Shaping the Future of Language Arts
and Literacy Education
Each of us -- parents, educators, and citizens -- is responsible for the future of education in this country. Only through the active participation of its citizenry can this democracy hope to meet students' educational needs and provide for the high standards of educational excellence we each desire for students.
As part of its mission to improve the teaching of English language arts, NCTE provides its members with calls to action as well as with information about current key issues, proposed government regulations, and legislation that may affect literacy education, educators, or students. NCTE urges everyone to become aware of the issues -- local, state, and federal -- which influence a student's learning environment and to share their knowledge and expertise with policymakers.
Effective Legislative Advocacy
Everyone should have a voice in shaping the future of education. Educators need to involve their communities, including the media, in advocacy efforts. Their voices are important to legislators because:
- Local media shapes voters' opinions through editorials and news coverage.
- Constituents are also campaign donors.
- The public makes its voice heard at the polls.
Why Take Action?
There are many reasons to take action, including to:
- provide a quality education for students;
- increase funding for education;
- ensure that literacy and education issues are considered when other types of legislation are proposed on issues such as regulating the information superhighway, digital copyright, and/or libraries;
- create a working relationship with the public and the media to utilize in affecting policymakers' decisions when education issues arise;
- establish and maintain a positive working relationship with legislators so that they will be attentive when issues are decided; and
- provide policymakers with the information they need to create appropriate education policies.
Tell us your story! What issue did you discuss with your legislator? What was the result? What advice do you have for other teachers and NCTE leaders?
See also:
Creating an Action Network
Developing a Strategic Action Plan
Advocacy 101: Some Basic Rules for 501 (c)(3) Organizations
Resources for Contacting Policymakers and Following Legislation
|
