The time is now to advocate on behalf of students and public education. You may already be involved in efforts to change policies, programs and perceptions, and MASB supports and encourages those efforts. Such involvement is crucial for school board members and other education stakeholders, for when we do not create effective channels of communication with legislators, the media, community members and others define priorities and agendas. As we all know, the consequences of such ill-informed efforts, even when well intentioned, can be devastating to children, public education and achievement. The stakes are simply too high for school board members not to engage in advocacy efforts.
State Board Searches for School Funding Solutions
Below are the handouts from the State Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 12. The board heard presentations from economists and funding experts.
Charles L. Ballard, professor, Department of Economics, Michigan State University
Timothy J. Bartik, senior economist, W.E. Upjohn Institute
Michael Van Beek, director of education policy, Mackinac Center for Public Policy
Jeffrey Guilfoyle, president, Citizen's Research Council of Michigan
MASB's Position on Race to the Top Legislation
Read a letter that MASB sent to legislative leaders outlining our position on the Race to the Top legislation being considered.
Statewide Health Insurance Proposal Introduced
Speaker Andy Dillon (D-Redford) has unveiled a plan that would consolidate the planning, delivery and administration of health care benefits for ALL public sector employees and retirees in Michigan. For a sample resolution to show support, click here. Click on the link above to read the alert and take action, or visit www.newideasformichigan.org for more information on the proposal.
New! Sample Resolution in Support of Funding for Education
Click on the link above to have your board adopt a resolution in support of funding for public education. Please submit a copy of all approved resolutions to Cheryl Huffman, chuffman@masb.org, fax: 517.327.0789.
e-Vocate Online Advocacy: The Power of You
Learn how to contact your legislative leadership to advocate on behalf of public education, as well as informing yourself on hot legislative issues.
NSBA's Advocacy Efforts and Information
Learn what your national association, the National School Boards Association, is doing to advocate for public education, student achievement and school board members.
ASCD's Advocacy Toolkit: Ensuring the Success of All Learners
This helpful toolkit, from the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, offers tools including the basics for planning an advocacy campaign, tips for communicating with policy makers and the nitty-gritty on communicating with the media. ASCD is a worldwide community of educators advocating sound policies and sharing best practices to achieve the success of each learner. To learn more visit ASCD.
Sample Resolution Allows Boards to Show Support for One Another
In these challenging times it is important for boards to stand together. With that, MASB has drafted a sample resolution for adoption by school boards as a show of solidarity for their board colleagues across the state. Click on the link above to download the resolution.
A Practical Guide to Promoting America's Public Schools
Updated and Expanded! This guide, provided by the Learning First Alliance, promotes values, vision and perfomance of public schools. This guide is intended to help educators and others interested in education promote the value of public education to our nation.
Tips for Writing Letters to the Editor
Learn how to write an effective letter to the editor?and get it published. The document above contains eight must-know tips.
Media Interview Guide Dos and Don'ts
Learn how to handle yourself during an interview, what to say and not to say, and more importantly, how to feel comfortable when dealing with the media.
No Child Left Behind Advocacy Resources
Education YES! Advocacy Toolkit
MASB's Advocacy Skills Speciality
Strengthen your leadership ability and build an "advocacy" specialty.