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In This Issue
ASCD Educators Connect the Classroom to the Capitol
Social media isn’t just a shift in communications—it’s a revolution that facilitates change from the ground up, explained former Howard Dean Campaign Manager Joe Trippi to educators from across the country at ASCD’s 2012 Leadership Institute for Legislative Advocacy (LILA). Trippi, author of The Revolution Will Not Be Televised, kicked off the conference by sharing his presidential campaign predictions and commenting on the power of social media. He encouraged educators to become part of the revolution and use social media to build their “army of Davids” and start “handing out slingshots.” Other LILA highlights include
Access follow-up resources from the conference, including issue backgrounders and talking points (PDF) on ESEA reauthorization, teacher and school-leader effectiveness, and education funding; information on Common Core State Standards implementation (PDF); pointers for Capitol Hill meetings (PDF); and advocacy skill-building tips for use throughout the year (PDF).
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Help Close the Policy-Practice Gap
Just over two weeks remain to apply for the U.S. Department of Education’s 2012–13 Teaching Ambassador Fellowship. As three Teaching Ambassador Fellows explained at ASCD’s recent legislative conference, the program is designed to both allow teachers to shape federal education policy and facilitate dialogue about crucial education issues with other teachers across the country. Since 2008, almost 70 teachers with strong leadership and communication skills and insight into education policy based in classroom expertise have worked with the department on a full- or part-time basis through the program. This year, the program offers three different yearlong, paid positions:
To learn more, join current fellows today at 7:00 p.m. eastern time for a one-hour webinar discussion about the program and application process. In the webinar, you will hear an overview of the program, gain insight into the work of current and past fellows, and have the opportunity to ask questions. To register for the webinar, send an e-mail to TeacherFellowship@ed.gov with the subject line “Webinar.” Program applications are due February 22, 2012.
Tell the President to See Children as More Than Test Scores
You know it’s crucial to prepare students for long-term success rather than short-term achievement. But the No Child Left Behind Act and other federal education efforts promote narrow approaches that overemphasize standardized test scores instead of comprehensive supports that equip American children for the future. Tell President Obama to make a whole child approach to education a national priority. Educators can’t do it alone. It’s time for the White House to support you in fully preparing students for success in college, careers, and citizenship. Add your name to the list of supporters today and ask your colleagues to do the same. Thank you for your support! (Please note: For best results, we recommend using Internet Explorer to view the site.)
Get Recognized for Going Green
Has your school gone "green"? If so, you might be interested in applying for the U.S. Department of Education's new Green Ribbon Schools award program, which recognizes schools that save energy and reduce costs, feature environmentally sustainable learning spaces, foster health and wellness, and offer environmental education to boost academic achievement and community engagement. Like the department’s Blue Ribbon Schools program, interested schools apply for the award through their state departments of education. States may nominate up to four exemplary schools for the award based on the program’s three main pillars:
Environmental Impact and Energy Efficiency: Schools have made efforts to reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions, improve water quality and conservation, decrease hazardous waste production, and expand use of alternative transportation.
Healthy School Environments: The design, construction, renovation, and maintenance of schools and grounds prioritize student, visitor, and staff health and safety. In addition, schools demonstrate high standards of nutrition, fitness, and outdoor time for both students and staff.
Environmental and Sustainability Education: Schools emphasize interdisciplinary learning about the relationships between environmental, energy, and human systems; use the environment and sustainability to develop students’ knowledge and skills in science, technology, engineering, and math; and develop students’ civic-engagement knowledge and skills, providing students with opportunities to apply these skills to address sustainability and environmental issues in their communities.
The application process also serves as a self-assessment tool to help schools learn about and address the various award components, so schools are encouraged to apply to guide their continual improvement and access helpful resources. More than 30 states have opted to participate in the pilot year of this program. Application details and time lines vary across states, so consult the designated contact at your state department of education for more information. The U.S. Department of Education intends to announce the winners in April. Winning schools are expected to enjoy many of the same benefits of Blue Ribbon schools, including national recognition, mentorship opportunities, and fundraising advantages.
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