California State PTA Online Newsletter March 2016

Para leer este en español, haga clic aqui. Download and share this publication - PDF available in English and Spanish.

Family engagement = student success

Click here to view an inspiring new video!

Decades of research indicates that students with involved parents are more likely to attend school regularly, have higher academic achievement, develop positive social skills and go on to post-secondary education. PTA has been a leader in family engagement for more than 100 years, and although we have made great strides connecting families, schools and communities, we still have a lot more work to do. That’s why California State PTA is sponsoring Assembly Bill 2680 by Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla (Concord). This bill demonstrates a commitment to connecting families, schools and communities to improving student outcomes.

HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR FAMILY ENGAGEMENT PTA members and volunteers can help spread the word about the importance of family engagement in your school and community:

• Ask your school -- Ask your school board, local school administrators and teachers to support Assembly Bill 2680 • Talk it up -- Learn more -- and share -- about how family engagement positively impacts student success. Sharing

the new video above is a great place to start! • Share your stories -- How has family engagement made a difference for your child and your school? Let us know!

Send success stories to communications@capta.org so volunteer-advocates can share them in the Capitol. • Stay in touch -- Be on the lookout for future information and alerts on family-engagement funding efforts.

Let's get everyone talking -- and taking action -- to strengthen family engagement. Let’s make sure all families have the tools and resources they need to be well informed and engaged. Let’s continue advocating for every child—every family.

California State PTA calls for balance of data and privacy

In a welcome step in the right direction, Federal Judge Kimberley Mueller ruled that the California Department of Education (CDE) will not have to release its largest database called the "California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System" or "CALPADS."

The order does not address the type of information CDE can or cannot release if requested by the plaintiffs or whether any of that information can be redacted. The judge's decision was supported by all parties who will be working together over the next month to determine a process. While California State PTA is not a party to these legal proceedings, the organization is on record calling for a balance of data with privacy. We will keep you updated with any further information regarding these legal proceedings. Concerned parents and students who attend or attended California public schools since Jan. 1, 2008, may still submit forms. Objection forms will be accepted until April 1. Forms received will be included in the court's official documentation.

California State PTA has a long history of protecting and upholding students’ privacy rights as well as supporting students with special needs: Today is no different. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more -- watch capta.org for the latest.

PTA members 'do good things for kids' Five little words -- "do good things for kids" -- highlight what PTA is all about. The California State PTA Membership Commission is unveiling the membership theme for the 2016-2017 school year: Do Good Things for Kids—Join PTA. The theme is a reminder that, just by joining PTA, you are adding your voice to advocacy efforts on behalf of all children, helping your local PTA and sending a strong message that you support children and families.

Help spread the word that joining PTA helps support all students' success -- find out more about PTA membership and how you do good things for kids!

Register for convention now to save up to $100

The California State PTA Annual Convention May 4-7 in San Diego will be here before we know it, so register early to save your spot -- and save some money, too!

Featuring nationally renowned speakers, engaging presenters and empowering programs, the California State PTA Annual Convention is the largest parent-teacher event in the nation:

• Take part in workshops and table talks led by dynamic presenters to get up-to-date information on education, health, community issues and more

• Listen to fantastic speakers on STEAM, the arts and other hot topics • Link up with hundreds of other PTA members and advocates working on behalf of

children and families • Experience unique special events and activities • Check out the amazing work of students – student achievements and Reflections

artwork on display • Get excited, exhilarated and ready to do great things for kids at your school and PTA • It’s San Diego! Come for the convention, stay for the vacation!

Register early to take advantage of important discounts while also ensuring your attendance. We'll see you May 4-7 in San Diego: Find out more about all that's in store and register today!

Free resource gets you up-to-date on LCFF

An updated guide by EdSource looks at the most sweeping changes in more than a quarter-century affecting how California schools are governed and funded: the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF). EdSource's free guide reviews the law two-plus years into its implementation and offers:

• A full explanation of how the formula works • A nine-question primer on the Local Control Funding Formula, en español también • A tool that allows you to compare how much money school districts will receive

under the formula • A short history of school finance reform in California • A look at how California’s school spending compares with other states with the

“States in Motion” guide • Links to California State PTA resources regarding LCFF, Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAPs) and

navigating the public-school system.

And check out -- and share -- these free PTA resources for your family and school community:

• Seasons of LCAP -- This new English and Spanish flier helps parents stay engaged all year long • PTA in California Education Edition -- Available in six languages, our newsletter has the latest information on the

new student assessments and scores, education changes and easy ways you can help your child succeed • Parents' Guide to Student Success -- Also available in six languages, this guide outlines what your child is learning

at each grade level • 100 Ways to Help Your Child and School Succeed -- Available in English and Spanish, this flier features how you

can support your child's learning at home, at school -- and even on the go • And more!

These unique PTA resources are available to everyone at no cost thanks to the generosity of PTA members like you -- thank you!

California State "PTA Connects" is sent monthly to all PTA members and leaders as well as to all California principals and superintendents.

Please keep in mind that it’s the dues of PTA members like you and the other thousands of parents, families, educators and community

leaders throughout the state that we are able to continue to offer great resources and materials.