Schools are in crisis. Seventy percent of our eighth graders are not proficient in math, and 69 percent are not proficient in reading. A million students drop out of school every year. And that's the average.

Poor children, children of color, children with disabilities and children whose first language is not English face even higher hurdles. That's not fair to the child and it hurts our democracy, economy and our communities.

Despite the importance of public education, the men and women who want to win the 2008 presidential election have said almost nothing of substance about education in the debates, in speeches, or online. Let's change that!

Demand they tell us their plans to:

• Raise standards of achievement in our public schools.
• Ensure that every child has access to high quality early education programs.
• Improve high school graduation rates, making sure that our students are ready for college and the workforce.
• Put a highly effective teacher in every classroom.

Urge the next President of the United States to make our schools an important part of their campaigns!

Dear [Presidential Candidate],

As someone concerned about changing the face and opportunities of public education, I ask you to make our schools an important part of your presidential campaign.

America's schools are in crisis. Seventy percent of our eighth graders are not proficient in math, and 69 percent are not proficient in reading. An average of one million students drop out of school every year.

Poor children, children of color, children with disabilities and children whose first language is not English face even higher hurdles. This is not the America our forefathers envisioned.

At the next presidential debate, please outline your plans to:

- Raise standards of achievement in our public schools.

- Ensure that every child has access to high quality early education programs.

- Improve high school graduation rates, making sure that our students are ready for college and the workforce.

- Put a highly effective teacher in every classroom.

[Your comment here]

Thank you for devoting your time, support and personal attention to the education of our children.

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]