Advocacy

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Comment by Christina Alvarado on August 2, 2009 at 1:47pm

While I'm thrilled that the President has signed The Preparing Teachers for Digital Age Learners program developed by ISTE into law, we cannot lose sight of our current students. In my district, all three certified MLS & Technology Teacher positions were cut. Somehow, our central administrators convinced school board members that "the computers will still be there. The regular classroom teachers can integrate technology to help their students attain the NETS."

Regular classroom teachers should not be expected to know how to integrate technology. They have not been trained in this area. A few PD sessions do not take the place of a masters degree or certification in information science / technology education. There is no student whose future will not be touched by technology. As a nation, we need to provide our current students with a top notch technology education by requiring and funding technology teachers in K12 schools, as we do in math, science, social studies, and language arts. Some day, all teachers will have completed a education technology component during their college preparation, but we are not yet there.

Comment by Matt Cortez on February 11, 2009 at 12:30am

I would like to say Does anyone else feel these economic plans are falling short? I mean we (as taxpayers) are paying the bill for these bailouts and hand outs to these big banks and industries and what do we get in return, nothing. At least they should forgive the debt of the americans that owe their company money. I mean for pete's sake this plan dumps over 800 billion into the economy and does nothing for joe somebody, good plan right? This is ridiculous! The plan needs to get to the middle class and the lower class in our society and not refund the wealth of the upper class and pay their salaries. I heard Obama will be different, yeah well how? There is no education bail out, college bills pile up and the government hands out more money to big corporations to make "jobs" for us little people who are footing the bill for the bailout. Enough is enough! Use this money to fix the problems and not just band-aid a cut that needs some stitches. Give my children an education they can use and survive on without sending them to the poor house.

Comment by hilary goldmann on February 3, 2009 at 7:56am

I just started an advocacy blog on the ISTE Ning. Please check it out and tell your colleauges. I'm hoping to keep it updated with the latest "inside the beltway" information as well as using it as a discussion forum to share ideas and provide support for grassroots efforts. www.iste-community.org

Plese visit the blog and add a question or a comment, let's make this a dynamic discussion!

Comment by hilary goldmann on August 19, 2008 at 10:56am

The Preparing Teachers for Digital Age Learners program developed by ISTE was signed into law last week by the President as part of the Higher Education Act reauthorization. The goal of the program is to ensure our nation's new teachers have the skills and know how to integrated technology and 21st century skills into the classroom. Next we'll have to work to get this program funded.

Comment by Jim Seitz on July 30, 2008 at 9:01pm

This is the much needed place to discuss the current technology political issues and legislation. Could be interesting!

Comment by Scott Bryan on July 29, 2008 at 12:20pm

ISTE has put together a great toolkit for effective advocacy - check it out here.

Comment by Michael Porter on July 29, 2008 at 12:04pm

ETAN (Ed Tech Action Network)

The tools and training you need to be a powerful advocate for improved technology learning and teaching. Tell policymakers in Washington, D.C. and in your state capitols, that education technology is vital for improving student achievement and professional development. Visit ETAN http://www.edtechactionnetwork.org/