National PTA 2017 Legislative Conference
National PTA 2017 Legislative Conference Our Ask for Capitol Hill
“Invest in Public Education & Protect Our Children” Invest in Public Education 1. Invest federal resources in K-12 public schools: Fund Statewide Family Engagement Centers (SFECs) at $10 million in FY 2018 Education funding for elementary and secondary education—from the federal government and states—is less than it was 10 years ago Education spending accounts for only 2% of the federal budget and has remained at that proportion for decades, even though public school enrollment has increased by 2.3% over those years 2. Oppose any private school choice system that would: Divert funding from public schools Provide fewer rights and protections than public schools Lack accountability and transparency to parents and tax payers Provide education to only a few select students instead of all students 3. Through oversight, ensure effective implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) at the state, school district and school level: National PTA’s priority is to ensure effective parent stakeholder engagement—in state and local education plans, accountability systems, school improvement efforts and state and local report cards Parents must have a seat at the decision-making table—it is essential that ESSA implementation conversations and/or formal groups at the state, district and school level include dedicated parent representatives, as they provide invaluable input and perspective as the key consumers of educational systems along with their children
Protect Our Children 1. Reauthorize key legislation to incorporate more family engagement provisions and better protect our children in the 21st century (see National PTA’s Legislative Checklist for the 115th Congress) 2. Promote federal policies that ensure all students—regardless of race, color, national origin, immigration status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or religion—have a safe, supportive and positive environment in which to thrive and learn
“Invest in Public Education & Protect Our Children” Invest in Public Education 1. Invest federal resources in K-12 public schools: Fund Statewide Family Engagement Centers (SFECs) at $10 million in FY 2018 Education funding for elementary and secondary education—from the federal government and states—is less than it was 10 years ago Education spending accounts for only 2% of the federal budget and has remained at that proportion for decades, even though public school enrollment has increased by 2.3% over those years 2. Oppose any private school choice system that would: Divert funding from public schools Provide fewer rights and protections than public schools Lack accountability and transparency to parents and tax payers Provide education to only a few select students instead of all students 3. Through oversight, ensure effective implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) at the state, school district and school level: National PTA’s priority is to ensure effective parent stakeholder engagement—in state and local education plans, accountability systems, school improvement efforts and state and local report cards Parents must have a seat at the decision-making table—it is essential that ESSA implementation conversations and/or formal groups at the state, district and school level include dedicated parent representatives, as they provide invaluable input and perspective as the key consumers of educational systems along with their children
Protect Our Children 1. Reauthorize key legislation to incorporate more family engagement provisions and better protect our children in the 21st century (see National PTA’s Legislative Checklist for the 115th Congress) 2. Promote federal policies that ensure all students—regardless of race, color, national origin, immigration status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or religion—have a safe, supportive and positive environment in which to thrive and learn
