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Tag: advocacy
National Standards for Family-School Partnerships Standard 4- Speaking Up For Every Child
by Colleen Hervey, Family Engagement Commissioner
“Every Child, One Voice.” That is the foundation for the work of PTA. Parents want what’s best for their children but may not always have the knowledge, means, or opportunity to provide that. This is why National PTA developed its National Standards for Family-School Partnerships, which were recently updated.
A previous blog post provided a full rundown of the Standards and links to comprehensive information from National PTA. Standard #4 provides guidance for how parents, educators, and community members all play a role in making sure every child receives the nurturing and support they need.
Standard 4: Speak up for every child. The school affirms family and student expertise and advocacy so that all students are treated fairly and have access to relationships and opportunities that will support their success.
This standard for family-school partnerships recognizes the importance of helping families navigate the school system in order to communicate effectively with educators without fear of bias and thu
s provide every child with the very best educational experience possible.
The standards include two goals that will help school and PTA leaders focus on what’s most important to ensure all students and families feel confident in communicating and receiving help to address their child’s needs.
The first goal is to Navigate the school system: Are families knowledgeable and able to raise questions or concerns about their child’s educational experience? The ability of families to communicate concerns about their child’s education within their school system is vital to the success of every student.
The second goal is to Address inequitable outcomes and access: Does the school remove barriers for families to be advocates for and with students—particularly those who are most marginalized? Reviewing data and other indicators to dig deep into determining what groups are being underserved or underrepresented will help remove barriers and bias, providing better support for all students.
The updated standards also provide indicators developed to help guide school and PTA leaders in achieving each targeted goal.
To access all of the information and resources available, including a webinar that dives deeper into ways to speak up for every child, click on this link: Standard 4: Speak Up for Every Child
Steps Towards Meeting These Goals
A great tool included in the updated National Standards for Family-School Partnerships is a School Leader’s Rubric to help measure progress in improving communication between families and school partners, removing barriers that prevent a fair and equitable educational experience for all children. This includes:
- Facilitating connections between families and school/district personnel so that families have access to relationships and networks within the school and district.
- Asking members of the various groups and subgroups what barriers need to be removed and what supports they need to be successful in leadership roles.
- Ensuring that members from underrepresented groups take the lead in informing, designing, and implementing school improvement efforts so they develop trust and confidence in staff and PTA leaders.
As your PTA works to help uplift family voices to speak up for every child, the following self-reflection questions may guide your efforts and provide a stepping-off point from which to plan programs:
- How does our PTA engage students in assessing the needs and setting priorities for our PTA and school community?
- Does our PTA know how our school’s students are doing academically, socially, and emotionally across different demographic groups? Do we dedicate resources to support these needs? Do we advocate for the school district to meet these needs?
- How does our PTA share information and prepare families so that they can advocate for their child and all children?
- How does our PTA help connect families to school and district decision-makers so that their voices can be heard?
- How is PTA discussing bias in family engagement practices in our PTA and school community? What efforts are we taking to confront and eliminate bias?
The updated National Standards for Family-School Partnerships reflect a broadened vision of student success that recognizes the important ways that families and schools collaborate around student achievement and well-being with a more intentional emphasis on equity and inclusion, including guidance to help schools and PTAs partner with our increasingly diverse families. For more information, visit the California State PTA website.
California State PTA Legislation Team and You
PTA began, in 1897, as an advocacy organization with a nationwide campaign to eliminate threats that endangered children. Today, one of the important roles of the California State PTA is to advocate for policies and laws that improve the lives of all California children, youth and families. PTA continues to highlight critical education funding issues and to ensure the importance of family engagement in public schools. In addition, California State PTA supports policies and legislation that help youth and families meet their essential needs.
The California State PTA Legislation Team — composed of volunteers from across the state — works to support the organization’s advocacy goals, which are as follows:
- Advocate to achieve justice for all children, youth and families to have their essential needs met.
- Advocate for shared power and belonging for all children, youth and families to address the impacts of systemic and institutionalized injustice.
- Advocate for a full and culturally responsive curriculum to meet the diverse needs of our student population.
- Elevate the student voice to create an inclusive, positive and supportive school climate.
- Promote physical and mental wellness beginning in early childhood.
- Advocate for stable and sustainable public school resources to bring California within the top 10 states in per-pupil funding.
Some of our work includes:
- Researching and voting to take positions on bills brought by advocates in the areas of community concerns, health, education, family engagement, budget, and federal legislation.
- Informing local members and leaders about California State PTA positions through monthly legislation calls, monthly legislative updates, blog posts and articles in PTA Connects.
- Explaining the use of California State PTA resolutions and position statements as authorities for taking positions on bills or ballot measures.
- Updating and reviewing the legislation platform, and California PTA legislation policies.
- Studying, taking positions on and coordinating advocacy for statewide ballot measures and referendums.
- Serving as a resource for local members and leaders.
Advocacy at the state level enables California State PTA to support youth and families across the state. Local members and leaders may use California State PTA’s positions on legislation to engage in local advocacy in their own communities. The Legislation Team provides support and is a resource for local PTAs as they conduct studies or effect change in their own communities .
The Legislation Team for the 2021-23 term consists of the Director of Legislation and eight members of the California State PTA Board of Managers. Our Legislation Team reflects the diversity found in California with team members representing geographic, racial, socioeconomic, languages spoken and age diversity. Our team members have children of all ages which gives them insight into the varying issues facing today’s youth. In addition to their PTA roles the advocates are engaged in a variety of career fields and other community involvement.
New Resolution Gives Equitable Access with Plant-based Meals
By California State PTA Resolutions Committee and Maya Bhandari, Student Board Member, California State PTA Student Involvement Committee
We are pleased to announce that the delegates to the 2022 California State PTA Convention adopted a new resolution titled: Plant-Based Food Options at School Meals. This new resolution will help all California State PTA members advocate for school breakfast and lunch programs that provide balanced, nutritious meals, and promote equity for all children and youth. Its primary author, California State PTA Student Board Member Maya Bhandari, tells us:
“I believe California schools have a responsibility to equitably provide healthy meals to all children. This PTA resolution demonstrates that providing plant-based meal options improves children’s health and our environmental footprint while reducing costs.”
Our state Resolutions Committee Chair, Beth Graves Meyerhoff interviewed Bhandari. Here is a summary of their conversation:
Meyerhoff: How did the issues addressed in this resolution come to your attention?
Bhandari: After talking to students in my community and statewide online about the lack of plant-based meals in schools, I brought the idea to California State PTA’s Student Involvement Committee. Together we wrote the resolution and it received approval from the Board of Managers to submit it to the delegates at the 2022 California State PTA convention. It gives both local and state PTAs authority to advocate for a plant-based meal option to be offered as a regular part of all school meals. This resolution, entitled Plant-Based Food Options at School Meals, offers three primary benefits: (1) equitable access to nutritious meals, (2) a decrease in detrimental health effects on children, and (3) reducing the environmental impact of the food schools provide.
Meyerhoff: Why is this resolution needed now?
Bhandari: Food allergies and dietary restrictions that are common among non-European people have largely been overlooked when it comes to school meals. In addition, students who have religious or moral objections to having animal protein should not be discriminated against. Plant-based meals are the most universally accepted foods for the diversity of cultures, religions, and food allergies with which students identify.
Plus, plant-based meals will also have material environmental benefits. Meat production is one of the most significant contributors to environmental problems, including waste, energy use, water consumption, biodiversity loss, and greenhouse gas emissions according to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Another report documents that plant-based food production is significantly more sustainable.
Meyerhoff: Can you share some examples of how the lack of plant-based meals impacts students?
Bhandari: Sure! California students share stories about their food choices and challenges online:
“Every time my tribes-people and I have a lot of dairy and meat, we become ill,” said Henry, a Mojave Native American student from Springville, CA, and a friend of mine. “But, we depend on free school lunch and food stamps. So, we have to choose between going hungry or eating food that physically makes us sick.”
“I feel marginalized at school because my beliefs are not mainstream,” said Asha, an Indian-American senior at Mission San Jose High School. “My Jain principles forbid me from having animal protein. My school does not offer any viable options, so I have to forgo free school lunches that everyone else gets. Instead, I have to make and bring in my own food every day.”
“I had a malignant ovarian tumor removed that was caused by my animal protein consumption,” said Sophia, a Honduran-American senior at Salinas High School in Salinas. “Since I am trying to spare my other ovary, I cannot eat school lunches, since they do not provide non-animal protein options.”
Meyerhoff: How will the change to plant-based meals impact local schools and school districts?
Bhandari: The cost of serving plant-based meals is potentially lower. A two-year pilot at Oakland Unified School District serving more plant-based meals resulted in $42,000 in cost savings annually while achieving a 14% reduction in carbon footprint and 6% reduction in water use.
Meyerhoff: How can local PTA/PTSAs and PTA members use this new authority?
Bhandari: This resolution will give all PTA members authority to support all students including students like Henry, Asha, and Sophia. PTA members can advocate locally in their schools and on legislation at the state and federal levels. We all need to advocate that healthy and universally accepted plant-based meals be offered in schools.
PTA Perspective on Federal Infrastructure Bill
By Dianna McDonald, California State PTA Advocate
New laws around Infrastructure, jobs, and climate change will impact California’s children and families. California is due to receive about $45 billion dollars from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which became law in November of 2021. This will likely be for roads, bridges, and public transportation including California’s bullet train. There will also likely be several billion dollars set aside for improvements to our water system which is critical for our state.
The California State PTA urges our federal, state, and local governments to serve as role models for practices that promote energy conservation, alternative energy sources, reducing dependency on automobile travel, and encouraging sustainable practices. We believe that climate change is a children’s issue and improving our transportation and water systems will have a long-term positive impact on the future of our children.
A decision is still pending on the federal Build Back Better Act which would fund a variety of services for children and families. National PTA has issued a formal statement urging passage of the measure.
Legislation Conference Strengthened My Confidence and Connections
By Kathryn Rickard, Student Board Member, California State PTA
When I look back and think about why I applied to become a student member of the California State PTA Board of Managers, I am reminded of the first state PTA Legislation Conference I attended.
Being at the Legislation Conference led me to apply for the Board of Managers because it was the first time I felt important, like my voice really mattered. At the Legislation Conference, you feel connected to other PTA leaders throughout the state. Having a network of connections is a big part of what PTA is all about, and after attending a Legislation Conference as a student, I realized that all PTA leaders want students to succeed. I also realized that despite being deeply involved in my own unit’s PTA, there was a lot more to learn about what PTA is and what PTA stands for.
In my opinion, the most special aspect of the Legislation Conference is that students are welcome to attend. As a student, it’s not only important to understand what your role in PTA is but to also learn about how you can make a change. At the first Legislation Conference I attended, I got to meet Alex Padilla, California’s first Mexican-American United States Senator. Having the opportunity to meet someone of my heritage, that I can relate to in politics was enlightening and just one of the reasons why the Legislation Conference is so important to me. I think that it can have the same deep meaning to students across the state because when you attend, you can speak your mind, make your passions known, discuss your ideas with legislators, and truly make a difference.
Legislators want to hear from students. They care about what we have to say. Students are some of the most important people at the Legislation Conference because students are impactful. Students are our country’s future and through opportunities like the California State PTA Legislation Conference, students can step into their role as advocates for the health, safety, and well-being of all children. Most importantly, we can step into our role as advocates for our future.
Learn more about the California State PTA Annual Legislation Conference, here.
Bipartisan Background Check Act of 2021 (Thompson)
By Dianna MacDonald, California State PTA Legislative Advocate
For more than a century, California State PTA has advocated for safer schools. While gun violence is a public-health crisis that affects us all, it is of particular concern when it comes to the safety of our children and youth. Deaths from gun violence are preventable.
California State PTA supports state and federal legislation that protects all children and youth from gun violence. We base this on our position statement on Firearms and Assault Weapons, which was deemed relevant in 2018.
In March 2021, California State PTA Legislation Action Committee voted to support House Resolution (HR) 8 – Bipartisan Background Check Act of 2021 (Thompson), which would establish new background check requirements for firearm transfers between private parties (i.e., unlicensed individuals). It specifically prohibits a firearm transfer between private parties unless a licensed gun dealer, manufacturer, or importer first takes possession of the firearm to conduct a background check.
What is a universal background check?
A universal background check, conducted through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), is required anytime a gun is purchased through a federally licensed gun dealer.
What does the Federal Law currently require as far as licensed gun dealer background checks?
Current federal law requires licensed gun dealers to conduct a background check prior to completing a gun sale under the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act to prevent certain individuals, for example, those with histories of domestic abuse or violent felony convictions, from gun possession. After an individual submits to a background check, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has three days to conduct an investigation.
What does the Federal government require for private gun sales?
The Federal government currently does not legislate private sales, known as the private-sale loophole. Private sellers do not need to conduct a background check.
Does California require universal background checks?
In 1991, California required universal background checks for gun sales and transfers by authorized dealers. In 2006, California established a database for identifying firearm owners who fall into a prohibited status, such as violent crime conviction and drug offenses. In 2017, California voters approved Proposition 63 which required background checks for ammunition purchases and banned possession of large-capacity ammunition magazines.
Does California legislate private gun sales?
Twenty-two states have legislated some categories of private sales. California is one of those states, requiring transfers between private parties be conducted through a licensed California dealer who must conduct a background check (Penal Code 28050).
What are other California gun laws?
California has some of the strictest gun laws in the United States with over 100 laws that restrict the manner in which firearms can be used. The Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence awarded California in 2020 an “A” (one of only two awarded) for gun control laws which include bans on specific types of firearms and assault weapons (Penal Code 16590 and 30600) and limitations on bringing guns to certain locations, like schools (Penal Code 626.9). Effective July 1, 2021, California’s ban on purchasing more than one gun in a 30-day period was expanded to semi-automatic weapons (Senate Bill (SB) 61, Portantino).
Why is California State PTA supporting HR 8?
Gun violence is an epidemic, with more than one hundred Americans dying from gun violence every day, and twice as many shot and wounded. America’s gun homicide rate is 25 times higher than in other high-income countries and this violence directly affects the health and welfare of children and families across the country.
Advocates Plan to Continue Work on Several Education Bills
By Anita Avrick, Melanie Lucas and Beth Meyerhoff, California State PTA Education Advocates
The California State PTA takes positions on bills to improve the lives of children and families.
The Legislation Team reads hundreds of bills a year. The Legislation Action Committee then meets monthly between January and June to discuss and take positions on bills that fulfill our Mission Statement to “positively impact the lives of all children and families.”
During 2021, the Education advocates researched many bills affecting K-12 public school education, based on our authorities, which consist of our legislative planks, resolutions, and position statements. Although the bills listed below did not proceed through the full legislative process to reach Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk and were not signed into law, California State PTA continues to support the issues these bills address.
We hope that the legislature will again discuss these bills when they reconvene in January 2022.
Senate Bill 70 (Rubio). Elementary education: kindergarten
This bill would require that a student complete one year of kindergarten before being admitted to first grade. Students would begin first grade if they had their 6th birthday on or before September 1 and had completed one year of kindergarten.
Currently, Education Code Section 48200 requires every person between the ages of 6 and 18 years to attend school full-time. Students must be admitted to first grade if they have their 6th birthday on or before September 1.
According to the author, kindergarteners who miss 10% or more of school days have lower academic performance when they reach first grade. The impact is even greater for students who do not attend kindergarten at all.
AB 1444 (Buchanan, 2014) would have required a student to have completed kindergarten before being admitted to first grade. Governor Brown vetoed AB 1444, saying that he preferred to let parents determine what is best for their children rather than mandate an entirely new grade level.
The majority of eligible children in California do attend kindergarten, including approximately 95% of eligible students (public and private kindergarten) with 80% at a public school, as estimated by the Department of Education (CDE). According to the California Kindergarten Association, an estimated five- to seven percent of students do not enroll in kindergarten. (EdSource, March 3, 2021)
California PTA supports this bill because we believe that early learning is crucial, especially for our most vulnerable population. Making kindergarten mandatory will help those children who are most likely to fall behind due to the lack of early learning programs. Since kindergarten is optional, it can lead some families to believe that it is not important or that attendance is not essential.
Senate Bill 723 (Rubio). Pupil instruction: tutoring program: learning loss mitigation
Among the many challenges during distance learning is a rising opportunity gap. Senate Bill 723 would address learning loss and provide students with tutoring as a documented strategy to close opportunity gaps. The tutoring would be provided by college students and other pupils through the California Leadership, Excellence, Academic, Diversity, and Service-Learning Tutoring Program.
California State PTA supports legislation that can improve academic achievement for all students and eliminate the achievement gap. PTA believes it is important to provide all students with equal opportunity to learn and, when necessary, to provide access to appropriate intervention strategies and remediation programs for academic success.
Additional funding and support for this program was included in Assembly Bill 86 which appropriated $4.6 billion to provide support and tutoring by certificated or classified employees.
Assembly Bill 520 (Gipson). Teacher retention: California Diversifying the Teacher Workforce Grant Program
This bill would establish the California Diversifying the Teacher Workforce Grant Program to provide one-time competitive grants to develop and implement new or expand existing programs to develop and retain a diverse teacher workforce.
According to the author, California’s teaching force is significantly less racially and ethnically diverse than the student population. For example, according to the California Department of Education (CDE), 23% percent of K-12 students are white and 54% are Latino, while 63% of teachers are white and 20% are Latino. Assemblymember Gipson states, “Student success is amplified when they are taught by teachers who reflect the diversity of those students. In addition to academic benefits, students of color experience social-emotional gains to having teachers who look like them, also lessening the likelihood of chronic absenteeism and suspension.”
California State PTA has a resolution, TEACHER QUALITY: RECRUITMENT, RETENTION AND RESOURCES (2012), that supports “policies, programs, and practices that promote the recruitment, hiring and retention of well prepared, fully credentialed teachers.”
Assembly Bill 285 (Holden). State Department of Education: state school nurse consultant
AB 285 would require the State Department of Education to appoint an experienced state school nurse consultant with a minimum of 5 years of experience. The state school nurse would promote quality school programs to support the health needs of students.
California is one of 10 states without a school nurse official at the state level during the COVID-19 pandemic.
California State PTA supports legislation that encourages a greater number of school nurses in schools. Appropriate health services by credentialed nurses are vital to students, especially during this pandemic. A school nurse consultant at the state level will improve the health assistance and guidance our school districts can provide students.
Assembly Bill 299 (Villapudua). Career technical education: California Apprenticeship Grant Program
AB 299 would establish the California Apprenticeship Grant Program to provide grants to high school pupils, community college students, and employed and unemployed workers to enter career technical education and vocational professions through state-approved apprenticeships.
California State PTA supports continued and sufficient funding of School-to-Career education. We believe that apprenticeships give community college students not only additional funds for continuing their education but a step up on their career path.
Senate Bill 237 (Portantino). Special education: dyslexia risk screening
SB 237 would require the State Board of Education to establish an approved list of culturally, linguistically, and developmentally appropriate screening instruments to be used by schools to screen pupils for risk of dyslexia.
Local educational agencies (LEAs) would be required to annually screen all pupils in grades kindergarten through second grade for risk of dyslexia using the screening instruments approved by the State Board of Education. This bill would also require third-grade pupils to be screened during the initial year of implementation. LEAs would also be required to provide results to parents within 45 days of the screening. LEAs would be required to provide all pupils identified as being at risk of dyslexia with appropriate instruction, progress monitoring, and early intervention in the regular general education program.
According to the bill’s author, “Students with dyslexia are less likely to graduate from high school and attend college, and also experience higher rates of incarceration. In some prisons today, where nearly 80% of the inmates are illiterate, almost one-half of the inmates are on the dyslexia spectrum.
“Research evidence from multiple scientific studies is unequivocal: early identification and intervention with scientifically based early reading instruction strategies and materials improve literacy outcomes for students with dyslexia and other struggling readers.
“By screening all students for risk of dyslexia early, California can help families and teachers achieve the best learning and life outcomes for all students, close academic achievement gaps, and help end the school-to-prison pipeline.”
California State PTA strongly supports early screening for signs and symptoms of dyslexia and the use of appropriate accommodations to provide students with dyslexia equitable access to the general education curriculum as identified in the California State PTA Resolution, “Dyslexia: Addressing the Educational Implications in Public Schools.”
Multiple Bills Addressing Students’ Mental Health are Now Law
By Beth Meyerhoff, California State PTA Advocate
Fear and isolation heightened during the pandemic have reinforced California State PTA’s long-standing commitment to the mental health of children and the need for adult education to address youth mental health challenges. Our advocacy team applauds Governor Gavin Newsom’s signing of a trio of bills to support the mental health needs of students.
Senate Bill 14 (Portantino) mandates that student absences for mental and behavioral health are treated the same as excused absences for physical health.
Thirty percent of high school students report experiencing symptoms of depression and COVID-19 has further increased the mental health issues children face according to reports cited by Senator Portantino, the author of this bill.
Thanks to SB 14, behavioral health will now be included within the “illness categories” that are legally considered excused absences (Education Code Section 48205). In addition, the California Department of Education (CDE) must identify a training program to address youth behavioral health.
California State PTA believes behavioral health evaluation and services are critical for student development. We support providing information and education to understand and sustain children, youth, and family behavioral health and social-emotional development.
Senate Bill 224 (Portantino) requires middle and high schools to include instruction in mental health if the schools offer courses in health education.
For schools that offer health education courses, this bill requires that those courses include mental health instruction. The course shall cover symptoms of common mental health challenges, promoting mental health wellness, and how to find assistance from professionals, among other requirements. Additionally, it shall include developing an awareness of mental health challenges across all populations and “the impact of race, ethnicity and culture on the experience and treatment of mental health challenges.” The State Department of Education must develop a plan to expand mental health instruction in California public schools on or before January 1, 2024.
According to Senator Portantino’s office, “Education about mental health is one of the best ways to increase awareness, empower students to seek help, and reduce the stigma associated with mental health challenges.”
California State PTA supports age-appropriate social and emotional learning and mental health education for all students. As an advocacy organization, California State PTA supports legislation that creates a safe and accepting environment in schools.
Assembly Bill 309 (Gabriel) requires the California Department of Education (CDE) to develop model referral protocols for addressing pupil mental health.
The development of model mental health protocols required by this bill would guide schools and local educational agencies (LEAs) in “appropriate and timely intervention for pupil mental health concerns.” The protocols will be posted on the CDE website and used on a voluntary basis.
The Assembly Bill analysis quoted the Student Mental Health Policy Workgroup which noted the connection between mental wellness and academic achievement, attendance, and behavior. The Workgroup also said California’s educators acknowledge their lack of preparedness in addressing pupil mental health challenges as a major barrier to instruction.
California State PTA passed its resolution, Mental Health: Treatment and Support in 1999 (reviewed 2017), calling on “ the California State PTA and its units, councils and districts [to] urge that members of the education community and local law enforcement agencies receive training to ensure that peace officers and educators can recognize symptoms of mental illness and appropriately respond when dealing with persons, especially children, and youth, who show signs of mental illness.”
In addition, at the 2020 California State PTA Convention, members passed a resolution Mental Health Service for Our Children and Youth to support mental health wellness and social-emotional learning policies, including staff training.
Governor’s Signature on AB 417 Supports College Access
By Beth Meyerhoff, California State PTA Education Legislative Advocate
College opportunities for incarcerated teens and adults increased significantly when Governor Gavin Newson signed Assembly Bill (AB) 417 (McCarty) into law on October 6, 2021. This bill establishes guidance on how to spend the $10 million (already allocated in California’s 2021-22 State Budget) for the Rising Scholars Network. The Rising Scholars Network Project, under the direction of the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, mandates that community colleges increase community college course access and support for students transitioning from incarceration, or who have been “justice-involved.”
AB 417 authorizes 50 of California’s community colleges to join the Rising Scholars Network in order to increase the number of justice-involved students attending. The bill also requires reporting and recommendations on the possible expansion of the Rising Scholars Network to all community college districts and campuses.
Prior legislation (Senate Bill (SB) 1391, Hancock) created a pilot program of colleges offering instruction inside prisons. According to the bill analysis, over 5,000 students are enrolled each semester in these programs and 19 colleges piloted programs. According to a Rand Corporation report, Evaluating the Effectiveness of Correctional Education: A Meta-Analysis of Programs That Provide Education to Incarcerated Adults, inmates are 43% less likely to recidivate after receiving correctional education.
California State PTA supports legislation which improves academic achievement for all students. We support efforts to study issues related to the system of juvenile justice and to work for reforms that will best meet the needs of youth in the juvenile justice system.
PTA strongly believes that every student who meets the established eligibility requirements must be allowed access to the appropriate level of California’s system of higher education; financial hardship should not prohibit eligible students from attending institutions of higher education and efforts should be made to provide financial assistance to students.
The Legislation Action team relied upon the following authorities to support AB 417:
ACHIEVEMENT: ELIMINATING THE GAP http://downloads.capta.org/res/AchievementEliminatingTheGap.pdf
PTA has resolved to advocate for legislation and public policies that improve academic achievement for all students and eliminate the achievement gap.
JUVENILE JUSTICE REFORM – A PRIORITY http://downloads.capta.org/res/JuvenileJusticeReform-APriority.pdf
PTA has resolved to study issues related to the system of juvenile justice in California and work for reform that will best meet the needs of children and youth who come in contact with the Juvenile Justice System; and be it further
Position Statement:
Basic Education
http://toolkit.capta.org/advocacy/position-statements/basic-education/
California State PTA believes that all children and youth have the responsibility and should have the opportunity to develop their abilities to their fullest potential.
Position Statement:
Higher Education
http://toolkit.capta.org/advocacy/position-statements/education-higher-education/
California State PTA believes that … investment in students’ postsecondary education enriches the lives of all Californians, and provides skilled workers to meet the needs of California’s global economy.