PTA Takes Action

August 1, 2016 A Parent's Role in ESSA Implementation What is the future of family engagement in education? How can children's educational experience be improved? It all starts with the implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Watch this recording of National PTA's webinar to learn about the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and family engagement provisions in this new law governing K-12 education. Discover the ways parents can help with the ESSA implementation process and how parents can make sure that every child gets a world-class education. Don't have time to watch the recording? Download the slides from the webinar. Child Nutrition Update The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released four final rules on local school wellness policies, Smart Snacks, administrative review of school nutrition programs, and the community eligibility provision (CEP) under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (HHFKA). National PTA remains committed to providing students with healthy alternatives to their school lunch and continues to strive for higher nutritional standards so that all students can maintain a balanced and healthy life. Want more info? Read U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack's post on National PTA's OneVoice blog. ESSA Title I Accountability Regulations National PTA recently addressed the U.S. Department of Education's (ED) proposed regulations on accountability, state plans and state and local report cards under Title I of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in a letter. In the letter, National PTA recognized the lasting impact ESSA regulations can have on students and families. Read the fullletter. Tools & Resources Common Core State Standards and Assessment Guide The Latino Policy Forum developed a Common Core State Standards and Assessment Resource Guide as part of its workshops for immigrant parents. The guide is available inEnglish and in Spanish. Understanding ESSA National PTA's partner Collaborative for Student Success has just come out with a new website to help parents, educators and others understand ESSA. The site provides updates for any interested party seeking guidance and clarity on how states are working to implement the new law with fidelity. Check it out atUnderstandingESSA.org. National PTA ESSA Resources En Español Participación de la Familia en el Cada estudiante tenga éxito Ley (ESSA) This resource highlights the specific family engagement provisions under the new law to ensure that families are equal partners in their child's education. ¿Qué implica para mi hijo la nueva Ley Todos los Alumnos Triunfan? This resource describes the impact that the new Every Student Succeeds Act will have on your child's school and overall educational experience. Get New Ideas for Legislative Issues National PTA's partners at the Congressional Management Foundation asked District Directors of members of Congress:  "When your Member is trying to develop new ideas for issues and legislation, how important are the following activities?" The survey showed that District Directors said listening to community leaders, VIPs and constituents were the most important ways to develop new ideas. In addition: 100% of District Directors who responded to the survey said meetings with VIPs/community leaders are somewhat (40%) or very (60%) important for developing new ideas for legislation. Meeting with constituents were reported as being somewhat important (44%) or very important (51%) for developing new ideas for issues and legislation. Visit National PTA's "Hosting Site Visits for Members of Congress" webpage to learn how you can interact with members of Congress and their district staff. National PTA 2016 Election Guides With both of the major party's conventions over, the 2016 election is now in full swing. PTAs across the country are getting involved in the election by registering people to vote, providing their members with Election Day information and talking with candidates about their priorities. Learn how you and your PTA can get involved by visiting National PTA's election guides webpagefilled with resources to help your PTA stay organized for the election. Be sure to check out the guidelines on what you can and cannot do for election season as a PTA and visit this series of webinars, which explain the ins and outs of nonprofit election activities.