WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwire - February 4, 2010) - The National PTA®, the nation's largest and
oldest volunteer child advocacy association, issued the following statement
on President Obama's 2011 budget proposal:
"PTA applauds the historic investment in education in President Obama's
2011 budget proposal. The substantial increase in funding for the
Department of Education's reform initiatives is a critical step in
transforming schools to prepare all students for college and career.
"However, the consolidation and proposed elimination of the Parental
Information and Resource Centers program included in the budget request is
of great concern to PTA. This program is the sole federal initiative
dedicated to supporting family engagement in education. In its absence,
schools and districts would not have the tools necessary to meaningfully
partner with families to improve student success, particularly in
struggling schools where family involvement is most essential.
"Research has demonstrated that family engagement in education raises
student achievement regardless of the parents' education level, ethnicity,
or socioeconomic background. In fact, family engagement is so
cost-effective that schools would have to spend $1000 per pupil to gain the
same results. Eliminating this critical program that serves over 16 million
parents annually runs counter to the Department's goal of directing funds
to cost-effective, proven approaches.
"PTA urges both Congress and the administration to safeguard this critical
program and direct funding toward research-based strategies that engage
families in their children's education. States, districts, and schools
rely on this program to provide leadership, training, and technical
assistance to engage the most powerful drivers of student achievement and
education reform -- parents."
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.
To view this release in a media-rich format, go to:
http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2010/pta_00204/index.html
Contact Information: Contacts:
James Martinez
Office: (312) 670-6782 Ext. 325
Cell: (773) 339-4533
La'Keisha Gray-Sewell
Office: (312) 670-6782 Ext. 321
Cell: (312) 623-4560