Introduction
State Policy Network think tank members have made school choice and education reform one of their organization's top priorities, if not the top priority. And, over the past two decades, much has been accomplished in these areas at the state and local levels. That said, more remains to be achieved. To complement and leverage think tank efforts, greater grassroots action is needed.
Thus, as part of its Leadership Training Series, State Policy Network (SPN) developed the Grassroots Leadership Guide to K-12 Education. The Guide seeks to facilitate more voices "in the street" who will bring about further advances and, ultimately, the real goal, a better education for today's students.
Founded in 1992, SPN is the professional service organization for America's state-based, free market think tank community. SPN is the only group in the country dedicated solely to improving the practical effectiveness of independent, non-profit, market-oriented, state-based think tanks.
Our work advances a free society by providing leadership development, management training, and networking opportunities for think tank professionals and promoting strategic partnerships among market-oriented organizations.
Many individuals and organizations deserve recognition for their contribution to this Guide. They are listed along with each article. Special recognition goes to the Alliance for School Choice, which has provided much assistance in putting this document together. We would also like to thank the Milton and Rose D. Friedman Foundation, the Evergreen Freedom Foundation and other state think tanks who generously provided crucial documents to enhance this Guide.
Please note, Grassroots Leadership Guide to K-12 Education Reform is a living document, one that will be regularly updated and available online at www.spn.org. We welcome your comments and suggestions on how we can continuously improve this Guide.
Tracie Sharp
President
State Policy Network