SPARK PASSION FOR COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION (SPARKCS)
Promoting Computer Science For All in Maryland #CS4MD
Advocacy is speaking out to promote a cause. In this case, the cause is improving computer science learning opportunities in Maryland. Below we have provided some resources to facilitate your advocacy efforts.
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Review the position statement below and decide on your personal position.
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Consider the elevator pitch below and think about what you'd say if you met a person of influence.
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Decide who you'd like to reach out to by email. Use the sample emails and contact information below to expedite the process. Our intent is that the sample emails would be a starting point for you to customize for the body of the email and the position statement would be a starting point for you to customize as an attachment for all of your emails.
Position statement
a one-page document that articulates why we need to improve computer science learning opportunities) You can download it, customize it and attach it to any cover letter eMail which you send.
Elevator pitch,
a brief, persuasive speech that you use to introduce a new contact to the cause. It is intended to last no longer than a short elevator ride of 20 to 30 seconds.
Sample personalized eMail
A version of an email which has been personalized.
Share with parents and community members in your contact list.
Sample eMail to your elected officials
Policy makers base their decisions on what they hear from their constituents. Let your views be known.
US House of Representatives
US Senators for MD
State Representatives and Senators
Visit the List and click the Who represents me? link.
Especially, Delegate Aruna Miller
Governor
Ali Keane (Deputy Legislative Officer) ali.keane@maryland.gov
County Executives
Visit the list and click on your county. Scroll down to the most recent County Executive and click his/her name.
Sample eMail to Maryland Education Leaders
Let them know you value computer science education.
Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE)
Superintendent
Dr. Karen Salmon (karen.salmon@maryland.gov
410-767-0462)
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State Board of Education
410-767-0467
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State Career and Technology Education (CTE)
Lynne Gilli Ed.D.
410-767-0158
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Maryland State Education Association (MSEA)
State Teacher’s Union / Professional Organization
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Sample eMail to District Education Leaders
Let them know you value computer science education.
Maryland School Districts
Superintendents Visit your district webpage for an email address.
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Board of Education
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Allegany County Click each member’s name on the left navigation panel.
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Baltimore City schoolboard@bcps.k12.md.us (for general inquiries)
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Calvert County Click the board member’s name to send an email.
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Dorchester County To address the board, email the superintendent at daytonc@dcpsmd.org
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Harford County Click the email link to send an email.
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Montgomery County Click the Biography and contact information link for email addresses.
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Prince George's County Click the image of each board member to access their bio and email address.
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Queen Anne's County You will find email addresses at the bottom of the web page.
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Talbot County Click each board member’s name for a link to his/her email address.
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Washington County Click each board member’s name to access their bio and email address.
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Worcester County For more information contact Barbara Phillips baphillips@mail.worcester.k12.md.us
Computer Science (at least at the secondary level) is typically overseen by the Career and Technology Education (CTE) organization.
District Career and Technology Education CTE Contacts
1. Select your county from the drop-down list.
2. Click the Update Charts button.
3. Scroll to the bottom of the page for contact information.
Sample eMail to your school
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Sample letter wording from code.org customized for elementary, middle, and high school level.
Here are some links for background and/or further reading.