Public support

What's New, Nov/Dec 1999 by Sokoloff, Michele

Did you know most Americans think education is so important they are willing to pay substantially higher taxes for specific improvements? Seventy-one percent of Americans grade their community schools with an A or a B. Fifty-nine percent said they would pay $500 or more in taxes to pay for specific improvements.

The key word here is "specific." When attached to a definite goal or budget item that is understandable to people, support is likely to be there. A recent poll by National Public Radio, the Kaiser Family Foundation and Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government shows that schools are pretty good and people are willing to support concrete projects and programs to make them better. People want to be good citizens, they want to be informed and they will spend money on worthy school programs (See www.npr.org for results of the poll).

Plenty of Family & Consumer Sciences, Health and Guidance teachers know this. They have asked for and received support for their projects and programs from their school district. These bright, active and assertive educators have gotten financial and organizational backing for such activities as: new mini-courses (Flora Liem, Wilkes-Barre, PA); software for interior design projects (Betty Currie, Lawrence, KS); creation of a brochure on babysitting (Martin Furlong, Amesbury, MA); placing course documents on the school's web site (Joyce Rasdall, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY); Internet access for all students (Mary Beech, Marshall, MN); starting an after-school tutoring program (Brenda Todman, Crix, VI); using a scanner to convert original artwork into embroidery designs on a computerized embroidery machine (Janie Evans, Macomb, IL).

These are just a sampling of reader responses to the Question-of-the-Month on the What's New web site. This month, readers shared ways they promote and gain support for their programs and departments. Check out responses to this and other questions at our growing web site: www.whats-new-mag.com

The Home Sewing Association is conducting a noteworthy national campaign that serves as a great public message about the value of your department. The "Sew For the Cure" project supports breast cancer research and programs. You donate $10 and receive a "Sew For the Cure" Pillow Kit with all the elements needed to sew a heart-shaped pillow. Why not be the one to get this started in your school? Call 877/SEW-CURE or 816/444-3500.

We are proud this issue of What's New is so full with practical, lesson-oriented projects. Hands-on activities that can be adapted to any curriculum include: DecoSerging (p.31), Using Computer Software in a Nutrition Course (p. 32), Holiday Projects (p. 6), and Quick Little Quilts p. 14). The HIV Quiz (p. 34) contains factual data you can immediately use with students.

Schedule some time to sit back (maybe with some tea) and enjoy this issue of What's New. We hope it will spur you on to try or expand ideas you have brewing. Your enthusiasm and actions will engender both personal and financial support for your programs and projects. Let us know how it is going and what is successful.