Monitoring Legislation - What You Put In Is Almost Always What You Get Out

Over time most people learn that there is a relationship between how much personal energy you invest in something, and how good any product will be that you turn out.  The same is true for education.  Being fully vested in education has made me a better teacher and student.

Let's face it, most of us (people who have jobs, school or both) do not have time to keep track of legislation in our respective states.  For public educators, it's especially important to recognize where your resources come from: representatives at the local, state and federal levels.  Since it is not parents and students who directly support you, being a great teacher does not guarantee you a job anymore. Especially in tough economic times.

Though most states and unions do their best to keep as many teachers as possible working, on occasion people elect legislators who think it is simply too costly to educate public school children.  While it's true that some of the costs associated with public education come from special education, ESOL programs, administrative salaries, testing and supplies, when you start really peeling away the layers it boils down to salaries and benefits for teachers.  With some public officials it doesn't matter how hard you work or whether or not students are learning, all that matters to them is the cost associated with education.

That's why it's important to monitor ongoing legislation in your state.  All states have Education Committees.  These committees are made up of elected representatives and governed by administrative rules set by the state.  Most of these committees have web sites where you can see bills referred to them.

There are two particular things you want to pay attention to when reading legislation.
#1 Anything that is associated with funding will have a special code FN which stands for Fiscal Note. 
#2 Anything that changes teaching standards. 

If you are part of a professional association in your state, you're in luck.  Most organizations have an Advocacy or Government Relations person, who knows how to keep track of these things.  Pay attention when that person sends you an email asking for action.

Not a joiner?  Go to your state web site and keep track of what's going on at the Capitol.  Write when you see changes that may have an adverse effect on student learning.

Education is an investment in the future, what you put in is almost always what you get out. 

-AMA