Speak up for Kids
Contact your Legislator and Take Action!
It quick and easy - http://capwiz.com/wastatepta/home/
PTA and ADVOCACY
http://www.wastatepta.org/advocacy/index.html
One of ways PTA seeks to achieve its Vision of “making every child’s potential a reality” is through one of its Core Missions: “PTA is a strong advocate for the education and well-being of every child.” Starting in the Spring of each year, PTA members can submit Issues to the WSPTA Board of Directors for consideration. The BoD votes on whether the Issues can be voted on at the annual Legislative Assembly. All issues that will be voted on are sent to all PTA members as a survey (electronic and/or paper) in September. Each unit can send voting delegates to Legislative Assembly in October to vote on the Issues. The top 6” priority” issues become the Legislative Platform for the following 2 years. In the off years (like 2011), adjustments can be made to the two-year platform, with delegates designating other issues for which WSPTA will advocate with legislators, but the Top 6 stay in place and are our main focus.
WA State PTA 2012 legislative platform
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Improving basic education – This includes implementing and funding a new definition that emphasizes and supports college and career readiness and that improves the system of delivery, as laid out in ESHB 2261 (passed 2009), and SHB 2776 and E2SSB 6696 (passed in 2010)
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Strengthening math and science education
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Literacy instruction – including phonological awareness
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Changing layoff policies to include more than just seniority
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Fund education first in the state budget process
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New, research-based model for teacher compensation that emphasizes rewarding teacher effectiveness in improving student learning.
The Top 6 priorities were all voted onto the platform in 2010.
WSPTA supported issues are:
- Improve food quality in breakfast and lunch programs (2010)
- Make physical education/health a core subject (2010)
- Adopt strategies to eliminate acheivement gaps and improve educational opportunities
- Increase access to early learning and all-day kindergarten; improve transitions and supports pre-K to grade 3
- Eliminate barriers to K-12 highly capable programs (access and funding)
- Renew support for the federal juvenile justice act and adopt strategies to improve our state system
- Drive innovation and accountability by allowing public charter schools
- Create consistent school speed zone and school warning signage across all districts, counties and cities
Check out the pictures from our Focus Day Rally 2011 below.
