what you can do! take one step more to advocate for...

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

http://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


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!


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


Regent Anthony Bottar, Chair

P-12 Education Committee

120 Madison Street, Suite 1600, AXA Tower II

Syracuse, NY 13202

Phone: (315) 422-3466


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


Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver Legislative Office Building 932


Phone: (518) 455-3791


Dr. John B. King, Jr.

Commissioner, NYSED

Room 125 EB

89 Washington Avenue

Albany, NY 12234

Phone: (518)473-3862

Fax: (518) 473-2056


The Honorable Catherine Nolan¸ Chair

NYSED Congressional Education Committee

Legislative Office Building 836

Albany, NY 12248

(518) 455-4851

[email protected]

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


Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos

Legislative Office Building, Room 907


Phone: (518) 455-3171


The Honorable Joel Miller

Assembly Education Committee

LOB 437

Albany, NY 12248

(518) 455-5725


WRITE TO YOUR NYS LEGISLATORS

Go to NYSAFLT.ORG>Public Advocacy>State

Advocacy>Government Contacts>Legislative Action

Center

mailto:[email protected]










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


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


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/




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.]


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.]


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

what you can do! take one step more to advocate for...

Documents