National PTA Launches Third Wave of Common Core State Standards Initiative

ALEXANDRIA, VA--(Marketwire - Sep 17, 2011) - National PTA launches the third wave of its Common Core State Standards Initiative in two states and expands its reach into local school districts for the first time. Parent advocates and volunteers from Delaware and Michigan, and the local school districts of Pinellas County, Florida; Duval County, Florida; Jefferson County, Kentucky and Springdale, Arkansas will take part in the two day advocacy training on September 17^th and 18^th in Tampa, Florida.

This latest wave of Common Core advocates will join the ranks of more 18,000 PTA members who have been trained on Common Core State Standards and more than 3,500 members who have been trained on the advocacy skills needed to provide parents with a strong voice in the education reform debate. National PTA members continue to engage entire communities, made up of teachers, parents, educators and decision-makers on Common Core Standards which provide clear learning benchmarks for mathematics and English language arts for all K-12 students. More than 40 states and the District of Columbia have now adopted the Standards.

"National PTA's commitment to the adoption of Common Core Standards nationwide is at the heart of what we do: we advocate for excellence in education so that all children are well prepared for college and career," said Betsy Landers, President of National PTA. "Our training on Common Core promotes community engagement and diversified outreach on the importance of the standards for every student, no matter their economic, cultural or ethnic backgrounds."

National Parent Teacher Association volunteers from the Wave III locales will be trained on Common Core advocacy, implementation, best practices in coalition building, campaign strategy, meeting with decision makers and diversity in outreach.

National PTA's Common Core State Standards Initiative launched in December 2009. Wave I states included Florida, Georgia, New Jersey and North Carolina. Wave II states included Washington, Ohio, Minnesota and Mississippi.

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.

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