The Time is Now – Will You Join the Education Conversation?

The race for our nation’s top job continues to dominate the national news, as each candidate tries to reach the “magic number” of secured delegates. Similarly, the work of the Iowa legislature is reaching a critical stage as members of the House and Senate try to reach agreement on a “budget number” all can live with. In the midst of these sometimes-contentious conversations, it may seem like there is little any one of us can do that makes a difference. It has been my experience through the years, however, that each one of us can make a difference by taking time to engage in the conversation.

Regardless of our personal political views, all of us at Heartland AEA can take a stand for the non-partisan issue of advocating for children. I encourage us to take time this month to send a postcard, write a letter, attend a legislative forum or visit the Capitol to engage in a conversation with an elected official. Remember that we also have volunteer time here at Heartland AEA that could be used to assist with a community event. Perhaps you have interest in joining with other advocacy groups to address specific issues such as those that affect young children, children at-risk for a myriad of reasons (poverty, immigrant status, disability to name a few) and/or general needs of schools. 




In a recent publication from the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, Achieving Excellence Through Equity for Every Student, Blankstein and Noguera advocate for recognition that societal progress is contingent upon expanding opportunities for all and that the advancement of a small group cannot be achieved or sustained unless the larger population, including the most vulnerable, is allowed to share in the benefits. This idea resonates with me, and if it also resonates with you, I encourage you to join in the conversation to support education as a means to “enfranchise” members of our state, thus investing in a future society that lives up to the democratic ideals upon which our country was founded.

Resources you may find helpful:

• Iowa AEA legislative priorities
• Invitation from the Des Moines Public Schools Legislative Action Committee
• Legislative talking points from Margaret Buckton, Lobbyist, UEN and RSAI, Partner, Iowa School Finance Information Services

Thanks for all you do,
Paula