Thank you for attending the 2009 LEAP Institute!
The session presentations from the 2009 LEAP Legislative Institute have been posted here. More information and videos from the Institute will be made available soon. Please check back frequently for updates.
Do you have questions or comments about the conference? E-mail us!
Session Presentations
Sunday, September 13
Education Advocacy 101: Yes You Can! (PDF)
This orientation session—specifically designed for educators new to advocacy—discussed how to advocate effectively to lawmakers and the public on behalf of children. Learn how to run a successful meeting with your representative, develop talking points that resonate, use the media to help your cause, and sustain your efforts back home and throughout the year. You can use these helpful pointers to influence the elected officials in your state capitol, too!
Inside Baseball: The National Pastime
The presentation materials for this session will be made available on request. Please e-mail us to request a copy.
This session provided information and insights on the behind-the-scenes action where policy and politics collide. Being in the know about the deal-making, personalities, posturing, and gossip is the stock in trade of any effective advocate or policymaker. You won't read about these tantalizing tidbits in the Washington Post, and will be reminded why Otto van Bismarck said, "Laws are like sausages: it is better not to see them being made."
Monday, September 14
Federal Issues Briefing (PDF)
An update on the status of the stimulus funding, the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), and other federal initiatives affecting children and the key messages education advocates should communicate to Congress.
Education Priorities: What It All Means for Your School (PDF)
Kevin Jennings, assistant secretary for Safe and Drug-Free Schools, and Judy Wurtzel, deputy assistant secretary for planning, evaluation, and policy development at the Department of Education discussed the ongoing distribution and use of stimulus resources; Secretary Duncan's reform priorities; the pending reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA); and the administration's proposals for ensuring that students are healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged.
On Message, All the Time (PDF)
Communicating with lawmakers on Capitol Hill is only one component of an effective advocacy strategy. Affiliate leaders and ASCD experts will shared advanced strategies for cultivating contacts, growing your influence, and making your efforts more successful and significant back in your state.
Tuesday, September 14
Leadership and Policy Lunch (PDF)
Gene Wilhoit, executive director of the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and a leader of the Common Core project, summarized this standards work—what is meant by "fewer, higher, clearer"—and future steps including state adoption, the need for new assessments, modifications to professional development, and what it all means for educators.