February 15, 2008 - Issue No. 2

In This Issue:
ACSA issues an invitation to younger administrators to take part in our upcoming Legislative Action Day
ACSA invites young administrators to help shape the association's Gen X Action Plan. Make your voice heard!

 

Play a part in ACSA's Legislative Action Day

ACSA is extending a special invitation to Gen X members to become involved in the upcoming Legislative Action Day. The event will take place March 9-10 in Sacramento.

LAD is an excellent opportunity to meet with the state Capitol's movers and shakers, the ones who help determine the policies the state asks you to follow as a school administrator. It's a great chance to meet these policymakers and inform them what ACSA, as an association of school leaders, would like to see happen in the legislative arena to help you provide the best education possible for California students.

ACSA needs members who can share with politicians exactly how policies affect you in your job everyday. Along with the opportunity to meet with legislators from your region, special invited guests will provide insight on advocating on your issues.

After a full day of lobbying policymakers, there will be ample opportunity to network and enjoy the company of your colleagues. Sacramento is a fast-growing city and offers plenty of excellent restaurants and gathering places where you can hang out with your fellow school leaders and share the experiences of the day as well as your day-to-day job.

Please visit ACSA Online at www.acsa.org for more information on how you can participate!

Gen X outreach continues at ACSA

In the quest to continue strengthening ACSA membership, the association is moving ahead in its outreach to younger administrators.

At the recent ACSA Delegate Assembly there was a breakout session to create an action plan that will allow the association to meet the needs of ACSA's Generation Xers. The Action Plan will address key areas of need raised in previous discussion groups with Generation Xers.

ACSA Board members Ted Alejandre, Tracey Rivas and Rick Yee - all Gen Xers themselves - will lead the development of the action plan. Participants at the delegate assembly session were asked to review earlier feedback and to develop meaningful, dynamic strategies that appeal to ACSA members.

In previous breakout sessions and conversations, ACSA leaders and staff had solicited input about how ACSA can help meet the needs of Generation Xers in our educational system. The following questions have been posed:

• What are Generation Xers' expectations of themselves as professionals; their staff; their district; and ACSA?
• What are specific needs of Generation Xers in our education system?
• How can ACSA help meet those specific needs?
• What are some services ACSA could provide immediately to help Generation Xers?

The feedback provided thus far reveals the need to increase communication, resources and professional learning opportunities. The following summaries highlight some of the comments made in previous sessions.

Communication
Participants in previous sessions have expressed a need for more opportunities to dialogue about best practices and effective strategies as well as more opportunities to network with colleagues face to face. Participants also have asked ACSA to do more to communicate Leadership Matters, and they would like ACSA to have a stronger voice for public education. In addition, participants have asked for quick response networks.

Resources
Participants in previous sessions have asked that ACSA provide more "survival skills" training and resources as well as greater opportunities to access mentors and coaches.

Professional Learning
Participants have discussed their commitment to ongoing professional learning and the need to balance work and life. They have asked for greater Generation X representation in ACSA planning opportunities, more meaningful meetings and increased use of technology to connect with colleagues throughout the state.

All interested younger ACSA members are invited to participate in the development of the Generation X Action Plan. If you did not attend this breakout session but are interested in developing strategies for the action plan, please contact ACSA Assistant Executive Director Julie White at jwhite@acsa.org.

 

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