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Ed Tech Action Network. Michael R Porter Eastern Upper Peninsula I.S.D. The Problems. Declining Funding Targeted Funding USF Legislated restrictions. Declining Funding – FY06 Budget Request. Title I $13.3 billion, $603 million increase Title II, A $2.9 billion, no change - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Ed Tech Action Network
Michael R Porter
Eastern Upper Peninsula I.S.D.
The Problems
Declining Funding Targeted Funding USF Legislated restrictions
Declining Funding – FY06 Budget Request
Title I $13.3 billion, $603 million increase
Title II, A $2.9 billion, no change
Title II, D $0, $496 million decrease
PT3 $0
Star Schools $0, $20.8 million decrease
CTC $0, $4.96 million decrease
State Data $24.8 million, no change
Declining Funding Appropriations
Discretionary funds shrinking, due to increasing budget deficit and other national focuses
Education programs competing against each other
Michigan’s FY05 allocation
$15.8 million
Michigan's Share
Michigan
FY06
Allocation
$8.6 m
1.6 million
for projects
Targeted Funding
Increasingly funds are flowing from the Federal Government with tighter controls.
State Legislators are imposing further controls on funds before releasing them to MDE
E-Rate: Clouds on the Horizon
One-year exemption from the Anti Deficiency Act, need for new exemption or legislative fix
Waste, Fraud and Abuse cases still under scrutiny
E-Rate up for reauthorization
in the Telecommunications
Act
Legislated restrictions
Deleting Online Predators Act (DOPA)
(H.R. 5319) • The proposal would force any school or library that
receives government funding to block access to any web site that "allows users to create web pages or profiles that provide information about themselves and are available to other users, and offers a mechanism for communication with other users, such as a forum, chat room, eMail, or instant messenger."
I’m just a bill
The Network
ISTE and CoSN together form the Ed Tech Action Network.
The network includes an interactive website, advocacy training, draft advocacy letters, legislative updates and policy backgrounders.
www.edtechactionnetwork.org
Why is the Network Needed?
Federal funds for ed tech are decreasing. Policy makers are questioning the value of
the investment. E-Rate program is under greater scrutiny. Reduction of state funds for Ed Tech. Homeland security and war
effort decrease available
amount of Ed Tech funding.
Basic Concepts
Lobbying or Advocacy?• All individuals can lobby – on their own
time, using own funds, and representing themselves
• State government representatives must follow individual state rules
• Everyone can advocate
What is Lobbying?
Direct lobbying: when an organization attempts to influence specific legislation by stating its position or urging a legislator to support, oppose or otherwise take action on a bill or proposed legislation.
Grassroots lobbying: when an organization urges the public to take action on specific legislation.
What is not considered lobbying?
Responding to written requests from legislative body for technical advice on pending legislation, even if you take a position, e.g. hearing testimony.
Discussing broad social, economic and similar policy issues whose regulations would require legislation.
What is not considered lobbying?
Making available the results of nonpartisan analysis, study or research on a legislative issue that you have developed, even if you take a position on the legislation. But the analysis:• must be generally public• contain facts needed to enable readers to
form independent opinions• not include a call to contact legislators
What to do if you just want to advocate?
YOU CAN:• Communicate directly with legislators and staff• Tell them how Ed Tech improves teaching and
learning• Explain how federal funds and programs are
making a difference• Discuss the implementation of existing laws• Provide analysis or research
BUT do not support or oppose specific legislation or legislative proposals
Grassroots Advocacy Community-based advocacy to impact
policy makers. Helps set legislative agenda for members.
• Leverages voting power
• Disseminates information on local impact of federal programs and policies
• Provides expertise and hands-on experience
• Personalizes the issue
Building and Bringing People Together to Create a Coalition
Whole > sum of parts Formation of coalition = better visibility
for policy makers Bring different strengths/perspectives Recruit parents, teachers, educators,
industry leaders, and local businesses
Advocacy 101
Ways to Participate:• Meet with policy makers• Write policy makers• Call policy makers• Invite policy makers to events, e.g. back
to school• Schedule photo-ops
Advocacy 101
Tip 1: Make an Appointment • Schedule an appointment with a member of
Congress or his/her staff at least a couple of weeks in advance.
• Be flexible, members and staff are very busy.
• Please be patient and arrive on time!
Advocacy 101
Tip 2: Prepare for your meeting• Prepare any material that you will need for
your meeting, including background information, facts, and statistics.
• Research your member’s position on your issue.
• Use your member’s website or the Library of Congress website at http://thomas.loc.gov/
Advocacy 101Tip 3: Stay on Message• Be polite and brief. • Provide a direct link between your issue and the
welfare of your region. • Include a personal story highlighting the importance
of the issue. • Present yourself as a resource and be sure to
answer any questions.• Thank the member for his/her past support on
various issues.
Advocacy 101
Tip 4: Continue the Relationship• Write or email your member thanking them
for the opportunity to discuss the issue. • Provide regular updates on what is
happening in the district and/or state. • Involve the member by inviting them to visit,
especially for events and launches of new projects.
The Network - Sign Up Today
ISTE and CoSN together form the Ed Tech Action Network.
www.edtechactionnetwork.org
