Responding to “Waiting for Superman”
and “Education Nation”

Two separate media events will cast a critical eye on public education in late September. CASB thought you should be aware of these events so you can be prepared to respond to your communities, if needed. The two events – the release of the documentary “Waiting for Superman” and NBC Universal’s “Education Nation” summit – have the potential to present an unbalanced view of public schools and school boards.

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Click on the links below for more information and tools to help you communicate positive messages to your local communities.

Background information
A backgrounder on the two media events as well as other recent documentaries on public education.

Advocacy key messages
Frame your own messages to be both credible about the need to improve public schools and positive in support of school boards and local control.

Supporting messages and data
Additional talking points and facts supporting the progress of public schools.

American School Board Journal article
The article by Nora Carr will appear in November’s ASBJ, and you are welcome to reprint all or part of it as long as credit is given to NSBA.

Sample column/op-ed piece
Sample op-ed piece for local use. Customize it for your community.

District materials
Sample newsletter article, sample letters targeting staff and parents/community members. The article and the sample letters are tied back to the op-ed.

Additional resources

• Nora Carr’s “Reclaiming the Reform Agenda” for your reprint use.
• Link to NBC’s “Education Nation” website
• Link to “Waiting for Superman” website
• Link to Oprah’s “Superman” website
• Link to “Today Show” – What went wrong for your child in school?
  Send your own post about what went RIGHT for your child in school.