In this article, the author's share some ways that voters--and specifically educators--can advocate for their views on an ongoing basis and make those views known to the elected officials who make decisions that directly affect teachers. These policymakers generally are not educators by training and, consequently, lack the in-depth knowledge…

Considers the impact of empirical social science methodology and data analysis techniques on the process of historical analysis and its product, generalizations about the past. Uses political preference and voting information as a vehicle to illustrate the differences in historical conclusions reached by Lee Benson and J. Morgan Kousser. (JDH)

Working with local reporters is increasingly important in passing educational referendums. An analysis of the Rockford, Illinois, school system's press coverage relating to a failed and then a passed referendum shows an interesting pattern. The referendum defeat was preceded by a lack of fact-filled, substantive newspaper reports about the…

Provides advice to help school districts pass bond referenda. Includes lists of why referenda fail and win and ways to develop a successful bond campaign including a referendum timeline. (MD)

Outlines the results of a survey of seven school dictricts whose tax referenda failed. Includes a list of 40 reasons why districts lose in tax votes. (MD)

Lists strategies drawn from research findings to help candidates win board of education elections. (JM)

Discusses the grounds for political obligation, adapting John Searle's argument about 'promising' to the case of voting. Presents a method for citizenship education which specifies a path to political obligation based upon participation. Concludes that participation, specifically voting, leads to political obligation. (GEA)

By developing broad community input and support, a Louisiana district (Monroe City Schools) passed a $59 million property tax package. Offers 10 strategies for winning campaigns. (MLF)

Suggests that by taking a realistic approach to the subject matter, social studies teachers can increase their chances of having a positive effect on students. Discuses how to make the subject matter relevant and considers the role of the mass media. (SG)

A Colorado school district attracted over 2,000 volunteers to work on a winning campaign for a mill increase to make up for a $7 million shortfall in state funds. Offers 10 key lessons along with pointers for putting them to work in other school districts. (MLF)

Offers suggestions on how a board member can best exert power, whether he or she is alone in his or her opinions, part of a committee, part of a minority on the board, or part of the majority. (IRT)

Notes four strategies that will almost certainly result in losing a school bond election, then discusses four strategies that increase the probability of passage. (SR)

After five years of opposition, voters in the Jefferson County, Colorado, School District approved a $325 million bargain. Describes how the district made major management decisions, rebuilt credibility among voters, and ran the campaign. Cites a budget-tracking tool, School Micro-Financial Allocation Study, that helps school districts track how…

Describes organizational and planning strategies used to convince voters in the Park City (Utah) School District to approve two bond referendums. Offers 10 suggestions for conducting a successful school-bond campaign. (LMI)

Many school buildings are in dire need of renovation, expansion, or replacement. Brief case studies from around the country illustrate the importance of finding out why people vote for or against a construction referendum. Lists recommendations for a strategic campaign. (MLF)