National PTA Certification Helps Parents, Schools and Communities Make the Grade; Six Key Watchpoints Credited

4/24/2003

From: Jenni Gaster Sopko of the National PTA, 312-670-6782, ext. 327 Alev de Costa of Cube PR, 312-335-8880, ext. 23

CHICAGO, April 24 -- In a national call for parents to take an active role in their children's schools, National PTA today unveiled six watchpoints to improve student achievement through parent involvement-the cornerstone of National PTA's Parent Involvement Schools of Excellence Certification.

National PTA also announced that 194 schools are newly certified as Parent Involvement Schools of Excellence. The certification recognizes schools that uphold the highest standards in parent involvement. The announcement was made at a press conference at Hickory Elementary School in Torrance, California.

The Parent Involvement Schools of Excellence Certification provides parents, schools and communities with the resources and guidance needed to improve parent involvement in schools. The certification is also a tool to help schools meet the parent involvement provisions in the 2001 Elementary and Secondary Education Act, reauthorized as the No Child Left Behind Act.

"This is a positive mark for education, and we are eager to see every school in the nation certified in parent involvement," said National PTA President Shirley Igo. "It is critical, especially in today's education climate, that we take the quality of our children's education personally. Every parent has a role to play in improving their child's school."

According to a National PTA survey, parent and family involvement is seen as one of the most effective means of education reform. This is why National PTA developed six watchpoints-based on their National Standards for Parent/Family Involvement Programs-to help parents become more active in their children's schools.

Six Watchpoints to Improve Student Achievement through Parent Involvement National PTA encourages parents to use the following six points as guidelines to successful involvement:

1) Open communication -- The exchange of information and ideas between home and school is regular, two-way, and meaningful. 2) Parent roles supported -- The school respects the role and responsibility, as well as the diversity and culture, of the parent. 3) Connection with student learning -- Parents are partners in the learning process and are a valuable support system for their child and the school. 4) Volunteers welcome -- Parents are offered volunteer opportunities that make best use of their time and talent, at school or at home. 5) Partner in school decisions -- Parents are included in the decision-making process on issues from curriculum selection to discipline policies to safety programs and budget plans. 6) Community involvement -- The school works with the community to provide families with resources and opportunities for students to serve and learn beyond the classroom.

More than 30 years of research shows that effectively engaging parents and families in their children's education has the potential to be far more effective than any other type of education reform. Studies have shown that students have higher grades and test scores, better attendance, and higher graduation rates when their parents are involved; the more extensive the involvement, the higher the achievement.

How the Program Works As part of the certification process, schools form teams consisting of the principal, teachers, parents, students and representatives from the community; complete a parent involvement assessment; and apply for a Certification of Excellence. To date, 225 schools have been recognized with the Certification of Excellence and 35 schools have received the Recognition of Commitment, given to schools that are committed to implementing successful parent involvement programs in the future. Applications need to include outstanding examples of programs and activities that support and encourage parent/family involvement in the school community.

More information about National PTA's Parent Involvement Schools of Excellence Certification is available at www.pta.org or by calling (800) 307-4PTA (4782).

About Parent Involvement Schools of Excellence Certification National PTA's certification recognizes schools that are developing and maintaining outstanding parent involvement programs by reaching out and including more parents and families, improving school support from families and communities, meeting new state standards where applicable and recognizing best practices and excellence in parent involvement programs. The certification is based on the National Standards for Parent/Family Involvement Programs. Originally created in 1997, the standards are endorsed by nearly 100 health and education organizations and were created around the six types of parent involvement identified by Joyce L. Epstein, Ph.D., at Johns Hopkins University.

The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, National Association of Elementary School Principals, National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Education Association, and National School Public Relations Association partnered with National PTA in the development and implementation of the certification. Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc., is a proud sponsor of National PTA's Parent Involvement Schools of Excellence Certification.

About National PTA With more than 6 million members, National PTA is the largest volunteer child advocacy organization in the United States. A not-for-profit association of parents, educators, students and other citizens active in their schools and communities, PTA is a leader in reminding our nation of its obligations to children. Since its founding in 1897, National PTA has prided itself in being a powerful voice for children, a relevant resource for parents, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in National PTA is open to anyone who is concerned with the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.

Editor's Note: For a list of participating schools in your area, please contact Jenni Gaster Sopko at (312) 670-6782 ext. 327 or Alev de Costa at (312) 335-8880 ext. 23.