CAPE

The purpose of CAPE (Committee to Combat Attacks on Public Education) is to provide IEA members and the public with truthful information and encourage them to refute myths often spread by the media and anti-public education entities. There are several areas where these myths are commonly spread, including the topics of:

• Pensions for Illinois education employees;
• Perceived benefits of voucher programs;
• Overemphasis on standardized test scores used for evaluations;
• Misconceptions about tenure;
• Collective bargaining.

CAPE intends is to provide truthful information in a timely manner and will develop various outlets to disseminate this information. CAPE also will work to provide a way to take action collectively and individually against these attacks.

Unfortunately, too often media attacks on public education go unanswered. Individuals and special interest groups fuel the media to attack public education.

Tools

Looking for ways to defend yourself and public education when the need arises? Check out this Mythbusters brochure prepared by the CAPE Committee. Feel free to download it and keep it handy.

Friendly Websites

• National Education Association (www.nea.org)
• Great Lakes Center for Education Research and Practice (www.greatlakescenter.org)
• EdVotes (www.edvotes.com)
• EdVoices (www.edvoices.com)
• Classroom Superheroes (www.classroomsuperheroes.com)
• People for the American Way (www.pfaw.org)
• EveryChild Counts (www.everychildcounts.org)
• Rethinking Schools (www.rethinkingschools.org)

Not-So-Friendly Websites

• The Heritage Foundation (www.heritage.org)
• Illinois Policy Institute (www.illinoispolicy.org)
• Students First (www.studentsfirst.org)
• Focus on the Family (www.family.org/)
• Eagle Forum of Illinois (www.eagleforum.org)
• Center for Education Reform (www.edreform.com)