Publisher's Synopsis
Do current education policies and standards go against your beliefs about how students learn and how they should be assessed? Do you believe that decisions regarding what is taught in public schools should be made by teachers and school-based personnel rather than politicians? If so, it's time for you to take action and advocate for the education issues important to you. This book provides a starting point for classroom teachers and other school- and university-based personnel seeking to become education advocates. The chapters offer an in-depth look at the role of education advocates as well as a wide range of advocacy strategies to get you started. The many practical strategies will help you; Learn how to work individually and form advocacy coalitions. Anticipate and analyze education issues. Plan for successful education advocacy initiatives. Use print and multimedia resources to get your advocacy message heard. The book also shows you how to evaluate the success of your advocacy initiatives and set new advocacy goals. You will learn how to recognize and celebrate your advocacy successes and how to rethink your strategies if they are not working effectively. Interspersed throughout the chapters are real-life advocacy stories meant to inspire your efforts and prevent missteps. Questions for reflection also are included and serve as motivators for journal writing or for discussion in professional study groups and university courses. The appendixes contain additional materials that complement the chapters, including the Education Advocacy Self-Assessment, lists of online and print resources, examples of advocacy materials referenced in the chapters, and selected published articles on the topic of advocacy. This book is not only an excellent primer for the novice advocate but also an affirmation of the efforts of those educators who already advocate. Use this book to successfully communicate your advocacy views to others and take action that results in positive changes.
