ASCD Unveils Its 2009 Legislative Agenda
ASCD unveiled its 2009 Legislative Agenda at Annual Conference this past weekend.
This agenda comes at an especially critical time because President Obama and his new administration are about to transform the nation’s education system through a variety of policy initiatives, most notably the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. ASCD will use the agenda to influence the policy discussions and decisions that shape federal education legislation and reforms at the state and local levels.
The 2009 agenda calls for
- Equitable educational opportunities so that all students have access to great teachers, engaging and rigorous coursework, and relevant educational technology and career and technical programs.
- Highly effective educators who elicit growth in student achievement and receive comprehensive support at all stages of their careers, from preparation and induction to ongoing professional development.
- Innovative educational redesign that is research-based and ensures that young children are well prepared for school, students successfully transition from the elementary to secondary grades, and high school graduates are ready for success in a global society.
- Comprehensive and accurate measurement of school success that incorporates multiple indicators and analyzes student growth over time.
In his March column about the agenda, ASCD Executive Director Gene Carter said, “ASCD needs the help of educators nationwide to advocate on behalf of these principles. Our legislative agenda is only as good as the ASCD members and educators who give it voice.”
Do you have local experiences or stories that affirm the need for these core principles? What would you tell your local or state policymakers when talking about them?
