Taking Action: Informing Policy Makers and the Public

NSTA Legislative and Public Affairs April 1, 2008

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

Mead, Margaret

Why Should You be an Advocate for Science Education?  Politics is all about “What you have that you don’t want to lose and what you don’t have but would like to gain.”   Teachers and researchers have traditionally been underrepresented in the policy/decision making process. Decision makers will continue to implement education policies whether or not we are at the table If not you, who?

NARST Members Can and Should

Take action to support effective education policy. Communicate with policymakers, making your voice heard. Ensure your advocacy is effective and efficient

Create a NARST Policy Plan

   What are NARST issues?

What is your message? Develop white paper/issue briefs.

 How do your issues/messages fit existing legislation and funding resources?

  Set goals and develop an Action Plan Track, monitor, analyze STEM legislation and initiatives.

Lobbying and Advocacy

 What is lobbying and how is it different from advocacy?

 What is a grassroots network?  What can we do?  What type of resources can we put into grassroots efforts and lobbying?

Getting Started

 Get organized! Listservs, website, personal contacts.

     Motivate and educate your members.

Join with others/use 3 rd endorsement.

party Develop a Legislative Handbook.

Tips for a successful contact (email, phone, letter, visit). Hire a lobbyist

Become an Advocate for Science Education Think locally —before you act globally  Relationships matter. Become the expert on science that a legislator thinks of when an education issue comes up.  Honesty matters. Tell both sides of an issue if asked.  Presentation matters. Keep your message to a legislator short and simple. Explain an issue, what it will do, what it will cost, and what they want the legislator to do within two minutes.

Become an Advocate for Science Education Courtesy matters. Many people get frustrated when a legislator won't vote their way on an issue of importance-and then respond by doing or saying something to offend the legislator. In politics, you must live to fight another day as there will always be other issues that will come up.

Become an Advocate for Science Education All legislators matter. It is critical to learn to work with legislators from both political parties. Remember that the party currently out of power will likely be the party in power within a few years. It is smart politics to work with and support any legislator who is willing to be supportive of your issues.

Become an Advocate for Science Education Starting early matters. Know the political process. If you wait to get involved in a political issue when it is up for a vote you have waited too long

Become an Advocate for Science Education Public relations matters. Letters to the editor or op/ed pieces get on the radar screen of policymakers, the news media, and the general public.

NSTA Issues

     Lack of funding for teacher professional development Lack of funding for identified science education initiatives (NSF and Dept of Ed MsPs) Science not being taught in early grades, focus on math and reading Poor quality of science taught by elementary teachers Quality of High School Labs

NSTA Positions

 NCLB:  Include Science in Adequate Yearly Progress  Set Aside Funding for Teaching Training in NCLB Title II A  Develop Grants for K-8 Science Specialists   Appropriations: Expand funding for current effective programs (Math and Science Partnerships and NSF EHR)

Include Science in AYP

 Partnerships with BRT, NAM, ACS, and Chamber of Commerce     Talking points and policy paper Letter of support for this issue (over 65 groups signed on) Lobbying campaign with like minded groups Ad in Roll Call  Advocacy with NSTA Leadership and NSTA members

NSTA and NARST Partnership

 Joint recommendations on Key Legislative issues   Grassroots Advocacy Targeted Lobbying Questions?

Jodi Peterson, Asst. Exec Director, NSTA Legislative and Public Affairs [email protected]