Thursday, April 28, 2016

Perspectives of the 2016 Public School Parent: New Study Reveals What Keeps Today's Parents Up at Night

Parents Nearly Unanimous on Dreams of College for their Child, Yet Poll Reveals Concerns about Readiness and Disconnect Between Perception of Performance and National Data

Learning Heroes, National PTA and Univision Communications Inc. Release “Readiness Roadmap” to Deliver Resources Parents Say Would Be Most Helpful

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 21, 2016) - A national poll released [today] reveals public school parents' perspectives on their childrens' academic, emotional and physical well-being, and identifies a disconnect between views on students' performance in school and the national data.

The study - "Parents 2016: Hearts and Minds of Public School Parents in an Uncertain World" - which polled more than 1,300 parents with children in grades K-8, was conducted by Hart Research and commissioned by Learning Heroes, in collaboration with Univision Communications Inc.; in partnership with National PTA, National Urban League, NCLR and UNCF; and with support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation. The findings show parents’ high expectations and deep engagement in their children’s development, and unearth areas where parents most need support.

“Across race, ethnicity and income, parents want to see their child go to college and are committed to helping them get there,” said Geoff Garin, president of Hart Research. “But along with these shared goals, parents share worries. On top of pressing concerns such as bullying, physical safety and their child’s social-emotional development, many worry that their kids won’t be prepared for college.”

Major Findings:
  • Parents are united in their belief in the importance of college. Seventy-five percent of parents believe it is very important or absolutely essential for their child to attain a college education, including 90% of Hispanic Parents, 83% of African American parents and 67% of white parents. Yet two-fifths are not very confident that their children will be prepared to succeed in college, and more than half (53%) of all parents - including 70% of Hispanic parents - worry about their ability to afford it.
  • Parents believe their children are on-track academically, despite national data. The study finds that 90% believe their child performs at or above grade level in reading and the same proportion feel that way about their child’s performance in math, compared to just over a third of students who successfully met that bar according to the 2015 National Assessment of Educational Progress. This disconnect likely reflects an awareness lag, as states transition to higher learning standards and accompanying state assessments.  
  • Parents believe specific resources will be most helpful in preparing their child for success. When asked to rate how helpful various resources would be, parents prioritized an explanation of grade-level expectations for their child and activities to improve math and English skills.

To provide parents with the tools they need to guide their children in their education journey, and in response to the study findings, Learning Heroes, National PTA and Univision Communications Inc. released a “Readiness Roadmap” available at www.bealearninghero.org/readinessroadmap in both English and Spanish, including:  
  • Grade-by-grade learning goal breakdowns, which parents rated as the most helpful resources to support their child's success, with 66% stating this would be extremely or very helpful.
  • Tools for assessing and promoting social-emotional wellness (48% of parents communicate with their child's teachers at least once a month).
  • Resources for preparing for and paying for college, as:
    • 38% of parents worry about their child having the knowledge and skills needed to be ready for college, including 58% of Hispanic, 33% of African American and 31% of white parents; and
    • 53% of parents worry about their ability to pay for college, including 70% of Hispanic, 52% of African American and 47% of white parents.

“Parents are deeply engaged in helping their child be successful, and that looks different for every child.  Parents shouldn’t feel like they are on a wild goose chase when searching for the right resources and help for their child’s educational success,” said Bibb Hubbard, founder and president of Learning Heroes. “As K-8 parents learn how to put their child on the path to success in college, the Readiness Roadmap makes that job easier by quickly connecting them to top notch tools and resources.”
 
“As parents, we want the best for our children and want to support their learning and achievement. During this important transition to higher standards and aligned tests, many of us don't feel adequately informed to navigate our children’s educational journey,” said Nathan R. Monell, CAE, executive director of National PTA. “These new resources from Learning Heroes will ensure that every parent has what they need to make certain their child has every opportunity for success.”

Parents can go to www.BeALearningHero.org/readinessroadmap to learn more and sign up to receive regular updates with tools, tips and resources. 

About Learning Heroes
Learning Heroes informs and equips parents to help their child succeed in school. We start by listening to parents and meeting them where they are with easy to understand information, tools, and resources. A project of the New Venture Fund, our partners include Common Sense Media, GreatSchools, NCLR, National PTA, National Urban League, Univision Communications Inc. and others.

About the Study
Hart Research Associates conducted this national survey among 1,374 parents of public school children in grades K-8. It includes a nationally representative survey of 802 elementary and middle school parents, as well as oversamples among Hispanics (to yield a total of 500 Hispanic parents) and African Americans (to yield a total of 265 African-American parents).  The online survey was conducted January 6 to 22, 2016 and was offered in both English and Spanish.  It was administered by GfK, using their KnowledgePanel©, a probability-based Web panel designed to be representative of the United States. The survey has a margin of error of +3.2 percentage points for all parents. Sample tolerances for subgroups are larger.

# # #

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

National PTA Statement on State of the Union

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (Jan. 12, 2016) — This evening, President Barack Obama delivered the annual State of the Union address, outlining his vision for America’s future. In the address, President Obama highlighted several of National PTA’s key concerns and priorities related to the education and safety of all children.

“We understand and believe that opportunity starts and ends with access to a great education,” said Laura Bay, president of National PTA. “National PTA applauds President Obama for acknowledging the importance of ensuring that all children receive a high-quality education that enables them to reach their full potential and prepares them for long-term success.”

National PTA echoes President Obama’s support of the Every Student Succeeds Act. This landmark legislation—which reauthorized the long overdue Elementary and Secondary Education Act/No Child Left Behind (ESEA/NCLB)—brings needed improvements to K-12 education and recognizes the impact of family engagement on student outcomes. National PTA agrees with the president in that we need to work together at the federal, state and local levels to build on this progress and make certain that the law makes a difference for the futures of our nation’s children.

As the president also conveyed in his remarks, it is essential that meaningful changes are made to ensure all children have a positive and safe environment to live, learn and thrive. Eliminating violence and incidences of bullying in schools and communities is a critical priority for all parents, educators and students.

“Our children are the future of this nation, and PTA is committed to creating equity, opportunity and safety for every child,” added Nathan R. Monell, CAE, executive director of National PTA. “National PTA remains dedicated to working with the administration and Congress to make sure all children have the opportunity to grow and achieve through education and make every child’s potential a reality.”

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.

Friday, December 11, 2015

National PTA Lauds President Obama’s Signing of Landmark Every Student Succeeds Act

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (Dec. 10, 2015) — Today, President Barack Obama signed the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 into law. This landmark legislation—which received overwhelming bipartisan support in the House and Senate—reauthorizes the long overdue Elementary and Secondary Education Act/No Child Left Behind (ESEA/NCLB).

This new law brings needed improvements to K-12 education in the United States, provides greater responsibility to states to meet the needs of all students and acknowledges the essential role of family engagement to student achievement.

“National PTA commends President Obama for swiftly signing the Every Student Succeeds Act into law and his commitment to improving education to make sure every student is prepared for long-term success,” said Laura Bay, president of National PTA. “The Every Student Succeeds Act is a marked improvement over previous law and provides great opportunity to strengthen family engagement in education and ensure all students reach their full potential. Now is the time for all of us to work together at the federal, state and local levels to make certain that this law makes a difference for the futures of our nation’s children.”

For years, PTAs and families have been advocating for a comprehensive, bipartisan reauthorization of ESEA/NCLB that includes robust family engagement provisions. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) contains a Statewide Family Engagement Centers program that will provide states and districts with the capacity to support effective implementation and enhancement of family engagement policies and initiatives. The law also includes improvements to Title I that will require districts to conduct family engagement activities that are proven to make a difference for students and schools. PTA remains committed to working with policymakers to embed evidence-based family engagement policies and practices in all aspects of a child’s educational continuum.

“PTAs, families and Statewide Family Engagement Centers play an important role in the successful implementation of ESSA and ensuring that all children receive a quality education by holding states and districts accountable,” said Nathan R. Monell, CAE, National PTA executive director. “National PTA is committed to empowering all families to be active participants in state and local implementation of the law, support student success and make the promise of ESEA/ESSA a reality for all children.”

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.

About Washington State PTA
The Washington State PTA was founded in 1905 by Abby Williams Hill of Tacoma, an artist who saw the need for an organization to support children in the state. Thanks to her leadership and vision - and the work of over 132,000 current members who have carried her vision forward - Washington State PTA has been a leading voice for children in Washington for over 110 years. 

Thursday, December 3, 2015

National PTA Commends House Passage of Every Student Succeeds Act

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (Dec. 2, 2015) — The following statement can be attributed to National PTA President Laura Bay:

“This evening, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Every Student Succeeds Act, which would reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act/No Child Left Behind (ESEA/NCLB). ESEA/NCLB has been due for reauthorization since 2007.

“National PTA applauds Representatives John Kline (R-MN) and Bobby Scott (D-VA) for their bipartisan leadership to produce the Every Student Succeeds Act. The association commends all members of the House for their support of the bill and commitment to ensure all students receive a high-quality, well-rounded education that prepares them for long-term success.

“Our nation’s students, families and educators have waited far too long for comprehensive reauthorization of ESEA/NCLB. The Every Student Succeeds Act is a marked improvement over current law and will provide much needed certainty for families and schools. National PTA urges the Senate to take swift action and pass the bill to get it to the president’s desk before the end of the year.”

About National PTA
National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.

Friday, October 16, 2015

National PTA Assessments and Score Report Webinar + Free Raffle

shutterstock_92030960.jpg
From National PTA:

Join National PTA Tues., Oct. 20 for a webinar for parents on assessments and score reports. During the session, we'll discuss tips, resources and hear from special guests:
  • Lucille Davy, senior advisor for the Hunt Institute, will review the key changes in standards, assessments and score reports.
  • Bill Jackson, CEO and founder of Great Schools, will review the new parent assessment guide offered on GreatKids.org that help parents understand what the assessment scores mean.
  • David Park, EVP of strategy & communications for Be A Learning Hero, will review the new parent resources offered on BeALearningHero.org that help parents understand their child's strengths and weaknesses.

We'll also raffle five $100 Amazon gift cards to the child's school of randomly selected attendees. Winners will be notified by Fri., Oct. 23 via email. Space is limited, so register today to reserve your spot!

button(20).png

Friday, October 9, 2015

SBE Community Forum at ESD 112 in Vancouver

The State Board of Education will hold a board meeting November 4-5 in Vancouver. Public comment is scheduled during the board meeting, but the Board recognizes that those times may not be convenient for working community leaders, so we're holding an additional open forum to gather feedback from members of the community. 

Please join board members for an open discussion about important topics such as strategies for closing the achievement gap, standards, and assessment. The community forum will be November 3 at ESD 112

If you are unable to attend the public comment or community meeting, we are happy to respond to any written questions you may have about the board and its work. Currently, the Board is working on important issues impacting the achievement index, school accountability, graduation requirements, and student discipline.

Board members appreciate the opportunity the community forum provides for close conversations with members of the community and educators. We hope you'll be able to attend. Register here.
Contact 
Stefanie Randolph
Communications Manager
Washington State Board of Education
stephanie.randolph@k12.wa.us
(360) 725-6501

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

2015 Legislative Assembly Registration is Now Open

The 2015 Legislative Assembly is right around the corner. Registration for accommodations  and the one day event is now open.

2015 Legislative Assembly
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Red Lion Inn | Olympia | Registration

Hotel Reservations: Please book your hotel room by October 9, 2015 to take advantage of the Washington State PTA room block discount.

Questions about Legislative Assembly? Please contact Brook Valentine, Washington State PTA Legislative Chair.