March 11-13, 2014
March 11-13, 2014 Arlington, VA Crystal Gateway Marriot
Officers Otha Thorton, President Laura Bay, President-Elect Tina Zubeck, Secretary-Treasurer Joanne Dunne, Interim Executive Director
National PTA Legislative Committee Stella Edwards, Chair, Virginia Brian Bonner, Vice Chair, California Vito Borrello, Member, New York Elizabeth Ysla Leight, Member, Maryland Jim Pulos, Member, GeorgiA
National PTA Department of Government Affairs Elizabeth Rorick, Deputy Executive Director of Government Affairs and Communications Mollie Van Lieu, Senior Education Policy Strategist Jessica Seitz, Education Policy Analyst Chrystal Jones, Senior State Advocacy Strategist Lee Ann Kendrick, Regional Advocacy Specialist Erica Lue, Advocacy Coordinator
2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
Message To Our Attendees
Welcome to the 2014 National PTA Legislative Conference! Advocacy has been at the heart of National PTA since its founding. Throughout our 117 year history, PTA has relied on the dedication of its grassroots advocates to continue its important work. Your attendance at this conference demonstrates your commitment to carrying on that legacy of advocacy by becoming an informed, effective voice for children, families, and education. National PTA’s Legislative Conference is designed as a comprehensive program of policy workshops, advocacy trainings, and keynotes designed to strengthen and improve your advocacy reach. The skills you take away this year are tools you can offer your local, regional and state PTA members so that all PTA members understand that they are advocates and have the ability to speak up for every child at home and at every level of government. Together, we can continue working for every child with one voice.
Otha Thornton
Joanne Dunne
National PTA President
National PTA Interim Executive Director
2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
National PTA 2014 Public Policy Agenda: Executive Summary In the 113th Congress, PTA will work with the U.S. Congress and Administration to advance policy in the following areas to ensure that all children reach their highest potential. General Education Reauthorization of ESEA-NCLB remains a top priority for National PTA. In addition, PTA is fighting for improvements to ESEA-NCLB, including access to well-rounded curricula, equity protections for disadvantaged populations and accountability to parents and the community. Special Education Through the reauthorization of ESEA-NCLB and implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), National PTA will continue to advocate to ensure that all students graduate from high school college and career-ready, will see that family engagement remains a fundamental principle of IDEA and will work to ensure that the rights of children with disabilities and their parents are fully protected. Family Engagement in Education National PTA endorses the Family Engagement in Education Act of 2013 (H.R.2662/S.1291). The Act would support effective family engagement strategies where it is needed most while encouraging state and local district flexibility in identifying programming that works best. In addition to full passage of the bill, PTA will push for provisions to be included in the reauthorization of ESEA-NCLB. 2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
National PTA 2014 Public Policy Agenda: Executive Summary (continued) Early Childhood Education National PTA supports federal and state incentives for high-quality child care and preschool programs that are affordable and accessible, coordinated at all levels, characterized by high standards for teaching, training, health and safety and incorporate strong family engagement components. Education Funding Federal investment in quality education is critical to our nation’s long-term success. PTA supports replacing the sequester cuts with a balanced and fair approach, protecting vital education investments in all federal deficit reduction efforts, securing dedicated funding for family engagement in education, increasing funding for IDEA and maintaining or increasing investments in quality early learning programs. School Safety School safety is a crucial component of effective learning. National PTA believes that the safety of children and faculty in all school settings is a fundamental right and has made it the utmost priority for our programmatic and advocacy work. In 2014, National PTA will work to support federal programming and policies related to safe routes to school, bullying prevention and the protection of children from gun violence.
2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
National PTA 2014 Public Policy Agenda: Executive Summary (continued) Child Health and Nutrition In 2014, PTA strongly supports continued implementation of the Healthy and Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, including healthy guidelines for all foods sold in schools, strengthening Local Wellness Policies and improving nutrition standards for meals served as part of the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Protecting the rights of children and youth involved in the justice system continues to be an area of focus for National PTA. PTA supports a reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) that includes improved provisions that keep youth who commit non-criminal offenses out of secure juvenile corrections facilities, and that ensures the Jail Removal and Sight and Sound Separation core protections are extended to all children under 18 years of age.
This document is a brief summary of the National PTA’s 2014 Public Policy Agenda. To review all of National PTA’s federal policy recommendations, please view National PTA’s full 113th Congress 2014 Public Policy Agenda, available at PTA.org.
2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
Schedule of Events Tuesday, March 11 7:30 AM–8:30 AM 8:30 AM–5:00 PM 11:00 AM–1:00 PM 12:00 PM–1:30 PM 12:00 PM–5:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:45 PM–3:15 PM 2:15 PM–3:15 PM 3:15-PM–3:30 PM 3:30 PM–7:00 PM
State President and President-Elect Breakfast State President and President-Elect Training Engage Training for ALL Engage Subscribers State President and President-Elect Lunch Registration Open Lunch Break New Federal Legislative Chairs Welcome Veteran Federal Legislative Chairs Training Break Federal Legislative Chairs Training
Salon JK Salon H Salon FG Salon JK Grand Foyer Salon BC Salon FG
Salon BC
Wednesday, March 12 7:00 AM–5:00 PM Registration 7:30 AM–8:00 PM Breakfast 8:00 AM–8:30 AM General Session Opening and Welcome 8:30 AM–8:45 AM Transition to Workshop 1
Grand Foyer Salon ABC Salon ABC
2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
Schedule of Events
Wednesday, March 12 (continued) 8:45 AM–10:15 AM 10:15 AM–10:45 AM 10:45 AM–12:15 PM 12:15 PM–12:30 PM 12:30 PM–3:00 PM 3:00 PM–3:30 PM 3:30 PM–5:00 PM 6:00 PM–7:00 PM 7:00 PM–9:00 PM 9:00 PM–9:30 PM
Workshop Session 1 Transition to Workshop 2 (Refreshments and Vendor Tables Open) Workshop Session 2 Transition to Luncheon Luncheon and Keynote Salon ABC Transition to Workshop 3 (Refreshments and Vendor Tables Open) Workshop Session 3: Hill Visit Preparation (Hill Packets Distributed) Break before Dinner PTA Takes Action Dinner Salon ABC and Awards Ceremony States’ Hill Visit Collaboration Time and “Open Hours” with PTA Staff and Legislative Committee
Thursday, March 13 8:00 AM–5:00 PM 2:30 PM–6:30 PM
Hill Visits (Lunch on Own) Hill Debrief Stations Open at Hotel
Grand Foyer
2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
Workshops Session 1: 8:45 AM-10:15 AM 1A. Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention National PTA has a longstanding history of advocacy to protect the rights of children and youth involved in the justice system. In this workshop, presenters will provide an overview of juvenile justice policy, including key protections for children in the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) and discuss National PTA’s current federal advocacy efforts in this area. Speakers: Jessica Seitz, Education Policy Analyst, National PTA; Elizabeth Ysla Leight, National PTA Legislative Committee Member; Carmen E. Daugherty, Policy Director, Campaign for Youth Justice Location: Salon DE 1B. Nutrition in Schools USDA Guidelines around and Implementation Progress (Mollie or Other and Stella): In 2010, Congress passed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act to reauthorize federal child nutrition programs. Since then, schools around the country have been implementing improved meal offerings in the lunchroom. For the 2014-2015 school year, schools will also be making updates to all foods sold to kids during the school day, including a la carte lines, vending machines, school stores and some fundraisers. Advocates will leave with the information they need to know to support schools and PTA members through this healthy update to school foods. Speakers: Julie Brewer, Chief, School Programs Branch, Child Nutrition Policy and Program Development Division, Food and Nutrition Service at U.S Department of Education; Jessica Donze Black, Director, Kids’ Safe and Healthful Foods Project; Stella Edwards, National PTA Legislative Committee Chair; Laura Hatch, National Outreach Advisor, Alliance for a Healthier Generation Location: Salon FG 2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
Workshops Session 1: 8:45 AM-10:15 AM 1C. ESEA-NCLB Reauthorization and Family Engagement In the 113th Congress, both the Senate and House made efforts to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act – No Child Left Behind (ESEA-NCLB). Find out what was included in those reform efforts, PTA priorities, and where we are today. We will also discuss family engagement provisions – driven by the Family Engagement in Education Act – that have been considered. Speakers: Mollie Van Lieu, Senior Education Policy Strategist, National PTA; Vito Borello, National PTA Legislative Committee Member Location: Salon H 1D. Engaging Local Units in Advocacy Grassroots approaches are especially effective for highlighting why PTA is relevant and making changes that families, schools and the community can see right away. This workshop will discuss best practices for engaging PTA units and members in local advocacy. Discussion will include how to identify an advocacy item, how to create an advocacy plan, how to recruit and engage PTA members and the community, and how to build relationships to effectively work with local leaders. Speakers: Erica Lue, Advocacy Coordinator, National PTA; Brian Bonner, Vice Chair, National PTA Legislative Committee; Yvonne Johnson, Delaware PTA Federal Legislative Chair, 2014 Shirley Igo Advocacy Ambassador Location: Salon J
2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
Workshops Session 2: 10:45 AM-12:15 PM 2A. Special Education Learn how parents can advocate on behalf of children with special needs and assist them in obtaining the support and services that children need to succeed in school. Presenters will provide a general overview of special education policy, including the Individuals Education Program (IEP) and K-12 transitions. Speakers: Elizabeth Rorick, Deputy Executive Director, Government Affairs and Communications; Dr. James Pulos, National PTA Legislative Committee Member; William Doolittle, Member, National PTA Special Needs Committee Location: Salon DE 2B. Federal Funding: A Primer for Advocates Sequest-what? The past few years have been quite hectic in the federal funding arena. What does it mean for education? Is the process actually being followed? How do we advocate amid uncertainty? This workshop will take a simple approach to explaining the federal budget process and actions that have happened throughout the past year, including reductions in education spending, sequestration and appropriations. Advocates will leave with a better understanding of the process and tools to better educate membership on the impact of the federal funding process. Speakers: Mollie Van Lieu, Senior Education Policy Strategist, National PTA; Elizabeth Ysla Leight, National PTA Legislative Committee Member Location: Salon FG
2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
Workshops Session 2: 10:45 AM-12:15 PM 2C. Early Childhood Education: Federal Policy Update The education of our earliest learners is critical for their future academic and career success. Early childhood education has become a top priority of the Obama Administration and among leaders in the 113th Congress. This workshop will provide information on current early childhood education programs and updates on legislation pending in Congress. Speakers: Jessica Seitz, Education Policy Analyst, National PTA; Stella Edwards, National PTA Legislative Committee Chair; Adele B. Robinson, Deputy Executive Director, National Association for the Education of Young Children Location: Salon H 2D. Using Social Media for Advocacy Social media has emerged as an excellent platform for garnering support for issues, and PTAs at all levels can utilize this technology to their advantage. Discussion will include how to sign up for social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram will be the primary focuses), using e-advocacy platforms, post frequency, best practices for posting content, and reaching new people. Speakers: Erica Lue, Advocacy Coordinator, National PTA; Brian Bonner, National PTA Legislative Committee Vice Chair; LaWanda Toney, Director, Strategic Communications, National PTA; Emily Karsnak, Marketing and Communications Specialist, National PTA Location: Salon J
2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
Keynote Luncheon Speaker
Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack serves as the United States’ 30th Secretary of Agriculture. Under his leadership, USDA has partnered with First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative, which seeks to improve the health and nutrition of America’s children. He also worked with Congress to pass the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010 and has led the implementation of the law, which has made the most significant improvements to school lunches in 30 years. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Vilsack served two terms as the Governor of Iowa; he served in the Iowa State Senate and also served as the mayor of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. He grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
2014 PTA Advocacy Awards Recipients New York State PTA New York State PTA is being honored with the PTA Outstanding State Advocacy Award for their work to educate families, teachers and communities about the Common Core State Standards. As a result of New York State PTA’s consistent support of the standards, they were asked to collaborate with the New York Education Commissioner on supporting family understanding of the standards. New York State PTA partnered with the New York State United Teachers to craft the Parent’s Guide to Common Core Learning, released in July 2013. To date, the brochure has been distributed to thousands of individuals around the state. New York State PTA also created the “Hear Our Voice” campaign, a highly successful effort to educate and engage families around the Common Core standards. Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School PTSA Appomattox Regional Governor’s School PTSA Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School PTSA and the Appomattox Regional Governor’s School PTSA (Virginia) are being jointly honored with the PTA Outstanding Local Advocacy Award for their collaborative campaign to address state funding for full-day Academic Year Governor’s Schools in Virginia. Following extensive research of possible solutions to a funding shortage problem, the PTSAs identified a discrepancy in the state funding formula for Academic Year Governor’s Schools that provides considerably less funding for full-day schools when compared to part-day schools. Members of both PTSAs educated themselves around the Virginia budget process and state education funding formulas and united to form an advocacy partnership. As a result of their joint effort, budget amendments to address the state funding discrepancy have been introduced in the Virginia State House and Senate. 2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
2014 PTA Advocacy Awards Recipients Yvonne Johnson Yvonne Johnson is being honored with the Shirley Igo Advocate of the Year Ambassador Award for her outstanding efforts as a Delaware PTA volunteer and leader. As a result of Yvonne’s advocacy to include more meaningful family engagement in education, Delaware PTA was given a seat as the parent voice on Delaware’s P20 Council, an inclusive organization designed to align Delaware’s education efforts from early childhood to post-secondary education and workforce readiness. Additionally, Yvonne regularly participates in roundtable discussions, contributes op-eds, and provides information to the media related to Delaware PTA’s advocacy, including providing public comments opposing the use of class size waivers which has resulted in Delaware school districts reconsidering their position on the issue. She has also advocated that PTA representatives be included on a state task force to review and revise Delaware’s charter school code to ensure that parent and community input is a formal part of the charter school application process. Yvonne is the immediate past-president of Delaware PTA, and currently serves as their Federal Legislative Chair.
2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
2014 PTA Advocacy Awards Recipients Gabriel Unruh Gabriel Unruh is being honored with the Youth Advocate of the Year Ambassador Award for his efforts to save student lives by educating youth on the dangers of texting while driving. Gabriel organized a Kansas City “Arrive Alive” event that brought school, community and law enforcement groups together and was covered by all Kansas City metro news outlets. As part of this effort, he oversaw over 100 volunteers, published editorials on distracted driving in Kansas City local newspapers and effectively used social media to promote the campaign. The “Arrive Alive” event was attended by over 1,000 high school students and community members, and received support from over 25 businesses and government agencies. The event was such a success that local non-profit organizations and two neighboring districts have already approached Gabriel for next year’s efforts. Gabriel is in the process of submitting to the Missouri Department of Transportation an official action plan and proposal to create a model “Arrive Alive” program for schools across Missouri. Gabriel is a member of the Platte County High School PTSA.
2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
2014 Congressional Voice for Children Award Recipients Congressman Aaron Schock, Illinois, 18th Congressional District Congressman Aaron Schock has long been a proven supporter of children and youth, having been elected to the School Board in Peoria, IL at the age of 19, and serving on the Elementary and Secondary Appropriations subcommittee as a state representative in the Illinois Legislature. In Congress, Mr. Schock has continued his support of children and families by signing on as a cosponsor of the Family Engagement in Education Act, supporting reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act-No Child Left Behind (ESEA-NCLB), and hosting summer reading programs for elementary students in his district. The Congressman is also a member of a bipartisan coalition supporting public charter schools, as well as a co-chair of the Congressional STEAM caucus that seeks to promote arts in the classroom alongside STEM. Finally, Congressman Schock is also a cosponsor of the FITKids Act to help increase physical activity in schools. Congressman Schock grew up in Peoria, IL, and continues to serve the people of his hometown as their member of Congress.
2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
2014 Congressional Voice for Children Award Recipients Senator Barbara Mikulski, Maryland Senator Barbara Mikulski has been a long-time advocate for families and children, serving her community first as a social worker and then as an elected official. In the United States Senate, Senator Mikulski is the Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, where she has fought tirelessly to protect education funding during sequester and budget negotiations and to increase funding for after-school programs. She is also a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. The Senator is a co-sponsor of the Strong Start for America’s Children Act, a bill that seeks to improve funding for and access to early education. As a member of the Senate Rural Education Caucus, Senator Mikulski advocates for the needs of students living in rural areas, including fair access to federal dollars. She is the longest-serving woman in the U.S. Congress and currently holds the honor of being the Dean of the Women. The Senator is a lifelong resident of Baltimore.
2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
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2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
Exhibiting Sponsors National PTA gratefully acknowledges the following organizations for their support of this event: • BuySmart Shopping Mall • Help Our Schools • WATCH D.O.G.S.
• Chartwells Food Service • Microsoft
Conference Session and Workshop Attendance Passport Name: ___________________________________________________ State: ____________________________________________________ Contact Information: _______________________________________ Tuesday, March 11 State President and President Elect Training
New FLC Training or Veteran FLC Training
All FLC Training
Wednesday, March 12 General Session
Workshop 1
Workshop 2
Keynote Luncheon
Workshop 3
PTA Takes Action Dinner
2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
Officers Otha Thorton, President Laura Bay, President-Elect Tina Zubeck, Secretary-Treasurer Joanne Dunne, Interim Executive Director
National PTA Legislative Committee Stella Edwards, Chair, Virginia Brian Bonner, Vice Chair, California Vito Borrello, Member, New York Elizabeth Ysla Leight, Member, Maryland Jim Pulos, Member, GeorgiA
National PTA Department of Government Affairs Elizabeth Rorick, Deputy Executive Director of Government Affairs and Communications Mollie Van Lieu, Senior Education Policy Strategist Jessica Seitz, Education Policy Analyst Chrystal Jones, Senior State Advocacy Strategist Lee Ann Kendrick, Regional Advocacy Specialist Erica Lue, Advocacy Coordinator
2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
Message To Our Attendees
Welcome to the 2014 National PTA Legislative Conference! Advocacy has been at the heart of National PTA since its founding. Throughout our 117 year history, PTA has relied on the dedication of its grassroots advocates to continue its important work. Your attendance at this conference demonstrates your commitment to carrying on that legacy of advocacy by becoming an informed, effective voice for children, families, and education. National PTA’s Legislative Conference is designed as a comprehensive program of policy workshops, advocacy trainings, and keynotes designed to strengthen and improve your advocacy reach. The skills you take away this year are tools you can offer your local, regional and state PTA members so that all PTA members understand that they are advocates and have the ability to speak up for every child at home and at every level of government. Together, we can continue working for every child with one voice.
Otha Thornton
Joanne Dunne
National PTA President
National PTA Interim Executive Director
2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
National PTA 2014 Public Policy Agenda: Executive Summary In the 113th Congress, PTA will work with the U.S. Congress and Administration to advance policy in the following areas to ensure that all children reach their highest potential. General Education Reauthorization of ESEA-NCLB remains a top priority for National PTA. In addition, PTA is fighting for improvements to ESEA-NCLB, including access to well-rounded curricula, equity protections for disadvantaged populations and accountability to parents and the community. Special Education Through the reauthorization of ESEA-NCLB and implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), National PTA will continue to advocate to ensure that all students graduate from high school college and career-ready, will see that family engagement remains a fundamental principle of IDEA and will work to ensure that the rights of children with disabilities and their parents are fully protected. Family Engagement in Education National PTA endorses the Family Engagement in Education Act of 2013 (H.R.2662/S.1291). The Act would support effective family engagement strategies where it is needed most while encouraging state and local district flexibility in identifying programming that works best. In addition to full passage of the bill, PTA will push for provisions to be included in the reauthorization of ESEA-NCLB. 2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
National PTA 2014 Public Policy Agenda: Executive Summary (continued) Early Childhood Education National PTA supports federal and state incentives for high-quality child care and preschool programs that are affordable and accessible, coordinated at all levels, characterized by high standards for teaching, training, health and safety and incorporate strong family engagement components. Education Funding Federal investment in quality education is critical to our nation’s long-term success. PTA supports replacing the sequester cuts with a balanced and fair approach, protecting vital education investments in all federal deficit reduction efforts, securing dedicated funding for family engagement in education, increasing funding for IDEA and maintaining or increasing investments in quality early learning programs. School Safety School safety is a crucial component of effective learning. National PTA believes that the safety of children and faculty in all school settings is a fundamental right and has made it the utmost priority for our programmatic and advocacy work. In 2014, National PTA will work to support federal programming and policies related to safe routes to school, bullying prevention and the protection of children from gun violence.
2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
National PTA 2014 Public Policy Agenda: Executive Summary (continued) Child Health and Nutrition In 2014, PTA strongly supports continued implementation of the Healthy and Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, including healthy guidelines for all foods sold in schools, strengthening Local Wellness Policies and improving nutrition standards for meals served as part of the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Protecting the rights of children and youth involved in the justice system continues to be an area of focus for National PTA. PTA supports a reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) that includes improved provisions that keep youth who commit non-criminal offenses out of secure juvenile corrections facilities, and that ensures the Jail Removal and Sight and Sound Separation core protections are extended to all children under 18 years of age.
This document is a brief summary of the National PTA’s 2014 Public Policy Agenda. To review all of National PTA’s federal policy recommendations, please view National PTA’s full 113th Congress 2014 Public Policy Agenda, available at PTA.org.
2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
Schedule of Events Tuesday, March 11 7:30 AM–8:30 AM 8:30 AM–5:00 PM 11:00 AM–1:00 PM 12:00 PM–1:30 PM 12:00 PM–5:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:45 PM–3:15 PM 2:15 PM–3:15 PM 3:15-PM–3:30 PM 3:30 PM–7:00 PM
State President and President-Elect Breakfast State President and President-Elect Training Engage Training for ALL Engage Subscribers State President and President-Elect Lunch Registration Open Lunch Break New Federal Legislative Chairs Welcome Veteran Federal Legislative Chairs Training Break Federal Legislative Chairs Training
Salon JK Salon H Salon FG Salon JK Grand Foyer Salon BC Salon FG
Salon BC
Wednesday, March 12 7:00 AM–5:00 PM Registration 7:30 AM–8:00 PM Breakfast 8:00 AM–8:30 AM General Session Opening and Welcome 8:30 AM–8:45 AM Transition to Workshop 1
Grand Foyer Salon ABC Salon ABC
2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
Schedule of Events
Wednesday, March 12 (continued) 8:45 AM–10:15 AM 10:15 AM–10:45 AM 10:45 AM–12:15 PM 12:15 PM–12:30 PM 12:30 PM–3:00 PM 3:00 PM–3:30 PM 3:30 PM–5:00 PM 6:00 PM–7:00 PM 7:00 PM–9:00 PM 9:00 PM–9:30 PM
Workshop Session 1 Transition to Workshop 2 (Refreshments and Vendor Tables Open) Workshop Session 2 Transition to Luncheon Luncheon and Keynote Salon ABC Transition to Workshop 3 (Refreshments and Vendor Tables Open) Workshop Session 3: Hill Visit Preparation (Hill Packets Distributed) Break before Dinner PTA Takes Action Dinner Salon ABC and Awards Ceremony States’ Hill Visit Collaboration Time and “Open Hours” with PTA Staff and Legislative Committee
Thursday, March 13 8:00 AM–5:00 PM 2:30 PM–6:30 PM
Hill Visits (Lunch on Own) Hill Debrief Stations Open at Hotel
Grand Foyer
2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
Workshops Session 1: 8:45 AM-10:15 AM 1A. Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention National PTA has a longstanding history of advocacy to protect the rights of children and youth involved in the justice system. In this workshop, presenters will provide an overview of juvenile justice policy, including key protections for children in the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act (JJDPA) and discuss National PTA’s current federal advocacy efforts in this area. Speakers: Jessica Seitz, Education Policy Analyst, National PTA; Elizabeth Ysla Leight, National PTA Legislative Committee Member; Carmen E. Daugherty, Policy Director, Campaign for Youth Justice Location: Salon DE 1B. Nutrition in Schools USDA Guidelines around and Implementation Progress (Mollie or Other and Stella): In 2010, Congress passed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act to reauthorize federal child nutrition programs. Since then, schools around the country have been implementing improved meal offerings in the lunchroom. For the 2014-2015 school year, schools will also be making updates to all foods sold to kids during the school day, including a la carte lines, vending machines, school stores and some fundraisers. Advocates will leave with the information they need to know to support schools and PTA members through this healthy update to school foods. Speakers: Julie Brewer, Chief, School Programs Branch, Child Nutrition Policy and Program Development Division, Food and Nutrition Service at U.S Department of Education; Jessica Donze Black, Director, Kids’ Safe and Healthful Foods Project; Stella Edwards, National PTA Legislative Committee Chair; Laura Hatch, National Outreach Advisor, Alliance for a Healthier Generation Location: Salon FG 2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
Workshops Session 1: 8:45 AM-10:15 AM 1C. ESEA-NCLB Reauthorization and Family Engagement In the 113th Congress, both the Senate and House made efforts to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act – No Child Left Behind (ESEA-NCLB). Find out what was included in those reform efforts, PTA priorities, and where we are today. We will also discuss family engagement provisions – driven by the Family Engagement in Education Act – that have been considered. Speakers: Mollie Van Lieu, Senior Education Policy Strategist, National PTA; Vito Borello, National PTA Legislative Committee Member Location: Salon H 1D. Engaging Local Units in Advocacy Grassroots approaches are especially effective for highlighting why PTA is relevant and making changes that families, schools and the community can see right away. This workshop will discuss best practices for engaging PTA units and members in local advocacy. Discussion will include how to identify an advocacy item, how to create an advocacy plan, how to recruit and engage PTA members and the community, and how to build relationships to effectively work with local leaders. Speakers: Erica Lue, Advocacy Coordinator, National PTA; Brian Bonner, Vice Chair, National PTA Legislative Committee; Yvonne Johnson, Delaware PTA Federal Legislative Chair, 2014 Shirley Igo Advocacy Ambassador Location: Salon J
2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
Workshops Session 2: 10:45 AM-12:15 PM 2A. Special Education Learn how parents can advocate on behalf of children with special needs and assist them in obtaining the support and services that children need to succeed in school. Presenters will provide a general overview of special education policy, including the Individuals Education Program (IEP) and K-12 transitions. Speakers: Elizabeth Rorick, Deputy Executive Director, Government Affairs and Communications; Dr. James Pulos, National PTA Legislative Committee Member; William Doolittle, Member, National PTA Special Needs Committee Location: Salon DE 2B. Federal Funding: A Primer for Advocates Sequest-what? The past few years have been quite hectic in the federal funding arena. What does it mean for education? Is the process actually being followed? How do we advocate amid uncertainty? This workshop will take a simple approach to explaining the federal budget process and actions that have happened throughout the past year, including reductions in education spending, sequestration and appropriations. Advocates will leave with a better understanding of the process and tools to better educate membership on the impact of the federal funding process. Speakers: Mollie Van Lieu, Senior Education Policy Strategist, National PTA; Elizabeth Ysla Leight, National PTA Legislative Committee Member Location: Salon FG
2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
Workshops Session 2: 10:45 AM-12:15 PM 2C. Early Childhood Education: Federal Policy Update The education of our earliest learners is critical for their future academic and career success. Early childhood education has become a top priority of the Obama Administration and among leaders in the 113th Congress. This workshop will provide information on current early childhood education programs and updates on legislation pending in Congress. Speakers: Jessica Seitz, Education Policy Analyst, National PTA; Stella Edwards, National PTA Legislative Committee Chair; Adele B. Robinson, Deputy Executive Director, National Association for the Education of Young Children Location: Salon H 2D. Using Social Media for Advocacy Social media has emerged as an excellent platform for garnering support for issues, and PTAs at all levels can utilize this technology to their advantage. Discussion will include how to sign up for social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram will be the primary focuses), using e-advocacy platforms, post frequency, best practices for posting content, and reaching new people. Speakers: Erica Lue, Advocacy Coordinator, National PTA; Brian Bonner, National PTA Legislative Committee Vice Chair; LaWanda Toney, Director, Strategic Communications, National PTA; Emily Karsnak, Marketing and Communications Specialist, National PTA Location: Salon J
2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
Keynote Luncheon Speaker
Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack serves as the United States’ 30th Secretary of Agriculture. Under his leadership, USDA has partnered with First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! initiative, which seeks to improve the health and nutrition of America’s children. He also worked with Congress to pass the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010 and has led the implementation of the law, which has made the most significant improvements to school lunches in 30 years. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Vilsack served two terms as the Governor of Iowa; he served in the Iowa State Senate and also served as the mayor of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. He grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
2014 PTA Advocacy Awards Recipients New York State PTA New York State PTA is being honored with the PTA Outstanding State Advocacy Award for their work to educate families, teachers and communities about the Common Core State Standards. As a result of New York State PTA’s consistent support of the standards, they were asked to collaborate with the New York Education Commissioner on supporting family understanding of the standards. New York State PTA partnered with the New York State United Teachers to craft the Parent’s Guide to Common Core Learning, released in July 2013. To date, the brochure has been distributed to thousands of individuals around the state. New York State PTA also created the “Hear Our Voice” campaign, a highly successful effort to educate and engage families around the Common Core standards. Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School PTSA Appomattox Regional Governor’s School PTSA Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School PTSA and the Appomattox Regional Governor’s School PTSA (Virginia) are being jointly honored with the PTA Outstanding Local Advocacy Award for their collaborative campaign to address state funding for full-day Academic Year Governor’s Schools in Virginia. Following extensive research of possible solutions to a funding shortage problem, the PTSAs identified a discrepancy in the state funding formula for Academic Year Governor’s Schools that provides considerably less funding for full-day schools when compared to part-day schools. Members of both PTSAs educated themselves around the Virginia budget process and state education funding formulas and united to form an advocacy partnership. As a result of their joint effort, budget amendments to address the state funding discrepancy have been introduced in the Virginia State House and Senate. 2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
2014 PTA Advocacy Awards Recipients Yvonne Johnson Yvonne Johnson is being honored with the Shirley Igo Advocate of the Year Ambassador Award for her outstanding efforts as a Delaware PTA volunteer and leader. As a result of Yvonne’s advocacy to include more meaningful family engagement in education, Delaware PTA was given a seat as the parent voice on Delaware’s P20 Council, an inclusive organization designed to align Delaware’s education efforts from early childhood to post-secondary education and workforce readiness. Additionally, Yvonne regularly participates in roundtable discussions, contributes op-eds, and provides information to the media related to Delaware PTA’s advocacy, including providing public comments opposing the use of class size waivers which has resulted in Delaware school districts reconsidering their position on the issue. She has also advocated that PTA representatives be included on a state task force to review and revise Delaware’s charter school code to ensure that parent and community input is a formal part of the charter school application process. Yvonne is the immediate past-president of Delaware PTA, and currently serves as their Federal Legislative Chair.
2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
2014 PTA Advocacy Awards Recipients Gabriel Unruh Gabriel Unruh is being honored with the Youth Advocate of the Year Ambassador Award for his efforts to save student lives by educating youth on the dangers of texting while driving. Gabriel organized a Kansas City “Arrive Alive” event that brought school, community and law enforcement groups together and was covered by all Kansas City metro news outlets. As part of this effort, he oversaw over 100 volunteers, published editorials on distracted driving in Kansas City local newspapers and effectively used social media to promote the campaign. The “Arrive Alive” event was attended by over 1,000 high school students and community members, and received support from over 25 businesses and government agencies. The event was such a success that local non-profit organizations and two neighboring districts have already approached Gabriel for next year’s efforts. Gabriel is in the process of submitting to the Missouri Department of Transportation an official action plan and proposal to create a model “Arrive Alive” program for schools across Missouri. Gabriel is a member of the Platte County High School PTSA.
2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
2014 Congressional Voice for Children Award Recipients Congressman Aaron Schock, Illinois, 18th Congressional District Congressman Aaron Schock has long been a proven supporter of children and youth, having been elected to the School Board in Peoria, IL at the age of 19, and serving on the Elementary and Secondary Appropriations subcommittee as a state representative in the Illinois Legislature. In Congress, Mr. Schock has continued his support of children and families by signing on as a cosponsor of the Family Engagement in Education Act, supporting reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act-No Child Left Behind (ESEA-NCLB), and hosting summer reading programs for elementary students in his district. The Congressman is also a member of a bipartisan coalition supporting public charter schools, as well as a co-chair of the Congressional STEAM caucus that seeks to promote arts in the classroom alongside STEM. Finally, Congressman Schock is also a cosponsor of the FITKids Act to help increase physical activity in schools. Congressman Schock grew up in Peoria, IL, and continues to serve the people of his hometown as their member of Congress.
2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
2014 Congressional Voice for Children Award Recipients Senator Barbara Mikulski, Maryland Senator Barbara Mikulski has been a long-time advocate for families and children, serving her community first as a social worker and then as an elected official. In the United States Senate, Senator Mikulski is the Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, where she has fought tirelessly to protect education funding during sequester and budget negotiations and to increase funding for after-school programs. She is also a member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. The Senator is a co-sponsor of the Strong Start for America’s Children Act, a bill that seeks to improve funding for and access to early education. As a member of the Senate Rural Education Caucus, Senator Mikulski advocates for the needs of students living in rural areas, including fair access to federal dollars. She is the longest-serving woman in the U.S. Congress and currently holds the honor of being the Dean of the Women. The Senator is a lifelong resident of Baltimore.
2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
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2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
Exhibiting Sponsors National PTA gratefully acknowledges the following organizations for their support of this event: • BuySmart Shopping Mall • Help Our Schools • WATCH D.O.G.S.
• Chartwells Food Service • Microsoft
Conference Session and Workshop Attendance Passport Name: ___________________________________________________ State: ____________________________________________________ Contact Information: _______________________________________ Tuesday, March 11 State President and President Elect Training
New FLC Training or Veteran FLC Training
All FLC Training
Wednesday, March 12 General Session
Workshop 1
Workshop 2
Keynote Luncheon
Workshop 3
PTA Takes Action Dinner
2014 National PTA® Legislative Conference
