1. State Level Advocacy Success Stories
Lessons from Connecticut

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

3. 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

4. Evolution of the Advocacy Process
Strategic Action Plan and Council commitment to advocacy
initial contacts and follow-up
the catalyst 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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 blasts, SurveyMonkey, etc.
create Legislative Liaison and Outreach Liaison positions

12. Other Examples? Questions? Comments? Insight?