Now, perhaps more than ever, communicating with legislators is essential to safeguarding the education profession and promoting the well-being of the children and families with whom teachers work. Yet, this task is not always an easy one, primarily because legislators and teachers work in different environments and speak different professional…

More than 100 students and teachers from Missouri Career and Technical Student Organizations gathered at the State Capitol Building in Jefferson City, Missouri, to participate in the Missouri Association for Career and Technical Education's (MACTE) Annual Legislative Day on February 13. During the morning session, participants listened to state…

A teacher, an aide, and four students from Manhattan High (Kansas) set out to defeat a bill to allow a young man to homestead an island important for its overwintering bald eagle habitat. Through research, lobbying the state legislature, and help from the National Audubon Society, the bill is defeated. (LC)

Higher education must tell legislatures how the state should raise the money the colleges want to spend--even if it means higher taxes--and then lobby on behalf of those proposals. This also means addressing new and potentially controversial issues about the role of colleges in state politics. (MLW)

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)

Outlines the 1981 legislative objectives and activities of the New Jersey Education Association for all areas of child and teacher welfare and educational legislation. Specific state bills and some federal objectives are cited. A directory of New Jersey legislators is appended. (SJL)

The activities of a University of Miami lobbying team at the state legislature's annual 60-day session are described. Each of the three team members has specific area and bill responsibilities, but their coordination and teamwork are seen as essential to success in promoting the university's interests. (MSE)

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…

This guide to the legislative process provides information on how to work within the legislative process for changes benefiting children and families. The guide is divided into 5 major sections: (1) know the issues and know the state and congressional legislative systems; (2) know how to express an opinion; (3) communications from non-profit…

Survey and observational research on educational lobbying organizations in the Pennsylvania state legislature yielded both data on influence processes and a set of seven guidelines for educational lobbyists. A survey of Pennsylvania legislators at the 1973-74 session examined their attitudes about education bills, educational lobbies and their…

Urges community colleges to reevaluate their relationship with the governor's office and state legislature. Offers suggestions for trustees regarding understanding the legislative process, organizing the lobbying team, involving state legislators in campus activities, assisting with reelection efforts, establishing a reputation for credibility,…

School board members can influence legislation by conveying accurate information, building coalitions and grassroots support, and understanding legislators and their political climate. Offers suggestions from experts on how to lobby more effectively. Lists seven resources, and contains a brief glossary of legislative terms and a brief primer of…

Practical lessons in lobbying at the state level include the following: practice friendly persuasion and good timing; accentuate the positive; and be consistently accurate and honest. Lists 19 do's and don'ts of lobbying. (MLF)