Former Senator S.I. Hayakawa discusses his constitutional amendment that would establish English as the official national language of the United States. He discusses his concerns over bilingual education, stressing a belief that it should be chosen freely by local school authorities and that bilingual programs must be transitional, transfering…

To help parents become informed consumers of child care services, caregivers can become advocates for children and families, post articles, join professional organizations to educate the public, inform legislators about the role of child care in allowing mothers to become self-supporting, and be able to refer parents to resources that help educate…

Designed to assist legislators and legislative staff in using the New York State Library more effectively, this handbook provides a description of what the library is, what it has to offer, and how to use it. Specifically, sections are devoted to (1) the Library itself--general facts, descriptions, locations; (2) special services for the…

The governor of Texas discusses the adoption of the Texas Educational Opportunity Act in 1984 and its effects on the state. Also discussed is the declining role of the federal government in funding of education and how the states have absorbed massive cuts in funding in critical areas of education. (MD)

Superintendents can wield influence at the statehouse if they know how. Offers tips from state-level lobbyists on how to reach a legislator's ear. (MLF)

Shares a letter the author (a professor emeritus of Language Arts education) wrote to her state assembly member in California in response to legislation, based on a very limited definition of reading, that imposed the use of phonics on school districts. Notes that the letter can serve as a model for other educators to respond to their legislator.…

This pamphlet is about effective communication and helping citizens make use of every available way to "send them a message." Highlighted are tips on making personal visits to members of Congress and their staff, placing telephone calls and writing effective letters. There is a directory of telephone numbers and addresses to contact the…

This pamphlet discusses one of the most essential but often misunderstood tasks facing nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations today: lobbying. It is addressed to Americans who volunteer their time and money to promote causes they believe will make this a better world. The pamphlet encourages citizens to lobby for two reasons. First, because virtually…

The strategies presented in this report are suggested as ways to make decision makers at all levels of education more aware of the benefits of educational technology (ET) in improving the effectiveness, efficiency, and enjoyment of learning. These strategies emphasizing results and learning are provided, not to limit any person or group, but to…

In 1999, the LegiSchool Project planned to conduct the 12th in its series of televised Town Hall Meetings to provide a forum in which California high school students, educators, and legislators can engage in face-to-face dialogue about problems of mutual interest. For 1999, the topic is standards and tests in California high schools. This guide…

The purpose of this guidebook is to give Minnesota legislators an overview of all laws affecting young people in order to have a reference aid on current state policies toward youth. State statutes and cases that provide rights, responsibilities, and protections for young people under age 18 are described. Part 1 of this guide, "The…

The governors of the states of Tennessee, Utah, Arkansas, South Carolina, and Texas were interviewed on educational reform in their states. Their interviews show agreement in seven areas relating to educational reform. Presents excerpts from the interviews focusing on six questions. (MD)

A study of communication between superintendents and legislators in Illinois revealed that superintendents seldom speak to legislators. Survey forms were sent to the 39 legislators on education committees: 29 legislators completed the survey, and 21 of these were interviewed indepth. (MLF)

This guide for changing public opinion concerning physical education is divided into four sections: The first, "Setting the Stage" tells how the various governments are organized, and the processes which turn public opinion into public policy. Future trends in the federal, state, and local role in funding public education are discussed. An…

This fact sheet discusses the importance of providing state legislators with accurate information and gives guidelines for state education agencies to use when communicating with legislators about special education. The guidelines include: (1) focus on solutions; (2) be accurate; (3) include timelines for specific actions; (4) provide examples of…