Family engagement is a continuous work in progress. It requires a concerted, collective effort year after year to keep up with each new incoming class of students and families. We need to meet families where they are and show them what is possible within a school community. This has been our foundation at California State PTA for over a century because the work never ceases and it never stops being important.
To address the ongoing need for family engagement solutions, California State PTA developed our own program called School Smarts to help close the learning gap and to model effective strategies to build community and to empower parents. School Smarts is a seven-week parent academy with a research-based, award-winning curriculum designed to bring together parents from diverse backgrounds (available in multiple languages) to support a common interest: helping their children and schools succeed. Research consistently confirms that family engagement is one of the strongest predictors of children’s development, educational attainment, and success in school and life.
Join us in implementing our association’s meaningful work by advocating for family engagement at your school site, council, or district to build capacity and equitable pathways for all. Be thoughtful and strategic because the program requires an investment. Fortunately, Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP), Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF), Priority 3, or Title 1 funding can be used. Plan to make School Smarts a priority now as budget discussions are taking place for the upcoming school year.
Help turn more school communities into proud “School Smart” partners. Learn more at www.capta.org/schoolsmarts.