New York State PTA President Testifies on Role of Families in Education Reform

U.S. House Subcommittee on Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education: Today, 10am EST

ALEXANDRIA, VA. (May 16, 2012)—Family engagement in education is more than just school choice. That’s part of the testimony that New York State PTA President, Maria A. Fletcher, will provide today to the U.S. House of Representatives Education and the Workforce Committee — Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education.  

The hearing, titled "Exploring State Success in Expanding Parent and Student Options," will focus on the role of parents in education reform. Research shows a direct link between family engagement and student achievement. Meaningful family engagement also empowers parent-school partnerships to ensure that every child succeeds and every school in every neighborhood is high quality; we need long-term solutions and not just an immediate alternative.

Fletcher is from Long Island and a constituent of U.S. House of Representative Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) who, along with Rep. Todd Platts (R-PA) and U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Christopher Coons (D-DE), introduced the Family Engagement in Education Act (H.R.1821/S.941). The proposed bill lays the framework for states and and districts to meaningfully engage families to close the achievement gap.

“National PTA applauds the U.S. Congress and the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education for recognizing the significance and value of engaging the parent voice on their panel,” said Betsy Landers, National PTA President. “Similar to what studies have shown for decades, family engagement equals student success and is one of the key ingredients to education reform.”

Witnesses scheduled:

• Kevin Chavous, senior adviser, American Federation for Children
• Todd Ziebarth, vice president for state advocacy and support, National Alliance for Public Charter Schools
• Maria A. Fletcher, president, New York State Parent Teacher Association
• Gwen Samuel, founder, Connecticut Parents Union

When: Today, (Wednesday), May 16, 10 a.m. EST
Where: 2175 Rayburn Building 

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 parent involvement 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.