ERN DC Statement on the Tragic Events in Uvalde Texas

Joshua Hodge
jhodge@edreformnow.org 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 25, 2022) – Yesterday afternoon in Uvalde Texas, a gunman entered a local elementary school and took the lives of 19 students and two teachers. Education Reform Now D.C. released a statement in response:

“This tragedy is yet another grim reminder of the multiple heartbreaking acts of gun violence in schools, which have taken countless lives. Many of us remember the school shootings at Columbine High School, Virginia Tech University, Parkland High School, and Sandy Hook Elementary, but acts of violence such as these are no longer random isolated instances but are becoming the norm. This is the 27th school shooting this year,” said State Director of Education Reform Now D.C. Jessica Giles.

“All of our students and educators have a right to a safe learning and working environment, and our families have the right to send their students to school knowing they will be safe,” Giles said.

Giles continued, “We continue to mourn with the students, teachers, and families of the victims at Robb Elementary School.”

DFER D.C. Endorses Eric Goulet for Ward 3 Council in the June Primary

Today, Democrats for Education Reform D.C. (DFER D.C.) announced its endorsement of Eric Goulet. He is running for the Ward 3 seat of the D.C. Council in the Democratic Primary on June 21.

“Eric Goulet is a parent of two children and a champion for public education. During his 19 years of public service in the District of Columbia, he helped pass landmark legislation to support all students and families. When elected, we know he will continue to deliver for students and families,” said DFER D.C. State Director Jessica Giles.

“Eric is a firm believer that we must do more to support all D.C. students. During his career, he helped fund universal pre-kindergarten for all 3- and 4-year-olds and led an effort to draft and pass the Birth to Three For All DC Act. He helped increase the Uniform Per Student Funding Formula so all schools have adequate funds to support their students. He also worked to provide D.C. Public Schools and D.C. public charter schools with adequate funding for school modernizations and the public charter facilities allotment.

Most recently, Eric worked with our community to help provide behavioral health support to all students by increasing investments in the school-based behavioral health program.

Simply put, we know Eric has the experience and expertise to get the job done for Ward 3 students and families.

We want to thank all of the Ward 3 candidates who met with us and want to highlight, in particular, the wealth of great options voters have in this race:

Deirdre Brown is a third-generation Washingtonian, former Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, and passionate advocate for students. Her personal experience as a mother of five gives her unique insight into the challenges facing parents and families in DC.

Ben Bergmann is a father of two children, a current Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner, and a former teacher. His ability to break through the political noise and build consensus is exemplary.

Phil Thomas, a former teacher, has a long record of fighting for Democratic values in Ward 3 and across the city, and we know he will continue to serve his community, and our Party, just as he always has.”

Election information:

For important information on how to register to vote and key election dates, click this link here.

About DFER D.C.

May 10 Rally Media Advisory

**MEDIA ADVISORY**

Wednesday: DC Alliance & ERN DC to Hold ‘Stop the Shortchange Rally’ at Wilson Building

Washington, D.C. – This Wednesday, May 10 at 8:30am during Teacher Appreciation Week and National Charter Schools Week, the DC Charter School Alliance and Education Reform Now D.C. will hold a rally on the steps of the John A. Wilson Building in support of public charter educators and schools and urging DC Council not to shortchange public charter school students, and their educators by $187 million. They will be joined by D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, school leaders, educators, parents, advocates, and other elected officials.  

What:The D.C. Council’s first major vote on the budget is on May 16 and currently, public charter schools are set to receive $187 million less than DC Public Schools. Ahead of the May 16 vote, education advocates are calling for:

• Ensuring FY2024 and future budgets require public school funding and educator compensation raises to be allocated through the Uniform Per Student Funding Formula so that all public schools and educators receive increases.

• Allowing charters to provide pay increases to the same categories of staff covered by the WTU agreement (including teacher, instructional coach, counselor, social worker, psychologist, speech/language pathologist, and attendance officer).

• Committing to making public charter school budgets whole overtime.

Who:Rally Organizers: DC Charter School Alliance & Education Reform Now D.C.
Speakers: D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, D.C. State Board Member Jacque Patterson, and other to be announced speakers. Advocates: Public school leaders, educators, and parents.When:Wednesday, May 10th at 8:30amWhere:  John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW RSVP:Media is asked to RSVP with Cesar Toledo, Cesar@edreformnow.org 

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DC Charter School Alliance
The DC Charter School Alliance is the District of Columbia’s premier advocacy organization dedicated to supporting and representing the robust charter school sector in our nation’s capital. With the support of the DC Charter School Alliance, the charter school community can ensure that all students in DC receive the great public education they deserve and ensure the continued strength of the DC charter sector.

Education Reform Now D.C.
ERN DC is a non-profit, non-partisan think tank and advocacy organization fighting for a just and equitable public education system for all students in Washington, D.C. We seek progress in DC Public Schools and public charter schools by developing and advocating for systemic change to eliminate racial inequity and discrimination in DC public schools.

DFER D.C. Endorses Muriel Bowser for Mayor in the June Primary

Today, Democrats for Education Reform D.C. (DFER D.C.) announced its endorsement of Mayor Muriel Bowser, who is running for reelection in the June 21 Democratic Primary.

“Muriel Bowser delivered on her promise to be the education mayor,” said DFER D.C. State Director Jessica Giles.

Mayor Bowser promised to safely reopen schools fully during the pandemic so families could get back to work. Schools are open five days per week. In response to her pledge to improve child care in the District, she’s invested more than $200 million in early childhood learning. Mayor Bowser said she would ensure all schools are well-funded; she delivered on that, too—increasing the education budget year after year since she’s been Mayor. In the fiscal year 2023 alone, she proposed $2.2 billion in public education, a historic 5.9% increase to the base foundation of the per-student funding formula and funding to increase student behavioral health supports.

She has also built on the progress made in education over the last 15 years, with D.C. Public Schools continuing to be the fastest improving urban school district. The District saw public school enrollment grow for 11 years, and graduation rates rose for all DC students from 58% in 2010 to 70% today.

The next four years under Mayor Bowser’s leadership will allow her to continue to deliver on this promise to students and families. She will move the District forward and ensure every student has a just and equitable education.”

Election information:
For important information on how to register to vote and key election dates, click this link here.

About DFER D.C.

DFER D.C. is dedicated to eliminating racial inequity and discrimination in the D.C. public education system by supporting leaders who champion student-centered policies.

Statement from Education Reform Now DC on the FY23 Budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: 

Joshua Hodge

jhodge@educationreformnowdc

WASHINGTON, DC (May 10, 2022) — Today, following the D.C. Council’s first vote on the Fiscal Year 2023 Local Budget Act of 2022 and Budget Support Act of 2022, Education Reform Now DC (ERN D.C.) State Director Jessica Giles released the following statement on the inclusion of ERN D.C.’s priorities:

“We are grateful to Chairman Mendelson and the D.C. Council for prioritizing and supporting our students, said Giles.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted our students, families, educators, and entire D.C. community, particularly those furthest from opportunity. To address these challenges, our communities told us they wanted elected officials to fix school funding inequity; invest in safe, stable, and positive learning environments for all students; and ensure all educators receive high-quality teacher preparation and support. The D.C. Council unanimously approved a budget that takes decisive steps toward these goals.

The D.C. Council increased funding for students designated as “at-risk” and provided targeted resources to help our students read on grade level, catch up on unfinished learning, and receive behavioral health support. With these critical investments, our educators and school leaders will be able to help our students recover from the COVID-19 pandemic more effectively. 

We look forward to partnering with the D.C. Council to ensure that the final passage of the budget reflects student-centered policymaking.”

The Fiscal Year 2023 Budget and Financial Plan include the following:

• Additional funding for students designated as “at-risk” – two new concentration weights in the Uniform Per Student Funding Formula (UPSFF) for a total of $10.4 million in recurring funding;

• A one-time, $300,000 adequacy study to ensure the UPSFF increases adequately for all students;

• A 5.9% increase to the foundation of the UPSFF for FY 2023;

• An increase to the public charter school facilities allotment from 2.2% to 3.1% in FY 2023 to keep up with rising costs in the District;

• Structured literacy training for D.C. Public School teachers, a $2000 stipend for those who complete the training, and a task force; 

• An increase in CBO grant sizes in the School-Based Behavioral Health program and a commitment to fund the cost study; and 

• Continued funding for restorative justice, dual enrollment, and High-Impact Tutoring. 

The D.C. Council is scheduled to vote a second time on the Local Budget Act on May 24 and the Budget Support Act on June 7.

About ERN DC

ERN DC is a non-profit organization fighting for a just and equitable public education system for all students in Washington, D.C.

DFER D.C. Endorses Phil Mendelson for Council Chair in the June Primary

Today, Democrats for Education Reform D.C. (DFER D.C.) announced its endorsement of Chairman Phil Mendelson, who is running for reelection in the June 21 Democratic Primary.

“DFER D.C. is proud to fight for all students, particularly students of color and students from low-income backgrounds, in traditional public schools and public charter schools across all eight wards of Washington, D.C. As Chairman of the Council, with the jurisdiction of all education matters, Phil Mendelson has been an undeniable public education champion,” said DFER D.C. State Director Jessica Giles.

Working with his colleagues on the D.C. Council, he spearheaded several policies that are beneficial for students, educators, and schools in the District. He increased funding for expanding the School-Based Behavioral Health program so that all traditional and public charter schools can have a behavioral health clinician during the COVID-19 pandemic. He introduced and passed a policy making the My School D.C. lottery more equitable so that students designated as “at-risk” have a greater opportunity to get into the public school of their choice. He funded a teacher pipeline program at the University of the District of Columbia. He spearheaded a plan to send thousands of child care workers in the District one-time cash payments to raise wages. He also increased the charter facilities allotment in the fiscal year 2024 and beyond so that all students have safe and educationally appropriate buildings. Last but not least, he is committed to ensuring our public education system is held accountable to parents and families.

“Chairman Mendelson is a proven leader who has already delivered powerfully for students in D.C. I am confident that he will continue to do so when re-elected for another four years,” said Giles.

Election information:
For important information on how to register to vote and key election dates, click this link here.

About DFER D.C.

DFER D.C. is dedicated to eliminating racial inequity and discrimination in the D.C. public education system by supporting leaders who champion student-centered policies.

New Analysis of Best Practices from State High-Impact Tutoring Programs

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 23, 2022)—As states seek to combat missed learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a new report highlights promising practices from five states for implementing high-impact tutoring (HIT), a proven strategy for accelerating student learning.

The report was jointly released by Education Reform Now (ERN), The Education Trust, and Future Ed, and shares blueprints for state tutoring programs based on those in Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, Tennessee, and Texas.

“If implemented with fidelity, high-impact tutoring holds tremendous promise for not only helping students recover from interrupted learning during the pandemic, but in helping to close opportunity gaps for historically underserved students,” said Charles Barone, vice president for K-12 education policy at ERN. “We hope this analysis will facilitate knowledge-sharing among the 20 states who plan on implementing tutoring programs so that every child has access to high-quality instructional support.”

Each state highlighted has incorporated at least three of seven strategies that are proven to support student learning—particularly for historically underserved students. These include:

• Statewide investments in creating a tutoring workforce

• Research-based program guardrails

• Publicly available resources for district and school leaders

• Statewide professional development opportunities

• Legislative action

• Creation of central sources of information on state-approved, high-quality tutoring programs and vendors

• Targeting services to schools’ most underserved students

“The federal government, through the American Rescue Plan, invested unprecedented resources for state and district leaders to re-envision education, especially for undeserved students,” said Allison Socol, assistant director of P-12 Policy for The Education Trust. “Targeted, intensive tutoring programs show promising results not just for addressing unfinished learning as a result of the pandemic, but for addressing longstanding inequities.”

“Well-designed tutoring programs can give students the academic help and personal connections many need to recover from the ravages of the pandemic,” added FutureEd Director Thomas Toch.

You can read the full analysis here.

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About Education Reform Now
Education Reform Now (ERN) is a non-partisan, nonprofit think tank and advocacy organization that promotes increased resources and innovative reforms in K-16 public education, particularly for students of color and students from low-income families. We seek forward progress in public education—at the federal, state, and local level—developing and advocating for new, bold ideas and mutually reinforcing policies in elementary, secondary, and post-secondary education.

About The Education Trust
The Education Trust is a national nonprofit that works to close opportunity gaps that disproportionately affect students of color and students from low-income families. Through our research and advocacy, Ed Trust supports efforts that expand excellence and equity in education from preschool through college; increase college access and completion, particularly for historically underserved students; engage diverse communities dedicated to education equity; and increase political and public will to act on equity issues. Learn more:www.EdTrust.org/.

About FutureEd
FutureEd is an independent, solution-oriented think tank at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy. We are committed to bringing fresh energy to the causes of excellence, equity, and efficiency in K-12 and higher education on behalf of the nation’s underserved students.

Jessica Giles, State Director of Education Reform Now DC (ERN DC), delivers testimony in favor of Mayor Bowser’s FY2022 budget and fiscal plan

WASHINGTON, D.C., (June 4, 2021) – Jessica Giles, State Director of Education Reform Now DC (ERN DC), delivered testimony today in favor of Mayor Bowser’s FY2022 budget and fiscal plan. The proposal outlines many critical investments that prioritizes community and with the inclusion of ERN’s priorities, can significantly advance educational equity among students.

Low-income communities and communities of color are currently experiencing concurrent crises in Washington, D.C. Over 80 percent of Coronavirus cases have disproportionately affected the Black community. Gun violence and homicide rates remain rampant. Workforce opportunities have narrowed and therefore have created job, food, and housing insecurity. For these reasons, and so many more, ERN remains deeply concerned about how these “at-risk” communities are not only coping and managing, but ultimately being supported.

Mayor Bowser recognizes the urgency of a budget reflecting critical investments for students in these unprecedented times and has consequently allocated a total of $8 million for school-based mental health services. Although ERN finds the Mayor’s investments to be vital and a testament to her commitment to the mental and emotional support of DCPS and charter school students, Director Giles recommends three key improvements be considered:

• Provide more significant support to students who are considered “at-risk” – To ensure the budget fully reflects the needs of our “at-risk” students, the budget must fully address vaccination access and hesitancy, specifically in Wards 7 and 8. Each year ERN urges the DC Council to raise the at-risk weight to move closer to fully funding the need and each year, ERN falls short. It is highly recommended that the DC Council further investigate and utilize the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act funding to support the learning and well-being of “at-risk” students.

• Fully fund the expansion of school-based mental health (SBMH) to all remaining schools – While Mayor Bowser has allocated $5.8 million to the Department of Behavioral Health for SBMH, there is still an $841,000 gap to cover the real costs of providing services to all DCPS and public charter schools. ERN urges the DC Council to fill the gap by providing an additional $1.5 million in one-time federal dollars from the ARP to cover the costs. Findings also indicate there is a need for $4 million to restore funding for Community Based Behavioral Health Services back to FY20 levels.

• Ensure funding equity – While the proposed budget contains many crucial investments that ERN applauds, Director Giles raised concern about budget inequities between DCPS and public charter schools. To ensure funding equity, ERN urges the DC Council to increase facilities allowance and establish equity in stabilization funding for DCPS and public charter schools.

By implementing the aforementioned improvements to Mayor Bowser’s budget proposal, ERN believes the DC Council can facilitate the much-needed expansion in civic education and empowerment that will reflect the needs of all DCPS and charter students, particularly in the most marginalized and vulnerable communities.

Statement on the Derek Chauvin Verdict

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 21, 2021) — Democrats for Education Reform DC (DFER DC) State Director Jessica Giles released the following statement today on the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial:

“The jury’s verdict of guilty on all charges provides a critical measure of accountability. As we breathe a collective sigh of relief, let us continue the work of dismantling white supremacy and systemic racism, which continue to oppress and kill Black people in America.”

Statement on the Death of WTU President Elizabeth Davis

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 5, 2021)— Jessica Giles and Erika Harrell of Democrats for Education Reform (DFER DC) released the following statement regarding the death of Washington Teachers Union (WTU) President Elizabeth Davis.

“Today, we join our D.C. education community in mourning the life loss of long-time Washington Teachers Union President Elizabeth Davis.

Liz was a teacher for more than 40 years and rose to leadership within the WTU as a voice in DC public education when, across the country, there were very few women of color leading these conversations. As public education advocates and Black women who know the impact of quality education systems on our communities, we mourn her passing and will keep her family, friends, and colleagues in our hearts.”

DFER DC Appoints New State Director

Jessica Giles to Lead Work to Justly and Equitably Serve D.C. Students

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 31, 2021)—Democrats for Education Reform (DFER DC) announced today that Jessica Giles has been appointed as the new State Director for the chapter, as well as its affiliate organization Education Reform Now DC.

Giles joined the organization in 2019 and has since served as Interim Director and Deputy Director, during which she’s advocated for strong, but just accountability for DC’s public education system and increased funding for education, mental health, and academic supports to equip all students with the tools they need to succeed.

“Jessica is an extraordinary leader who has already delivered powerfully for children in DC,” said DFER National President Shavar Jeffries. “As Deputy Director, she led the charge for ERN DC in calling for COVID relief funds to support publicly funded High Impact Tutoring for students who have fallen behind academically during the pandemic—an investment that will take effect later this year. She also advocated, in coalition with partner organizations, to successfully expand the school based mental health program to more than 60 schools in cohort two during the pandemic. Jessica is uniquely prepared to lead our chapter to the next level of impact for the District’s students, and we could not be more excited for the new horizons we will reach under Jessica’s stewardship.” 

Giles also drove ERN DC’s advocacy efforts to make the My School DC Lottery more equitable by providing the 47% of DC students identified as ‘at risk’—those who qualify for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, are experiencing homelessness, are in the District’s foster care program or are one year or more older than expected for their grade in high school – a greater opportunity to attend the participating public charter school of their choice, beginning in school year 2022-2023.  

“As DC grapples with a concurrent crisis of a deadly pandemic, disrupted education system, mass unemployment, and continued racial inequity and injustice, I feel called to lead in this moment,” said Jessica Giles. “Our public education system in DC has improved, but it has not served all our students well. Education reform is about centering students in policymaking, advancing equity, and constantly improving our public education system so that our Black, Brown, English Learners, students with different abilities, LGBTQ+ students, and students from low-income families receive a high-quality education from preschool through postsecondary education and training that enables them to enter the workforce well-prepared and free from crippling student loan debt. We’re not there yet but I won’t stop fighting until this vision is realized,” continued Giles.

Previously, Giles served as Deputy Committee Director for the Council of the District of Columbia’s former Committee on Education. Having served on the Committee for nearly four years, Giles helped ensure greater equity in the childcare industry and public education. Specifically, under the leadership of former Councilmember David Grosso, Giles advanced legislation to protect the education rights of students with special needs, improve educational opportunities for students in the care of DC, and increase our supply of high-quality, affordable childcare for low-income families in DC. Giles also worked on issues in the Human Services committee, where she fought to protect the rights and dignity of individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Giles began her career as an early childcare provider in South Carolina. 

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About DFER DC

DFER DC recruits, educates, and helps elect Democratic and progressive candidates who are committed to creating a public education system in Washington, DC, that justly and equitably serves all students. Since 2015, DFER DC’s work aims to continue and accelerate the reforms that have made the D.C. the most rapidly improving urban district in the nation. Learn more about the organization at dfer.org.

Statement on the DC Auditor Education Data Audit

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 10, 2021)—Democrats for Education Reform DC Interim Director Jessica Giles released the following statement in response to today’s release of the Office of the DC Auditor’s findings:

“The Office of the DC Auditor (DC Auditor) released an inflammatory report that implies our public education system has not collected the data which is necessary to measure student progress meaningfully. 

Having accurate data is essential for the District. It gives the general public accurate information on its schools and helps policymakers take actionable steps to close students’ opportunity gaps. The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) has made significant strides in creating more robust data systems. It will need to develop stronger policies to improve data collection and build on its foundation.

Unfortunately, this report comes at a time when we can’t afford to fail our students. Many of our students, especially Black and Brown students, are experiencing difficulty learning and maintaining their physical and mental well-being. We must advance targeted solutions that will close the opportunity gaps that have plagued the District for far too long. Join us and our affiliate Education Reform Now in fighting for a just and equitable public education system for all students in the District of Columbia.”

Response to November 2020 DC Election Results

WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 9, 2020) — Democrats for Education Reform DC (DFER DC) Director Ramin Taheri issued the following statement in response to the unofficial results of the 2020 District of Columbia Council and State Board of Education (SBOE) elections:

“DC voters sent a clear message that they are ready for change. Voters want a more diverse DC Council and State Board, pragmatic progressives that prioritize student-first policies, and a public education system that justly and equitably serves all students.

DFER DC extends congratulations to the following newly elected DC Council and State Board members:

• Councilmember-Elect Christina Henderson (I-At-large), an experienced education policy professional, public servant, and welcomed new voice for underserved students.

• Councilmember Robert White (D-At-large), a compassionate leader, who has advanced progressive child-care legislation and ensured additional funding for students most in need.

• SBOE Representative-Elect Allister Chang (Ward 2), a nonprofit leader committed to disadvantaged families and ensuring all DC students are equipped with the skills to navigate our 21st-century society. He will also be SBOE’s first Asian-American member.

• SBOE Representative Frazier O’Leary (Ward 4), a long-time educator with a passion for seeing students succeed in and outside of the classroom.

• SBOE Representative-Elect Eboni-Rose Thompson (Ward 7), a leader of the Ward 7 Education Council and an advocate for fully funding Ward 7 schools.

• SBOE Representative-Elect Dr. Carlene Reid (Ward 8), a special education expert and educator.

• SBOE Representative-Elect Jacque Patterson (At-Large), a parent, 20-year education advocate, and founding DFER DC advisory board member.

DFER DC also congratulates Councilmember-Elect Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4) and incumbent Councilmembers Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2), Vincent Gray (D-Ward 7), and Trayon White (D-Ward 8).

We look forward to your leadership in 2021 and remain committed to working with all members of the DC Council and SBOE to advance policies that are best for students. We continue to call on all elected officials to draw on the five building blocks of an equitable public education system to support all students, regardless of the neighborhood they live in or the school they attend.”

Statement on DCPS’s Decision to Postpone Reopening of Schools

WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 3, 2020) —  Democrats for Education Reform DC (DFER DC) released the following statement in response to the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) announcement that elementary schools will not reopen on November 9 as originally scheduled.

“The original plan to reopen DC Public Schools, while admirable in its intent, missed the mark with many parents, teachers, and principals. We believe that today’s decision to postpone reopening was correct. 

Moving forward, Mayor Bowser and Chancellor Ferebee must work with principals, teachers, and families to devise a reopening plan that supports staff while allowing all students to receive high-quality instruction — regardless of whether they participate in person or virtually. Above all, the plan must prioritize the students and communities most likely to be negatively impacted by school closures, including students considered “at risk” and students with special needs. We urge all sides to make every effort to reach an agreement that makes reopening inclusive, equitable, and safe for all students and staff.”

DFER DC Releases Voter Guide on Education Issues

WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 2, 2020) — Democrats for Education Reform DC (DFER DC), an organization committed to creating a public education system in Washington, D.C., that justly and equitably serves all students, today released its first-ever DC Education Champions Voter Guide. The guide aims to help DC voters understand candidates’ positions on key education policy issues ahead of the November 3rd election.

“This year shows us that change must happen and it must happen now. There is no greater lever with which to change the broken status quo than the exercise of our most fundamental right as Americans: our right to vote,” said DFER DC Director Ramin Taheri. “As an organization dedicated to fighting for the students and families who are so often overlooked, we must ensure DC residents are well-informed and able to exercise their right to vote.”

The guide does not endorse any particular candidate. Still, the organization encourages eligible voters to pay attention to the candidates who have a strong understanding of the building blocks of an equitable public education system. These include resource equity, accountability, public school choice, teacher quality and preparation, higher education quality, affordability, and opportunity.

DFER DC obtained the information compiled and summarized in the guide from the candidates’ answers to the organization’s questionnaires, official campaign websites, and other publicly available sources.

The 2020 DC Education Champions Voter Guide is available at dc-edchampions.org through Election Day on November 3.

Our Mission, Vision and Values

Our Vision

 A public education system in Washington, D.C., that justly and equitably serves all students. 

Our Mission

To recruit, educate, and help elect Democratic and progressive candidates who are committed to creating a public education system in Washington, D.C., that justly and equitably serves all students.

Our Values

Student-centered.

• We are committed to prioritizing the success and well-being of students above all else. 

• We are committed to examining our policy priorities continuously to ensure that they are truly student-centered.

• We are committed to defending and advocating for just and effective policies that are in the best interests of students, even if those policies are unpopular or politically inexpedient. 

• We are committed to evidence over ideology, and to policy outcomes over political victories.

Anti-racist.

• We are committed to being anti-racist both in education and in our daily lives. 

• We are committed to examining and understanding our work through the lens of equity and racial justice.

• We are committed to breaking down the systemic barriers that perpetuate these injustices and inequities.

• We are committed to including in our policy formation and advocacy efforts the voices of historically marginalized communities.

Honorable.

• We are committed to operating in all aspects of our work with honor and humility.

• We are committed to acknowledging and learning from our past, and to continuously improving, as individuals and as an organization.

Collaborative.

• We are committed to working collaboratively, both within our organization and across the ecosystem of education, social-justice advocates, families, and communities.

• We are committed to acknowledging and appreciating all opinions, valuing the diversity of people and perspectives.

• We are committed to understanding and working within the interconnected nature of social justice work, acknowledging that harm and injustice anywhere affects students and families everywhere.

DFER DC Renews Commitment to Equity in Education

We are living in a time where transparency is critical for every organization. As we continue to learn from our past and strive for growth, we recognize that we must reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that public education is just and equitable in Washington, DC. So today, after engaging in many conversations with our community, we are announcing our first-ever core values, which aim to strengthen the foundation that Democrats for Education Reform DC (DFER DC) is built on and showcase our dedication to all DC students and families.

The new core values represent our recent reflection on how we want to show up, internally and with external partners, but most importantly, with the DC community. 

Student-centered.

• We are committed to prioritizing the success and well-being of students above all else. 

• We are committed to examining our policy priorities continuously to ensure that they are truly student-centered.

• We are committed to defending and advocating for just and effective policies that are in the best interests of students, even if those policies are unpopular or politically inexpedient. 

• We are committed to evidence over ideology, and to policy outcomes over political victories.

Anti-racist.

• We are committed to being anti-racist both in education and in our daily lives. 

• We are committed to examining and understanding our work through the lens of equity and racial justice.

• We are committed to breaking down the systemic barriers that perpetuate these injustices and inequities.

• We are committed to including in our policy formation and advocacy efforts the voices of historically marginalized communities.

Honorable.

• We are committed to operating in all aspects of our work with honor and humility.

• We are committed to acknowledging and learning from our past, and to continuously improving, as individuals and as an organization.

Collaborative.

• We are committed to working collaboratively, both within our organization and across the ecosystem of education, social-justice advocates, families, and communities.

• We are committed to acknowledging and appreciating all opinions, valuing the diversity of people and perspectives.

• We are committed to understanding and working within the interconnected nature of social justice work, acknowledging that harm and injustice anywhere affects students and families everywhere.

What’s next?

We are looking to our community – students, partners, parents, and educators for suggestions on improving our collaboration with you so we can fight together for a public education that is just and equitable in DC. 

Statement on National Voter Registration Day

Today, Democrats for Education Reform DC (DFER DC) celebrates National Voter Registration Day with millions of Americans who hope to inspire all eligible voters to exercise their right to be heard at the ballot box. 

Voting has never been more important. With a public health pandemic claiming lives and upending our economy, a critical U.S. presidential election, the threat of another Republican appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court that could roll back critical civil rights protections, and key local races that will determine the next DC Education Champions, we must ensure DC residents are well-informed and able to exercise their right to vote. As Barack Obama said, “There’s no such thing as a vote that doesn’t matter. It all matters.”

Next week, DFER DC will release its first-ever DC Education Champions Voter Guide. This guide aims to help DC voters learn where the candidates stand on issues affecting public education. It will be available at dc-edchampions.org through Election Day on November 3.

If you are not registered to vote in DC, we encourage you to do so by October 13, 2020 at https://www.dcboe.org/Voters/Register-To-Vote/Register-to-Vote. DC also offers same-day voter registration during early voting and on Election Day. (You will need to bring proof of residence with you.) All active voters should receive a mail-in ballot at their registered address beginning the first week in October. All DC mail-in ballot voters must sign the outside of the envelope before mailing their ballot. For more information go to www.dcboe.org. 

We encourage all DC residents to vote!