver an address on school choice at the American Federation for Children’s third annual National Policy Summit (Register at www.afcpolicysummit.com) in May, but Williams is already touting the importance of parental options three months (to the day!) before the Summit begins.

In conjunction with the Education Action Group Foundation, Williams created a short movie, entitled "A Tale of Two Missions," on parental choice in Chicago. It focused on two important topics: what elected officials are doing to improve Chicago’s schools and what others are doing to prevent meaningful reform.

In what is something of a preview for what you'll hear at our Summit, Williams stresses the importance of school vouchers, charter schools, and empowering parents. Though it's not home to a private school choice program, the Land of Lincoln has strong charter schools in the Windy City, a fact that Williams found out firsthand when he visited Noble Charter Network—a place home to a 99 percent graduation rate.

The school is so focused on the success of its students that it has what's called "Alumni Hall." Principal Bill Olsen takes Williams down the hallway, which is dedicated to graduates by displaying the school banners where they've gone to further their education.

Announcing Juan Williams as a Speaker at AFC's 2012 National Policy Summit

Juan Williams, a leading political journalist, will
speak at AFC's 2012 National Policy Summit in NJ.

BIG news about our upcoming National Policy Summit 2012: Breakthrough Victories for Children (for which you can register at www.afcpolicysummit.com)! We're pleased to announce that renowned journalist Juan Williams will be a featured speaker at the event, scheduled for Thursday, May 3 and Friday, May 4, 2012 at the Westin Jersey City Newport.

All the full Summit details can be found on our registration page, but read all the details about Williams below:

Juan Williams—one of the nation’s leading journalists, commentators, and political analysts—will deliver an address on school choice at the American Federation for Children’s third annual National Policy Summit, held on May 3 and 4 in Jersey City, New Jersey. 

Williams will give a keynote speech on the importance of educational options, which he has called the “civil rights issue of our time,” at the third annual summit hosted by the American Federation for Children—the nation’s voice for school choice. 

The summit, titled School Choice Now: Breakthrough Victories for Children, will bring together the nation’s premiere policy experts, advocates, and champions of school choice.   

Williams is the author of six books, a renowned writer and journalist, and currently serves as a political commentator for Fox News.  He previously hosted “Talk of the Nation” and “America’s Black Forum” on National Public Radio and worked as a political columnist, editorial writer, and White House correspondent for more than 20 years at The Washington Post.  

Read the full release here. Find out more about last year's Summit here, and be sure to keep your eyes here for all the latest info on additional speakers, guests, and agenda items!

- American Federation for Children | Alliance for School Choice, MAG