At the 2014 Student United Way Leadership Retreat, Sam Ryan and Julie Heinz of the Department of Education talked about how to translate your solutions into policy recommendations.

1. UNITED WAY SUMMER RETREAT- U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION WORKSHOP HOW YOUTH CAN TRANSLATE THEIR SOLUTIONS INTO POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
SEPTEMBER 13, 2014

2. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
MISSION & WORK
 Mission: To promote student achievement and preparation for
global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence
and ensuring equal access.
 Work:
 Early Learning
 K-12 Reforms
 Equity and Opportunity
 Higher Education
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3.  “…If civic education is to become more engaging, it must
seek to move beyond your ‘grandmother’s civics’ to what has
been labeled ‘action civics’…the new generation of civic
learning puts students at the center and includes both
learning and practice—not just memorization of names,
dates, and processes.”
 -(U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Under
Secretary and Office of Postsecondary Education, Advancing
Civic Learning and Engagement in Democracy: A Road Map
and Call to Action, Washington, D.C., 2012.)
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4. JUSTIFICATION FOR CIVIC EDUCATION
1. “Since its founding, America’s leaders have recognized that
one of the most important purposes of educating the nation’s
citizens is to protect and strengthen democracy. Education in
America must prepare all students for informed participation
in civic and democratic life—so that all Americans are ready
to tackle the challenges confronting communities and the
nation in the 21st century and so that the United States can
continue to serve as a model democracy for people and
governments around the world.”
--(U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Under Secretary and Office of
Postsecondary Education, Advancing Civic Learning and Engagement in
Democracy: A Road Map and Call to Action, Washington, D.C., 2012.)
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5. HAS CIVIC ENGAGEMENT DECLINED?
1. “Until the 1960s, three courses in civics and government were
common in American high schools: Civics explored the role of
citizens especially at the local and state levels, Problems of
Democracy encouraged students to discuss current issues and
events, and U.S. Government focused on structures and
function of government at the national level.” (Guardian of
Democracy)
2. A 2012 assessment by CIRCLE concluded, “ Social studies
courses such as history, civics, and economics provide students
with the necessary civic skills and knowledge to be effective
21st century citizens. However, since the passage of NCLB,
many states have shifted focus away from social studies and
have dramatically reduced the number of social studies
assessments”
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6. HOW DO STUDENTS ENGAGE WITH
POLICYMAKERS?
1. Surveys, focus groups and research
2. Personal experiences
3. Youth Summits
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7. LOCAL IMPACT
1. Boston Student Advisory Council urged the Boston Public
Schools for a voice in teacher evaluations and the district
adopted a student to teacher feedback.
2. Baltimore Intersection’s MD Dream project worked to
empower all students to advocate for their undocumented
peers.
3. Mikva Challenge Reinventing Chicago Public Schools through
their Education Advisory Council to CEO (Superintendent) of
Chicago Public Schools.
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8. FEDERAL IMPACT
1. Civil Rights Data Collection will require schools to report
instances of harassment based on perceived sexual
orientation and religion along with harassment based on
race, sex, and disability. This policy was prompted in large
part by students through the LGBT Students Give Secretary
Duncan Homework in 2011 and hosted a LGBT Youth Summit
2. ED and DOJreleases new School Discipline Guidance with
input from Students.
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9. BREAKOUT SESSION
1. Session 1 (10min)– In small groups share your (and your
students) experiences engaging with local, state, and federal
officials. How did that experience make you feel, was there
follow up, what did you take away from it?
2. Session 2 (10min)- Share experience with the group.
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10. TIPS FOR ENGAGING WITH
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
1. Students
a. Have an understanding of the organization (structure).
b. Know your issue (personal experience, research, data/student surveys).
c. Convey points in a concise manner and be prepared to elaborate.
2. Youth Serving Institutions
a. Bridge Between Students and Government Officials.
b. Ensure follow-up
c. Clearly state agenda, recommendations and decision expected/next steps.
3. Government Officials
a. Convey Policy Questions, priorities and organizational structure.
b. Share information with senior officials and other staff.
c. Follow up with students on policy recommendations.
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11. QUESTIONS
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