PTA Resolution on Teacher Preparation for Parent/Family Involvement

Whereas, The PTA mission is three-fold: to support and speak on behalf of children and youth in the schools, in the community, and before governmental agencies and other organizations that make decisions affecting children; to assist parents in developing the skills they need to raise and protect their children; and to encourage parent and public involvement in the public schools of this nation.

Whereas, Studies indicate parent/family involvement in education increases a child's chances for success in school; and

Whereas, Undergraduate teacher training for effectively involving and including parents/families in education is not widely offered by colleges and universities throughout the country; and

Whereas, State teacher certification agencies do not require such training for the issuance of a teaching certificate nor for the renewal of a certificate; therefore, be it

Resolved, That the National PTA support a requirement in teacher preparation for parent/family involvement through the accreditation of teacher education programs by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE); and be it further

Resolved, That the National PTA urge its state constituents to work with their state's universities and colleges of education to develop and require specific training to effectively involve and include parents/families in the educational process of their children; and be it further

Resolved, That the National PTA urge its state constituents to work with their state teacher certificate agencies to require parent/family involvement training for teacher certification and recertification in their states.