Advocacy defined:
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Advocacy is acting on behalf of others.
- Advocacy means to be prominently and deeply attentive and concerned in a certain situation or topic. Whether it may be a miniscule or a great, cosmic idea, anything can essentially be advocated as long as the advocator holds true passion and perseverance in attaining more information on that stimulating topic that interests them. Furthermore, advocacy also implies representing that certain cause with great vigor and confidence to ensure a credible defense in the case if one questioned or argued against it.
- A good advocate must be confident in what they are advocating. Not only is this a crucial characteristic of a strong and persuasive advocate but also a key element since it shows that the advocator knows what they are talking about from their trustful knowledge as well as perspective.
- A good advocate should be respectful because this will enable the advocator to seem proper and professional so that their whole journey in discovering and exploring ideas on their topic will appear more compelling.
- A good advocate is genuine. If the advocator is genuinely passionate about the idea, cause, or topic that they are advocating for, the authenticity sincerity of their argument will seem more compelling to consequently make the audience become moved and persuaded.
- A good advocate istenacious. With tenacity, an advocator could overcome various unforeseen rebuttals against what they’re advocating and try their best to either prove them wrong, persuade them, or even acknowledge but offer more of your own opinion in an empowering approach.
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Purpose of Assignment:
- The purpose of this assignment is to identify a challenge/issue within your current setting requiring a change and then build a case through an advocacy essay to make the change.
- Sample Advocacy challenge statement: To convince the local school board that agricultural education is an integral part of core content curriculum through the application of classroom content through hands on, experiential learning. Also, it is essential to the development of 21st century skills for students.
- Directions:
- The purpose of this assignment is to identify a challenge/issue within your current setting requiring a change and then build a case through an advocacy essay to make the change.
- You will draft an Advocacy Paper/Essay proposing a solution/change that addresses a challenge/need identified within your District/Organization.
- This Advocacy Paper will be sent to the Board of Education or other decision making body for consideration and possible inclusion in the SIP for 2023-2024 on behalf of the School Improvement
- Review the How to Write and Advocacy Essay in the Resource Module for some guidance.
- Follow APA formatting and NSU assignment formatting
- Include a Reference Page that includes a minimum of 5 references
- Include the following sections:
- Cover Page; Introduction (Setting the stage/ Potential Background of the situation); Body (Advocacy details with supportive research;) Closing Argument; Reference Page
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The following components must be incorporated in the proposed advocacy/argument.
- You can add more, but at a minimum please address these key points.
- Use these as your potential subtopics.
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What is the identified challenge/problem to be overcome?
- What problem are you trying to solve?
- Provide evidence that the problem exists(See and analyze the problem through various perspectives of others)
- Include valid information from studies whether from statistics, research, or any kind of primary source to support your claim.
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Why is it important to address this challenge and make a change?(Change Benefit analysis)
- Why is this change required at this time?
- What are the threats and opportunities?
- What is the end goal as the result of this change?
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Supporting research for this implementation
- Where has it been successfully implemented within the last 5 years
- Projected success rate based on research
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Who is impacted by this change?
- Key Stakeholders?
- What Resistance is encountered and how is it addressed?
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How will this change initiative be implemented?
- Communication plan?
- Timeline?
- Sustainability Plan?
- Cost benefit analysis?
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How does this initiative link with the overall District SIP?
- Impact to student achievement/Alignment with District Vision and Goals
Summary considerations to help your thought process:
- Diagnose the problem:Conduct a needs assessment to identify gaps and problems in the system. For example, if ESL students are struggling with low reading scores, what are the contributing factors?
- Develop a vision:Identify ways to address gaps and problems. For example, establishing an afterschool program to support ESL learners and give more personalized instruction might improve scores.
- Create a step-by-step implementation plan:List the steps to achieve this vision. This may include allocating a budget for the staff and technology needed for such a program, finding the teachers who will work after school, and selecting computer programs to support ESL learning.
- Implement the plan:Communicate with teachers, parents, and administrators to get the resources to start implementing the plan.
- Review the outcomes:Find ways to measure the success of the SIP and adjust it as needed. .Have the reading scores of ESL students taking part in the afterschool program improved? How can the school motivate those who have not joined the program and are still struggling to participate?
