Category: Advocacy

Main Menu, Advocacy

National PTA Extremely Disappointed with New ESSA Guidelines

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (March 13, 2017)—The following statement can be attributed to National PTA President Laura Bay:

 

“This morning, the U.S. Department of Education released a new guide for states to use in developing their education plans under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). While ESSA requires meaningful stakeholder engagement, the new guide does not compel states to include a description of how they are engaging and consulting stakeholders in developing their plans.

 

“National PTA is extremely disappointed that stakeholder engagement is no longer prioritized. We have learnedfrom the implementation of other education initiatives that engaging all stakeholders—especially parents—is critical, not optional. Stakeholders, particularly parents, play an essential role in the successful implementation of ESSA and ensuring that all children receive a quality education by providing valuable input and holding states and districts accountable.

 

“The Department of Education must make this a priority through the ESSA plan template so states will make it a priority and truly engage all stakeholders. The expertise and firsthand knowledge of parents, educators, practitioners and others working with, and on behalf of, students every day is critical to inform state and local policies and practices to establish the best education system possible and make sure every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

 

“National PTA called on the Department of Education to provide best practices for stakeholder engagement to ensure this occurs as intended in the law. The association has been committed to empowering families to be active participants in the development of state and local plans as well as supporting states, districts and schools in engaging families in the implementation of the law. It remains a top priority of National PTA to ensure all stakeholders are consulted and engaged in the development of education plans and the overall implementation of ESSA.

 

“We’ve made critical progress to improve education, provide educational equity for all children and make sure every child is prepared for long-term success through ESSA. We cannot go backward.”

 

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.

 

Media Contact

Heidi May Wilson, National PTA

hmay@PTA.org, (703) 518-1242


JC/DC ACTION ALERT: Charter Schools

****VOTE SOON*** Please contact your Representative NOW!!

HB 634 is in committee and will come for a committee vote soon.

HB 634 would allow charter schools to operate in any school district in the state.

National and Missouri PTA does recognize and support charter schools when they are public and have to meet all the same evaluation standards that a non- charter public schools must meet. However, Missouri PTA opposes this bill based on the fact that it is allowing the charter schools to be affiliated with non-public organizations and that currently the evaluation for charter schools still does not meet or exceed the expectations of non-charter public schools.

Dear Representative,

As a community we prioritize the education standards of our kids. We have evaluation standards that must be met for public schools to remain accredited.  HB 634 allows for the formation of charter schools in any district in the state. Under this bill these schools could be controlled by non-public organizations. These schools would not have to be held to the same evaluation standards non-charter public schools are held. This would allow for the potential for children to not have the quality of education they receive in Missouri public schools. Missouri PTA is not against charter schools when they are under the control nonprofit organizations not affiliated with non-public sectarian, religious, or home-based school organizations of the local school district with the same standards as public schools. HB 634 fails to meet this requirement.

Please vote no on HB 634.

 

Sincerely,

You name and PTA

Not sure how to contact your state legislators? Click here and insert your street address or 9-digit zip code.

 

Carla Wiese

Vice President & Director of Legislation and Advocacy

carlaw@mopta.org

 


National PTA Statement on President Trump’s Address to Congress

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (March 1, 2017)—Last evening, President Donald Trump delivered his first address to Congress, outlining his vision for the country. In the address, President Trump called for the passage of school choice legislation.

 

National PTA supports educational choices within public schools to meet the needs of all students and believes parents and families should be involved in all aspects of public school choice plans. However, there is a difference between public school choice programs and the use of taxpayer dollars for private school voucher programs.

 

“National PTA opposes any private school choice system—tax credits, vouchers or deductions—that would drain public school resources. Equitable, high-quality public education for all students is critical to children and the nation’s long-term success,” said Laura Bay, president of National PTA. “Our association has long advocated for high-quality public education. Taxpayer dollars for education must carry the responsibility for providing public access, governance and accountability. National PTA believes public dollars must remain invested in public schools for the benefit of all students. Public education is a vital investment in our children, families and communities that will improve our nation’s economic competitiveness.”

 

In addition to calling for school choice legislation in his speech, President Trump highlighted his budget blueprint, which would shift $54 billion from domestic programs.

 

“National PTA is concerned that the budget proposal laid out by the administration will cut critical education programs,” said Nathan R. Monell, CAE, executive director of National PTA. “Federal investment is crucial to ensuring all children receive a high-quality education that enables them to reach their full potential and make their dreams a reality. Congress must make certain the vital programs that support the education and well-being of every child are protected.”

 

As has long been a top priority, National PTA remains committed to advocating for investments in programs that promote educational equity and opportunity for all children. The association also continues to call for dedicated funding for family engagement in education.

 

Specifically, National PTA advocates to:

  • Fund the Statewide Family Engagement Centers program to help all schools engage more families in their child’s education
  • Ensure programs that support low-income students and students with special needs receive substantial funding
  • Invest in programs that provide all students with a well-rounded education that includes access to arts, technology, vocational and advanced education opportunities

 

“Across the country there are great disparities between available resources as well as the quality of and access to educational opportunities,” added President Bay. “As we have throughout our history, National PTA will work closely with the administration and Congress to ensure investments are made so that all children are provided a high-quality education and every child’s potential becomes a reality.”

 

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.

 

Media Contact

Heidi May Wilson, National PTA

hmay@PTA.org, (703) 518-1242