2016 National PTA Legislative Conference to be held March 9 and 10 in Arlington, Va.

 Event to feature Former Assistant Secretary of Elementary and Secondary Education Susan B. Neuman, Assistant to the President and Director of the Domestic Policy Council Cecelia Muñoz and NBC News Chief Education Correspondent Rehema Ellis

WHAT:

Hundreds of PTA leaders from across the country will come together Wednesday, March 9 and Thursday, March 10 in Arlington, Va., for the 2016 National PTA Legislative Conference. During the conference, attendees will hear from policymakers, education professionals and experts in the field and will participate in interactive workshops and trainings to expand their knowledge of family engagement in education and enhance their advocacy skills to effect change in their communities. They will also get an in-depth look at National PTA’s 2016 public policy priorities and will actively advocate for key issues impacting children, families and schools through meetings with congressional leaders on Capitol Hill.

Themed “Family Engagement Drives Student Success,” the conference will feature a panel discussion about family engagement in education and the newly enacted Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The law contains several important provisions to support effective implementation and enhancement of family engagement policies and initiatives. Family engagement experts and practitioners will share strategies and best practices that are proven to make a difference for students and schools. The panelists will also discuss ways PTA leaders can support family engagement efforts in their schools and communities, as well as how they can be active participants in the implementation of ESSA to ensure the promise of the law becomes a reality for all children.

Susan B. Neuman will be the event’s keynote speaker. Neuman is a former assistant secretary for elementary and secondary education for the U.S. Department of Education. In this role, Neuman established the Early Reading First program, the Early Childhood Educator Professional Development Program and was responsible for all activities in Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Act. In addition to Neuman, attendees will also hear from Cecelia Muñoz, assistant to the president and director of the Domestic Policy Council, and Rehema Ellis, chief education correspondent for NBC News.

During the 2016 National PTA Legislative Conference, National PTA will recognize Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Congressman Lou Barletta (R-PA) with its 2016 Congressional Voice for Children Award. The association will also honor the recipients of its 2016 Outstanding Advocacy Awards.

WHEN:

National PTA Legislative Conference
Wednesday, March 9 and Thursday, March 10

Susan B. Neuman Keynote, Cecelia Muñoz Remarks, Awards Presentation
Wednesday, March 9 – 12:15 to 2:15 p.m.

Every Student Succeeds Act and Family Engagement in Education Panel Discussion
Wednesday, March 9 – 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Rehema Ellis Presentation
Wednesday, March 9 – 6 to 6:45 p.m.

WHERE:

Crystal Gateway Marriott
1700 Jefferson Davis Highway
Arlington, VA 22202

WHO:

• Susan B. Neuman—Former Assistant Secretary, Elementary and Secondary Education, U.S. Department of Education
• Cecelia Muñoz—Assistant to the President and Director of the Domestic Policy Council
• Rehema Ellis—Chief Education Correspondent, NBC News
• Laura Bay—President, National PTA
• Nathan R. Monell, CAE—Executive Director, National PTA
• Hundreds of PTA leaders from across the country

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.