There are many examples of successful programs using educational technology that states and local school districts have developed to help teachers teach and students learn. It is important to share these programs and their successes with community leaders, parents, and federal, state, and local legislators – they are the ones who will make the policy and funding decisions for these programs. Sharing the benefits of these successful programs also enables other states, districts, and schools to replicate these programs. This section provides SETDA members and other educational leaders with:
Mechanisms for Sharing the Benefits of Successful Programs
Reaching out to your stakeholders on a consistent basis is a critical component in the process. In developing relationships with your stakeholders, you become a reliable data source for them as they make policy decisions. Listed below are some of the many mechanisms states are using to share information about their programs with stakeholders.
- Distributing online monthly newsletter to stakeholders
- Developing program brochures/information sheets
- Providing program information on website
- Attending and presenting program successes at conferences
- Conducting workshops to demonstrate new technology to administrators, teachers, and students
- Hosting a technology fair – parents and community members can see the results of students’ work
- Communicating regularly with school superintendents, principals, and other local officials to promote programs
- Reporting to local school boards
- Submitting articles for State Superintendents’ newsletter
- Issuing press release for new program
- Publishing an article in an education journal
- Sending targeted emails to federal, state, and local legislators and community leaders
- Inviting federal, state, and local legislators, community leaders, and parents to visit schools
- Meeting with federal, state, or local legislators
- Providing testimony to legislators
Stakeholder Contact Lists
In order to launch a successful outreach campaign, collect the names, titles, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of each of the following audiences for your state. Send sample letters to your target audiences on a regular basis to share information and to request meetings to discuss your programs.
State Colleagues Contact List:
- Professional Development Professionals
- Assessment Professionals
- Curriculum Professionals
- MIS Professionals
- Virtual Learning Professionals
- Assistant Superintendent or Equivalent
Policymakers Contact List:
- Senators
- Congressional Representative
- Governor’s Office
- State Legislative office
- State Board of Education
- County Supervisors or Executives
- County Legislators
- County Boards of Education
- Mayors
- Town councils
Community Leaders Contact List:
- Parent Teacher Organizations
- Parents
- Teachers
- Students
- Community organizations
- Business Leaders
- Chamber of Commerce
- Local non-profit organizations
- After School Programs
- Special Education
- Minority Groups
Sample Outreach Letters for Communication with Stakeholders
The information and printer friendly document below has been developed as a starting point for SETDA members and other educational leaders to share with stakeholders. The sample letter provides facts and examples that can be used to demonstrate the importance of providing our teachers and students with the technology tools and resources necessary to successfully engage students and transform education, so that our children are prepared to lead in the 21st century.
Sample SE Community Leader Letter
