Advocacy

Learn about our legislative priorities and other supported issues, participate in discussion groups, and find out more ways to get involved.

What is Advocacy? Advocacy is defined as "Active support of an idea or cause etc.; especially the act of pleading or arguing for something." It is the pursuit of influencing outcomes - including public policy, political, economic or social systems and institutions.

Did you know that by just scheduling a parent-teacher conference YOU are involved in advocacy? Many of us don't realize that many of our everyday activities or involvements fall into this category.

Your Adams Elementary PTSA, along with PTAs across the nation, advocate on a daily basis for our children. You might be surprised to learn that PTA is responsible for many of the children safeguards that are in place today:

The creation of kindergarten classes,

Child labor laws,

A public health service,

Hot lunch programs,

A juvenile justice system,

Mandatory immunization

Your membership dues are instrumental in achieving these successes! There is MUCH more work that needs to be done, and with your continued support, we CAN make a difference for all children....TOGETHER!

Please view the links below and learn more about issues that Adams PTSA and WSPTA are working on; issues that will directly affect our children's futures!

What is CCSSI?

(Common Core State Standards Initiative)

The Common Core State Standards provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them. The standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in college and careers. With American students fully prepared for the future, our communities will be best positioned to compete successfully in the global economy.

More than 40 states have fully adopted the Common Core State Standards since they were released in June 2010. National PTA encourages parents and teachers to take an active role in support of the implementation of the standards. Making sure teachers and schools are prepared to raise children up to the level of the new standards is the next challenge. This will require high quality professional development for teachers, curriculum aligned to the standards, and new assessments.

The Parents Guide To Student Success is available!

National PTA^® partnered with experts on the Common Core State Standards to create grade by grade guides that reflect the standards adopted by more than 40 states. Individual guides were created for grades K-8 and two were created for grades 9-12 (one for English language arts/literacy and one for mathematics). Eleven (11) guides were created in all.

Equal Education for All — CCSSI from a Parent's Perspective

Ensuring that all children have access to education preparing them for college, career, and citizenship.

View the "Mom's Congress" article via Parenting.com

Top 5 Priority Issues for 2010/2011

http://www.wastatepta.org/advocacy/headlines/Issue_Results_2010.pdf

Important Links to Help You Understand Legislative Basics

Washington State PTA has some valuable, and easy to understand, tools to help you familiarize yourself with adovacy and Washington State Legislation. It's not hard to understand, or get involved with, if you are informed.

http://www.wastatepta.org/advocacy/leg_basics/index.html

LEGISLATIVE ACTION CENTER: Contact your legislators, sentators, and Governor. Tell them what is important to you!

http://capwiz.com/npta2/wa/home/

What's Next? What Policy Work Will Happen for 2010-2011?

http://www.wastatepta.org/advocacy/headlines/Issue_Results_2010.pdf

Advocacy is a major facet of PTA being a member affords you a voice and vote in issues concerning children and youth. Please take a few minutes to read through the results of our most current Legislative Assembly and be sure to contact your Adams PTSA if you have questions! We want you to be fully informed!