NEW YORK, N.Y. (April 18, 2024) – Today, Democrats for Education Reform partner Education Reform Now Advocacy released results from an extensive study in collaboration with Impact Research and BSP Research. Seeking to better understand voter sentiment ahead of the 2024 election season, the findings reveal both a concerning trend and a significant opportunity for Democratic leadership. Prior to Covid, Democrats typically enjoyed double digit advantages over Republicans on education, but that traditional advantage has continued to slide, as evidenced clearly in ERNA’s new polling. The data shows ..read more

New York, NY (March 25, 2024) – Today, DFER CEO Jorge Elorza released the following statement in response to the House passing the federal education spending bill: “The Congressional FY24 spending bill represents a significant win for students by averting the drastic cuts to crucial education programs initially proposed by Republicans. We applaud House and Senate Democrats’ efforts to safeguard students’ rights to a robust public education system and their rejection of MAGA extremists’ efforts to undermine our public education system. We applaud the $18.4 billion allocated for ESSA Title I gra ..read more

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMarch 6, 2024 Contact: Lynn Sexton Lynn@dfer.org New York, NY (March 6, 2024) – Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) announced today it is launching its Southern regional strategy with the hiring of Alisha Searcy as the Regional President, South—the first Regional President appointment—of DFER and its affiliate think tank Education Reform Now (ERN). Searcy, who in 2022 became the Democratic Nominee for Georgia’s State School Superintendent, brings more than a decade of experience as an education expert and leader in Democratic politics—including making history as th ..read more

Statement from Mary Tamer, Executive Director of Democrats for Education Reform Massachusetts, on Legislation Banning the Practice of Legacy Admissions February 7, 2024: The Joint Committee on Higher Education took a historic step today by voting legislation out of committee that would eliminate the use of legacy preferences in all higher education institutions, both public and private, in the Commonwealth. This bold step would make Massachusetts the first state in the nation to ban this unfair admissions practice in both public and private institutions, leveling the playing field for all stu ..read more

In 2023, Republican dominated states vigorously championed universal school vouchers and education savings accounts. In fact, EdChoice called 2023 the year of universal choice, as 19 states either created or expanded private school choice. However, what garnered less attention was a smaller parallel surge in public school choice. Last year, according to an analysis by Jude Schwalbach, five states passed strong open-enrollment laws, allowing families to attend public schools outside of the school they were assigned to. Currently, 21 states allow within-district choice, across-district choice, o ..read more

Democrats lose edge on voters’ trust in education Republicans proposing and passing educational intimidation bills States passing Education Savings Account (ESAs) policies Voters prefer Democrats’ version of public school choice to Republicans’ (68% to 32%, respectively) The post Why Democrats Must Support Public School Choice – Sources appeared first on Democrats for Education Reform ..read more

During the 2023 primary elections, Leaders of Color is proud to have supported six alumni as political candidates . We are thrilled that four of the candidates have won their election for public office! Join us in congratulating:  Michalyn Easter-Thomas, Memphis City Council District 7 Pearl Eva Walker, Memphis City Council District 3 Janika White, Memphis City Council District 8-2 ‍Daryl Joy Walters, Louisiana State Representative District 4  Our program provides training so that Leaders of Color fellows and alumni can support political campaigns. More than 15 alumni sup ..read more

Jessica Giles Executive Director Education Reform Now Advocacy (DFER partner) D.C. Council’s Committee of the Whole Hearing: Bill 25-35, Universal School Meals Amendment Act of 2023 Bill 25-317, Extended Students’ Right to Home and Hospital Instruction Amendment Act of 2023 Bill 25-436, Institution of Higher Education Sexual Misconduct Reporting and Resource Accessibility Act of 2023 Bill 25-501, Universal Free Application for Federal Student Aid Graduation Requirement Act of 2023 Good morning, Chairman Mendelson, members, and staff of the Committee of the Whole; my name is Jessica Gil ..read more

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2023  Contact: Terrence Lockett terrence@dfer.org DFER LA Congratulates Four Endorsed Candidates on Election Day Victories These wins follow five additional DFER-endorsed victories in October 26 total DFER-backed candidates will begin new terms in January NEW ORLEANS, LA – Following the reported victories of four champions for seats in the Legislature, Democrats for Education Reform Louisiana’s (DFER LA) Executive Director, Terrence Lockett, released the following statement: “We’re proud to congratulate each of these DFER cand ..read more

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Terrence Lockett MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2023  terrence@dfer.org Five DFER champions win races in BESE, Senate & House Three DFER-backed candidates face runoffs NEW ORLEANS, LA – Following the reported victories of five DFER champions for seats on the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) and in the Legislature, Democrats for Education Reform Louisiana’s Executive Director, Terrence Lockett, released the following statement: “We’re proud to congratulate these DFER candidates on their hard-fought and well-deserved victories ..read more