An arts education task force formed by California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson is calling for arts education to be elevated to a core subject and be available to all students.
“We have been extremely fortunate to have such a knowledgeable and creative group committed to helping our state rebuild its infrastructure for arts education,” Torlakson said. “The picture they paint is one of a relevant, robust and dynamic curriculum to keep kids in schools, narrow the achievement gap and give students an opportunity to discover and develop their individual talents. But they also highlight the need to make certain all students have access to arts education so they can explore their own artistic vision.”
California State PTA representatives served on the group that developed the Blueprint, and the association is part of the CREATE CA Coalition dedicated to building public will around the recommendations.
Download and view a copy of the Blueprint for Creative Schools.
Student assessments are changing. For years, most year-end tests were mainly multiple-choice exams that focused on basic skills. These tests did a poor job of measuring the skills students need for success after high school—like writing, critical thinking, and problem solving. With new education standards, states are working together to develop quality tests. In 2014-15, schools will replace their old tests with new assessments built to let parents and teachers know how well students are learning the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s world.
Learn more about what the new tests are trying to accomplish and what you can be looking for locally on the Education pages of our Focus Areas section.
Download, print and share the flier from National PTA for more information.
Stay up-to-date on the latest in all things advocacy. Formerly called “Sacramento Update” and “Advocacy Update” but now called “Advocacy Insider,” this e-newsletter will keep you informed on sponsored and co-sponsored legislation and other bills that PTA supports.
Here are the most recent issues:
Our kids’ education is a team effort! Find out more about the partners who play a role in children’s success with these helpful brochures:
Current Student Packet – available in English (fillable PDF form) and Spanish (non-fillable PDF, or fillable PDF with entry form only).
Rules by Category:
2025-26 Participation Forms:
- District Participation Form — available in English
- Council Participation Form — available in English
- Unit Participation Form — available in English
- Student Packet — available in English and Spanish
Post-Reflections Program Materials:
Resources and materials from National PTA:
PTA Leader Program Checklist
Encourage your school community to be part of PTA’s 2024-25 Reflections Program “I am Hopeful Because…” with promotional materials.
- Share these materials to promote Reflections on your social media accounts and newsletters. Use the program logos and theme images to create your own Reflections promotions!
Printable Promotional Material
Social Media Graphics
Reflections Logos
|
 |
A new resource designed specifically with district and council level advocacy chairs in mind, to support your advocacy efforts.
Download the Advocacy Leadership Guide.
One of the wonderful benefits of belonging to PTA is the support system it offers.
Running Your PTA… Made Easy provides simplified summaries of the PTA basics that all PTA board members should know. It covers meetings, recruiting volunteers, finance, membership and more.
Reading this basic guide will enhance your experience as a PTA leader and provide you with information on topics you will be likely to reference throughout your term of office.
Download here.
Learn more about California state standards in math and English Language Arts and what they mean for your child by downloading an informational flier.
Available in the following languages:
The term “PTA” is commonly used to describe any parent group, and many parents, teachers, and administrators are unaware of the distinct differences between PTA and other parent organizations.
- PTA is a not-for-profit organization and the nation’s original and premier parent involvement group in schools.
- PTA has more than 23,000 local units and nearly 6 million members.
- PTA units are supported by a national and state structure that provides valuable information, resources, and training.
- PTA believes parents are more than fundraisers.
- PTA works with parents to advocate for proper funding, leadership, and instruction for all schools and school districts.
- Chartered PTA units are 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations.
- Local PTAs are eligible for discounted insurance for events that are not covered by their schools.
- PTA provides a free data collection system.
Download our flier outlining all of the things that make PTA different!
