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.

"What Would You Think of a Chef Who Wouldn't Eat At His Own Restaurant?"

There was a big kerfuffle last week when Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel got very impatient with a local reporter after she asked him about his decision to send his kids to private schools, despite the fact that Chicago Public Schools fall under mayoral control. Here's a video of the exchange: