What's our position? State PTA proposes two official "positions" for adoption this yea

Dear PTA Member - The following are two items have been recommended for consideration by our state-level partners to the school-level organizations like ours. In the early fall, we will be asked to vote on these items as part of the 2016 Proposed Legislation Program (PLP). If you have any questions about these items, the rationale or history, please do not hesitate to contact the committee at legislation@vapta.org.

Please familiarize yourself with the issues below and be prepared to cast a vote so that your state Legislation committee is effectively advocating on your behalf.

POLICY/POSITION STATEMENTS (PS):

Statements of Virginia PTA on general issues and may be used as the basis for addressing issues before the General Assembly, Virginia Board of Education or other appropriate agencies.

POSITION STATEMENT #1: Virginia PTA supports development of a technology funding formula that will provide predictable and continuing revenue for educational technology and equipment. This formula shall also include funding for support personnel to train and assist in the use of educational technology.

Rationale: In many divisions, the cost of technology, infrastructure and the personnel and training of this technology is funded locally with very little if any state support. Development of a funding formula will reduce this local burden and go to encourage equity in access to technology.

POSITION STATEMENT #2: Virginia PTA supports the adoption of parent engagement plans at the state and local level. Plans should include effective parent engagement practices such as:

• Create a welcoming school climate.

• Provide families information related to child development and creating supportive learning environments.

• Establish effective school-to-home and home-to-school communication

• Strengthen families’ knowledge and skills to support and extend their children’s learning at home and in the community.

• Engage families in school planning, leadership and meaningful volunteer opportunities. • Connect students and families to community resources that strengthen and support students’ learning and well-being