Mobilizing Citizens for Better Schools

Tired of the complacent attitudes Kentucky politicians showed toward education, the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence was organized to galvanize the citizens of Kentucky to attack the state’s historic educational deficits. The committee’s campaigning helped prepare the way for the passage of the Kentucky Education Reform Act in 1990 and continues to work on behalf of school reform today. Based on his wealth of experience and success with the Prichard Committee, Sexton provides invaluable guidance for citizens of all states who are interested in implementing school reform. This indispensable volume covers topics such as:

• Initial organizing
• Building credibility
• Working with business and the media
• The ins-and-outs of school reform politics
• Organizing the public, including parents
• Communications strategies

With its practical insights and accessible style, Mobilizing Citizens for Better Schools is an important resource for policymakers, school administrators, parents, and all concerned citizens.

Robert F. Sexton has been the Executive Director of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence since its beginning in 1980.

"The Prichard Committee and Bob Sexton's leadership have been pivotal in radically changing Kentucky education. Read this book if you want to know about real public engagement, how hard it is, how powerful it can be, and how indispensable it is to real change in public schools."
David Hornbeck, President/CEO International Youth Foundation and former Superintendent of Philadelphia schools

"Bob Sexton shows us what is possible when a small group of dedicated citizens refuse to accept the status quo. This blueprint for community mobilization should be required reading for every public education advocate in America."
Wendy D. Puriefoy, President, Public Education Network