Eduflack is written by Patrick Riccards, one of the nation's leading education communications strategists. In 2009, Pat was named one of the top communications professionals in the nation by PRWeek, the first time an individual from the education sector received the honor. In 2011, Pat was named the Not-for-Profit Communicator of the Year by Bulldog Reporter.

He has worked with a wide range of distinguished organizations over his career, including American Institutes for Research, International Baccalaureate, National Governors Association, National Reading Panel, U.S. Department of Education, and many others. Pat began his career on Capitol Hill, where he held senior positions for members of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives.

In 2010, the citizens of Falls Church, Virginia elected Pat to the Falls Church City School Board. Following his election, he served as vice chairman and chairman of board for the top school district in the greater Washington, DC area.

Comments? Questions? Rants? Contact Pat at eduflack@eduflack.com Or follow his news updates on Twitter @Eduflack

All of the entries on Eduflack are the opinion of the author.