Mobilizing Citizens for Better Schools

by Sexton, Robert F.; Riley, Richard W.

• ISBN13: 9780807744413
• ISBN10: 0807744417
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-04-01
• Publisher: Teachers College Pr

Summary

Tired of the complacent attitudes Kentucky politicians showed toward education, the Prichard Committee formed as an organization to galvanize the citizens of Kentucky to attack the state's historic educational deficits. The committee's campaigning helped prepare the way for the passage of the Kentucky Education Reform Act in 1990 and continues to work for school reform today. Based on his wealth of experience and success with the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence, Sexton provides invaluable guidance for citizens of all states who are interested in implementing school reform.

Author Biography

Robert F. Sexton has been the Executive Director of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence since its beginning in 1980

Table of Contents

Foreword by Richard W. Riley	ix
Acknowledgments	xi
Introduction	1	(16)
What is the Prichard Committee?	1	(1)
Conditions That Shaped Our Work	2	(4)
Why Does the Public Matter?	6	(6)
A Growth Industry: Public Engagement	12	(1)
Final Thoughts	13	(4)
CHAPTER 1 Getting Started	17	(9)
Selecting Members and a Chair	18	(2)
Encouraging Media Attention	20	(1)
Reaching Educators	21	(1)
Making Recommendations	21	(2)
Deciding to Continue	23	(3)
CHAPTER 2 The Heart of It All: Credibility	26	(9)
Leading Without Authority	26	(2)
Transforming the Committee	28	(1)
Principles of Operation	29	(6)
CHAPTER 3 Defining the Agenda and Getting Attention	35	(11)
Agenda Setting	35	(2)
The Media	37	(1)
Critical Alliances	38	(1)
Reaching Out	39	(4)
Reaching Consensus	43	(1)
Summing Up	44	(2)
CHAPTER 4 Blowing on the Embers	46	(11)
Providing Data	47	(1)
Maximizing Local Efforts	47	(2)
Sharpening the Focus	49	(2)
Entering the Political Arena	51	(1)
Defining the Policy Agenda	52	(1)
Forming A Coalition	53	(1)
Moving Ahead	54	(3)
CHAPTER 5 Everything Changes: The Kentucky Education Reform Act	57	(11)
An Unbelievable Achievement	58	(1)
The Lawsuit	58	(1)
Rethinking the Role of the Committee	59	(3)
Revising Our Strategies	62	(1)
Where's the Money?	63	(2)
"Sometimes You're the Windshield, Sometimes You're the Bug"	65	(3)
CHAPTER 6 Creating an Environment to Sustain Change	68	(14)
A Comprehensive Challenge	69	(1)
Organized Opposition	69	(1)
Instructive Missteps	70	(1)
Running Against a Myth	71	(2)
Dynamics of a Difficult Climate	73	(1)
Crafting a New Approach	74	(1)
Systemic Obstacles for Systemic Reform	75	(5)
Conclusion	80	(2)
CHAPTER 7 Responding to the New Challenges	82	(27)
Informing the Public	83	(8)
Shaping the Agenda	91	(5)
Mobilizing for Action	96	(6)
Engaging Parents	102	(5)
Conclusion	107	(2)
CHAPTER 8 Summing Up: The Lessons Learned	109	(6)
Afterword	115	(2)
References	117	(6)
For Further Reading	123	(2)
Index	125	(6)
About the Author	131