Eric Smith Joins New Education Reform Group

The Foundation for Excellence in Education, led by former Gov. Jeb Bush, announced on Tuesday the creation of Chiefs for Change -- a coalition of five state education leaders to push for reform. The announcement was made at the Excellence in Action National Summit on Education Reform in Washington.

Superintendent of Education Paul Pastorek of Louisiana was named the chair of Chiefs for Change, while Eric Smith, Floridas commissioner of education, was named the vice chair.

As we seek to improve K-12 public education across our country, never before has so much seemed possible, insisted Pastorek. At the same time, the stakes couldnt be higher. The economic viability of our country and the future of our next generation are reliant on the courage and willingness of national, state and local leaders to move beyond what is politically comfortable and to bring about crucial changes in policy and practice.We must begin by recognizing that the best interest of our students, is not simply a rhetorical phrase or tag line to promote the goodwill of one agency or another. Its a non-negotiable gauge that requires us to implement with urgency strategies that have proven to increase academic achievement. Its a commitment that requires us to put children first and adults second. And while we must be thoughtful and continue to collaborate with those who are resistant to change, as state leaders who are pushing for change on the front lines, we appreciate the benefit of pushing together. Chiefs for Change signifies our support for each other and our collective allegiance to advocate for proven and student-centered reforms.

Chiefs for Change represents an important step by educational leaders throughout this country to join together to create better academic outcomes and educational opportunities, not just for students in our respective states but for every child in the nation, added Smith. By working together, we can pool our expertise, passion, experience and drive to develop collaborative, working solutions to the issues being faced by our schools. My colleagues in this organization are among our nations strongest, reform-minded educational leaders and I am proud to be a part of this tremendous effort. Now is the time for bold and intentional reform of our educational system; our children deserve it and our nation demands it.