Advocate with Legislators

Today middle level education is influenced more and more by public policymakers, especially state legislators who determine state funding, pass state standards for instruction, and set other regulations.

Middle level teachers and principals can make an investment in good education by making sure that these legislators understand the importance of the unique needs of young adolescents. However, many educators do not see the need for this. David Rudolph, a former middle school principal who now serves in the Maryland General Assembly, has indicated that during his seven and a half years of service, no one has talked with him about the importance of middle level education.

A four-step process to inform state legislators of the value of middle schools was recommended by Rudolph and Demarée K. Michelau, policy associate, National Conference of State Legislatures. The steps are planning, preparation, presentation, and persistence. This approach will work for an affiliate, a group of educators, or even an individual teacher or principal.

Planning

"You need to focus on planning," Michelau urged. "Plan a legislative strategy. Don't waste legislators' time; they will remember that."

It's important to understand the legislature's schedule and structure, and there may be differences in various legislatures. Basic questions to research include whether the public can testify on specific pieces of legislation, when the legislature opens its session, what committees influence education and who are the members of those committees, and dates of adjournment.

The best time to talk with legislators, present basic information about middle level education and discuss bills that you would like to be introduced, is when the legislature is out of session. Legislators will have office hours, whether that might be in a local office or at the state capitol. It's at this time that legislators have more time to spend with constituents. This is the time when you can start to develop a long-term relationship with your legislator, and perhaps even invite him or her to participate in a school event.

When working with legislators on a specific bill, whether you want something introduced or are arguing against a piece of legislation, understand that most decisions are made in committees. It's wise to speak with a committee member before the bill ever goes to the floor.

As you plan, it's also important to learn about the history of your legislature and how it has dealt with middle level education. Many states have web sites that provide valuable information. Or you can talk with legislative staff or even review newspaper articles. Also, learn the history of individual legislators that will influence your issue. Have they been educators? Do they have children they send to public schools? Have they written or spoken on educational issues? Knowing their history will mean you are less likely to be surprised when you are speaking with them.

If you are going to deal with a specific issue, it's also important to research the opposition's views. When speaking to a legislator, he or she is likely to ask you how you would respond to the opposition's position. This is a great opportunity to combat arguments and influence legislators in an important way.

Preparation

In preparing to meet with legislators, it's essential to gather and interpret the data that will support your arguments, develop a clear position and understand it completely, mobilize your friends, and develop coalitions that can support your position. If you speak as a single educator, your position could be perceived as self-serving. If you are supported by others, such as parents, business leaders, and community members, your views are likely to be seen as wide-spread. It's essential that your position be presented in understandable language and void of education jargon.

Michelau urges that you develop coalitions that include your friends but also those who may not normally deal with education but are interested in a specific issue. For example, preservation groups can become allies around the issue of maintaining small schools or closing schools and moving students into larger facilities.

Presentation

In presenting your position to a legislator, you must be honest, not just in reaching your current goal but in developing long-term relationships. If you can develop a relationship where a legislator sees you as a respected resource and seeks your opinion on future educational issues, you have achieved success.

Legislators love handouts, and you should leave brief, clear handouts on your position. Use a bullet-point approach so that legislators can quickly refer to your key arguments. Most legislators keep files on issues, and well-prepared handouts can serve you in the future.

When communicating in writing, whether through e-mail or in a written letter, make your comments personal. Legislators are experienced in identifying "form letters" and know that there is not much personal involvement in sending them. If you are organizing a campaign, offer key messages for people to use, but encourage them to express them in their own words. If we are not willing to take the few minutes to draft our own letters, it's hard to argue that the issue is very important to us.

Presentations can be enhanced by using personal anecdotes. Data is important, but how those facts play out and impact children in your school will make your argument stronger.

Persistence

Remember to be patient. Action in legislatures frequently happens in the last few days before adjournment and over more than one legislative session. Let legislators know that you are available to them for further questions.