Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/229155
ARE YOU READY FOR THE 2014 LEGISLATIVE SESSION? CTA's lobbying strategy is you and the grassroots involvement of members in every corner of the state. Although CTA's lobbyists play a key role during the session, legislators want — and need — to hear how their actions will impact children and public education back home. Lobbying isn't hard — and it can be fun. You don't have to be an expert on education policy or anything else. Remember, though, that you are the expert on how legislation will affect your students and your school. THE HEART OF Gifted and Talented Education Certificate Letters It's not done much anymore, but personal letters that state your views on how the proposed legislation will affect your profession, schools, or community gets attention. @ Emails When speed is desirable because of imminent action on a piece of legislation, emails may be sent to a legislator. Go to www.cta.org/whosyourlegislator to get your legislators' contact information. Telephone calls This form of communication is particularly effective when the person making the call has established a personal relationship with the legislator. Direct contact with the legislator is not always possible, but messages can be left with aides or secretaries. Meeting with legislators The most effective communication, naturally, is that which takes place face to face. Plan to meet with your legislator as frequently as possible before and between sessions, and during recesses. In addition to personal or small-group meetings with your legislators, you may want to plan at least one meeting a year at which your legislator meets with a larger group such as your site council or PTA/PTO. Go Online cta.org/legislation Here are some resources to help you become an effective citizen lobbyist. A great place to start is www.cta.org/legislation. Find your legislator at cta.org/whosyourlegislator. Take action at capwiz.com/nea/ca. Sign up for Capitol News, a biweekly legislative update, by emailing capitolnews@cta.org. Find CTA's position on legislation at cta.org/ctasbillposition. UCSD Extension's Specialized Certificate in Gifted and Talented Education offers training for educators who want to teach and develop programs for gifted and talented students. The program meets training requirements for educators, counselors, psychologists, administrators, and others responsible for GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) program services. The online program is designed for those new to gifted education and for experienced educators. The GATE Certificate is: • 100% online • Offers a comprehensive examination of characteristics and identification, curriculum differentiation, teaching strategies, and program development for gifted and talented students • Provides resources to build challenging curriculum and innovative instructional techniques Required Courses include: • Teaching the Gifted and Talented: Differentiating the Curriculum • Teaching the Gifted and Talented: Recognizing Individual Differences • Strategies for Teaching the Gifted and Talented • Program Development for the Gifted UC San Diego Extension also offers accessible and affordable online programs for K-12 and Postsecondary Educators. • New courses begin every month • Most programs can be completed online within 1 year • Interactive, Research-Based Programs with Practical Classroom Application Programs include: • CCTC Approved Clear Credential • CCTC-Approved CLAD Trough CTEL • CCTC-Approved Reading Authorization • Career and Technical Education (CTE) • College Counseling • Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) • Teaching Adult Learners • Teaching Online • Professional Development/ Salary Point Coursework For More Information Please contact Morgan Appel, Director of Education at: (858) 534-9273 or mappel@ucsd.edu www.cta.org extension.ucsd.edu/education D ECEMBER 201 3 | JANUARY 2014 Educator 12 Dec 2013 v2.0 int.indd 31 31 12/14/13 3:33 PM