by Monique Christensen
President, Indiana Virtual Families

On Wednesday, Michelle Rhee, former chancellor of Washington DC public schools, joined over 800 parents, students and teachers at the Indianapolis State Capitol for the "Ed Reform/Charter Schools Rock" rally in support of public school options for families and teacher quality. Parents and students also met with legislators to explain the importance of expanding access to charter and online public schools.

The event was coordinated in part by Indiana Virtual Families, the oldest parent advocacy group in the state working to ensure students receive greater access to full-time online education. The coalition is comprised of over 2000 parent leaders, teachers and students throughout the state. 

Indiana Virtual Families worked with StudentsFirst, the Indiana Charter Association, School Choice, Indiana, Indiana Department of Education, Advance America, Connections Academy and Hoosier Academy.  These groups continue to push for Governor Daniels' extensive education agenda to expand charter schools.

StudentsFirst founder and CEO Michelle Rhee told the exuberant crowd, "We have to make every single decision based on what is in the best interests of children." She went on to say, "We have the chance in Indiana today to lead a charge for school choice reform that ripples across the USA."

Last year Rhee founded StudentsFirst, an organization that promotes school choice and the elimination of teacher tenure. She also met with educators and parents to discuss her efforts to improve schools around the country and lessons Indiana can apply to advance education for Hoosier children. Rhee is widely regarded as one of the leading voices for education reform.

Three "Golden Apple" awards were also presented to legislators who have helped remove barriers for public school options in Indiana.  House Speaker Brian Bosma, House Representative and Education Chair Robert Behning and Senator and Education Chair Ed Kruse received the award.  Dr. Tony Bennett and Michelle Rhee were also presented with the award for their tireless work to reform education and give families more options and choices.

Last night, after cheers from the rally crowd diminished, the Indiana House passed HB 1003, a bill to expand vouchers in the state.  Another bill currently with the legislature, HB 1002, ensures that Indiana students enrolled in online public charter schools will receive adequate funding, is expected to be voted upon toward the end of this week.