Hooked on Phonics gets boost from CPS, CTU, Illinois Governor

[Csubstance@aol.com]

August 30, 2007

Friends and others:

I just returned from covering a press conference at Chicago's Crispus Attucks 
Elementary School, which kicked off the tour of the Hooked on Phonics bus in 
this part of the country. The bus is part of the Hooked on Phonics 20th 
anniversary marketing campaign.

Hooked on Phonics has assembled a large group to help its marketing around 
here.

1. The Chicago Public Schools provided the background, principal, teachers, 
and cute African American kids who the HOP show this morning.

CPS officials there included the principal of Attucks and the Area 
Instructional Officer for that area. 

2. The Chicago Teachers Union announced the media event to the press in a 
press release.

CTU officials included Nate Dickson (field rep) and Connee Fitch-Blanks (head 
of the union's QUEST Center). 

3. Illinois Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn spoke at the event and read a 
resolution signed by Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich naming today "Illinois 
Hooked on Phonics Day".

There was another guy there from the Illinois State Board of Education who 
spoke, too.

Anyone interested in providing more information on Hooked on Phonics?

They are making a big push, and I just saw them get an hour's worth of photos 
and videos of happy little black children using their materials.

George N. Schmidt
Editor, Substance

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