Turning Sasha and Malia school watch into a political opportunity

Last night on “60 Minutes,” during her first interview as First Lady-elect, Michelle Obama was asked how she will decide where to send her daughters to school. “We want that to be a personal process,” she said.

Democrats for Education Reform, the lobbying group I profiled last week, is looking at the Obamas’ choice through a political lens. DFER wants the president-elect and his wife to consider sending their daughters to charter schools — and, barring that, to support charter schools, a top DFER issue.

The group is also asking charter school parents to plead with the Obamas, by mailing in a form letter:

Dear President Elect Obama: We write with pride to congratulate you on making history. As parents, we appreciate the great care you and Michelle are taking to make sure your daughters will fare well when you (and your new puppy) make the move to your new neighborhood in Washington. We understand how much thought your family will put toward finding the best schools for your children. As parents who have selected public charter schools (and other schools of choice) for our own children, we understand the importance of having excellent educational options. We encourage you to include public charter schools in your school shopping list. More importantly, however, we encourage you to remember that all parents should be able to make these kinds of crucial, life-changing decisions on behalf of their children. And they should do so with as many excellent options in front of them as we can possibly provide. Please join us in fighting for parental choice so that every child in America has the kind of opportunities they deserve. Sincerely,