Here’s an edu-prediction: History is going to show that this is the moment in time when the center officially moved on the issue of education reform.
And the poster child for that dramatic shift (and someone to whom we all owe a tremendous debt) will be none other than Congressman George Miller (D-California), chair of the House Education and Labor Committee.
Miller’s willingness to proudly declare himself to be a “disruptor” in the Great Disruptor vs. Incrementalist War of 2008 changes the game for good. (See here, here, and here.)
Miller is one of the most highly-respected, even-keeled lawmakers in the nation. His endorsement of fundamental change has always mattered, but now that the battle lines have been drawn within the Democratic Party, his public “disruptor” declaration is a good sign that the Party won’t get caught sleeping on the job again when it comes time to ensure that all children have the opportunities they need and deserve.
Buckle your seatbets. Democratic education reformers no longer need to whisper or do the secret handshake to find other like-minded folks. Thanks to Miller, this is now in the mainstream.
Now we need to make sure we don’t blow the opportunity.
Thanks, Congressman Miller. You won’t regret it.