Education Advocacy 101- Tips for parents to make a positive impact  - MetroFamily Magazine
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Education Advocacy 101- Tips for parents to make a positive impact 

by Christina Mushi-Brunt

Reading Time: 4 minutes 

Education advocacy has been a hot-button topic of discussion across the country, in our state and in our local communities. With each news cycle and social media post, one can easily feel overwhelmed and maybe even powerless. However, as the saying goes, “Knowledge is power.”

Participating well in anything requires getting to know as much as you can about the subject. The world of education advocacy is no different. The show tune “Getting to Know You” from the musical The King and I comes to mind: “Getting to know you. Getting to know all about you.” Whether you are dissatisfied with school lunch procedures or concerned about bullying policies or you want to better support teachers and administrators, there are effective ways to make your voice heard as an engaged parent.

If the thought of advocating for education feels intimidating, you are not alone. Your role in education advocacy can be as small or as large as your comfort level. Here are four tips to get started.

1. Get to know your parent advisory committee/council. 

Many public school districts and even private schools have an organization that brings the voices of parents into the decision-making process. Serving on these committees gives an insider view into what is currently happening or being planned for your child’s school. These committees also provide an opportunity to voice concerns and provide feedback to those who will ultimately be making decisions on your school and/or district’s behalf.

Serving on my community’s school district patron advisory committee gave me a chance to better understand the details of a proposed bond that covered issues ranging from technology and child nutrition to school safety and building renovations. Plus, attending these meetings removes the mystery of how decisions are being made to meet the needs of the schools, students, teachers and staff in the district.

2. Get to know your local district advocacy organizations. 

Whether it is called a PTA or a PTO, parent-led advocacy organizations are one of the most effective means of communicating about and advocating for the needs of your child, their teachers and school. Gone are the days in which the role of these organizations was simply class party planning.

Parent associations are engaged in legislative advocacy in real and meaningful ways. For example, many of these organizations provided support to teachers during the 2018 teacher walkout. Oklahoma PTA hosted a virtual state superintendent candidate forum in 2022 ahead of the midterm election in which the public was invited to send questions for the candidates to answer.

At the local level, PTA units across the state, including Broken Arrow, Union, Tulsa, Norman and Moore Council PTA, have hosted candidate forums, issued voter guides to better inform parents’ decisions and held education town hall meetings with state legislators.

Talk to your local school advocacy group to ask how you can be involved. If this has not been a priority for your school or district, gather like-minded parents together and create opportunities to make advocacy a priority.

3. Get to know your school board. 

According to the National School Boards Association, public school boards “represent the community’s voice in public education.” As a constituent, you elect the individuals who voluntarily serve on the school board to represent the best interests of students, teachers, schools and families. Attending your local and state school board meetings gives you another opportunity to learn about and understand the issues that affect your child, their teachers and school. School board meetings are also a space to voice concerns.

Each meeting includes a time dedicated to public comment. Check your district’s school board website to become familiar with rules for public comment (like how to sign up to speak and time limits for comments). You can also initiate regular dialogue with your board members by emailing them directly.

4. Get to know your local and state representatives. 

Getting to know these elected officials can help you use your voice in a direct way. When reaching out to your representatives, oftentimes your first connection will be through their legislative aides. Whether it is by electronic or phone communication, be prepared to share the specific policy or bill number(s) you are contacting them to discuss.

Speaking to your representatives doesn’t have to happen only when you have a concern. You can also reach out to them to share the positive things happening in your child’s classroom, school and/or district. Brag about how your child’s teachers are making a difference in their educational journey. Or simply thank them for supporting an education bill that has meaning for you and your family.

As a parent, taking the time to get to know and understand the education system can empower you to become a part of the conversation. Use your knowledge and your voice to advocate for policies and actions that benefit your child, their classmates, teachers and schools.

What small (or big) step can you take this year to advocate for education? Share your thoughts with the MetroFamily team by emailing tips@metrofamilymagazine.com.

 

Education advocacy resources

School board regular meetings*

Oklahoma State Department of Education

  • When: Last Thursday of each month (unless otherwise noted) at 9:30 a.m.
  • Where: Oliver Hodge Education Building, Room 1-20, 2500 N Lincoln Blvd, OKC

School boards meeting on the first Monday of each month (unless otherwise noted):

  • Edmond
  • Yukon

School boards meeting on the second Monday of each month (unless otherwise noted):

  • Deer Creek
  • Midwest City-Del City
  • Moore
  • Mustang
  • Norman

School boards meeting on Mondays (typically once or twice per month):

  • Oklahoma City
  • Putnam City

*List includes largest metro public schools; check your district’s website for exact dates.

Find your legislators and Education Committee members

Find and track education-related bills 

  • Oklahoma State School Boards Association’s 2024 Legislation Tracking List Bill Index: tinyurl.com/Track-Bills

 

Editor’s note: Christina Mushi-Brunt is a former professor turned freelance writer and public health research consultant. Christina, her husband and their three kids reside in Moore, where she is active in the education community.

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