Standard 4: Speaking up for every child
National PTA Standards for Family-School Partnership Awards
Definition
Families are empowered to be advocates for their own and other children, to ensure that students are
treated fairly and have access to learning opportunities that will support their success.
Studies have shown that schools where parents are involved in decision-making and advocacy have higher levels
of student achievement and greater public support.
Anyone who speaks for another is an advocate. PTA advocates for children and their families on a wide
variety of child-related issues in the areas of education, health, and parent involvement. The purpose of
advocacy is to communicate to decision makers to inform, educate, persuade or increase the level of
awareness about an issue. Decision makers include elected and appointed officials, legislative bodies, and
school boards.
Children cannot vote and are therefore not heard. PTAs across the country exist as their voice. Whether they are
trying to ensure children are immunized against disease, have access to a quality education, or protected against
school violence, PTA unites and empowers parents to work together for a common cause.
Consider these questions when planning your program, projects, and activities:
- Does your PTA/PTSA invite your senators and representatives to visit your schools?
- Does your PTA/PTSA emphasize the positive work your schools are doing?
- Does your PTA/PTSA attend legislative and advocacy training (such as State Legislative Conference)
when it is offered?
- Does your PTA/PTSA encourage all members to attend and participate in school board, and city/county
commission meetings?
- Does your PTA/PTSA provide opportunities for your membership to become knowledgeable about the
legislative calendar, how to get listings of bill titles, and information on where and when education
committees meet?
- Does your PTA/PTSA craft and deliver a separate message for your local school board, local governing
body (county/city commission) and your state legislative body that highlights the importance of the issues
that are important to your school, family?
- Has your PTA/PTSA written a position statement/resolution this year? Please include a copy(s) with your
report.
Sample programs:
- Attend school board meetings
- Appoint a legislative representative who will attend your school board meetings and make a report to your
membership.
- Provide the contact information on the decision makers and provide updates on legislative issues
- Invite your local or state elected officials to speak on a panel or forum.
