GreatSchools Launches Social Media Initiative Promoting Parents’ Role in Education

July 23, 2009 — GreatSchools, the national education nonprofit that 35 million people turn to in order to find the right school and support their children’s education, today announced the launch of The Great Parents Pledge, a social media initiative that encourages parents to commit to greater involvement as they prepare for the Back to School season.

In the most challenging economic climate in recent history, with family, state and school budgets tighter than ever, GreatSchools is encouraging parents to exercise their influence by agreeing to three free, easy and vital ways they can dramatically increase their child’s academic success. The Great Parents Pledge calls on parents to:

1. Read or talk 20 minutes a day with your child

2. Partner with your child’s teacher

3. Volunteer at your child’s school

“As we enter Back to School season when everyone – from parents to policy makers – is thinking about education, we have a simple message: Parents have a huge influence on their child’s academic success and must be equipped to be effective champions of education at home and in their community,” said Bill Jackson, founder and CEO of GreatSchools. “The Great Parents Pledge helps parents make a commitment to greater involvement and participate in a broader conversation about the role of parents in education.”

GreatSchools aims to get one million parents to take The Great Parents Pledge and is also reaching out to thought leaders, artists, political leaders, child educators and other influential parents to encourage them to take the Pledge. Some early supporters include:

* Po Bronson, author of NurtureShock;
* Debbie Phelps, mother of Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps;
* Charles Best, CEO of DonorsChoose.org;
* Rob Corddry, comedian, actor and former correspondent for The Daily Show;
* Andrew Shue, actor and co-founder of CafeMom;
* Tiffany Shlain, Founder of The Webby Awards;
* Barbara O’Brien, Lt. Governor of Colorado; and
* Sandra Tsing Loh, writer/performer and author of Mother on Fire.