National PTA, DLA Piper Distribute Groundbreaking Guide on State Laws on Family Engagement

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - December 9, 2009) - National PTA and DLA Piper LLP, an international law firm, recently released a guide that will help families, policymakers and child advocates develop and monitor family engagement legislation in their states. The 271-page State Laws on Family Engagement in Education Reference Guide provides a comprehensive, up-to-date survey of family engagement legislation in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Providing an in-depth examination of state statutes related to family engagement in education, this guide is organized into six issue areas: Family Engagement Laws and Policies; State Grant and Award Programs; Labor Laws that Support Parental Participation in School Activities; Early Childhood Education and Literacy Programs; Youth and Children in High-Risk situations; and Families with English Language Learners.

"Studies show that parent engagement at school improves student achievement," said PTA President Charles "Chuck" J. Saylors. "The State Laws on Family Engagement in Education Reference Guide educates families about their rights under state law and how they can proactively advocate for family engagement in schools throughout their state. The guide can also be used by policymakers as a resource to assist in crafting sound legislation on family engagement."

This guide serves policymakers and child advocates monitoring the implementation of the law with a better understanding of state family engagement legislation by providing detailed analysis, noteworthy statutes, policy recommendations, and the essential components of systemic state family engagement laws. This information will help PTA members advocate for broader reform by supplying them the tools to create legislation that supports policies and practices that meaningfully engage families in improving student achievement.

National PTA will update the State Laws on Family Engagement in Education Reference Guide every few years to provide a reliable source for families, child advocates, and policymakers to support their endeavors in long-term public policy and reform initiatives.

The report can be downloaded here: www.PTA.org/familyengagement.

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 a media-rich version of this release, go to: http://www.pwrnewmedia.com/2009/pta_91208/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