Advocacy for School Leaders

In today's political and global world, it's not enough to remain a solid educational leader. Leaders must become advocates for educationon Capitol Hill, in state legislatures, and within communities. Advocacy for School Leaders: Becoming a Strong Voice for Education, written by an educator for educators, examines key issues facing education, demonstrates methods for addressing the issues, and discusses strategies to advocate for an education agenda at local and federal levels. Starting with local impact and moving to federal initiatives, Sandra Whitaker provides significant insights into school-business partnerships and the legislative process, allowing educators to approach advocacy efforts with greater understanding of the institutions with which they must work. The advocacy action points and questions for reflection included in each chapter allow readers to adapt the information and strategies to their local contexts. Based on her experiences working with the media, business leaders, and elected officials, this book presents practical approaches for working with educators and those outside the field to understand issues facing today's schools and for identifying and promoting sensible solutions that elevate teaching and learning.

With today's noble but challenging emphasis on success for each public school child, the author's contention that educators must advocate to shape and reshape policy and legislation matters more than ever before. The combination of school-based stories and practical suggestions for ways to influence decision makers offers both a rationale for action and strategies for effective communication with state and federal lawmakers., This volume demonstrates the author's passion for the occupation and the clear need for knowledge and information., Sandra Whitaker...offers beginning and experienced education professionals a guidebook on educational advocacy....Whitaker writes in a way that makes educational change seem truly attainable. The book is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to become more active in her or his community, regardless of how large or encompassing that community may be., Whether you are just tiptoeing into the stream or are an expert in these waters, this straightforward book should top your reading list. For the beginner, it is an easily followed guidebook. For the experienced, it is a text to discuss and share with others. For everyone, it brings forward key ideas to simplify effective education advocacy.

Sandra Whitaker is a National Board certified teacher in English-language arts, has spent much of her career working with struggling readers and writers, and is deeply concerned with issues of literacy, access, and differentiation. Throughout her career, she has served the educational community as a teacher, building-level administrator, curriculum developer, and curriculum coordinator.