Advocate!

From the desk of Craig Wheaton
Region XI Vice President of Legislative Action

 

I don’t believe it is an exaggeration to say that student success is dependent on the success of our legislative advocacy efforts. That may sound like a bold statement, but I have learned that educational policy decisions can help us do our jobs, or they can hinder our efforts.

In the upcoming school year, it is my goal to establish a local connection between ACSA members and our local state lawmakers. Legislators need to hear our local stories — stories about real students and real successes, stories about real problems that need practical solutions. We can be that conduit of common educational sense in this world of layered regulations.

Let us be the voice of all students by providing that voice to our legislators as they consider some upcoming topics:

• Accountability
• School Finance
• Educator Effectiveness & Pipeline
• Special Education
• Early Childhood Education

I look forward to serving as the Vice President of Legislative Action for Region XI during the 2017-2018 school year and I want you to join me as we influence some very important policy decisions.