JC/DC Action Alert Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

Dear JC/DC members,

The U.S. Department of Education is tasked with implementing the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Part of its role in implementation is issuing proposed regulations and rules, guidance, technical assistance and other resource materials to support state education agencies and school districts in implementing the law.

A letter from National PTA addresses the Department’s request for comments on proposed regulations on ESSA for state plans, accountability systems and state and local report cards. The Department has requested feedback from interested stakeholders by Monday, August 1, 2016. National PTA submitted its comments on Friday, July 22.

As an individual PTA member and leader, we encourage you to submit a condensed version of the letter (there is a character limit when using the advocacy platform) through National PTA’s Take Action Network by the August 1 deadline if you would like to do so. National PTA has already provided the letter so all you will have to do is enter your contact information when you use the link above.

Carla Wiese

VP and Director of Legislation and Advocacy

Missouri PTA

National PTA Dissatisfied with House FY2017 Appropriations Bill

National PTA Dissatisfied with House FY2017 Appropriations Bill

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (July 14, 2016)—The following statement can be attributed to National PTA President Laura Bay:

“This morning, the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee passed a spending bill that would fund programs within the Department of Labor, Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Education for Fiscal Year 2017.

“National PTA is extremely disappointed that the Statewide Family Engagement Centers program is not funded in the bill and that overall funding for education is reduced by an astounding $1.3 billion.

“Opportunity starts and ends with access to a great education. Federal investment and family engagement are critical to ensure all children receive a high-quality education that enables them to reach their full potential.

“For years, PTA members and families nationwide have advocated for the prioritization of family engagement in education, as it has proven to make a difference in student achievement and school improvement efforts.

“On both sides of the aisle, members of Congress talk about the importance of education and family engagement for children and the nation’s long-term success. If policymakers are truly serious about the essential role of education and families, then funding must be dedicated toward that end.

“National PTA remains committed to ensuring Congress invests in education and family engagement so that 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

[email protected], (703) 518-1242

National PTA Adopts Resolution on the Recognition of LGBTQ Individuals as a Protected Class

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (July 5, 2016)—National PTA, the nation’s oldest and largest child advocacy association, adopted a resolution during its 2016 Annual Convention & Expo in Orlando, Fla. on the Recognition of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) Individuals as a Protected Class. The resolution calls for federal policies that specifically protect LGBTQ youth and local practices that create and maintain safe, affirming and inclusive learning environments for all students.

“Every child deserves to go to school excited to learn in a safe and nurturing environment, without the fear of bullying, violence or discrimination. However, the vast majority of LGBTQ students are bullied, physically assaulted and feel unsafe in school because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or identity,” said Laura Bay, president of National PTA. “National PTA delegates have taken a stand to push for policies and protections for LGBTQ youth to make sure they have positive school experiences.”

As outlined in the resolution, National PTA and its constituent associations will advocate for legislation that explicitly recognizes LGBTQ as a protected group and addresses discrimination based upon sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. The association will also seek to ensure educators have the training to support all students and that health education standards appropriately address the issues of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

To this end, National PTA encourages state, councils and local units nationwide to review district and school policies that address bullying and support revisions and amendments to these policies that specifically discuss sexual orientation and gender identification/expression as they relate to harassment and discrimination.

“It has long been a top priority of National PTA to make sure all children have a safe, supportive and positive environment in which to thrive and learn. There is an urgent need for explicit protection of LGBTQ youth,” said Shannon Sevier, vice president of advocacy for National PTA. “The adoption of the resolution builds on the association’s long-standing position against bullying and is an important step to further direct and inform advocacy efforts of National PTA and PTAs across the country. The association remains committed to working with policymakers and education leaders at the federal, state and local levels to strengthen protections for all children and improve education.”

National PTA delegates also adopted resolutions on Electronic Cigarettes and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS) and Youth, Homework: Quality Over Quantity and Water Safety and Instruction during the 2016 Annual Convention & Expo.

About National PTA

Media Contact

Heidi May Wilson, National PTA

[email protected], (703) 518-1242

JC/DC Action Alert: Veto SB590

JC/DC ACTION ALERT: Veto SB590

Governor Nixon should veto SB 590 , a bill the Missouri legislature recently passed to address sentences for children under 18 convicted of homicide crimes. Because of recent United States Supreme Court cases, existing Missouri law was unconstitutional and the Missouri Supreme Court created a temporary solution until the Missouri legislature acted. Advocates, including the Missouri PTA, had been working closely with legislators to support HB 1995, a bill that would have given all children a chance at review by the parole board. While HB 1995 wouldn’t guarantee release to anyone, it recognized that children should be treated differently in the adult criminal justice system and that no child should be sentenced to die in prison. Despite these ongoing discussions, in the last two days of the legislative session, several legislators had rushed, closed-door negotiations and passed SB 590 without consulting any advocates. This bill allows for life-without-parole sentences for children under 18 and sentences them to harsh mandatory minimums. Governor Nixon should veto SB 590 because it’s harmful to Missouri’s children and is out of line with adolescent brain development research, which demonstrates that children can be rehabilitated. SB 590 moves in the opposite direction of national trends that acknowledge children deserve second chances and will likely be challenged as unconstitutional.

Dear Governor Nixon,

Governor Nixon, please veto SB 590. On behalf of the Missouri PTA, we believe that all children have the potential to grow and change. No child should be sentenced to die in prison without any opportunity for review. After historically being considered a leader in juvenile justice, SB 590 would make Missouri lag behind our neighbors in Iowa, Kansas, and Kentucky and states like Texas and West Virginia. As every parent and teacher knows, teenagers make mistakes, some of which are devastating, but these mistakes shouldn’t condemn them to a life in prison without any hope. Thank you for vetoing SB 590.

Sincerely,

You name and PTA

You can contact Governor Nixon through this page.

National PTA Disappointed with Senate’s Continued Inaction on Gun Violence Prevention Measures

National PTA Disappointed with Senate’s Continued Inaction on Gun Violence Prevention Measures

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (June 20, 2016)—Today, the U.S. Senate considered four amendments to the Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Bill aimed at reducing gun violence. All four amendments were defeated.

“National PTA is extremely disappointed with the Senate’s failure to reach bipartisan consensus and act on measures that would actively address gun violence prevention,” said Laura Bay, president of National PTA. “It is critical that members of Congress work together to enact common-sense legislative solutions to help make communities safer nationwide and protect children and families.”

National PTA has a strong history of supporting and advocating for laws and regulations in the areas of gun safety and violence prevention. For decades, the association has called on Congress and other elected officials to work collaboratively and make meaningful changes to prevent and eliminate violence in schools and communities.

National PTA has long believed that we need to:

Require universal background checks for the sale and possession of firearms
Limit the availability of high-capacity magazines
Re-enact a federal ban on the sale and possession of military-style assault weapons
Provide adequate resources to increase access to comprehensive mental health services

“Our country has experienced far too many gun-related tragedies. Eliminating gun violence in communities, schools and homes is a critical priority for all parents, families, educators and students,” said Shannon Sevier, vice president of advocacy for National PTA. “Our number one task as a nation should be to protect our children and families. It’s urgent that meaningful changes are made to ensure everyone has a safe environment to live, work, learn and thrive.”

About National PTA