Did you know that ASCD has 58 affiliates in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, and East Asia? These education organizations work collaboratively as part of the ASCD community to foster the common values and goals essential to the way educators learn, teach, and lead. Affiliates influence local education policy and provide a forum for the exchange of education practices.
In March, ASCD presented the Affiliate Excellence Awards during the Annual Conference in San Francisco to honor exemplary work by affiliates. This year, ASCD honored Arkansas ASCD (AASCD) and Pennsylvania ASCD (PASCD) for their overall excellence.
In 2009, AASCD was the first affiliate to have a Whole Child state resolution passed by the General Assembly. The resolution became a model for other affiliates as well as the association. AASCD is the "go to" organization for key legislative policies and collaborative initiatives within the state and is one of the hosts of a Shareholder Retreat to address state education issues. AASCD partners with the Arkansas Department of Education to introduce and facilitate new curricular programs and is represented on many advisory committees throughout the state focused on issues associated with the educating the whole child.
PASCD is a professional development provider for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, offering academies for administrator state certification. PASCD is also a very influential policy player in the state. The affiliate's policy specialist meets with the state's governor or a liaison every month, and regularly testifies at state Senate hearings. To increase its visibility on college campuses, PASCD offers a preservice symposium in conjunction with its annual conference and provides opportunities for preservice students and young professionals to become part of PASCD.
The Area of Excellence Award recognizes excellence or exceptional progress in one (or more) of the five areas of affiliate work: membership; communication and publications; programs, products, and services; influence and policy; and leadership and governance. This year's Area of Excellence Award winners are
- Texas ASCD—Communication and Publications
- New York ASCD—Influence and Policy
- Ohio ASCD—Governance and Leadership
Ontario ASCD was recognized for Exceptional Progress in the area of Communications and Publications.
Join Your Local Affiliate
ASCD affiliates provide a great way to meet and learn with local educators in your region. Through affiliate membership, you have the opportunity to explore state and local education issues (www.ascd.org/educatoradvocates), participate in professional development opportunities (www.ascd.org/pd), and hone your leadership skills. The joint dues program allows you to pay for your ASCD membership and affiliate membership in one easy process that can be completed online. Learn more about ASCD's affiliates at www.ascd.org/affiliates.