An Apple for Jamie Lee Curtis
In a major demonstration that they mean business when it comes to forcing education to the front of the issues this political season, a group formed by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, and Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors this week pledged $5 million to run pro-education TV ads in seven key presidential battleground states. "This is a major buy meant to push the issue up to the front and shake things up," says a spokesman.
The philanthropists, who head Ed in '08, are hoping that their Strong American Schools campaign will draw attention to problems in education and prompt political candidates to focus more on fixing schools throughout the nation. The ads will run in 16 markets in Missouri, Colorado, Iowa, Ohio, New Mexico, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Both Democratic and Republican analysts said that the effort will have to stay strong and well funded to top the bigger issues of the economy and Iraq. But, says a key Democrat: "If they tie education to the economy and diplomacy, something not too hard to do, it could make education a big deal."
The ads feature the voice of actress Jamie Lee Curtis, who is also a children's book writer. "I believe that every child deserves an education which helps them reach their full potential," she said in a statement. "America's current public education system is failing to give our students the skills they need to succeed in today's global economy. As a mother, I know nothing is more important then ensuring our children have a solid foundation for their success later in life. This foundation includes strong schools and a world-class education to help them succeed. I urge our nation's leaders to make education reform a priority."
The group believes that local and federal authorities must do more to boost schools. "Our new ad campaign, coupled with our presence in states including Iowa, Missouri, and Ohio, gives Americans the opportunity to talk about education and urge the leaders of this country to work with parents, teachers, activists, and community leaders to create real change in the way we educate our kids," said Roy Romer, chairman of Strong American Schools. Romer is a former Democratic Party chairman and Colorado governor.
Here are the ad scripts:
STRONG AMERICAN SCHOOLS AD SCRIPTS
30-Second TV Ad Script:
ANNCR: This boy's future isn't looking so good. The schools in every one of these countries are outperforming ours. America is now twenty-first in science; twenty-fifth in math. The countries with the best schools attract the best jobs. And if jobs move to countries like Finland and South Korea, our children's opportunities dry up. And so does our economy. America is only as strong as her schools.
60 Second Radio Script:
8TH GRADE BOY: Finland . . . Canada . . . Japan . . .
ANNCR: If your child goes to school in America . . .
8TH GRADE BOY: . . . Australia . . .
ANNCR: . . . this commercial may cause nausea, headache, or uncontrollable anger.
8TH GRADE BOY: . . . South Korea . . . Germany . . .
ANNCR: The schools in every one of these countries are outperforming ours.
8TH GRADE BOY: . . . United Kingdom . . .
ANNCR: Twenty of them beat us in science.
8TH GRADE BOY: . . . Czech Republic . . .
ANNCR: Twenty-four beat us in math.
8TH GRADE BOY: . . . Austria . . . Belgium . . .
ANNCR: The countries with the best schools attract the best jobs.
8TH GRADE BOY: . . . Ireland . . . Hungary . . .
ANNCR: If jobs move to these countries . . .
8TH GRADE BOY: . . . Sweden . . .
ANNCR: . . . your child's opportunities dry up.
8TH GRADE BOY: . . . Poland . . . Denmark . . .
ANNCR: And so does our economy.
8TH GRADE BOY: . . . France . . .
ANNCR: America is only as strong as her schools. Find out how your child stacks up against children in all these countries at: strong-American-schools-dot-org.
8TH GRADE BOY: . . . and . . . Iceland.
ANNCR: As our schools go, so goes our country.
SECOND ANNCR: Paid for by Strong American Schools, a project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. SAS does not support or oppose any candidate for public office, and does not take positions on legislation.
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Reader Comments
One Warrior For Proper Treatment And Education Of All Children
Jamie Lee Curtis caught my eye in away she'd never done before earlier this year. As a fellow parent who cares about all children everywhere.
I am as well a fellow parent who cares. I gave up two successful businesses that I built from the ground up with my own hard earned, saved money by myself to raise my children right on all levels. As a mother of three sons my job is taken seriously. After all, my intent is to raise them into real men of tomorrow. It's the only way I can see to change our today. I call this "the big picture".
After reading both comments on this site, I heard finger pointing from a school teacher, and a man proclaiming poverty, and hardships. I view these comments as both negative. So I have to say where I know many everyday heros that are my children's school teachers, the office managment is unkind to our children in emtionally damaging ways instead of lifting them. So, the Administration is abusive as well as not every parent is kind to their own. I truly feel in my heart that it's our responsiblity as loving, caring parents, and faculty to insure all children are being treated well at school. To provide an enviornment of well being so they can grow on many levels and know from somewhere if they can't get it at home what is right. This gives all children a fighting chance. This is accountablity to me.
As far as money and tuff neighborhoods. Well, welcome to mine. I don't have a credit card to my name, and nor do I want one. I rarely have more than $20.00 in my pocket at a time since I choose not to put a price tag on my precious children. And yet I teach my children National Standards at home; on top of any unfinished class work; on top of their State Standard homework. My sons know how much I love and care about them, and yet I still feel I'm not doing enough. I was always told "can't never did anything" and "where there is a will, there is a way".
In closing, Martin Luther King Jr. has left me with inspiration of change what is injust that's being served on your plate. When you fight for the rights of innocent children you can never go wrong. Rally the people.
Teacher Accountability
While I do believe that a child first benefits from learning the basics at home, educators must be held somewhat accountable in the education process. If a teacher doesn't have the time in the classroom to notice a child having a problem the child is not always going to address the teacher and say, "I need help". I actually confronted my childs fourth grade teacher who during a conference told me how much the state requires them to cover. When I suggested she go to the Teachers Union to try and change it, she laughed and said it was just not possible. I believe she didn't want to make waves and possibly lose her job. But when no one will stand up and do what is right, we all lose. So we continue to expect our children to learn everything that is thrown at them,no matter how fast or how complicated. Well even computers have been known to crash when too much info is thrown at them. Maybe we should slow down just a little and remember to breathe.
The population of Statistics
What is the population of the statistics that the numbers are based on? Other countries do not educate everyone. The United States educates everyone. Please come into the classroom, substitute, get your license, volunteer. Educate yourself about the UNITED STATES classroom settings and environment that influence today's youth. I am deeply offended by the ad campaign set forth by Jamie Lee Curtis.
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