Advocacy for School Leaders: Becoming a Strong Voice for Education

by Sandra Whitaker

Overview

In today's political and global world, it's not enough to remain a solid educational leader. Leaders must become advocates for education_on Capitol Hill, in state legislatures, and within communities. Advocacy for School Leaders: Becoming a Strong Voice for Education, written by an educator for educators, examines key issues facing education, demonstrates methods for addressing the issues, and discusses strategies to advocate for an education agenda at local and federal levels. Starting with local impact and moving to federal initiatives, Sandra Whitaker provides significant insights into school-business partnerships and the legislative process, allowing educators to approach advocacy efforts with greater understanding of the institutions with which they must work. The advocacy action points and questions for reflection included in each chapter allow readers to adapt the information and strategies to their local contexts. Based on her experiences working with the media, business leaders, and elected officials, this book presents practical approaches for working with educators and those outside the field to understand issues facing today's schools and for identifying and promoting sensible solutions that elevate teaching and learning.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781578866458
Publisher:	R&L Education
Publication date:	08/30/2007
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	182
Product dimensions:	5.51(w) x 8.52(h) x 0.55(d)

About the Author

Sandra Whitaker is a National Board certified teacher in English-language arts, has spent much of her career working with struggling readers and writers, and is deeply concerned with issues of literacy, access, and differentiation. Throughout her career, she has served the educational community as a teacher, building-level administrator, curriculum developer, and curriculum coordinator.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 The Conversation Begins
Chapter 2 Know the Issues
Chapter 3 Building Networks
Chapter 4 Home Sweet Home
Chapter 5 It's Not "Just Business"—It's Personal
Chapter 6 Money, Money, Money
Chapter 7 Branching Out: State and Federal Conversations
Chapter 8 Moving Forward
Chapter 9 Afterword: Updates at Press Time
Chapter 10 Appendix A: Bibliography of Business Titles
Chapter 11 Appendix B: Federal Budget Charts
Chapter 12 Appendix C: Sample Letter to Congress
Chapter 13 Appendix D: Appropriate Salutations for Government Officials
Chapter 14 Appendix E: Government Websites
Chapter 15 Appendix F: Education Associations and Websites

Editorial Reviews

Sandra Whitaker...offers beginning and experienced education professionals a guidebook on educational advocacy....Whitaker writes in a way that makes educational change seem truly attainable. The book is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to become more active in her or his community, regardless of how large or encompassing that community may be.

American School Board Journal

This volume demonstrates the author's passion for the occupation and the clear need for knowledge and information.

Choice Reviews

This volume demonstrates the author's passion for the occupation and the clear need for knowledge and information.

Choice

Whether you are just tiptoeing into the stream or are an expert in these waters, this straightforward book should top your reading list. For the beginner, it is an easily followed guidebook. For the experienced, it is a text to discuss and share with others. For everyone, it brings forward key ideas to simplify effective education advocacy.

Ruth Larson

Sandra Whitaker...offers beginning and experienced education professionals a guidebook on educational advocacy....Whitaker writes in a way that makes educational change seem truly attainable. The book is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to become more active in her or his community, regardless of how large or encompassing that community may be.

October 2008 American School Board Journal

This volume demonstrates the author's passion for the occupation and the clear need for knowledge and information.

CHOICE

With today's noble but challenging emphasis on success for each public school child, the author's contention that educators must advocate to shape and reshape policy and legislation matters more than ever before. The combination of school-based stories and practical suggestions for ways to influence decision makers offers both a rationale for action and strategies for effective communication with state and federal lawmakers.

Ann Etchison