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National PTA, DLA Piper Distribute Groundbreaking Guide on State Laws on Family Engagement
Report to Inform Families, Policymakers on Family Engagement in Education
| Source: National PTA
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