## National PTA Standards for Family-School Partnerships

Each year, Alabama PTA gives awards to PTAs that have provided outstanding results in each of the Six National Standards. These awards will recognize local PTAs whose programs and activities are based on one or more of the National PTA Standards for Family-School Partnerships.

Be advised National PTA has updated the six standards with a focus on: 1. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. 2. An expanded approach to student success to include the whole child development 3. More clearly defined roles for PTA and School leaders. Please keep these updates in mind when submitting applications.

The six awards standards are (1) Welcoming All Families (2) Communicating Effectively (3) Supporting Student Success (4) Speaking up for Every Child

- (5) Sharing Power

(6) Collaborating with the Community. Award: One Grade Divisions: One plaque per standard in each category. Grade Divisions: Elementary, Middle/Junior High, Senior High, Multi-School and Community.

When planning PTA activities, consider projects in each of the six Standards to ensure a comprehensive approach to building successful partnerships between family, school and community. PTA projects should supplement and enhance those sponsored by the school. Some projects or activities may address more than one Standard, such as a project that addresses parenting skills and student learning, or a project that combines volunteering and collaborating with community.

Read each standard. There are suggestions of programs that align with each one listed below the definition. Complete the Awards application; submit digitally to ALPTA.awards@gmail.com. Local units may apply in multiple categories. Remember awards are based on activities supported or sponsored by the PTA and not the activities of the school staff.

### Standard 1: Welcoming all families into the school community

Definition: Families are active participants in the life of the school, and feel welcomed, valued, and connected to each other, to school staff, and to what students are learning and doing in class.

- • nights on math and literacy • nights on math and literacy
- • an Open House or Multicultural event • an Open House or Multicultural event
- • movie night • movie night
- • to school carnival • to school carnival

### Standard 2: Communicating Effectively

Definition: Families and school staff engage in regular, meaningful communication about student learning.

- • Workshops on what is your child’s learning style • Workshops on what is your child’s learning style
- • newsletters, websites, phone trees, Email distribution system • newsletters, websites, phone trees, Email distribution system
- • student planners, weekly folders • student planners, weekly folders

### Standard 3: Supporting Student Success

Definition: Families and school staff continuously collaborate to support students’ learning and healthy development both at home and at school and have regular opportunities to strengthen their knowledge and skills to do so effectively.

- • workshops on planning for college or career fairs • workshops on planning for college or career fairs
- • wellness and fitness programs • wellness and fitness programs
- • versus parent math/science or trivial competitions • versus parent math/science or trivial competitions

### Standard 4: Speaking Up for Every Child

Definition: Families are empowered to be advocates for their own and other children, to ensure that students are treated fairly and have access to learning opportunities that will support their success.

- • school board meetings • school board meetings
- • a legislative representative who will attend your school board meetings and make a • a legislative representative who will attend your school board meetings and make a