The primary goal of Learning First is to engage teachers in the policy writing process and effectively have those policies supported by the community and adopted by the DOE. In order to accomplish this mission, we have to be politically savvy and strategic. We have to be about building relationships, finding consensus and agreement across lines of difference, and acknowledging the validity of rather than de-legitimizing other stakeholder groups. To the shegrin of some, that means putting away our activist hats and hard rhetoric, and putting on our government-partnership hats. In order to be able to continue to work methodically, incrimentally, and effectively toward our ultimate vision, we have to establish a few ground rules for any policies facilitatied, supported, or promoted by learning first. 

 

• Be asset based: Focus on the positives of changing to a better way, not on bashing what is currently wrong. A Statement of Need can sometimes require some dficit-based language, but we have to use it seldomly and carefully. 

• Focus on policies that we can win and that build our brand: Going head-to-head at a core program that the DOE has made a key priority (like EES or Common Core) doesn't win us trust, lasting allies, or influence in the offices to which we need access and influence. Let the HSTA take care of the big contractual and contriversial issues. If we grow and succeed in our mission, then we will get a change to tackle those issues further down the road. 

• Acknowledge the well-meaning intentions of all stakholders: Saying that any certain group or individual doesn't have the best intentions at heart for our kids can and will alienate a would-be ally on another issue. If you don't support charter schools, that is fine, but don't call the motives of those that do into question when it comes to their feeling about wanting to provide opportunities for kids to gain an excellent education. 

• Lastly, never take a postion that harms or even has the appreance of harming studnets: Furloughs come to mind. Reguardless of whatever leverage or political advantage was gained by such a solution, maintaining our repuration as a group that unconditionally defends student learning over all other interests is fundimentally important.