HR5211 Family Engagement in Educ. Act

[ptapeep]

I recently attended the National PTA Convention in Memphis and was able to participate in a call in day to Congress in support of H.R. 5211, the Family Engagement in Education Act. We were asked by PTA to urge our Representative to cosponsor bipartisan legislation that would improve the lives of millions of children and families.

The bill would strengthen parent engagement in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which Congressional leaders have stated they want to reauthorize this year.

The bill codifies National PTA's standards on Family-School Partnerships and provides guidance and incentives to schools, districts, and states on how to use research-based strategies to engage families. This bill would also strengthen and safeguard the sole federal parent engagement program, the Parental Information and Resource Centers (PIRCs). Research demonstrates that family engagement in a child’s education increases student achievement, improves attendance, and reduces the dropout rate. The Family Engagement in Education Act (H.R 5211) incentivizes schools and districts to meaningfully engage families to close the achievement gap. Read the PDF here http://www.pta.org/FamilyEngagement.pdf


The Family Engagement in Education Act is sponsored by U.S. Representatives Carolyn McCarthy [D-NY-4] and Todd Russell Platts [R-PA-19]. Other cosponsors include: Rep Timothy H. Bishop [NY-1]; Rep Corrine Brown [FL-3], Rep Anh "Joseph" Cao [LA-2]; Rep Michael N. Castle [DE]; Rep Judy Chu [CA-32]; Rep Yvette D. Clarke [NY-11]; Rep Joe Courtney [CT-2]; Rep Bob Etheridge [NC-2]; Rep Bob Filner [CA-51]; Rep Barney Frank [MA-4]; Rep Raul M. Grijalva [AZ-7]; Rep Eleanor Holmes Norton [DC]; Rep Jared Polis [CO-2]; Rep Fortney Pete Stark [CA-13]; Rep Paul Tonko [NY-21].

Visit the PTA Takes Action Center to see a list of cosponsors and to take action today, at www.pta.org.

[big-mouth-burgher]

I know that you posted this awhile ago, but we were talking about this over the summer at a planning meeting for school's PTA. Our PTA drafted a letter of support to our local representatives.