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PTA testifies at 'Race to the Top' Hearing
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SACRAMENTO - The California
State PTA is ensuring that the voice of parents is heard in the Capitol as the
state considers competing for new federal "Race to the Top" education reform
funding.
State PTA leaders delivered oral and written testimony before
the Senate Education Committee during a recent hearing to consider the funding
and the state's eligibility for it. The hearing, convened by Chair Sen. Gloria Romero, was held on Aug. 26 in the Capitol.
"We are pleased that major education reform is
being proposed," said Debbie Look, Director of Legislation for the California
State PTA, who testified at the hearing. "But education reform must not be
just one or two sprints; it is a marathon of ongoing commitment to give our
students the education needed to compete in the global economy."
California
State PTA President Jo Loss added, "We must carefully consider whether
substantive and lasting reforms will ensure positive outcomes for children and
avoid unintended consequences."
In late July, federal
Education Secretary Arne Duncan released draft guidelines for states to apply
for competitive grants from the Race to the Top fund authorized by the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Duncan
has asserted that parts of California's Education Code, including Section 10601.5, put up barriers to the state's eligibility for this funding.
PTA's written comments are available here.
An executive summary of the
proposed Race to the Top guidelines
is available here.
Proposed requirements for
Phase 2 State Fiscal Stabilization Funds are available here.
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everychild.onevoice.
The California State PTA has nearly 1 million members throughout
the state working on behalf of public schools, children and families, with the
motto, "Every child, one voice." The PTA is the nation's oldest, largest
and highest profile volunteer organization working to improve the education,
health and welfare of all children and youth. The PTA also advocates at
national, state and local levels for education and family issues. The PTA is
nonprofit, nonsectarian and noncommercial.
For more information about the California State PTA, visit www.capta.org.
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