In addition to the three traditionally defined branches of Federal and State government (executive, legislative, and judicial) there exists a fourth, powerful branch--administrative or regulatory agencies. To the naive eye, passage of a legislative act will lead to resolution of the problems that initiated the need for the act. However, legislation undergoes a process of further refinement that makes it implementable. This process occurs at the administrative agency level. It is important for educators to develop lobbying organizations to effectively communicate their concerns to administrative agencies and to have an impact on decision making. When educational advocacy groups are familiar with decision making processes within the different branches of government, they know what kinds of strategies to apply when endeavoring to work in policy and grantmaking areas. When trying to effect changes in policy or when applying for grants, advocacy organizations need to present their problems and issues to regulatory agencies in an organized, well documented, and well argued manner. (MK)