State Level Advocacy Success Stories Lessons from Connecticut

The Agenda Introduction The Historical/Political Context Evolution of Connecticut’s Advocacy Process Next Steps Lessons Learned Practical Steps to Take Now Conclusion

The Historical/Political Context Connecticut education reform legislation Social Studies consultant position draft frameworks NEW: July 2011 Connecticut's Social Studies Framework – This draft framework and curriculum standards including grade level expectations (GLE's) will be presented to the State Board of Education for discussion in fall 2011. Civics education Connecticut Council for the Social Studies

Evolution of the Advocacy Process Strategic Action Plan and Council commitment to advocacy initial contacts and follow-up the catalyst email and first organizational meeting follow-up meetings to identify key issues identification of potential allies and outreach efforts communication of ongoing efforts with Council board and membership

Evolution of the Advocacy Process policy group meetings: issues, goals, and strategy hire a Social Studies Consultant revisit the CT draft frameworks through the lens of the C3 Frameworks State BOE Position Statement Secretary of State and House Majority Leader two State Board of Education members Commissioner and Chief Academic Officer

Evolution of the Advocacy Process State Board of Education presentation The Emotional Angle: Mr. Buck; Student, Teacher, and Administrator Voices The Philosophical Angle: the mission of education, 21st Century Skills, Common Core State Standards, and professional duties of teachers The Practical Angle: CT draft frameworks, C3 Frameworks, consultant, BOE position statement

Next Steps regular meetings with the Chief Academic Officer begin work on CT frameworks using C3 follow-up regarding Social Studies consultant follow-up with State BOE regarding position statement develop a timeline and revise Strategic Plan to reflect/address ongoing advocacy efforts maintain the momentum and the pressure

Lessons Learned build relationships and cultivate allies… … by taking advantage of organizational networking capacity invite to events, schedule as speakers thank you emails and letters public recognition and praise consider traditional and non-traditional allies some allies emerge unsolicited cultivate the dissenters

Lessons Learned identify two or three key issues avoid dilution practical, attainable, and politically advantageous develop short-term and long-term goals need for a time frame need to maintain pressure and presence use the context of the Common Core State Standards and advocate the strengths of the C3 for political leverage

Lessons Learned value the power of personal testimonials local examples within a state & national context …but they lose power without a corresponding plan celebrate successes…but don’t rest on your laurels i.e. time frame and goals the process is long…stay the course political pressure is a two-way street an unwavering belief in the power of social studies education is vital

Practical Steps to Take Now develop a strategic plan for your council/advocacy group (and review and refine) identify key issues specific to your state identify political and organizational stakeholders and allies establish an online presence and utilize social media take advantage of your distribution lists for email blasts, SurveyMonkey, etc. create Legislative Liaison and Outreach Liaison positions

Other Examples? Questions? Comments? Insight?