Community Associations Institute’s Post

Fairly important public policy update from Community Associations Institute. I am sure that we all have our own opinions on the pros and cons of *mandatory* training for members of community association boards of directors. What I like about this updated policy, however, is that it (i) recognizes that not all localities/states will view the issue similarly and (ii) provides a framework within which local advocates can ensure "our" interests are protected. We shall see what, if any, needles this moves in the Commonwealth of Virginia or D.C. . . . #cai #publicpolicy #condo #hoa #opinions

Established in 1857, the National Education Association (NEA) has evolved into the largest professional employee organization in the U.S., with a membership of over 3 million. Its history reflects a journey of advocacy for public education and teacher professionalism, punctuated by active political engagement, which has sometimes sparked internal and external debate. The NEA's political endorsements, particularly its longstanding support for the Democratic Party, have been a point of contention, revealing the complex interplay between #education and #politics. This dynamic was notably discussed in a study by D. Grove, which examined the NEA's political influence from 1972 to 2016, suggesting that the organization's political clout may be more nuanced than often perceived. "NEA Today," the association's flagship publication, mirrors this complexity. It is a resource for educators, offering a blend of policy analysis, professional development content, and classroom strategies. Its widespread distribution among educators could indeed make it one of the most subscribed-to publications in the field, reflecting the NEA's substantial network. The NEA's financial structure is primarily supported by member dues, which fund its various initiatives, including "NEA Today." This model of financing ensures that the organization's activities align with the interests of its members, though it also raises questions about the influence of member contributions on its political stances. As we examine the NEA's role in education, it is clear that its impact extends beyond the classroom into the broader political and social discourse, shaping and reflecting the complexities of educational advocacy in America.

Call for chapter proposals: Community-Engaged Praxis in Peace, Social Justice, and Human Rights Education This book will examine the ways in which formal, non-formal, and informal educational spaces are reimagining education through community-engaged partnerships and initiatives, aiding scholars and practitioners to gain deeper insight into restructuring and improving education for a more equitable and socially just world.  Abstracts due: November 1. https://bit.ly/3YDwLWy

I am thrilled to share that I have had the honour of leading the coordination of the South African Human Rights Commission, ECPO Roads Inquiry. Despite facing numerous challenges during the sessions, our resilient and tenacious outlook allowed us to tackle each obstacle with tact and creativity. This investigation has been a tremendous learning experience, reaffirming my status as a seasoned legal practitioner with immense potential. We successfully secured the attendance of key participants, including the MEC for Transport, MEC for Treasury, MEC for Education, MEC for Health, AGSA, and various attendees such as WSU, Rhodes (PSAM), Equality Collective, and the TCOE, among other notable participants. As one of many significant outcomes, the ECPO was invited to a radio interview, on 27 November 2023, on Mhlobo Wenene - an opportunity I gladly accepted (my first ever radio interview 😅 ). I am thrilled to embark on the report-writing phase! As I take on the task of drafting the report for the ECPO Roads inquiry, I anticipate the demands it will place on me. The responsibility is significant, and I am well aware of the potential impact this report can have (perhaps nationally too). This undertaking represents more than a document; it is an opportunity to articulate the findings, insights, and recommendations that can drive positive change. I am energised by the thought of contributing to a narrative that may shape policies and foster improvement. Another source of pride for me (among many others) is contributing to the finalisation of the School Uniform Report. This report is poised to drive national policy reform. Documenting our journey as professionals, especially in the social justice space is crucial. The work we do demands much from us, often requiring sacrifices. I am grateful for moments like these and the smaller victories that often go unshared. The road ahead may be intense, but the potential for positive impact makes it worthwhile. Here's to the power of advocacy and the pursuit of justice 🌐 🔍 📌 #ECPOReport #Socialjustice #HumanRightsAdvocacy

News Corp Australia today launched its second annual national #education advocacy initiative with an expanded program. Over the next six weeks, News Corp Australia's state-based mastheads will tackle critical issues facing the country's education system, present solutions and celebrate the hardworking #educators making a difference to children's lives.  Kicking off the campaign is Best In Class, a five-day editorial series exploring the challenges our classrooms face which contribute to poor #student outcomes and offering solutions to support education. The series explores the behaviour crisis in modern classrooms as well as a new behaviour curriculum, teacher shortages and resignations and the vaping problem. Also released this week is Schools Hub, a data-rich interactive journalism tool featuring the #NAPLAN performance of schools over the past five years to help parents compare and decide on the best schools for their children. An exclusive feature on Saturday May 4, incorporates REA data to help readers discover the school catchments you should buy in for the best results. On Sunday May 5, Australia's Best Teachers returns to celebrate the nation's most inspiring and innovative educators. Students, parents and colleagues are encouraged to nominate their favourite educator to be profiled in state mastheads including The Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun, The Courier-Mail and The Advertiser. Editor of the Saturday Courier-Mail and The Sunday Mail in Queensland Anna Caldwell said education advocacy was part of News Corp Australia’s ongoing commitment to improving support for teachers and education outcomes for Australian families. She said: "We’re encouraging the education community to be part of this campaign and deliver action where it’s needed most." Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gZDsUaxE #NewsCorpAustralia #NationalEducationAdvocacy

Ensuring that assessments are authentic & diverse in their representation is crucial in making students feel seen. The Education Trust created a new guide on advocating for racially & culturally inclusive state assessments. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3SF1kbO 

Straightaway it is impossible to overcome the extreme negativity created by the forces of greed and more than that it had been always lethal to write or address in favor or against the institutionalized faith of human being divided by several political and religious strictures. In fact, the greatest virtue of literature is that it captures our mind and spirit from childhood to the end of our lives. It is an important part of our intellectual heritage, just as important as our scientific, religious and professional heritage. It is a treasure trove of human wisdom that leads our lives to that final home, to which our mind and heart direct us. We have specially designed the form and content of the said aspect of literature, hoping it will be a strong and accessible tool for all people to understand the complex of spiritualism and materialism, that defines the spectrum of religious definitions in a single notion following the history of human being on earth within scientific insight, building trust between all cultures, norms and mores, without disgracing the faith of any humankind and which can take a worthy place with it as an educational approach to it. https://lnkd.in/gyDw8U8E

The best opportunity for NZ Education in Generations In NZ we have for way too long sat back and considered our education system to be amazing. We would, of course, all wish it was. But a form of awakening has taken place in the last six years and I will not bore you with the statistics that are unequivocal. The new government have the greatest opportunity in many generations to blast the NZ education system ahead and should have full motivation to make our system truly world leading. From a metrics perspective this means: - almost all school age children are enrolled in a school or legally homeschooled. - at least 80% of NZ children attend school 90% of the time. our curriculum is world class and clearly focused on academics that allows young people to become highly informed, creative and critical thinkers and young adults, at the end of schooling, with HUGE aspirations. - that families are fully engaged and we no longer accept socio-economics or ethnicity as an excuse for schools or students to underperform. Maori young people have as much ability as Asian young people and the gaps must be closed through aspiration and very hard work … not dumbing down everyone. - our outcomes must improve across all levels of NCEA (or alternatives), UE and tertiary outcomes. - our teaching workforce must become better qualified and skilled. - we must have a system, through Designated Character Schools (etc) that allows expert provision for children who do not fit the cookie cutter mentality. Some of these young people, when well cared for with different modes, become some of the highest achievers in our society. There can be no excuses. The new government has a huge mandate for change in education and an opportunity to create a great legacy. Alwyn Poole Innovative Education Consultants Cambridge Festival of Sport https://lnkd.in/gSWGwDp7 https://lnkd.in/g3RXyFCr https://lnkd.in/gAcKFAdK https://lnkd.in/guYAjPNs

Our recent Policy in Focus post outlines the main recommendations from a recently-published study entitled "The Early Years Sector: A Case Study in Policy Development", written by Dr Fergal Lynch from the UNESCO Child and Family Research Centre, University Galway, who is also the former Secretary General of the Department of Children. The study examines lessons learned from Early Years and School Age Care policy development, implementation and evaluation in Ireland: https://loom.ly/x6eg2fk #QualityForChildren #EarlyYearsPolicy #Education

EducationNC highlights how advocates can adopt a cross-partisan approach to effectively move their education initiatives forward. #edpolicy #K12 https://lnkd.in/epbcvu4Z