Montessori Public Policy Initiative (MPPI) Update By Denise Monnier, Director of State Advocacy Last month, the Montessori Public Policy Initiative (MPPI) virtually hosted our 2020 State Advocacy Conference. Leaders from 6 national organizations and representatives from public, private, and charter Montessori schools across 31 states came together to sharpen their advocacy skills and share their knowledge and experience in order to advance equity, access and implementation of Montessori education. Additionally, MPPI shared our new vision statement with conference participants:
MPPI envisions a world enriched and made equitable through widely accessible and fully implemented Montessori education.
In accordance with this vision, the keynote address and one of the workshop sessions were devoted to deepening
attendees’ understanding of the connections between policy, systemic racism, and advocacy. Dr. Valaida Wise reviewed the history of structural racism in the U.S. and how this has shaped economic and social institutions to ground attendees in how we bring racial justice into our work as Montessori advocates. Keynote speaker Dr. Iheoma Iruka also presented on the importance of maintaining a racial equity lens and considering the root causes of disparities in education to ensure education excellence for all children, but especially those in marginalized or oppressed communities.
In addition to the sessions examining racial equity, participants received tools and information on giving success-
ful testimony during legislative sessions, the importance of research-informed advocacy, and how to navigate relationship building with policy makers. Dr. Angeline Lillard discussed recent studies which support positive outcomes in adulthood including higher self-esteem, stronger sense of self, and increased likelihood to achieve professional goals for children who attended Montessori school in elementary years. MPPI state advocacy leaders Dalia Avello (Oregon Montessori Association), Diane Force (Pennsylvania Montessori Alliance), Vyju Kadambi (United Montessori Schools of Indiana), and Martha Teien (Colorado Montessori Association) offered insights about building relationships with policymakers to enact key policy changes. And MPPI Executive Director, Wendy Shenk-Evans gave practical tips on preparing to give effective testimony to support your advocacy efforts.
26
©MONTESSORI LEADERSHIP | WWW.MONTESSORI.ORG/IMC | VOLUME 22 ISSUE 4 • 2020