Eduflack is just sick of NCLB bashing.  I’ve said it before, and I’ll keep saying it.  How can anyone be against boosting student performance, ensuring that what works is what is used in our classrooms, that teachers are qualified to teach, and that we actually measure how effective we are?  This should be a no-brainer.  Folks should be lining up 100 at a time to ensure that NCLB is implemented with fidelity in their school and in every school across the country.  A high-quality education is the greatest gift anyone can receive.  And everyone should receive it.

That said, I felt a warmness in my heart yesterday when I saw the launch of NCLB Works!  For those who have missed it, check it out at http://www.biz4achievement.org/take_action/support.php.

For now, let’s give the media the benefit of the doubt that they will give the creation of this group the media attention it deserves.  After all, NCLB critics seem to get banner headlines and 20 inches whenever they want to grouse about the law.  Only seems fair that a group with this gravitas, coming together to “reauthorize and strengthen No Child Left Behind,” should garner equal time.

Regardless, the NCLB Works! initiative deserves some early round high marks.  Based on the preliminary stages, it is clear that the group’s organizers get it, at least communications-wise.  Why?

* They assembled a broad coalition of business, policy, civil rights, and community groups, erecting a large tent to show the genuine, large-scale support for NCLB’s goals
* They offer clear messaging.  NCLB Works! has nailed their eight theses to the schoolhouse door.  Clear goals.  Goals that touch multiple constituencies.  Goals that are both achievable and necessary.
* They’re starting to personalize the story.  By gathering and distributing success stories, NCLB Works! is moving this from a debate of researchers to a discussion of the people.  They remember that at the end of the day, NCLB succeeds when kids achieve.

Eduflack gives them a gold star for their communications prep work.  Now let’s see how they perform in the lightning round.  It’s one thing to assemble a strong introduction, as they have.  The real communications challenge is how they move this forward.  How do they boost their ranks of supporters?  How do they get the media and policymakers to take notice and act on their recommendations?  How do they ensure that NCLB is strengthened?  How do they cement NCLB’s legacy as a driver of student improvement and long-term academic success?

Looking at its roster of members, NCLB Works! is definitely up to the rhetorical and political challenge.  And I bet there are many others (including Eduflack) who are willing and eager to raise a flag for the cause.