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PUBLIC ADVOCACY
What YOU can do!
Take one step more to advocate for LOTE.
Advocacy Packet – Letter Writing Campaign Guide
Contact information – Board of Regents
Advocacy Steps you can take – inside and outside of
your classroom
Use NYSAFLT’s Public Advocacy links for legislative
contacts, USED, NYSED, research and documentation
at www.nysaflt.org
PUBLIC ADVOCACY
Committee Members
Marie Campanaro, Chair Roseann Lorefice, Asst. Director, NYSAFLT
Eileen Angelini, Western New York David Graham, Central New York
Nancy Ketz, Central New York Judy Martialay, Consultant
G. Jo Meleca-Voigt, Western New York Audrey Misiano, Central New York
Mike Mitchell, Capital-East Rosa Riccio Pietanza, NYC/Long Island
Diana Zuckerman, Mid-Hudson/Westchester
New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers – Updated 6/1/2011
Advocating for World Languages:
A Campaign of Letter Writing
The information in this packet was compiled by the
Public Advocacy Committee of the
New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers, Inc.
Marie Campanaro, Chairperson
New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers – Updated 6/1/2011
Directions for Letter Writing
We are at a tipping point in the legislative season. The advocacy efforts of those in our
membership and communities have the potential to save our LOTE programs from further
devastating cuts. We hope to pave a road to help reinstate the programs and assessments we
have already lost.
Our government sources tell us that the most effective way to make an impression on the people
who determine policy is to send physical letters – paper mail (faxes too)!
Here is how to use this packet:
1. Write or type letters to the contacts listed as “most influential”. “CC” these letters to
others that should be aware of our cause, even if they do not directly affect our
legislation. Contacts are divided into New York State and national so that you can be
specific about issues or legislation.
2. Select an opening sentence and paragraph from page 4 to start your letter or create your
own. Tailor all paragraphs to your personal style or concerns. Follow the format given for
your inside address and salutation.
3. Page 5 offers suggestions for the second paragraph. This paragraph should explain the
problem you identified in the first. Select one or create your own.
4. You should end your letter with specific ways your contact can support LOTE in New
York State or in our nation. Select a paragraph and a closing sentence, or create your
own.
*Do your best to keep your letter to only one page in length. Multiple, short letters are more
effective than a long, multi-paged letter.
5. Fax it, mail it, or e-mail it…and then, write another and another. We have limited time to
make our case. Remember than an influx of PHYSICAL PAPER mail will make the
biggest impression.
Thanks for taking the time to care!
New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers – Updated 6/1/2011
KEY OFFICIALS – NEW YORK STATE
MOST INFLUENTIAL
Merryl Tisch, Chancellor
Board of Regents Office
89 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12234
Phone: (518) 474-5889
Email: [email protected]
Milton L Cofield, Vice Chancellor
Board of Regents
98 Hickory Ridge Road
Rochester, NY 14625
Phone: (585) 200-6284
Email: [email protected]
Regent Anthony Bottar, Chair
P-12 Education Committee
120 Madison Street, Suite 1600, AXA Tower II
Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: (315) 422-3466
Email: [email protected]
WRITE TO YOUR LOCAL REGENT!
Go to NYSAFLT.ORG>Public Advocacy>State
Advocacy>Government Contacts>Board of Regents
PEOPLE TO “CC” IN YOUR NY LETTERS
The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo
Governor of New York State
New York State Capitol Building
Albany, New York 12224
Phone: (518) 474-8390
Fax: (518) 474-1513
Senator Suzi Oppenheimer
State Capitol Room 414
Albany, NY 12247
Phone: (518) 455-2031
Fax: (518) 426-6860
Email: [email protected]
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver Legislative Office Building 932
Albany, New York 12248
Phone: (518) 455-3791
Email: [email protected]
Dr. John B. King, Jr.
Commissioner, NYSED
Room 125 EB
89 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12234
Phone: (518)473-3862
Fax: (518) 473-2056
Email: [email protected]
The Honorable Catherine Nolan¸ Chair
NYSED Congressional Education Committee
Legislative Office Building 836
Albany, NY 12248
(518) 455-4851
Senator John J. Flanagan, Chair
NYSED Senate Standing Committee on Education
Room 805 Legislative Office Building
Albany, NY 12247
Phone: (518) 455-2071
Fax: (518) 426-6904
Email: [email protected]
Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos
Legislative Office Building, Room 907
Albany, New York 12247
Phone: (518) 455-3171
Email: [email protected]
The Honorable Joel Miller
Assembly Education Committee
LOB 437
Albany, NY 12248
(518) 455-5725
Email: [email protected]
WRITE TO YOUR NYS LEGISLATORS
Go to NYSAFLT.ORG>Public Advocacy>State
Advocacy>Government Contacts>Legislative Action
Center
New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers – Updated 6/1/2011
KEY OFFICIALS – National
Department of Education Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education
LBJ Education Building, 7W311
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202
Phone: (202) 401-3000
Email: [email protected]
Andre W. Lewis, Deputy Assistant Secretary
International and Foreign Language Education U.S. Department of Education
1990 K Street, NW, room 8036
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: (202) 502-7317
Email: [email protected]
US Senate – New York State
Senator Kristen E. Gillibrand
478 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: (202) 224-4451
Web Form: gillibrand.senate.gov/contact/
Senator Charles E. Schumer 322 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone : (202) 224-6542
Web Form: schumer.senate.gov/newwebsite/contact.cfm
US House of Representatives
http://www.house.gov/representatives/
New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers – Updated 6/1/2011
INSIDE ADDRESS AND OPENING PARAGRAPHS
Date
Assemblyman/Senator __________________
Legislative Office Building __________
Albany, NY 12248
Dear Assemblyman/Senator _____________:
STATE THE PROBLEM CHOOSE ONE OPENING SENTENCE
1. As a (resident/parent/taxpayer/student) of/in the (__________) Central School District, I need your help. I am writing to you to express my concern about the elimination of foreign language assessments in New York State.
2. As a taxpayer of in the (__________) Central School District. I am writing to urge you to reinstate the foreign language proficiency and Regents assessments in New York State.
3. I am a (resident/parent/student) of/in the (__________) Central School District. I am deeply concerned about the cuts to foreign language education in New York State. I am writing to you to restore funding to these programs.
4. I am a (resident/teacher/parent/taxpayer) of/in (__________) Central School District. I am shocked that the New York State Board of Regents would choose to further weaken foreign language programs at a time when knowledge of other languages and cultures is so critical. I am writing to ask you to reinstate the funding to foreign language assessments and to increase graduation requirements for Languages Other Than English.
OPENING PARAGRAPH CHOOSE ONE
1. The U.S. has steadily been losing ground as a leader in the world marketplace. We are increasingly
pushed aside by countries who have prepared their citizenry for a competitive and global economy.
2. As parents and educators we have been charged with preparing our students with 21st Century Skills. It
is our goal to have all students become college and career ready. This cannot be accomplished without
early and continual instruction of foreign languages and their cultures.
3. The Association of International Educators has called our nation’s lack of knowledge about the world a
“national liability”. There is an urgent need for effective foreign language programs to help our students
cooperate with and understand other cultures more fully as well as to guard ourselves against terrorism.
4. Early and continued study of a language other than English has many significant benefits for our
children. Our lack of global literacy places the U.S. at a disadvantage in the global marketplace but
places us in a more dangerous position with regard to national security.
5. I am a (resident/parent/teacher) of/in the ___________ Central School District and I write today to
express my deep concern about threats to our foreign language programs. LOTE is now the only
academic without the sanction of a state or federal assessment. This is a dangerous message to our
students and their parents as we prepare for global understanding and partnerships.
6. [Create your own opening which states a concern about the lack of support for foreign language
education in your school or state.]
New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers – Updated 6/1/2011
PARAGRAPH NUMBER 2--STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
CHOOSE ONE
1. The study of foreign languages fosters cultural awareness and understanding, cross-cultural
communication and the competitive skills needed for today’s global market. One needs only point to the
most recent U.S. Census results to see the drastic increase of people within our borders who speak
languages other than English. Our police forces, medical and emergency personnel, social workers and
educators are a few of the areas where the knowledge of other languages and their cultures would
increase national security and economic productivity. We must respond to a nation that is more
culturally and linguistically diverse than ever. This need is more critical outside of our nation’s borders
as we become more globally connected. In 2005 the U.S. Census Bureau reported that one in five jobs in
our country is linked to international trade. They expect this number to increase.
2. Research has overwhelmingly shown that learning a second language benefits basic skill development in
the first language. Over time, the study of a second language results in higher scores on standardized
tests and has been found to improve the chances of college acceptance, achievement and attainment.
Studies have also shown these results are true regardless of race, gender or economic status and actually
narrow achievement gaps among minority and low socioeconomic groups. The cultural awareness and
competency that comes with the study of a second language enhances career opportunities within our
borders and abroad. Our students must acquire international awareness, the appreciation of cultural
diversity and development of proficiency in at least one additional language in order to be competitive in
their fast-paced, continually changing world.
3. Since the U.S. first emerged from its policy of isolationism during the First World War, our government
agencies and leaders have called for a language proficient population. The FBI has recently reported a
serious lack of Arabic translators to review the thousands of documents seized in the Middle East as
well as within our borders. Our court system is often hindered by the lack of proficient translators. The
military and many police departments offer pay incentives for those who can speak other languages. The
U.S. idea that “everyone speaks English” further alienates us from the rest of the world and damages our
reputation. The critical need for people who speak other languages and understand other cultures is well
established. Our educational system has never been awarded the means to fill this pressing need.
4. Unfortunately, a large number of Americans believe that the study of foreign languages and their
cultures is not important. Mastering a second language is not a fun “extra” during the school day, but a
critical component needed to create an informed population capable of competing in the global
marketplace and meeting the needs of all who live and work within our borders. The elimination of state
assessments in LOTE validates these damaging beliefs.
5. [Create a paragraph that explains the importance of the language you speak or teach. Give specific
examples of how your target language is used and will help your students in the future.]
New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers – Updated 6/1/2011
PARAGRAPH NUMBER 3—CALL TO ACTION
CHOOSE ONE 1. This is a critical time for our state’s (nation’s) leaders to support the education of foreign languages and
their cultures. I am asking you to oppose the current rash of budget cuts that will undermine our foreign
language educational programs and further jeopardize the United States’ position economically and
politically in the global arena.
2. Please speak to the urgent need for effective foreign language programs and policies to prepare our
students to compete in the global marketplace and to provide services to the English deficient speakers
within our borders.
3. I am asking you to please speak out against the current rash of budget cuts that will undermine our
foreign language educational programs and further jeopardize the United States’ position economically
and politically in the global arena.
4. I urge you to support the bills and policies which will maintain or expand our current foreign language
programs. It is time to educate our country about the critical need to work with the rest of the world on
equal ground.
ADD A CONCLUDING SENTENCE WITH A SPECIFIC ACTION
CHOOSE ONE
1. I hope I can count on you to be a voice to support the teaching of foreign languages and their cultures.
Your service to our region is appreciated. Reinstate the funding for LOTE assessments.
2. Please do all you can to maintain and expand our foreign language programs for the future of our
students. Restore our LOTE programs and assessments. Thank you for your consideration and service.
3. Thank you for all you have done in the past for our school programs and for the future of our students.
Please stand with us on this important issue to ensure a safer and more economically stable future.
Provide the funding necessary to reinstate our LOTE programs and assessments.
4. I deeply appreciate your strong support of our schools in the past, and hope you will demonstrate the
same now by supporting a solid foreign language program. Fund the programs that will enable our
children to compete in the global marketplace. Reinstate our LOTE assessments and programs.
5. I trust you will strengthen foreign languages so that our children will be able to interact, compete and
prosper in the world of the 21st century.
Sincerely, Respectfully, Yours truly, With sincere appreciation,
Name
Address
Phone Number
THE BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
Merryl H. Tisch, Chancellor 9 East 79th Street N.Y., N.Y. 10075 | Phone: (212) 879-9414 [email protected]
Robert M. Bennett, Chancellor Emeritus Judicial District VIII -- Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming 201 Millwood Lane Tonawanda, NY 14150 | Phone: (716) 645-1344 [email protected]
James E. Cottrell SUNY Downstate Medical Center Brooklyn, NY 11203-2090 l Phone: (718) 270-2331 [email protected]
James C. Dawson Judicial District IV -- Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, St. Lawrence, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren, Washington 166 U.S. Oval Plattsburgh, NY 12903 | Phone: (518) 324-2401 [email protected]
Anthony S. Bottar Judicial District V -- Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Oneida, Onondaga, and Oswego 120 Madison Street, Suite 1600, AXA Tower II Syracuse, NY 13202 | Phone: (315) 422-3466 [email protected]
Milton L. Cofield, Vice Chancellor Judicial District VII - Cayuga, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Yates 98 Hickory Ridge Road Rochester, N.Y. 14625 | Phone (585) 200-6284 [email protected]
Geraldine D. Chapey Judicial District XI -- Queens 107-10 Shore Front Parkway, Apt. 9C Belle Harbor, NY 11694 | Phone: (718) 634-8471 [email protected]
Harry Phillips, III Judicial District IX -- Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester 71 Hawthorne Way Hartsdale, NY 10530 | Phone: (914) 948-2228 [email protected]
James R. Tallon, Jr. Judicial District VI - Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Madison, Otsego, Schuyler, Tioga, Tompkins United Hospital Fund, Empire State Building, 350 Fifth Avenue, 23rd Floor New York, N.Y. 10118-0110 | Phone (212) 494-0777 [email protected]
Roger Tilles
Judicial District X - Nassau, Suffolk 100 Crossways Park West, Suite 107 Woodbury, N.Y. 11797 | Phone (516) 364-2533 [email protected]
THE BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
Kathleen M. Cashin Judicial District II - Kings 89 Washington Avnue Albany, NY 12234 | Phone (518) 474-5889 [email protected]
Charles R. Bendit Judicial District I - New York 111 Eighth Avenue, Suite 1500 New York, N.Y. 10011 | Phone (212) 220-9945 [email protected]
Betty A. Rosa Judicial District XII - Bronx Chambreleng Hall, Fordham University 441 East Fordham Road Bronx, N.Y. 10458 | Phone (718) 817-5053 [email protected]
Lester W. Young, Jr. 55 Hanson Place Suite 400 Brooklyn N.Y. 11217 | Phone (718) 722-2796 [email protected]
Christine D. Cea Judicial District XIII --Richmond NYS Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities 1050 Forest Hill Road Staten Island, NY 10314 [email protected]
Wade S. Norwood 74 Appleton Street Rochester, NY 14611 [email protected]
SYNERGY = STRENGTH
“We can no longer stand by and wait for someone else to advocate for us.
We must step forward and do our part.”
Nancy Ketz, President, NYSAFLT
One More Stepadvocating for LOTE
Marie Campanaro, NBCT WLOEChair, Public Advocacy, NYSAFLT
Baby Steps - on your own
Call your U.S. Congressman’s office
You will be speaking with an aide or secretary
Prepare your message:
• Give your name and address
• Ask Congressman X to support HR 1994, HR 1966 and FLAP Grants; to oppose cuts that eliminate LOTE programs
• Say “thank you” and good-bye”!
(visit www.nysaflt.org for more info.)
Join NYSAFLTHuh?
A Few of Your benefits• Invitations and special registration fees for conferences
and workshops
• Eligibility to apply for teacher and student scholarships
• Access to teacher placement services
• Subscription to Language Association Journal and NYSAFLT news
“Our” benefits• Power in numbers
• Give a gift of NYSAFLT
Baby steps - in your classroomTEACH your students what LOTE proficiency
can do for…
• Meeting HS graduation requirements
• Improving college acceptance chances
• Brain development
• Higher standardized test scores
• Job marketability
• Increased pay opportunities
• Travel opportunities
Have your students explore…
• LOTE as it pertains to their career choice
• The languages and cultures of your neighborhood
• What research says about language proficiency
• What languages their family members and neighbors have learned or speak
One More Step
• Invite guests to your classroom to share information about their language and culture
• Invite guests to your classroom who can address the need for foreign language proficiency
Sneak in a link
Marie J. Campanaro, NBCT WLOESpanish IA and IB349-5050, ext. 6176
The Parents as Language Partners webpage, sponsored by the New York State Association of Foreign Language Teachers (NYSAFLT.) is designed for all parents who have a child studying a foreign language. NYSAFLT believes that your role is essential in the success of your child’s learning of a foreign language. You will find important information about what you can do to help your child and things you should know about the study of a foreign language. http://www.nysaflt.org/parents/
Our mission is to educate and inspire each student to love learning, pursue excellence and use knowledge, skills and attitudes to contribute respectfully and confidently to an ever-changing global community.
More Baby Steps
Write a letter …
• To your U.S. Congressman
• To your U.S. Senator
• To your NYS Congressman
• To your NYS Senator
• To Commissioner John B. King
• To your Board of Regent
(visit www.nysaflt.org for contact info.)
SCHOOL EMAIL SIGNATURE!
Get the kids talking!
• Have students report on the messages learned.
• Publish student reports in a school or community newsletter.
One step more• Have students write what they’ve learned
about LOTE and their future from classroom visitors and lessons.
• Share quotes from those writings with administrators, Regents, legislators…who else?
Have you led a student trip?• Have your students write about their experiences.
Have them share the impact the trip had on their lives, future goals, and so on.
• Share their responses…as a thank you to your Board of Education for allowing the trip…
Having a special LOTE event?
• Involve your parents as much as possible
• Invite your district administrators
• Recruit the aid of non-LOTE colleagues
• Invite local legislators – they will welcome the attention and publicize the event
• Invite local business personnel
• Write about it – have students
and participants write about it
Make your move!Getting the word out
LOTE is not enough!
Dare to ask others: would you be willing to contact…?
• Get students to write/call
• Get their parents to write
• Infiltrate the business community
• Invite legislators/business people into the class –get quotes
• Get colleagues to write