The Education Upstarts
Education policy has long featured two players—the government and teachers unions. But in recent years, a new generation of activists has stepped up to lobby legislators and drive the conversation. A rundown of worthy upstarts.
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Stand for Children

What: The most grassroots of these groups. Leads efforts to lobby state governments for reforms such as value-added teacher evaluations and more-equitable school funding.
Democrats for Education Reform

What: Offers political cover to Democratic politicians who alienate teachers unions by supporting education reforms such as mayoral control of schools and national curriculum standards. Has helped loosen the unions’ grip on the party.
Students First

What: Uses its 1 million–strong e-mail list to lobby for data-based teacher evaluations and against seniority-based teacher layoffs. Rhee garners lots of attention, but her group has yet to establish itself as a major player on the policy front.
Educators 4 Excellence

What: Counterbalances the teachers union by lobbying for policies the union opposes, such as deemphasizing seniority. Has buzz, and a seat at the table, but this approach may not play in other cities.
Foundation for Excellence in Education

What: The GOP’s favorite resource for education reform. Supports state legislators wishing to mimic Florida’s approach by expanding charter schools and linking teacher pay to student performance.
NewTLA

What: Currently holds more than 25 percent of the 350 seats in the UTLA House of Representatives, and helped elect a reform-friendly UTLA president last year. Has inspired similar factions in other districts.