Former D.C. School Chancellor Takes Education Battle Nationwide

Michelle Rhee, the former Chancellor of D.C.’s public schools, launched StudentsFirst.org Monday, a nationwide advocacy group aimed at reforming the education system.

“Generations of kids in many low-income schools are consigned to poor quality education,” a statement on the site reads. “Even our so-called “Top Schools” in suburbia are lagging behind similar schools internationally. And the only way to put this right is to to band together, shine a light on what’s not working, and attack the problem head-on.”

Although Rhee was heralded for making considerable headway in the push to turn D.C.’s schools around, she also garnered controversy for firing underperforming teachers.

Rhee stepped down after Vince Gray won a highly contested election against D.C. mayor Adrian Fenty.