2019 ASCD Legislative Agenda

Developed by ASCD members, the 2019 ASCD Legislative Agenda (PDF) outlines the association's public policy priorities.

The symbiotic relationship between schools and communities is undeniable. Schools depend on the support of their communities and in turn contribute to the health and vibrancy of those communities. A new economy, changing demographics, and increasingly diverse student needs create opportunities for, and place demands upon, schools and the communities that support them. This work is time-, labor-, and resource-intensive, and it demands the mutual accountability of all stakeholders, including decision makers, for providing educational opportunities that meet the needs of every student.

Students 

Children are our nation's greatest natural resource, and developing their human potential is the great endeavor of our education system regardless of their race, gender, culture, ability, language, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. Each child deserves a personalized and well-rounded education that prepares them for the workforce, further education, and engaged citizenship. ASCD supports a whole child approach that sets a higher standard of success in which all students are healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged at every stage of their education.

Educators 

In the age of information, educators are called upon to do much more than convey academic content. Effective teachers and school leaders are the two most important in-school factors for student achievement. For educators to drive the growth of the whole child, they must constantly retool and innovate. Professional development, autonomy, flexibility, and leadership training opportunities are essential for educators to continue to meet the ever-changing needs of students and prepare them for the careers of tomorrow.

Advocacy 

In order to fulfill its commitments to students and educators, ASCD calls on policymakers to

• Provide adequate and equitable funding to meet the higher expectations they set for students and educators and the mandates they impose on schools. Investments in Title I, special education (IDEA), professional development (Title II), and safe and supportive learning environments (Title IV) should be paramount priorities.
• Support educators at every stage of their professional careers—from inservice training to induction, leadership development through retirement—so that they may best serve students.
• Support students by investing in and providing accountability and oversight for a coherent education system that develops the whole learner.

In order to achieve these goals, ASCD calls on educators to

• Get informed about these issues and how they affect schools and educators.
• Get involved as an expert resource to policymakers, parents, and the public.
• Make a difference for students, colleagues, and the profession by advocating for these policies that will improve schools and communities.

For additional information, contact ASCD Government Relations at gr@ascd.org.