Tennessee law bolsters PTA

Colin

Late posting #3

Topic: education

Publication:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/10/parent-report-cards-are-n_0_n_1507386.html?ref=topbar

This article describes a new Tennessee law that enforces the PTA. It provides a voluntary contract with parents and a self-grading rubric for PTA participation. Some other states have similar laws, but Tennessee is the first to have “report cards” for performance. The hope is that the self-grading will increase awareness of the PTA, rather than necessarily serving as an accurate judgment of participation. The legislation is not likely to be enforced much, but it provides a pathway in writing for parents, which supporters say is the first step. A 2002 study showed that similar programs greatly increased PTA participation. It is intended to address the common complaint that schools don’t get enough support. The law has much support, and the governor has said that he would approve it. The law involves two schools in a four-year pilot program. PTA involvement has already risen since the announcement of the law.