One of the basic objectives of National PTA is to secure for all children the highest advantages in education. National PTA opposes consolidation plans that provide control to the governors instead of local school districts, or that arbitrarily eliminate programs without thoughtful consideration of why the programs were created in the first place, and what the impact of the program elimination will be. Recognize that consolidation is downsizing and be careful that program needs will not go unmet. National PTA has long been a champion of incorporating parent involvement provisions in federal education programs. Research shows that family involvement is more important to student success than family income or education.
Children become better learners and experience greater academic success when parents are involved.
National PTA supports expansion of current family leave law to give employees release time from work for parent and community involvement. This would remove a main barrier parents face in being involved in their child s school. Requiring the Department of Education to collect new data on parent involvement policies and practices in the states, and disseminate the findings to states and school districts. Clarify that parent choice is not parent involvement and define choice by calling these funding programs vouchers . Highlight that the school chooses, not the parent.