School Library/Media Centers • Ensure equal access to all services of the library such
as special programs for young readers and services
School library/media centers implement and enhance for the physically disabled.†
the core curriculum and instructional program adopted
by the school and, at the same time, provide for student † PTA is sensitive to the serious handicap to the person and family when an
enrichment and enjoyment. PTAs should work with individual is unable to read. PTA actively supports school, community and
schools/school districts to ensure that funding school library-based programs to eliminate adult illiteracy.
library/media centers is given the priority necessary to
maintain the level of services essential to each student’s Lottery Revenue and Public
educational experience. School Funding
The California State PTA believes that every school Adopted January 2009 – Reaffirmed February 2014 –
library/media center should: Education Commission
• Be staffed by qualified credentialed personnel who The California State PTA neither supports nor opposes
the use of gambling or gaming to raise funds for the
– Select appropriate materials and provide activities state's public schools. PTA does recognize that
that support the instructional program; promoters of gaming programs capitalize on the market
advantages of linking their gaming enterprises with
– Assist students and staff to become effective users public education. PTA also recognizes that revenue from
of ideas and information; and the California State Lottery, enacted by a voter-approved
initiative in 1984, reinforces a misconception among a
– Work closely with staff, students and the parent significant portion of the voting public that education is
community; “fully-funded” or “taken care of” by the State Lottery,
although the Lottery has never contributed more than
• Meet the needs of all students by teaching the two percent of California's statewide funding for
research skills necessary to obtain specific education. Further, PTA acknowledges that public
information; and schools have come to rely on revenue generated by the
State Lottery, but believes lottery funds allocated to
• Maintain and update print and non-print collections public schools must be used to supplement, never to
and/or have access to existing information through the supplant, the state's financial obligation to education.
use of various technologies. Lottery funds should never be used for ongoing
expenditures and should always be treated as an annual
The California State PTA believes that school infusion of one-time only funds.
library/media centers are important to student learning.
When budget cuts cause the elimination of full-time PTA believes any effort to reform or modify the State
credentialed librarian positions, PTAs are encouraged to Lottery should be guided by the principle of protecting
make every effort to work with their school districts to education funding and holding it harmless. Any effort to
seek alternative solutions to keep library/media centers modify the Lottery as part of a State Budget reform
open for students’ use. should be rational, transparent, and guided by the
principle of fiscal responsibility.
Community (Public) Libraries
PTA opposes efforts to:
The California State PTA acknowledges the important
role of community libraries. Community libraries • Mandate the purpose for which lottery funds may be
supplement school library/media centers by providing spent, other than those purposes contained in the
broader services for students and by providing expanded original voter-approved ballot measure, or approved
opportunities for all children and adults to develop skills by the State Legislature in conformity with provisions
for life-long learning. PTAs should work to encourage of the ballot measure;
every community to provide the necessary public and
private funds for a total library service that will meet the • Divert lottery revenues to any purpose other than
needs of its population. public education without identifying another source of
revenue for schools to replace lost lottery funds;
The California State PTA believes that to provide the
highest quality services for all, community libraries • Change the formula for determining the percentage of
should: lottery revenues allocated to school districts if the
change would mean a lower percentage of revenues
• Identify and make available a broad array of services allocated to public schools; or
which will meet the needs of the community and keep
the community informed about available services; • Change the method of allocating lottery revenues
other than directly from the State Controller's Office to
• Maintain and update print and non-print collections local school districts.
that meet community needs;
Finally, the California State PTA believes that funding
• Provide access to information through the use of public education is an important and noble goal, and a
various technologies; shared public responsibility best accomplished by non-
regressive tax policies that include concepts that would
• Identify and meet special needs within the community provide sufficient revenues to fund quality education
by providing qualified staff and selected resources that programs.
address these needs;
• Provide programs to eliminate adult illiteracy; and
Advocacy A47 California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016
Mass Media and the Family welfare of the minor. The California State PTA supports
exceptions provided by state statutes that allow minors
Adopted May 1974 – Revised October 2012 – to consent for their own care.†
Communications Commission
† Examples of exceptions include: CA Health & Safety Code §§ 121020,
The California State PTA recognizes that the mass 123110(a); CA Family Code §§ 6922-6929, CA Health & Safety Code §§
media exert a powerful influence on American life and 123450
make a major impact on the education of children and
youth in our culture. Mass media includes materials or Missing and Exploited Children
websites for reading, listening, viewing or entertainment.
Adopted March 1986 – Revised January 2011 –
PTA respects the rights of adults to choose their own Community Concerns Commission
entertainment and educational fare. However, since
young minds are easily influenced, PTA believes that The California State PTA believes PTA, as an advocate
producers of mass media have a responsibility to for children, has the responsibility to work with schools
consider how media messages, images and experiences as well as social and government agencies to support:
affect children and youth. PTA encourages such
responsibility among producers of mass media and • The ongoing operation of a state clearinghouse to
advocates for technological tools and other options for serve as a missing children information center that
parents to use to control their children's exposure to would tie into the National Crime Information Center;
material parents may find inappropriate for their children.
• The maintenance of the California Violent Crime
The California State PTA believes parents and the mass Information Center to assist in the identification and
media each have a responsibility to provide positive the apprehension of persons responsible for the
experiences that enrich the lives of children and youth. disappearance and exploitation of children, plus an
automated computer system for response to reports of
The California State PTA encourages parents to: missing children;
• Guide their children in the choice of media products • Requiring local law enforcement agencies to make
when selecting material for viewing, listening, reading, immediate assessment of steps needed to locate
or entertainment; minors and, within 24 hours, file report(s) with
clearinghouses and other agencies as may be
• Teach their children how to evaluate what they see appropriate;
and hear;
• Establishment of a statewide computer system to
• Be aware there are federal, state and local laws provide multi-jurisdictional coordination;
prohibiting the sale and distribution of obscene and/or
pornographic materials to minors, and to inform the • Programs to assist runaway and homeless youth and
proper authorities when it appears these laws are their families, including programs to temporarily
being violated; and provide safe shelters while families and/or appropriate
agencies are contacted;
• Be knowledgeable about the availability of, and have
the skills to use, tools to restrict access to media they • Legislation that would provide stringent punishment for
find inappropriate for their children. murderers of children and for perpetrators of serious
and repeated physical, mental and sexual abuse
The California State PTA believes parents and the mass crimes against children;
media each have a responsibility to provide positive
experiences which enrich the lives of children and youth. • Adequate funding for missing children programs and
PTA further believes that media literacy, including TV national missing and exploited children
and video viewing skills, should be included in K-12 centers/clearinghouses;
curriculum and in PTA parent education programs.
• Legislation to require that the school records of
Minor Consent for Health Care missing children who had been attending school are
appropriately marked in case another school requests
Adopted January 2011 – Health Commission that child’s cumulative folder;
The California State PTA believes that providing for the • Establishment of uniform school district policies
physical and mental well-being of the family unit is statewide that would require appropriate school
important to quality of life. The California State PTA personnel to immediately contact law enforcement
further believes that everyone is entitled to appropriate, when they believe a child to be missing and report any
confidential, and timely health care and has the right to suspected missing child in attendance at school to law
make decisions regarding treatment based on medical enforcement as is required in cases of suspected child
advice and in accordance with personal beliefs. abuse;
The California State PTA believes that it is usually in the • Encouraging elementary schools to offer age-
best interest of children and their families for parents to appropriate child abduction prevention curriculum to
be involved in the health care decisions of their children and to their parents;
adolescent children. The California PTA also believes,
however, that under certain circumstances, adolescents • The display of posters or pictures of currently missing
must be allowed to consent for their own health care in children in an area accessible to school personnel
order to protect public health and/or the health and only within each school;
California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016 A48 Advocacy
• Ensuring the reintegration of long-term missing with one another. It is in the best interests of children
children who have been located back into the school and their educational success that families,
system; and organizations and government entities seek ways to
reduce or eliminate barriers to parent involvement.
• Legislation to secure the safety of the school facility.
School practices that promote involvement through
Nutrition Education outreach, programs/operations, engagement, community
building, and support services have a statistically
Adopted May 1974 – Reaffirmed April 2015 – Health significant and direct influence on student success. PTA
Commission can help schools build bridges that eliminate barriers to
effective parent and community involvement.
The California State PTA recognizes that adequate
nutrition is a key component necessary for the optimum There are also circumstantial barriers to effective
physical, behavioral, and intellectual development of involvement. Circumstantial barriers refer to conditions
each individual. Healthy eating habits and an active and situations that distress the family, which may
lifestyle increase resistance to communicable disease temporarily or chronically inhibit or impede their ability to
and reduce the risk of chronic disease, developmental perform their engagement roles and responsibilities in
disabilities, eating disorders, and infant mortality. The the learning, development, and well-being of their
California State PTA therefore believes all individuals children, thereby reducing benefits children might
should have access to information regarding adequate otherwise receive.
nutrition.
Barriers to involvement in the area of basic functioning
Nutrition education is critical to the school curriculum as may include, but are not limited to:
noted by the increasing problem of obesity in our
children. The California State PTA believes it is • Childcare issues
important to promote healthy lifestyles and positive
changes in attitude for future generations. • Illiteracy/language skills
It is important that children be taught the relationship • Time demands/stress (i.e., work schedules,
between good nutrition and good personal health so that appointments, etc., e.g., single parent families, etc.)
they learn to choose foods that foster a lifetime of
healthful eating habits. It is equally important that • Crisis (i.e., death, job loss, divorce/separation,
parents and children have access to the most up-to- accident, homelessness,
date, scientifically-based nutrition information available.
• Lack of financial resources (poverty) (e.g., inability to
The California State PTA believes that students, staff, pay for services, supplies, clothing, alarm clock, etc.)
parents, and the community can benefit from an
understanding of the importance of good nutrition • Lack of transportation/mobility
education by encouraging and supporting:
• Transient in station (i.e., migrant worker, military, etc.)
• Teacher training on comprehensive nutrition
education; Barriers to involvement in the area of health (e.g., heath
and development issues of the child or any immediate
• Comprehensive nutrition education curriculum that family member, diagnosed or undiagnosed, chronic or
provides students with the knowledge, skills, and otherwise) include, but are not limited to:
motivation to make wise food choices throughout their
lives; • Illness
• Programs that provide nutrition education for parents • Disability/special needs
and the community;
• Lack of proper nutrition
• The recommended daily nutritional guidelines of the
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA); • Lack of hygiene
• School districts to make maximum use of state and • Lack of access to regular preventative healthcare
federal funds available for food service programs so
that all children may have access to nutritious meals; • Developmental issues
and
• Depression
• Collaborative efforts to support nutrition education.
• Psychological issues/mental illness
Parent Involvement: Building
Bridges and Eliminating Barriers Barriers to involvement in the area of community
concerns include, but are not limited to:
Adopted April 2011 – Family Engagement Commission
• Lack of community safety (i.e., traffic concerns,
The California State PTA believes that a successful predators, gangs, etc., e.g., dangerous to walk to or
future for all children can be ensured only by families, from school)
schools, local and state agencies working in partnership
• Litigation/lack of access to legal services
• Substance abuse/addiction
• Violence in the home
• Child abuse and neglect (child endangerment)
• Incarceration/court ordered restrictions
Advocacy A49 California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016
• Children in dependency or family court system • Roles and responsibilities for a well-functioning family
Since 1897, the PTA has been the voice of those • Strategies for effective communication within the
families who felt disenfranchised. PTA must continue to family as well as with teachers and others involved in
be the voice for these families and reach out and a child’s development
understand the barriers that get in the way of families
becoming involved. The National Standards for Family- • Parents’ rights and responsibilities in their role as
School Partnership Implementation Guide provides the advocates for children in schools and in the
framework of how families, schools and communities community
should work together to support student success.
• The California educational system, family-school
The California State PTA believes that parents are a partnerships and the benefits of family engagement to
child’s first teachers and family engagement is essential support student success
throughout a child’s educational experience. Research
has shown that greater parental involvement in PTA has a responsibility to:
children’s education results in higher levels of student
achievement. The State of California has a parent • Develop, support and offer parenting education
involvement policy that states “Schools that undertake programs and other parenting resources and tools to
and support strong comprehensive parent involvement its members and the community at large
efforts are more likely to produce students who perform
better than identical schools that do not involve parents.” • Help educators understand and appreciate the value
of parenting education
Parenting Education and Skills
Development • Encourage schools to provide parenting skills
education for students
Adopted May 1987 – Revised November 2013 – Family
Engagement Commission • Promote family engagement and develop parent
leaders to promote student success
Research shows that parenting – the process of rearing
a child – requires skills and an appreciation of child • Support teacher training programs in parenting skills
development from infancy to adulthood. Understanding education
how to support the social, emotional, physical and
intellectual growth of children positively impacts their • Collaborate with other state and local parenting
lives and promotes student success. programs to make parenting resources readily
available and accessible to the maximum number of
When families, schools and communities work together families
to develop, support and offer parent education programs
and skills development for parents and caregivers, Schools have a responsibility to:
children can thrive.
• Implement research-based best practices in the area
The California State PTA believes: of family engagement
• Parenting is a challenging task for which there is often • Share information with parents on important topics
little preparation such as programs, classroom practices, parental
rights and responsibilities, mandated state testing, and
• Comprehensive and accessible parenting education school rules
programs equip parents with mote information,
strategies and tools to support a child’s growth and • Engage parents as partners in the learning process
development through regular communication about their students'
performance, academic growth, assignments,
• Training for adults should be offered through parent expectations, and any areas of concern
education programs and other resourced in the
community • Provide workshops and programs that help parents
build parenting skills and participate as advocates in
• Parenting lessons should be a component of life-skills the learning process
courses in middle and high school
Physical Education (K-12)
Parenting education should include information, skills
development and training on: Adopted May 1993 – Revised February 2014 – Health
Commission
• Physical, intellectual, social and emotional aspects of
child development and how to support a child’s growth The California State PTA believes a quality physical
from birth through adolescence to adulthood education program that operates cooperatively within the
school’s comprehensive health program is essential to
• How to recognize, diagnose and treat special needs, the well-being of the youth of California.
including physical and learning disabilities, and how to
collaboratively support special needs children The California State PTA supports actions by state and
local governments and local educational agencies that
• Life skills including goal setting, decision-making and provide for high-quality daily physical education programs
choices, responsibility, assertiveness and cooperation for all children in kindergarten through grade 12.
Parents and teachers should educate children and youth
to prepare them to participate throughout life in
appropriate physical activities.
California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016 A50 Advocacy
PTA believes that: • Provide positive age appropriate recreational, social,
and cultural activities in the community before and
• Good health is basic to education and physical after school hours and on weekends.
education is basic to good health;
The California State PTA believes that children and
• A certified teacher, trained and educated in physical youth must be given every opportunity to reach their full
education, should be the educator at all school sites; potential. The California State PTA further believes that
concerned individuals, agencies, and organizations must
• The goal of physical education should be to promote join together to address the needs of all children and
lifelong fitness habits in all students; and youth. Together, families, schools, and communities can
effectively strengthen and enhance the maturation of our
• All students must be treated equally in an integrated children, resulting in emotionally secure, healthy, and
physical education class, as required by state law. socially responsible adults.
The California State PTA believes a good physical Prevention of Teen Pregnancy
education program promotes self-discipline by teaching
children to take control of their lives and to be Adopted January 1998 – Revised May 2012 – Health
responsible for their own health and fitness. Commission
Prevention and Intervention The California State PTA believes parents/guardians
Programs should take primary responsibility for teaching life skills
that contribute to adolescent well-being: goal setting,
Adopted January 1995 – Revised February 2014 – decision-making, responsibility, assertiveness and
Health, Community Concerns and Family Engagement recognizing the consequences of choices. Today, the
health of young people is critically linked to the health-
Commissions related behaviors they choose to adopt. School health
programs can play a crucial role in promoting health
The California State PTA believes in the importance of behaviors while enhancing academic performance.
preventing and eliminating factors that may be
detrimental to the health, safety and well-being of all The California State PTA supports Coordinated School
children, families and youth. Health Programs that address the needs of young
people in a systematic, integrated way. Coordinated
Recognizing that any circumstance that interferes with a School Health Programs include abstinence and
child’s potential to become a healthy, educated, pregnancy/disease prevention, education related to
productive citizen places that child at risk, the California information about emotional and physical development,
State PTA believes prevention and intervention family life education and communication, critical thinking,
programs are vital. Early intervention programs are and decision-making skills.
needed to end the escalating patterns of alienation,
which often lead to anti-social and criminal behavior. Studies show that parenthood during adolescence
Prevention and intervention programs must include the usually results in interrupted education, inadequate job
areas of physical health, mental health and be designed skills, limited employment opportunities, and inadequate
to enable children and youth to become productive parenting skills. Further research has proven that
citizens in their communities. adolescents who receive an appropriate and adequate
family life education become sexually active at later ages
The California State PTA further believes that than those who are deprived of this curriculum.
collaboration must occur between the school, health,
social services, and other community agencies to design The California State PTA urges its units, councils and
and provide intervention and prevention/support districts to work for developmentally appropriate family
programs for youth. Such programs may include life education within the context of a comprehensive
strategies that will: health education curriculum which shall include but is not
limited to:
• Enhance self-esteem and self-confidence;
• Components on sexual abstinence, pregnancy
• Emphasize disease prevention, immunization, visual prevention and personal responsibility;
screening, auditory testing and dental care;
• The risks and consequences associated with sexual
• Educate youth on proper nutrition, appropriate activity; and
prenatal care, and the dangers of drug, tobacco and
other nicotine-containing products, such as e- • The increased health and emotional risks of
cigarettes and other products as yet to be created, adolescent pregnancy for mothers, fathers and babies.
and alcohol use;
• Provide counseling, and where appropriate,
mentoring;
• Strengthen and expand alternative education
programs;
• Provide life skills education including parenting and
vocational training; and
Advocacy A51 California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016
Public Involvement in School some instances direct control of local schools. The roles
Governance and responsibilities of members of County Boards of
Education, whether elected or appointed, must also be
Adopted January 2003 – Reaffirmed April 2015 – clearly defined as programmatic and fiscal
Legislation Commission implementation, or advisory.
The California State PTA believes in democratic Appointed members of the State Board of Education
principles of government and that, as part of the must be qualified by either experience or training for
established democratic process, any governance system their roles and be required to participate in ongoing
must include checks and balances between the professional development.
executive, legislative and judicial systems. Citizens must
maintain and exercise the right to vote for those who The California State PTA strongly believes it is the
govern them. The officials they elect should be directly responsibility of parents and community members to
responsible and accountable to their constituents. Every provide necessary input for effective decision-making at
citizen should be encouraged to give input to their the local and state levels. The public is responsible for
elected officials, state agencies, and local governing electing local school board members, for monitoring
boards for the improvement of services. The California actions of the State Board of Education, and for holding
State PTA believes these principles of governance are both elected and appointed officials accountable for the
essential to a well functioning and effective public decisions they make while fulfilling their established
education system so vital to a thriving democracy. roles and responsibilities.
The California State Constitution, Article IX, sets forth Public School Employer-
the framework for California’s public education system, Employee Negotiations
including the election of a state superintendent of public
instruction. Clear definition of responsibilities for each Adopted March 1974 – Reaffirmed April 2015 –
part of the school governance system is necessary for Education Commission
this structure to function smoothly.
The California State PTA recognizes that public school
The California State PTA believes that the roles and employer-employee collective bargaining is mandated by
responsibilities of each component in the state’s law and that negotiations greatly influence education. As
education governance structure must be clearly defined, mandated by law, the bargaining parties are required to
compatible, and not overlapping or contradictory. make public their positions. These details must be
provided to the public at the beginning of the process.
• The elected Governor is responsible for producing the PTA has the responsibility to become knowledgeable
total State Budget, including education. and to inform the public about the proposed contract and
any proposed changes through the negotiations. As PTA
• The elected Superintendent must have authority for is an organization whose membership is composed of
the fiscal and programmatic implementation of the parents, teachers, students, school district employees,
education program. To assign this authority outside school board members and concerned community
the Office of the Superintendent is to disenfranchise members. PTA must remain neutral in a dispute arising
the public from the policy making process. from school employer-employee negotiations.
• The State Board of Education is appointed by the The California State PTA believes:
Governor and confirmed by the state Senate. The
California State PTA believes the role of the Board of • All school employees are entitled to the benefits of fair
Education should be to advise the Superintendent of employment practices including due process, optimum
Public Instruction and to serve as a conduit for public working conditions and adequate salaries and
input to education matters at the state level. PTA also benefits;
believes the members of the State Board of Education
must reflect the demographics of the State and include • Locally-elected school boards, as representatives of
representation of stakeholders, including parents. the people, have legal responsibility for decision-
making;
The California State PTA believes that input from
members of the public is essential in education policy • Local school boards and school employee
making at all levels of governance—state, county, and organizations should be accountable to the public for
local school district. the terms of the contract and the fiscal impact on the
instructional program; and
The California State PTA believes in local control of
educational decisions when it is in the best interests of • Full disclosure of the final contract should be made
students to make these decisions locally. Local school available to the public and fiscal impact of the contract
districts should have the flexibility to meet the needs of should be discussed at a public hearing before the
their student populations. Local governing boards should final vote of the school board.
focus on policies and planning and should allow
superintendents full authority to manage the schools in The California State PTA supports:
their districts.
• The adoption of policies by local school boards that
The California State PTA further believes that County provide full opportunity for the public to express its
Offices of Education, as established in the California views on the issues to be negotiated; and
State Constitution, have an important role in providing
services and oversight for local school districts, and in
California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016 A52 Advocacy
• The right of school employees, through their The PTA does not advocate the inclusion or exclusion of
organizations, to meet and negotiate in good faith with certain items in the proposed contract. However, PTA
public school employers to reach written agreement members should be knowledgeable and aware of the
on those matters within the scope of bargaining† effects of the proposed contract provisions on students.
according to state law. (Included in scope is the
requirement that the local district peer assistance Some questions PTA members should ask include
review process will be negotiated in the contract
according to AB 2X, Statutes of 1999.) • Are the implications of the provisions upon the
budget/financial resources of the school district
The PTA has a responsibility to: understood by all negotiators and the community?
• Study and become informed early in the process • If a contract dispute should arise, would an arbitrator’s
about the proposed contracts and the fiscal interpretation of a provision have an adverse effect on
implications and to analyze the effect on the students the best interests of students?
and the programs in the district;
• How will this proposed contract affect other school
• Inform all parties if any issue being negotiated either is district employees?
consistent with or differs with adopted California State
PTA position statements; • If the language of a provision is unclear, what is its
history? Ask questions from both sides.
• Encourage all parties to work cooperatively to develop
procedures to ensure that classrooms and students PTA unit/council/district PTAs should be aware of the
are not used for propaganda purposes; progress of the negotiations, should publicize proposed
changes as they are announced, and should give input
• Remain neutral in the event of a dispute††; appropriately to ensure all contract provisions place the
interests of the students first.
• Continue with normal PTA activities in the event of a
dispute; and A check list of items all parents should keep in mind
when studying the contract proposals:
• Inform parents and community members about
proposed contracts and encourage other school- Guidelines for Class Size
based and community organizations to study
proposed contracts. Does the contract allow
(The above statement is a policy of the PTA as an - adequate student/teacher ratio for individual
organization, and is in no way intended as an instruction?
infringement on the activities of its members acting as
individuals.) - adjustments to meet unanticipated needs?
† Scope of bargaining - The law defines “scope,” as a broad - flexibility for needed curriculum adjustments or
range of issues and subjects that either party may or may not needed education innovations?
introduce for negotiation. Scope is a crucial, dynamic, and
frequently litigated area. Maintenance of Standards
†† Dispute - a verbal controversy, a controversy, a debate, or Does the contract allow
quarrel on any issue under discussion.
- new programs and changes in scheduling and
Collective Bargaining curriculum offerings to occur during the contract
period?
The following “walks” PTA leadership through the
collective bargaining process and further provides a Workday and Workload
step-by-step guide for appropriate PTA activities.
Does the contract make provisions for
A Checklist for Parents on the Role of Collective
Bargaining in Public Education - assistance to students before and after classroom
hours?
What role can your PTA/PTSA assume when your local
school board and teachers begin to negotiate a - staff development and orientation opportunities?
contract?
- staff attendance at evening meetings and student
The most important thing your unit, council or district activities?
PTA can do is advocate for all children. The members
can do this by: - lesson preparation time for appropriate personnel?
• Studying the contract proposals and analyzing the - flexibility to allow for creative and innovative
effect on the students in the district. strategies in the classroom?
• Asking the local school board and the local bargaining - a definition of professional duties?
units: “What effect will this proposed contract have on
all children?” Conference Time
• Working with all education stakeholders to secure Does the contract permit and encourage
adequate school funding.
- reasonable periods of time for teachers and
administrators to confer with parents and students
at hours convenient for working parents?
Advocacy A53 California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016
- reasonable periods of time for meetings among condition of the school district, and how the current
school staff to promote collegiality and better agreement affects the education of students.
understanding of students’ needs?
b. Documents to be studied:
Extracurricular Activities
(1) THE BUDGET — A thorough briefing on the
Does the contract provide current year’s budget is essential to understand a
school district’s financial condition and how funds
- stipends or incentives for supervision of students are being allocated. This information should be
participating in extracurricular activities such as presented by school district financial staff
sport, drama, music, school newspapers, etc.? members in a clearly understandable format. (See
Resource List, EdSource.)
Release Time for Teachers
(2) THE CURRENT CONTRACT — Almost all
Does the contract provide school districts have an existing contract with each
employee bargaining unit. While it may seem to be
- unpaid leave for teachers who wish to improve their a complex task, it is important that time be allowed
teaching skills? for the committee to become familiar with and
knowledgeable about the current contract
- adequate classroom supervision by certificated language. Particular attention should be paid to
personnel when the regularly scheduled teacher is the interests of parents and students in the current
absent from the classroom? contract.
Guidelines for PTAs Regarding (3) INITIAL CONTRACT PROPOSALS — When
Public School Employer-Employee each bargaining unit’s new contract is to be
Negotiations negotiated, the initial proposals should be
obtained from the employee group and the school
The California State PTA strongly urges all unit, council district. Representatives from management and
and district PTAs to closely monitor their respective the employee groups should be invited to give
school boards’ compliance with the Public Notice section their interpretations of the proposals. The
of the Employer-Employee Relations Act. Unless a PTA language should be clear in its intent and the
does so, it will jeopardize its ability to make meaningful, committee should ask, “WHAT WILL BE THE
timely comments about the initial and subsequent EFFECT ON ALL CHILDREN?”
proposals under negotiation.
The school board must allow time for the
Contract Study Committee community to study and then comment on the
board’s initial proposals before adopting them as
PTA has a responsibility to become knowledgeable and the board’s negotiating position. The PTA should
to inform the public about proposed contracts. To fulfill find out what the school board’s time frame is for
this responsibility, the following steps should be taken: this process.
1. Form a PTA study committee including representation (4) SUBSEQUENT PROPOSALS — The study
from all PTA units within the school district. School committee should continue to monitor the
district employees should not serve on this study negotiating process for the introduction of new
committee because they have the opportunity to subjects arising after the presentation of initial
express their views through their respective bargaining proposals. These subsequent proposals must be
units. made public within 24 hours after their
introduction.
Please Note: Where a council or district PTA relates
directly to a school district, the said council or district 5. If any questions or concerns arise from the study of
PTA should appoint the study committee. Where a the initial or subsequent proposals, those questions or
group of units or councils relates to a school district, concerns should be communicated to the group that
the units or councils should appoint members to serve originated those proposals.
on a study committee.
6. Report results of the study with any recommended
2. The PTA criterion for any study, including collective action(s) to the PTA membership. Recommendations
bargaining issues, must be, “WHAT WILL BE THE might include comments to be made to the school
EFFECT ON ALL CHILDREN?” board and/or comments to be made to the bargaining
unit. Such comments must be made within the
3. Encourage other school-based and community framework of California State PTA policies and
organizations to make their own studies of the positions.
proposed contract(s).
7. Follow the reporting and communicating procedures
4. Study the current contract, the school district budget, through the negotiations process.
initial contract proposals and subsequent proposals
from the school board and employees’ organization. 8. Study information published by your local media.
a. Adequate lead time is essential for any group
beginning to study collective bargaining proposals
since several key documents should be reviewed
first. The committee must react to contract issues
from a position of knowledge about the current fiscal
California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016 A54 Advocacy
Employer-Employee Relations Act The California State PTA strongly recommends that unit,
council and district PTAs request their respective school
Article 8. Public Notice boards to adopt a policy that includes a minimum of ten
days as the “number of days the agreement should be
3547. Public meetings; public records made available to the public….” The policy also should
require the board to set time aside for public comment
(a) All initial proposals of exclusive representatives and of before entering into the written agreement.
public school employers, which relate to matters within
the scope of representation, shall be presented at a The California State PTA urges unit, council and district
public meeting of the public school employer and PTAs to study the proposed agreement and make
thereafter shall be public records. appropriate comments. Such comments must be made
within the framework of California State PTA policies and
(b) Meeting and negotiating shall not take place on any positions.
proposal until a reasonable time has elapsed after the
submission of the proposal to enable the public to Sample Letter to the School Board,
become informed and the public has the opportunity to Superintendent and Bargaining Unit
express itself regarding the proposal at a meeting of the President
public school employer.
ORGANIZATION TITLE AND ADDRESS
(c) After the public has had the opportunity to express (May be home address of PTA president)
itself, the public school employer shall, at a meeting
which is open to the public, adopt its initial proposal. Date
(d) New subjects of meeting and negotiating arising after TO: _______, President,
the presentation of initial proposals shall be made Board of Trustees
public within 24 hours. If a vote is taken on such subject _______ School District
by the public school employer, the vote thereon by _______ President, _______ Association
each member shall also be made public within 24
hours. FROM: _______ PTA (Council or District PTA) President
(e) The board may adopt regulations for the purpose of SUBJECT: Negotiation
implementing this section, which are consistent with the
intent of the section; namely that the public be informed The _______ PTA has carefully reviewed the California State
of the issues that are being negotiated upon and have PTA's Toolkit information on negotiations. _______ PTA will
full opportunity to express their views on the issues to follow these guidelines. Accordingly, we shall remain neutral
the public school employer, and to know of the during negotiations. We recognize that at times negotiations
positions of their elected representatives. can be very difficult and time consuming for the school district
and the employee association. We know you can appreciate
California Government Code (as of January 1990) the awkward situation labor negotiations can create for PTA
president and PTA executive board members. To ensure
The Collective Bargaining Agreement compliance with the California State PTA policy of neutrality,
PTA members will not attend separate meetings with either
Current law requires the following: school district or employee association representatives. It would
be appropriate for PTA to invite the school district
Before a public school employer enters into a written superintendent or representative, a representative of the district
agreement with an exclusive representative covering employee association to discuss negotiations at a PTA board
matters within the scope of representation, the major association meeting, but both sides must be represented at that
provisions of the agreement, including, but not limited time. PTA will not distribute information provided by either side,
to, the costs that would be incurred by the public school but may choose to distribute information PTA has prepared.
employer under the agreement for the current and The _______ PTA will continue its regularly scheduled meeting
subsequent fiscal years, shall be disclosed at a public on the school or district sites, and its regular schedule of
meeting of the public school employer in a format volunteer programs.
established for this purpose by the Superintendent of
Public Instruction. If you have any questions, I'd be happy to discuss our position
of neutrality or any of the above-mentioned matters with you.
California Government Code Section 3547.5
Sincerely,
One of the recommendations from the State
Superintendent of Public Instruction to school boards for __________________________________________
implementation of this law is that the board: PTA President (Council or District PTA)
Make available to the public a copy of the proposed
agreement prior to the day of the public meeting; the
number of days the agreement should be made
available to the public is determined locally.
Advocacy A55 California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016
Public Involvement in Collective determination of course content and curriculum, and
Bargaining Process selection of textbooks. The school board may expand
these topics as it wishes although none of the items
When local school boards and employee groups meet at for consultation has to be included in the contract.
the negotiating table, the decisions made are of great
importance to the quality of education provided for In reality, however, the exact definition of scope is
students. Parents and concerned community members unclear and is one of the most controversial areas in
have realized that negotiations by school employee negotiations. A regulatory body established by
groups such as those representing teachers, school EERA—the Public Employment Relations Board
office personnel, aides, custodians and cafeteria (PERB)—is constantly called upon to settle disputes
personnel greatly influence events in the classroom and dealing with scope as well as carry out the many other
have an impact on the overall cost of education. duties with which the PERB has been charged.
It is essential that public input into this process be based IV. How Does Collective Bargaining Affect Education?
on knowledge of the operations of the local school
district. It is only in this way the public can become a The negotiated contract becomes the instrument for
valid part of the process and present viewpoints school district governance on each provision that has
pertinent to the current contract or proposals, while been negotiated into the signed contract. Therefore,
consistently advocating positions that support a high the contract has potential implications for everything
standard of education for students in the classroom. which occurs in the classrooms of that school district
since issues dealing with class size, hours of
The California State PTA has prepared this paper to employment, teacher transfer policies, procedures for
assist its membership to better understand the dynamic employee evaluation as well as wages and fringe
role collective bargaining plays in education. benefits all have an impact on the quality of education.
I. What Is Collective Bargaining?* V.Why Should The Public Be Involved?
Collective bargaining is a labor relations process The community has a high stake in its public
developed in the private sector which recognizes the education system and, therefore, should be equally
historical conflict between management interests such concerned about the negotiations which result in the
as profits and the interests of workers such as salaries final contract. While negotiations are usually
and working conditions. In the collective bargaining conducted in private meetings between
process, the representatives of labor and representatives of the school district and the employee
management present each other with demands— group, the public must study the issues, evaluate their
proposals—and proceed to compromise their impact on the educational system, and know how the
divergent viewpoints—negotiate—until a written collective bargaining process works and how the
settlement—contract—is reached. Traditionally, public can fit into the process.
private sector negotiations are conducted in private
meetings of the two parties and often lead to an If a representative system of government such as
adversarial relationship. ours—one in which school boards are elected to
represent the public viewpoint—is to work, people
II. Why Is There Collective Bargaining In Public must have the ability to:
Education?
1. Elect their representatives;
The momentum for collective bargaining in public
education increased during the late 1960s as teachers 2. Influence those they elect;
and other school employees felt they could not
achieve desired economic benefits and acceptable 3. Hold those officials accountable.
working conditions as long as school boards,
represented by superintendents, retained unilateral VI. How is the Public Provided For in EERA?
decision-making authority on these issues. More than
40 states now have collective bargaining laws. When EERA was passed, it included a very important
section which provides for public access to the
III. What Is The Education Employment Relations Act? collective bargaining process. Called the "sunshine"
clause, it mandates that all initial proposals of any
The EDUCATION EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS ACT contract negotiations between the employee group
(EERA) provides that negotiations “shall” occur and the school district shall be presented at a public
between school boards and their employee groups meeting of the board of education and that a
and negotiations “shall” be limited in scope to matters "reasonable" time shall elapse to allow for public input
relating to wages, hours of employment, and other before negotiations start. Since PERB has mandated
terms and conditions of employment. The process for all boards of education adopt a public notice policy,
establishing collective bargaining was initially spelled PTA members should become knowledgeable about
out in Senate Bill 160, the Educational Employment their school district public notice policy and ensure that
Relations Act of 1976 authored by Senator Al Rodda. it specifies:
*Refer to Contents of a Typical Teachers Contract and 1. How the district will make the public aware of the
GLOSSARY on collective bargaining terminology, Advocacy issues;
Chapter.
2. When the public can speak to each set of proposals;
There are also subjects upon which the employer is
only required to consult with the employee 3. How the public may speak to the issues.
organization, e.g., definition of educational objectives,
California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016 A56 Advocacy
VII. How Does the Public Speak to the Issues? Glossary
According to EERA, any person or representative * AGENCY SHOP – A requirement, usually contained in
group may comment on the issues to be negotiated or a negotiated agreement, that all employees in a
on the contract itself at any meeting of the board of bargaining entity pay a fee, (often called a “fair share” or
education. The PTA does not advocate the inclusion “service” fee) covering the cost of representation to the
or exclusion of certain clauses in the contract. PTA employee organization which is the exclusive
members should ask, however, that each clause be representative of the entity.
analyzed to determine "WHAT EFFECT THIS WILL
HAVE ON ALL CHILDREN." * AGREEMENT – A written negotiated contract between
the employer and the recognized exclusive
When feasible, PTA involvement in the collective representative of employees in a bargaining entity that
bargaining process should be through a Public Notice sets out conditions of employment (wages, hours, fringe
Sunshine Committee. This approach will allow the benefits, etc.) for a stated period of time. Often contains
PTA organization to maintain its neutral position a procedure for settling grievances over interpretation or
regarding any dispute(s) that may arise, and will application of the agreement and may include terms
preclude offending any one segment of PTA governing the parties’ relationship. Under EERA, an
membership. agreement, which may be for a period of no more than
three years, becomes binding when accepted by both
Contents of a Typical Teachers parties. PERB has no authority to enforce agreements.
Contract (EdSource, March 1999)
* ARBITRATION – A method of resolving disputes
Compensation: cost-of-living adjustment, salary between an employer and employee organization by
schedule, pay for specific duties (department chair, submitting the dispute to a neutral third party (or tripartite
coach), minimum teacher salaries; expenses, travel panel) whose decision may be binding or merely
reimbursement, tuition reimbursement; mentor teacher advisory.
selection process
* CERTIFICATED EMPLOYEE – A school employee
Benefits: health and welfare premiums, specific plans who is qualified by a certificate or credential to perform a
offered, retiree benefits particular educational service, such as classroom
teacher, counselor and psychologist, as defined in
Hours: length of work day, school year, student year, Education Code.
calendar (holidays, vacations), minimum days,
preparation periods, lunch *** CFIER – The California Foundation for Improvement
of Employer-Employee Relations. The organization is
Leaves: bereavement, pregnancy, child rearing, committed to “building and maintaining effective labor-
religious, sick leave, disability, sabbatical, personal management relationships of partnerships.” Its activities
need/necessity, jury duty, military, industrial include training programs in negotiations and problem-
accident/illness, catastrophic illness solving, neutral facilitation services, skill-building
workshops and conferences, consultation, research and
Retirement: early retirement, benefits development, and long-term support service.
Nondiscrimination Job Assignment: assignment, * CLASSIFIED EMPLOYEE – A school employee in a
promotion, transfer, reassignment position not requiring a certificate or credential, such as
teachers’ aides or clerical, custodial or food service
Class size and case loads: pupils per teacher, students employees.
per counselor, number of teaching periods, instructional
aides * EDUCATIONAL EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS ACT
(EERA) – The process for establishing collective
Safety Conditions bargaining. Enacted in 1975 as Senate Bill 160 (Rodda),
Chapter 961, Laws of 1975 and subsequent
Evaluation: procedures and remediation amendments.
Grievance: procedures, appeal process, mediation, * FACT-FINDING – The method of impasse resolution,
arbitration usually advisory, that involves investigation of a
bargaining dispute by a neutral third party, or tripartite
Discipline: procedures and criteria panel that reports the results to the parties, usually with
recommendations for settling the dispute. Under EERA,
Layoff and Reemployment the parties may request that their dispute be submitted
to fact-finding (under specified procedures) if a mediator
Organizational Security: payroll deduction of union is unable to settle the controversy within 15 days and the
dues (“agency fee”), maintenance of membership, fair mediator declares that fact-finding is appropriate.
share fees, union rights
* GOOD FAITH BARGAINING – Broadly defined as the
Work Stoppage: “no-strikes” clause duty of the parties to meet and negotiate at reasonable
times with willingness to reach agreement on matters
Contract: duration, reopeners within the scope of representation; however, neither
party is required to make a concession or agree to any
Savings Clause: contract in effect if portion proposal.
invalidated by court, Legislature
Management Rights
Consultation: topics, procedures
Advocacy A57 California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016
** GRIEVANCE – A means of settling disputes which be open to the public, EERA specifically permits private
arise from the interpretation or application of the existing meetings between the school board and its negotiator.
contract. When disagreements cannot be settled at one
of the lower levels of the grievance procedure the * SCOPE OF BARGAINING – The law defines “scope,”
exclusive bargaining agent may take the disagreement as a broad range of issues and subjects that either party
to arbitration. Arbitration can be binding or advisory may or may not introduce for negotiation. Scope is a
depending on the wording of the contract. crucial, dynamic, and frequently litigated area.
** IMPASSE – A deadlock or stalemate in bargaining * SICKOUT – A job action involving a number of
declared by one or both parties. Declaration of impasse employees failing to report to work on the same day and
usually begins the implementation of impasse claiming to be sick.
procedures (mediation or fact finding), and once these
procedures have been exhausted can allow for unilateral ** SLOWDOWN – A job action involving a number of
action by the employer. employees working at less than normal efficiency.
** INITIAL PROPOSAL – A written offer for consideration * STRIKE – A work stoppage. Employees acting
made by the exclusive representative or the school together in refusing to work in order to gain a bargaining
district as part of the bargaining process for the next concession or to persuade the employer to take certain
agreement. The EERA lists those items which are within action. Usually occurs when negotiations on a new
the scope of representation and are the subject of agreement reach impasse and lasts until settlement on a
mandatory bargaining. new agreement is reached, but may be called for a
shorter period as a pressure tactic or to protest employer
*** INTEREST-BASED BARGAINING – A more actions. Usually conducted under leadership of the
cooperative method for reaching agreement about the employee organization, following a vote among
critical aspects of employer-employee relationships. members. A “wildcat” strike is a walkout by employees
Negotiations are based on mutual interests rather than without authorization of the organization. A “rolling” or
on individual positions. “yo-yo” strike involves several intermittent walkouts of
short duration interspersed among days when
* MEDIATION – Also called conciliation. Efforts of a employees report to work.
neutral third party to help resolve a dispute (usually
involving contract negotiations) between an employer * SUNSHINE LAW – A requirement that bargaining
and employee organization. The mediator normally has proposals or other aspects of public employee
no power to impose a settlement. Under EERA, bargaining be made public. Under EERA, initial
mediation is the first step in the impasse resolution proposals as well as new topics that arise during
procedure. negotiations must be made available to the public.
* NEGOTIATIONS – The process of the employer and * Pocket Guide to the Educational Employment Relations Act, California
the exclusive representative meeting together and Public Employee Relations, September 1997
bargaining in a good faith effort to reach agreement on
matters within the scope of representation and ** California Teachers Association Collective Bargaining Handbook
executing, if requested by either party, an agreement
incorporating matters agreed on. *** Collective Bargaining, 1999, EdSource, 520 San Antonio Road, Suite 200,
Mountain View, CA 94040-1217; 650.917.9481; www.edsource.org
* PERB – The Public Employment Relations Board is
charged with administering and enforcing EERA. Among Resources
its many functions are investigating and deciding “unfair
practice” charges or other claims that the act has been California State PTA Vice President for Education –
violated, establishing or approving bargaining entities, 916.440.1985 ext. 305
conducting representation elections, and seeking court
enforcement of its orders and decisions as it deems Selected Readings on California School Finance,
necessary. EdSource, 520 San Antonio Road, Suite 200,
Mountain View, CA 94040-1217; 650.917.9481;
** PUBLIC NOTICE – The public notice section of EERA www.edsource.org
is intended to give the public an opportunity to present
its views. Initial bargaining proposals of both the Pocket Guide To The Employer-Employee Relations
exclusive representative and the district must be Act (Fifth Edition, September 1997), California Public
presented at a public meeting of the school board and Employee Relations Program, Institute of Industrial
are public records. Negotiations will be delayed a Relations, University of California, Berkeley, CA
reasonable time for the public to comment. 94720-5555; 510.643.7092
Unless the parties agree otherwise, laws requiring open County Office of Education (Office of Employee
meetings do not apply to meetings and discussions Relations)
between parties; with mediators, arbitrators, or fact-
finding panels; and executive sessions of the school Public Employment Relations Board (PERB);
board on negotiations. 916.322.3198
If both parties agree, any phrase of negotiations may be California State PTA Toolkit, position statement,
conducted publicly, or observers may be invited. “Public School Employer-Employee Negotiations”
Typically, the school board and union announce their
opening positions and then talk privately. Although any
meeting of three or more school board members must
California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016 A58 Advocacy
PTA Activities in Relation to Employer- 3. Remaining Neutral Includes Continuing Normal PTA
Employee Disputes Activities:
Public school employer-employee negotiations and/or a. Regular PTA volunteer programs, e.g., volunteers in
disputes and disputes between bargaining units are very the media center, library playground, office,
much a part of the reality of operating public schools. THE lunchroom, classrooms, etc. A list of those who
PTA MUST REMAIN NEUTRAL* and MUST refrain from volunteer regularly must be given to the school site
taking sides in all disputes. It is a PTA responsibility to administrator and school site bargaining unit(s)
provide opportunities for public understanding of disputed leadership.
issues through sponsoring public meetings where all sides
may present their views. b. When PTAs regularly meet in the school facility,
such meetings may continue. However, the PTA
PTA speaks as an advocate for children and youth. It is a should make certain that its school facility use
PTA responsibility to urge school board members, school permit has not been temporarily suspended by the
district employees and negotiators on all sides to make the school district.
welfare of the students the first and ultimate consideration
in all negotiations. PTAs must do this within the framework c. Scheduled PTA-sponsored programs and projects
of California State PTA policies. may continue.
(These two paragraphs must be used together at all times, d. If a PTA is licensed by the State of California as a
neither may be used without the other.) child care provider, this activity may be continued.
Contracts with parents obligate the PTA to continue
*“Not taking part with or assisting either of two or more providing the child care program. A licensed child
contending parties.” Webster’s New International care program usually includes a contract with the
Dictionary, Second Edition, Unabridged. school district for use of the facility. If this is the
case, the district is obligated to ensure safe use of
1. PTA Leaders’ Responsibilities When a Dispute Arises: the facility.
a. The PTA council/district PTA leadership must 4. PTA Leaders’ Obligations:
consult with the California State PTA leadership
(through the California State PTA office, a. There is no intent by the PTA to infringe on the
916.440.1985). rights of its members to act as individuals. However,
if an individual is perceived as a PTA leader, he/she
b. The council/district PTA leadership must meet with is obligated to consider the effect of his/her actions
the leadership of all affected unit PTAs to instruct on the PTA organization.
them in observance of PTA’s neutrality policy.
b. If a PTA leader believes that conscience requires a
c. The council/district PTA leadership must meet with statement or action favoring one side or the other, a
the school district administration and bargaining public disclaimer* must be written and sent to the
unit(s) leadership to explain PTA neutrality. school site administration, school district
superintendent, president of the school board,
d. The unit PTA leadership must meet with the school school district employee organization and PTA
site administration and school site bargaining organization leadership of council and district PTA.
leadership to explain PTA neutrality.
c. If a PTA leader is a school district employee and
e. The unit PTA leadership must communicate PTA’s plans to work during a dispute, a public disclaimer*
position of neutrality to the membership. must be signed.
2. PTAs MUST Remain Neutral: *A public disclaimer should include the following information:
a. PTAs must not recruit substitute teachers or staff Although I serve as ______(position)______ at the
the classrooms. Classroom instruction is the
responsibility of the school district. (See item 4.b.) ____________________________ PTA, any statement I
b. PTAs must not recruit substitute classified may make or action I may take regarding the current
employees or staff those positions. employer-employee dispute is an individual statement or
c. PTAs may be on school grounds in general activity action and has no connection whatsoever with
areas if there are concerns about the safety of the
students. _______________________ PTA, whose position is one of
d. PTAs must not distribute literature from either side, strict neutrality.
but may choose to distribute information PTA has
prepared. ____________________________________________________
e. PTAs must not show partiality toward the Signature Date
administration, the non-striking or striking personnel
in any way (e.g., verbally, by serving refreshments, d. If a PTA president is also a school district employee
by walking the picket line, etc.). with membership in the organization negotiating
with the school district, and a dispute arises, the
president must delegate the responsibilities of the
presidency to the first vice president during these
negotiations.
Advocacy A59 California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016
5. In the Event of an Unexpected Walkout* the PTA: Reduced Class Size in
Grades K-3
a. May provide volunteers, if necessary, on the day of
an unexpected walkout to care for students in Adopted July 1996 – Revised January 2013 – Education
general activity areas on the school grounds until Commission
their parents make arrangements to get them home.
This activity must not include classroom instruction. The California State PTA recognizes the importance of
successful academic and personal development of
b. Must not staff classrooms. Staffing of classrooms by children in the primary grades. The California State PTA
noncredentialed personnel is not only inconsistent believes there must be no more than twenty children and
with PTA efforts to have a qualified teacher in every a qualified certificated teacher in each kindergarten
classroom, it is illegal and the school district can through 3rd grade classroom throughout all California
forfeit its ADA (average daily attendance) funding public schools but that school districts need flexibility in
from the state. (Authority: California State Education staffing for this reduced class size. This flexibility should
Code.) allow a school district to increase class size up to two
per class as long as the class size average within a
*Job action without prior notification to the employer and with/without school remains 20 or less.
the approval of the employee organization (e.g., wildcat strike).
The California State PTA further believes that to
It Should Be Noted optimize the benefits of a twenty student maximum per
certificated teacher there must be
• The school administration is legally responsible for
staffing the school. The PTA, as an organization, cannot • A separate physical area to accommodate each group
and must not assume this responsibility. of twenty children and the assigned certificated
teacher;
• When in doubt regarding any activity, consult with
California State PTA leaders – office telephone • Flexibility in class structure that may include
916.440.1985. combination classes (K-1, 1-2, etc.) yet always
considering the academic and developmental needs of
6. Dealing With the Media: each student when making placements;
a. PTA leaders should expect to be contacted by the • Assignment of teachers who are well trained in
media. Any personal opinion is an inappropriate teaching techniques required to teach the early
subject for discussion by a PTA spokesperson. childhood/primary grade levels and professional
development on best practices for small group
b. Consult the California State PTA (through the instruction;
California State PTA office) if advice is needed
about how to effectively communicate PTA’s • A firm funding commitment to make reduced class
position of neutrality. size an ongoing priority.
c. If caught unprepared, do not attempt to speak “off The California State PTA recognizes the financial
the cuff” to the caller. State that this is not a obligation that reducing class size places on taxpayers
convenient time to talk and you will return the call. of the state of California. The California State PTA
strongly believes the people of California understand the
d. PTA leaders must not attack other organizations or importance of investing in children and public education,
representatives of other organizations (i.e., and therefore will be willing to undertake this obligation.
employee groups or school board members). The California State PTA further believes that K-3 class
size reduction programs should be fully funded by the
After a Strike state.
PTA has an opportunity and an obligation to help restore Regulation of Medical Marijuana
the school environment to one that provides a positive Providers Near Schools
educational experience for all students.
Adopted October 2010 – Reaffirmed November 2014 –
PTA members must consider what is in the “best Community Concerns Commission
interests of all students” and be a vital part of the healing
process between employees, employers and parents. “The California State PTA believes in the importance of
preventing and eliminating factors that may be
Any planned PTA activity for school district employees detrimental to the health, safety and well-being of all
MUST have the cooperation and support of the school children and youth.” (Prevention and Intervention
staff and the approval of the principal and the district Programs Adopted January 1995 – Revised October
superintendent. 2010 – Health, Community Concerns and Family
Engagement Commissions)
For advice on handling individual situations, contact the
California State PTA vice president for education and/or Moreover, “The California State PTA believes that
vice president for leadership services through the children and youth must be given every opportunity to
California State PTA office. reach their full potential. The California State PTA further
believes that concerned individuals, agencies, and
organizations must join together to address the needs of
California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016 A60 Advocacy
all children and youth. Together, families, schools, and • It may be necessary for governmental agencies,
communities can effectively strengthen and enhance the private agencies and nonprofit organizations to
maturation of our children, resulting in emotionally provide parent education and support services to help
secure, healthy, and socially responsible adults.” reinforce parents’/families’ key role and responsibility
(Prevention and Intervention Programs Adopted January in a child’s development
1995 – Revised March 2010 Health, Community
Concerns and Family Engagement Commissions) • It may be necessary, in some instance for the welfare
of the child, to remove a child from the home
In addition, the California State PTA recognizes existing environment after evaluation and due process
law - the Compassionate Use Act of 1996 (Health &
Safety Code 11362.5), which includes the following The California State PTA believes that effective, family
purposes: support services should be designed to:
To ensure that seriously ill Californians have the right to • Engage parents/families in the planning and
obtain and use marijuana for medical purposes where evaluation of programs and services
such use is deemed appropriate and has been
recommended by a physician who has determined that • Meet families’ diverse needs
the person's health would benefit from the use of
marijuana in the treatment of cancer, anorexia, AIDS, • Encourage voluntary participation by being varied and
chronic pain, spasticity, glaucoma, arthritis, migraine, or flexible
any other illness for which marijuana provides relief.
• Reach and be available to all families
With the passage of the Compassionate Use Act of
1996, medical marijuana dispensaries have flourished • Include such programs as services to children with
throughout California. While these dispensaries are special needs, family counseling, education for
intended to serve the seriously ill, there is a growing parenthood, parent education, community health
concern that minors may also be able to purchase services and quality child care that reflect and respect
marijuana from the dispensaries. In addition, advertising the uniqueness of each community
fliers are often distributed in the general area of the
dispensaries, encouraging the use of marijuana. The California State PTA should encourage:
Locating medical marijuana dispensaries “next to a
school not only advertises substance abuse, but also • Adoption by school sites and districts of
glamorizes it.” (Regulation of Liquor Licenses Near comprehensive policies and strategies to achieve the
Schools Resolution, adopted by Convention Delegates maximum inclusion of all parents/families
May 1997; Reviewed April 2008)
• Passage of legislation on national, state, and local
To protect our children and youth from possible easy levels to enable communities to provide services that
access to marijuana in a public school zone, the will assist families in fulfilling their responsibilities to
California State PTA supports state legislation that would their children
prohibit operation or establishment of a medical
marijuana cooperative, collective, dispensary or provider • Cooperation, collaboration and partnership with allied
within 600 feet of a school. We encourage local agencies and organizations that provide programs to
authorities to adopt ordinances which would place these strengthen the family unit;
“clinics” further than the aforementioned 600 feet of a
school. • Implementation of school programs and employer
incentives that ensure that the needs of working
Responsibility of Society to the parents are always considered
Family
• Awareness of the Family School Partnership Act of
Adopted March 1978 – Revised November 2013 – 1995 (Labor Code Section 230.8) and the Parent’s
Family Engagement Commission Rights as outlined in chapter 864, statutes of 1998,
Education Code Section 51100-51102
The California State PTA believes that the family:
Safe School Environments
• Is the basic unit of society;
Adopted March 1991 – Reaffirmed January 2011 –
• Primarily responsible for rearing children and providing Community Concerns Commission
for their well-being
The California State PTA believes that every child is
• Should have access to family support services and entitled to a safe and peaceful school environment that
programs that respect and reinforce the autonomy of is orderly and empowering. It is a place in which
the family students and staff are free to learn and teach without the
threat of physical and psychological harm. It provides
The California State PTA recognizes: surroundings that are nonviolent, with clear behavioral
expectations, and disciplinary policies that are
• Diversity in family size, structure and beliefs consistently and fairly administered and which confer
recognition for positive behavior. It has established
• Socio-economic factors may hinder parents/families policies for proactive security procedures, emergency
from fulfilling the needs of their children response plans and the timely maintenance, cleanliness
and attractive appearance of the campus and
classrooms. Additionally, a safe and peaceful school
Advocacy A61 California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016
environment has a crisis response plan in place to deal attendance to receive average daily attendance funding
with unforeseen emergencies. from the state, there is not data at the state level to allow
analysis of individual student school attendance.
The California State PTA believes that the four essential
components that comprise a safe and peaceful school California monitors unexcused absences (truancy) and
environment are: the strengths and experiences that addresses these problems through the School
students, teachers, administrators, and other school Attendance Review Board process at the local level. The
personnel bring to the school campus; the physical California State PTA represents parents on the State
setting and conditions in which education takes place; School Attendance Review Board, which is the body that
the organizational and interpersonal processes that adopts model standards for school attendance review
occur in and around school; and the general atmosphere boards, recognizes local boards that operate model
or spirit of the school. These four components play a programs, and makes recommendations to the State
major role in the creation of a safe school environment. Superintendent of Public Instruction on issues affecting
school attendance and truancy.
The California State PTA believes that there are certain
qualities inherent to safe and peaceful schools and these Current laws already mandate the following provisions:
places are places where:
• School attendance compulsory at age 6;
• Students feel respected and know that the learning
community cares about their individual needs and • Schools are required to take roll every day and every
expects them to succeed; period for older students; and
• Parents and community members are welcomed and • California school districts monitor truancy and takes
encouraged to share ideas, talents and resources for action via school attendance review boards and
improving the school; school attendance review teams (SARB and SART)
• High standards exist and are communicated on a The California State PTA will support legislative and
regular basis; executive efforts that would do the following to address
chronic absence and improve school attendance:
• Students and staff know that learning and
achievement are encouraged and highly valued and A) Establish reducing chronic absence a policy priority
that positive social behaviors are expected; that is broadly communicated.
• There is continued involvement and cooperation of B) Support the development of early warning systems
parents, students, teachers, security staff, classified that help school districts to identify and intervene, at
staff and law enforcement representatives in designing the earliest age possible, when young children are at
and revising of the school’s discipline, disaster, safe risk of academic failure, based upon data on chronic
school and crisis plans; absence, academic achievement and classroom
behavior.
• Prevention is stressed, and the staff and students are
prepared for emergencies and other unforeseen C) Ensure absenteeism/attendance (total number of
situations; days absent and total days enrolled over the course
of the academic year) is added as a field to state and
• Programs are in place to prevent negative behaviors local longitudinal student databases.
such as gang activity, drug, tobacco and alcohol
abuse, bullying and other socially abusive behavior; D) For districts that enter attendance by individual
student, create incentives for districts to provide the
• Regular security checks occur; data by offering resources (technical assistance and
modest grants) to help districts:
• There are ongoing training opportunities that allow
students and staff to increase their ability to deal with 1) Analyze their own attendance data to identify
conflict, anger and other threats to safety. schools and populations where chronic absence is a
problem.
PTA believes that school personnel, students, parents,
and community members must work together to develop 2) Assist underperforming schools to longitudinally
and implement a safe and peaceful school environment examine levels of chronic absence for the school, as
on all school campuses throughout California. whole, for each grade, subgroup and student, and
develop strategies for how they can address the
School Attendance issue in their school improvement plans.
Adopted March 2010 – Reaffirmed November 2014 – 3) Identify common district wide barriers to school
Community Concerns Commission attendance and develop strategies for addressing
chronic absence in the schools with the highest
The California State PTA recognizes that there are many levels of chronic absence through school policies,
factors that affect student achievement, including school student support services, school-community
attendance and absences. Research has shown that partnerships or other interventions as needed.
chronic absenteeism, encompassing both excused and
unexcused absences, correlates highly with lower E) Provide professional development to teachers, school
student achievement and dropout. administrators, and school boards to familiarize them
with early warning signs of drop-out including chronic
California’s long-term student data system does not absence, grades, behavior, as well as best practices
include attendance data. Although schools track student for intervening at the individual, classroom, school
and community level.
California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016 A62 Advocacy
F) Build on SARB process to identify chronically absent, Based Management process, ensure that
not just truant students, and to examine district-wide communication channels are kept open and provide all
chronic absence trends, challenges, and potential stakeholders with a clear understanding of their roles,
solutions. responsibilities and accountability.
G) Encourage all schools to establish attendance teams School-Based/Linked Health
charged with reviewing data regularly and taking Centers
action and identify community resources to support
attendance, as needed. Adopted April 1987 – Reaffirmed May 2014 – Health
Commission
School Based Decision Making
The California State PTA supports the concept of
Adopted March 2003 – Reaffirmed February 2014 – school-based/linked health centers, believing all children
Education Commission and youth are entitled to physical and mental health
care. PTA believes that the right of the individual to have
The California State PTA supports the concept of school access to health care is vital to sound health practices.
based management in the decision-making process. PTA recognizes that adolescents, as a group, are the
While the legal responsibility for school governance rests most under served population in terms of health care.
with local Boards of Education, PTA believes that the School-based/linked health centers give young people
decentralization of decision making to school sites where access they might not otherwise have to health care.
service delivery occurs results in greater responsiveness Such health centers should reflect a commitment to
to student and societal needs and improves the quality address those health problems that limit a student’s
of educational opportunity. ability to learn.
PTA believes school based management decision PTA believes local community support is the key to the
making should give constituents – parents, teachers, success of any center. Parent and student involvement
administrators, students and other community members should be a major part of the planning for any school-
– meaningful control over what happens in schools in based/linked health center. PTA further believes that any
order to enhance school performance and the quality of policy regarding school-based/linked health centers
education provided to all students. should be developed and monitored by an advisory
board, including broad-based parent and student
PTA believes that there is a vast potential to close the involvement.
achievement gap by improving learning, instruction,
school governance, operations, and outcomes when School Bus Safety
representative stakeholder groups receive meaningful
training, and resources that enables them to participate Adopted March 1986 – Revised April 2015 – Community
in educational decision making. Concerns Commission
Schools implementing effective school based The California State PTA recognizes that school buses
management should: are a safe mode of transportation for students. PTA
believes, however, that there is a need for continuing
• Have an active vision focused on teaching and efforts by school districts, the legislature, and other
learning that is coordinated with district and state government agencies to study, evaluate, and enact
standards for student performance. legislation to improve safety in the construction and
operation of school buses so that they may be safe for
• Develop knowledge and skills in an ongoing process all children.
oriented toward building school-wide capacity for
improvement, creating a professional learning California State PTA believes efforts to improve school
community and developing a shared knowledge base. bus safety should include:
• Understand that with decision making comes • Replacement of Type I† school buses built before
accountability for the results of those decisions. 7/1/2004 with buses that meet Federal Safety School
Bus Regulations;
• Enlist and empower meaningful participation by all
stakeholders in the decision-making process and • Compliance with existing state and federal school bus
share leadership responsibilities among all school regulations in the operation of all Type I† and Type II††
employees. school buses;
• Have multiple mechanisms for collecting information • Inclusion of a three (3) point restraint per student on
related to school priorities and for communicating buses manufactured before 7/1/2004;
school-related information to all constituents and
members of the school community. • Periodic monitoring of passenger and school bus
driver seat belt usage;
• Use various incentives and acknowledge individual
and group progress toward school goals, and • Continued school bus safety education programs for
drivers and passengers including correct restraint
• Cultivate outside resources through involvement in the usage and periodic school bus evacuation drills; and
community and professional networks.
PTA recognizes that school based management
decision making must be given time to succeed. School
and district leaders must be supportive of the School
Advocacy A63 California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016
• Continued study of additional methods of improving • Acceptance of the legal authority of the school board
school bus safety measures for students riding in pre- to make the final decision;
2002 school buses, until such time as these buses
may be eliminated from school districts’ fleets. • Inclusion in the school board’s report of its final
decision, the rationale for the assignment of students
California State PTA recognizes that, in view of and personnel, and a plan for community involvement
mandatory automobile seat belt/restraint laws, there is a to facilitate a smooth transition;
growing public concern regarding the absence of seat
belts on school buses. • A plan assuring community involvement in
recommending priorities to the school board for future
California State PTA encourages further research into all re-use, redevelopment or disposition of closed sites;
safety-related aspects of school bus construction, and
including the feasibility of additional safety equipment,
especially on pre-2002 vehicles. • Acceptance of the ongoing need for long-range
planning.
† Type I – large school bus weighing more than 10,000 pounds GVWR (gross
vehicle weight rating). Buses manufactured after 7/1/2004 are required to Through involvement in the community, unit, council and
have driver seat belt to meet federal safety standards and a combination of district PTAs can play an important role in achieving
pelvic and upper torso restraint harness for passengers. understanding of issues in school closure and in building
public acceptance for action taken. PTA can provide
†† Type II – school bus designed to carry less than 16 passengers plus driver leadership by attending meetings of school boards,
and weighing less than 10,000 pounds GVWR. Driver seat belt and talking with school administrators and parents about the
passenger restraining belts required to meet federal safety standards. needs of students, and being available to serve on
committees.
School Closure
School Desegregation/Integration
Adopted March 1980 – Revised May 2013 – Education
Commission Adopted March 1978 – Reaffirmed February 2014 –
Education Commission
The California State PTA believes that while school
closure is sometimes a necessity to decrease school The California State PTA is committed to integrated
district problems due to declining enrollment and public schools offering quality education† for all children
financial constraints, and is often viewed negatively, it and youth, and believes:
can be an opportunity to improve the quality of
education. The real acceptance and success of school • Equal educational opportunities should be provided for
closure depends upon demonstrated need, positive all students;
attitudes and total involvement of the community. In
considering school closure, PTA supports: • School districts have the responsibility for providing an
integrated education for all students;
• Early and ongoing involvement of all those affected –
parents, students, teachers, administrators, staff, • Multicultural understanding should be an integral part
board of education, and community; of the education of all students;
• Appointment of a broadly representative committee • A desegregated/integrated school must provide
that is charged with making a study that includes opportunity for the development of attitudes and
alternatives and making recommendations within a behavior based on the value of the individual;
specific time period;
• A desegregated/integrated school must encourage all
• Making all committee meetings open to the public; students to be fully involved in school activities and to
develop to their fullest potential;
• Use of a clear and defined plan of action;
• Teachers and other staff members should be trained
• The concept of a districtwide facilities master plan; to understand the needs of all children and youth, as
well as the cultural, racial, ethnic, and economic
• Formation of goals and objectives that meet Education diversity found in California’s society;
Code requirements and student needs, and give
highest priority to maintenance or improvement of a • The entire school staff must work consistently to
quality program for every student; create a school climate of respect for the differences
as well as the similarities of all students;
• Wide use of informational meetings and media
coverage; • Support and direction for the development,
implementation and evaluation of
• Specific efforts to overcome negative attitudes and desegregation/integration programs require the
resistance to change; combined efforts of parents, students, the school
system, and the entire community;
• Decisions based on elements that include: location of
students; amount of disruption; enrollment projections • PTA must serve as a unifying force for integration by
and housing trends; cultural, socio-economic and involving the parents of all students in its activities††
ethnic balance; safety; transportation; and facilities— and encouraging parent participation in school-
size, quality, type, community use, and operating and sponsored activities; special efforts should be made to
closing costs; include parents residing outside the immediate school
community.
California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016 A64 Advocacy
† See related position statement: Basic Education . • Include measurement of a broad range of education
†† Refer to Outreach, Diversity and Inclusion. goals related to student achievement and program
effectiveness; and
School-To-Career Technical
Education • Include parents, educators, community and business
in the development and implementation of the
Adopted March 1985 – Reaffirmed April 2015 – program.
Education Commission
Services for Children of
The California State PTA believes in equal access to Undocumented Immigrants
education that prepares students to meet the needs of a
highly skilled, high technology workplace. A broad-based Adopted January 1994 – Reaffirmed July 2012 –
School-to-Career Technical Education program prepares Community Concerns Commission
all students for lifelong learning and successful transition
to career and advanced education. The California State PTA recognizes that the United
States is a country of immigrants and that the resulting
The California State PTA believes students need blend of cultures enriches our nation.
academically rigorous instructional programs that will
enable them to think critically, to formulate and solve The California State PTA believes all children who reside
problems, and to work in teams. Students need in California, regardless of their parents’ immigration
opportunities to apply their academic and technical skills status, have the right of access to a quality public
to the world of work. School to career instruction should education, adequate food and shelter, and basic health
be integrated into the curriculum in the elementary services. PTA also believes the congressional and
grades to provide an awareness of the wide variety of executive branches of the United States Government
careers available. Opportunities for career exploration must bear full responsibility for federal immigration
should expand in the middle grades. In high school, policies and the resulting fiscal impact on the states.
students should have the opportunity to participate in a
rigorous instructional program that forms a strong The California State PTA further believes that it is in the
foundation for lifelong learning and advanced education. interest of all Californians to ensure that all children,
including the children of undocumented immigrants,
The California State PTA further believes that School-to- have the opportunity to reach their full potential and
Career Technical Education programs should be become productive members of society.
available to all students to enable them to fulfill their
potential and to make informed career decisions. Special Education†
Therefore, such programs should:
Adopted March 1983 – Reaffirmed April 2015 –
• Be broad-based in structure, integrating academic and Education Commission
career coursework for lifelong learning;
The California State PTA believes:
• Promote mastery of both academic and career
performance standards; • All individuals with exceptional needs should receive a
free and appropriate public education in the least
• Create a kindergarten-to-career sequence; restrictive environment; this placement will include
appropriate services ensuring access to the core
• Link industry needs with education; curriculum, based on individual needs;
• Provide teachers opportunities through professional • Individualized Education Programs (IEP) should be
development to collaborate with each other to develop developed on the basis of the needs of the individual
powerful School-to-Career Technical Education student. The accurate assessment of each student’s
teaching and learning skills; English, native language, and academic skills is
necessary to ensure placement in the program that
• Offer career counseling and guidance in making best meets the educational needs of the students;
informed educational and occupational choices to
meet individual student needs; - The goal of the IEP should be to provide each
student with the academic, vocational and living
• Establish a strong link to community colleges, skills necessary to be a productive and independent
technical schools and four-year colleges/universities adult;
via articulation agreements;
- The IEP team should determine the appropriate
• Have equipment, facilities and supplies that are state- program placement, necessary related services,
of-the-art; and which curriculum options to offer;
• Meet health and safety standards; - The general education teacher should be part of the
IEP team;
• Integrate information on workplace health/safety and
child labor laws into all work related programs; - The school district or the county office of education
should provide transportation necessary to meet
• Establish strong partnerships with business and individual needs as determined in the IEP;
industry;
Advocacy A65 California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016
• Parents have the right, obligation and responsibility to - Allocations from the State General Fund for the
be fully involved prior to and throughout the entire public schools in amounts required to provide
process; quality education programs;
- Parent permission must be secured before testing - Allocations in addition to public education sufficient
and for assessment evaluations or placement to meet basic health and safety needs of children,
changes in the student’s program; youth and families, and
- Parents must be notified in writing of and given every - Full funding of mandated services;
opportunity to attend all IEP meetings and reviews,
and must receive a copy of the complete IEP; • Establish and maintain revenue sources carefully
planned and developed to avoid undue burden on the
• All teachers and school site personnel should be people but that ensure fairness, including
trained and sensitive to the special needs of
exceptional students; - Reduction of existing tax inequities and avoidance
of new ones; and
• Funding for non-educational needs of special
education students should come from sources other - New or increased taxes when necessary to meet
than educational dollars. The California State PTA the needs of the people.
further believes it is essential for the Legislature to
appropriate adequate resources to fully fund all The California State PTA further believes that local
mandated special programs and services (Advocacy control and responsibility for generating and expending
Chapter). funds for local services should be encouraged, and
promoted through the democratic process based on a
† See related position statements: Funding of Mandated Programs: Effect on majority vote of the public on all issues.
Public Education. Also see summaries of related National PTA Position
Statements: Education of Children With Disabilities–1994; Education for Status Offenders†
Handicapped Students–1991; Children with Special Needs–1989; Physical
Education and Sports Programs for Children with Developmental Disabilities– Adopted March 1987 – Reaffirmed January 2011 –
1990. These are found under the Citizenship and Equality of Opportunity Community Concerns Commission
Section III Legislative/Advocacy of the Quick-Reference Guide from National
PTA. The California State PTA recognizes the need for
community-based programs to help address the
†† Transition is defined as the acquisition of skills necessary to develop the problems of status offenders. Such programs should
most independent and productive lifestyle an individual may be capable of include:
achieving.
• Family involvement in the problem-solving process;
State Tax Reform
• Family mediation in crisis situations;
Adopted January 1970 – Reaffirmed April 2015 –
Legislation Committee • Counseling, training, work experience, education, and
family engagement;
The California State PTA recognizes that to make wise
decisions on state tax matters all citizens need to • Cooperation and coordination with law enforcement
understand the overall tax structure, and how state agencies, social service agencies, and educational
revenues are generated and expended. institutions;
The California State PTA believes that the total tax • Out-of-home placement when in the best interest of
structure should be strong and broadly based; that the youth and/or the family;
generation of revenues and distribution of the tax burden
should be fair and equitable; and that providing • The provision of safe shelters for temporary
adequately for the needs of children and youth should be placement while families and/or appropriate agencies
a funding priority. are contacted.
The California State PTA believes that tax policies The California State PTA strongly supports the use of
should include concepts that: School Attendance Review Boards and other social
agencies in dealing with problems of habitual truancy
• Establish and adhere to fiscal responsibility and and persistent or habitual refusal to obey the reasonable
accountability in government, including and proper orders or directions of school authorities.
- Efficient methods of collection, administration and The California State PTA will support limited secure
disbursement of tax revenues; detention of status offenders only under the following
circumstances:
- Periodic formal reviews of expenditures and
revenues; and • Custody shall be separate and apart from alleged or
adjudicated delinquents and adult inmates;
- Maximum local control of expenditures for local
services when that serves the best interests of • Custody shall be for the purpose of
children and youth;
- Determining whether there are any outstanding
• Provide annually sufficient revenues to fund necessary warrants;
and desired governmental services, including, but not
limited to - Locating parent(s)/guardian(s) and arranging for
return to home or to jurisdiction of residence;
California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016 A66 Advocacy
- Prevention of child endangerment. • Lobbying at school board meetings and asking
community, youth advocates and experts to join them;
The California State PTA will support court-ordered
secure detention of status offenders only under the • Organizing letter-writing campaigns;
following circumstances:
• Organizing press conferences and/or writing letters to
• Custody shall be separate and apart from alleged or the editor.
adjudicated delinquents and adult inmates;
Student Records
• Custody shall be determined by the court and for the
least amount of time necessary to resolve the crisis; Adopted November 1976 – Reaffirmed January 2011 –
Education Commission
• Custody shall be for the purpose of enforcing a court
order and providing services that would not be Current federal and state law provides privacy
available in the absence of limited secure detention. protections for student records and further affords
students, parents and guardians the right to obtain
† A status offender is any person under the age of 18 years access to those records and exercise some control over
who persistently or habitually refuses to obey the reasonable the release and disclosure of information contained in
and proper orders or directions of a parent or guardian, is those records.
beyond the control of a parent or guardian, or who is under the
age of 18 years when violating any city/county ordinance or The California State PTA believes it is important for local
state statute establishing a curfew based solely on age. Status school communities to become knowledgeable about
offenders are governed by section 601 of the California Welfare student record laws and their proper application to
and Institutions Code. ensure proper protection of student records. PTAs are
encouraged to work to expand their knowledge and
Student Participation in Public understanding about the laws that govern student
Demonstrations records.
Adopted July 2006 – Reaffirmed January 2011 – The California State PTA encourages school districts to
Community Concerns Commission annually carry out the provisions of Education Code
Section 49063, which requires:
The California State PTA recognizes that organized
demonstrations can increase public awareness of • Notification to students, parents and guardians of their
important issues and generate public will to bring about rights regarding access and control over records;
change. Student participation in public demonstrations
provides real-life connections to classroom civics • Notification to students, parents and guardians of the
lessons and allows students to express their beliefs in a types of records maintained by the school district; and
positive and meaningful way. Teachers and
administrators can enhance student learning by • Notification to students, parents and guardians of the
exploring issues through classroom discussion and after- position of the school official responsible for student
school forums. records.
The California State PTA believes a school's The California State PTA believes the timely transfer and
environment must provide a positive learning receipt of student records is vital to the proper placement
environment and physical safety for all students. While of transferring students; therefore, it is important that
the California State PTA supports the rights of students schools, both public and private, make every effort to
to express their beliefs on campus through organized immediately transfer student records upon request.
demonstrations, care must be taken to insure that the
orderly operation of the school is not disrupted and the The California State PTA believes that school personnel
physical safety of students is not threatened. Leaving must provide the utmost care toward the protection of
during school hours to attend an off-campus students and student records by exercising the following
demonstration places the student outside the safety safeguards:
zone of the school and unnecessarily jeopardizes that
school's education funding. • Ensure the confidentiality of all personal student data
that is collected and provide for proper record
PTA believes parents and teachers are instrumental in maintenance which includes the destruction of records
helping students develop the skills for being responsible when their usefulness ceases; and
and caring citizens, and they should encourage students
to find additional advocacy opportunities, including but • Require proper identification for any person requesting
not limited to: access to student records.
• Participating in peaceful demonstrations when school The California State PTA encourages all public and
is not in session; private agencies that collect personal data on students
to use the same standard of care in protecting student
• Visiting with legislative representatives; records as required by public schools.
• Drafting petitions, getting them signed by students,
parents and teachers, and delivering them to
policymakers;
• Writing articles for school papers;
Advocacy A67 California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016
Teen Dating Violence Prevention enforcement of the school’s dating abuse policy, and
enforcement of civil or criminal orders of protection;
Adopted January 2013 – Community Concerns
Commission • Requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction to
provide information about model education programs
The California State PTA believes in the importance of that are designed to promote healthy relationships and
preventing and eliminating factors that may be prevent teen dating violence on the State Department
detrimental to the health, safety and well-being of all of Education's Internet Website, as specified.
children, families and youth. Recognizing that any
circumstance that interferes with a child’s potential to Television Programming
become a healthy, educated, productive citizen places
that child at risk, the California State PTA believes Adopted November 1978 – Reaffirmed March 2009 –
prevention and intervention programs are vital. (Position Communications Commission
Statement Prevention and Intervention Programs)
The California State PTA fully supports the First
The California State PTA and its units, councils and Amendment and is opposed to and will continue to
districts have reaffirmed their commitment to the oppose government censorship of the media and will
promotion and support of violence prevention in schools oppose any attempt at censorship by any organization or
and communities. (Violence Prevention in Schools group.
resolution 1999)
The California State PTA believes, however, that the
According to the California Student Survey (CSS) 2009/ First Amendment was not designed to protect the
2010, at least one incident of physical dating violence economic interests of broadcasters and/or advertisers.
was reported by 3.0% of 9th graders and 7.0% of 11th Because federal communication law requires television
graders. and radio broadcasters to broadcast in the “public
interest, convenience and necessity,” and because the
Among students who had a boy/girlfriend, the rates of Children’s Television Act of 1990, Public Law 101-437
dating violence were 5.4% in 9th grade and 11.0% in requires stations to air shows that “serve the educational
11th grade. and informational needs of children” and puts a limit on
the number of minutes of ads per hour in children’s
The California State PTA believes children are the future programs, it is the responsibility of station
and must be protected from harm. PTA further believes owners/management to provide programming meeting
all children are entitled to live and grow in an that criteria.
atmosphere of love and respect, and no child should be
subjected to physical, psychological, verbal or sexual Although cable operators and cable programmers
abuse. (Position Statement Child Abuse) (networks) are generally less regulated, the California
State PTA supports similar standards for the cable
The home and school are two of the strongest influences industry to voluntarily provide responsible programming
in shaping attitudes of children. All schools must be for children.
deeply involved with positive human relations in the
education of the child. Parents should communicate their concerns about
programming to broadcasters, networks and advertisers,
To protect our children and youth from teen dating and encourage them to provide educational and
violence the California State PTA supports state responsible programming for children and youth.
legislation that:
Toy Look-Alike Guns
• Authorizes school districts to provide education
programs and policies that promote healthy Adopted March 1989 – Revised February 2014 –
relationships and prevent teen dating violence to Community Concerns Commission
pupils in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, through curricular,
extracurricular, and school climate-improvement The California State PTA believes that the safety and
activities; welfare of our children depend upon securing laws that
protect them, whenever possible, from death, serious
• Authorizes school districts to work in partnership with accidents and injury.
parents, caregivers, and youth, domestic violence,
sexual assault, or other appropriate community-based The California State PTA is concerned that toy guns
organizations, as deemed appropriate by the school have been manufactured to look like machine guns,
district, to provide these education programs; semi-automatics and revolvers, and alarmed that deaths
have occurred when toy guns were mistaken for real
• Authorizes school districts that choose to provide guns and when real guns are mistaken for toy guns.
education programs that promote healthy relationships
and prevent teen dating violence to use research- California State PTA supports:
based materials that are appropriate for pupils of all
races, genders, sexual orientations, gender identities, • The current ban on the manufacture and sale of look-
and ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and for pupils alike toy guns and urges its members to continue to
with disabilities; be aware of legislation that might repeal or dilute this
ban.
• Authorizes training for all school staff, including any
security guards or police personnel that work at the
school, on dating abuse and sexual assault, as well as
how to handle reports of dating abuse by students,
California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016 A68 Advocacy
California State PTA urges: • Adoption of goals and objectives that meet student
needs and California Education Code requirements
• Its unit, council and district PTAs to participate in and give the highest priority to providing a quality
public education about this ban and its importance to program for every student;
the safety of our children; and
• Decisions on factors that include the health and
• Its unit, council and district PTAs to monitor their local welfare of students; facilities use; teacher availability;
toy stores to determine if they are in compliance with voluntary versus mandatory desegregation plans;
this ban. enrollment and housing trends; cultural,
socioeconomic, and ethnic balance; and the
Vaccinations commitment of the community to coordinate youth
services;
Adopted May 2015 – Health Commission
• Specific efforts of the study committee to identify and
The California State PTA believes in the importance of meet actual community needs and, if a decision for
preventing and eliminating factors that may be year-round education has been made, to overcome
detrimental to the health, safety and well-being of all the natural resistance to change;
children, families and youth.
• Assignment of students within a family to similar or like
Recognizing that any circumstance that interferes with a tracks whenever feasible;
child’s potential to become a healthy, educated,
productive, citizen places that child at risk, the California • The legal authority of the school board to make the
State PTA believes prevention programs are vital. final decision;
The California State PTA believes that vaccination is a • Continued community involvement following transition
proven deterrent to diseases that in previous to year-round education to ensure a positive climate
generations have impacted large numbers of children for quality education;
annually in the past.
• Cooperation of community agencies and organizations
Despite the rather short history of vaccination, compared that serve children in adapting and providing programs
with the millennia of various human plagues and that meet the needs of the students;
pestilences, more than a dozen major infectious diseases
(most notably, smallpox, poliomyelitis, rabies, diphtheria, • Opportunities for students to participate in special
tetanus, pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b classes, extracurricular and co-curricular activities in a
disease, measles, mumps, and rubella) have been multi-track system;
controlled in many parts of the world [1]. (Journal of
Infectious Diseases, Volume 201, Issue 11) • Communication that will keep parents/guardians,
teachers, and students informed throughout the year;
The California State PTA believes that all children, with and
the exception of those who are medically vulnerable,
must receive the prescribed vaccinations in the age- • Providing assistance to the principal and support staff
appropriate timeline, in order to protect themselves, their who encounter additional responsibilities in the year-
families, their communities, and medically vulnerable round schedule.
children.
Youth Involvement
Year-Round Education
Adopted March 2005 – Revised October 2010 – Student
Adopted March 1986 – Reaffirmed January 2011 – Involvement Committee
Education Commission
The California State PTA values the involvement of
The California State PTA recognizes that year-round youth in accomplishing common goals and supporting
education can provide an opportunity to improve the the California State PTA’s mission. The California State
quality of education and maximizes the utilization of PTA encourages youth to become advocates,
existing school facilities. The acceptance and success of community leaders and responsible adults. Further, it
year-round education is enhanced by involving the acknowledges the insights, perspective and voice youth
parents/guardians, students, teachers, and community in provides.
a study of year-round education prior to implementation.
PTA leaders should attend school board meetings, The California State PTA welcomes student participation
discuss students’ needs with administrators, students on its Board of Managers and includes students on its
and parents/guardians, and be available to serve on commissions and committees. The California State PTA
year-round education study committees. believes that student contributions build stronger and
healthier communities.
In considering year-round education PTA supports:
The California State PTA encourages PTAs to support
• Early involvement of parents/guardians, teachers, efforts to develop youth participation by
administrators, staff, students, school board members,
community and youth-serving agencies; • Soliciting input from youth about budgetary and policy
proposals that affect them;
• Linking youth involvement opportunities to existing
local governmental, school, and state programs that
promote voluntary civic and community service;
Advocacy A69 California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016
• Encouraging legislative bodies at all levels of
government to include local youth in their
policymaking efforts;
• Encouraging schools and community programs to
provide meaningful opportunities for youth to
participate in planning and implementation;
• Instilling in youth a sense of civic responsibility,
citizenship, and leadership through active
participation.
The contributions of youth in working with adults will
enhance programs that serve youth and will strengthen
communities.
California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016 A70 Advocacy
Where We Stand: Issue-Related Guidelines
The California State PTA has created a number of guidelines to assist unit, council and district PTAs that are
considering taking action on issues. Detailed information on the following topics can be obtained through capta.org.
Guidelines included in the PTA Toolkit in this section will automatically sunset five years after being approved unless
reaffirmed or revised for another five years.
Assessment and Testing • Clear communication to parents/guardians and
community of an accurate profile of student and
Adopted July 1994 – Revised April 2010 – Education school performance.
Commission
The California State PTA also believes that at no time
The California State PTA believes assessment must be should a single test be considered the sole determinant
an integral part of the instructional process without of a student’s academic or work future. An assessment
distracting from time allotted for delivery of required system built solely on tests and what can be easily
curriculum. The overall goal of any student assessment measured has the potential of being misleading.
program should be to identify what students know and
how well they can apply that knowledge. A statewide The California State PTA affirms that assessment and
assessment program linked to established curriculum testing should be used for diagnostic purposes to
standards provides information on the effectiveness of support student achievement and should be linked to a
instructional delivery and curriculum support materials. curriculum that engages students’ intellect while
Assessment should be used to increase the providing a safe environment for students to develop
opportunities for students, rather than deny opportunities problem solving, critical thinking, and reasoning skills.
through such practices as tracking or discrimination by
gender, ethnicity, culture or diversity. Assessment tied to Background Checks of Mobile
standards can provide important information to students, Food Vendors
families, and communities about how students are
progressing in their learning and can be used to identify March 1999 – Reaffirmed March 2012 – Community
and address inequalities in access to learning Concerns
opportunities.
The following guidelines have been developed to assist
Content and performance standards should be unit, council and district PTAs to ensure the safety of
developed with input from parents/guardians and the children who patronize mobile food vendors.
community. Content standards should reflect knowledge
and skills in specific subject areas of the curriculum and Research current and pending city and county
be subject to periodic review. ordinances related to background checks and issuance
of permits and licenses required of mobile food vendors
Components of a sound assessment program should (i.e., trucks, coaches, bicycle carts, push carts…).
include:
Determine whether your city or county has an ordinance
• Formats that are culturally and racially bias-free and in regulating the distance mobile food vendors must keep
a language that the student understands; from school sites, school bus stops, and posted regional
bus stops per California Penal Code section 626 (c) (2)
• Measurements of what has been taught; subsections (a) and (b).
• Multiple measures which are performance-based, Advocate that current city, county and state agencies:
reflecting the different kinds of knowledge and skills
that a student is expected to acquire; • Prohibit the employment and/or licensing of vendors
who have prior criminal records involving moral
• Procedures and information that are clear and easy to turpitude and/or illegal chemicals;
understand;
• Prior to assignment require background checks that
• Guidance on how student learning can be increased; include fingerprinting;
• Provisions for maximum local and state control • Mandate that valid photo I.D. be worn visibly;
regarding all aspects of assessment;
• Law enforcement agencies have authority to enforce
• Guidelines for appropriate use of data; current and proposed ordinances.
• Strategies for monitoring the outcomes of Conduct community safety awareness meetings which
assessments to ensure beneficial impact on teaching include the ordinances and regulations regarding mobile
and learning; food vendors.
• Strategies for providing remedial and other Use PTA newsletters to inform the general membership
instructional support for those students who fall below about the issue.
school district standards and expectation;
• Scores provided that are reliable and valid; and
Advocacy A71 California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016
Support legislation to amend the California State Penal PTAs should not assume the responsibility for making
Code related to background checks to include mobile condoms available either with financial support or
food vendors as well as persons who have supervisory volunteer assistance due to the potential risk of liability.
or disciplinary power over minors.
Condom Availability Through the Dealing with Establishments That
Schools Sell Gasoline and Alcohol
Concurrently
January 1999 – Revised February 2016 – Health
March 1992 – Reaffirmed March 2012 – Community
The California State PTA is an organization concerned Concerns and Health
about all aspects of the health and well-being of children
and youth. The PTA recognizes that many students are Since 1987, establishments that concurrently sell
sexually active and that this may result in pregnancy or gasoline and alcohol fall under local regulations. The
sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection State enacted this legislation to ensure that local
leading to AIDS and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). government should not be preempted in the valid
exercise of its land use authority (Section 23790.5 of the
Schools contribute to the achievement of public health Business and Professions Code). Such establishments
goals in conjunction with their education commitments. could include bars, restaurants, liquor stores,
Through coordinated school health programs that supermarkets, and gasoline mini-marts.
include access to health services, health education, and
the involvement of parent and community coalitions, the The State did define conditions (Section 23790.5 of the
health and well being of all students can be promoted Business and Professions Code) that must be met by
and protected. the establishments engaging in the concurrent sale of
motor vehicle fuel with beer and wine for off-premises
An increase in reported sexually transmitted diseases consumption:
(STDs), including HIV/AIDS and HPV, among
adolescents has prompted many communities to take • No beer or wine shall be displayed within five feet of
action to protect their youth. One proven method is to the cash register or the front door unless it is in a
provide comprehensive sexuality education along with permanently affixed cooler.
school board programs that make condoms available to
sexually active youth. Numerous national health • No advertisement of alcoholic beverages shall be
organizations have adopted policies in support of school displayed at motor fuel islands.
condom availability as a component of comprehensive
sexuality education. The Centers for Disease Control • No sale of alcoholic beverages shall be made from a
and Prevention states that the proper and consistent use drive-in window.
of latex or polyurethane condoms can greatly reduce a
person’s risk of acquiring or transmitting sexually • No display or sale of beer or wine shall be made from
transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS and HPV. an ice tub.
While PTA has no specific position on school districts • No beer or wine advertising shall be located on motor
making condoms available to students, if a school district fuel islands and no self-illuminated advertising for beer
elects to do so, PTA urges that the condoms should be or wine shall be located on buildings or windows.
made available only under the following specific
conditions: • Employees on duty between the hours of 10 p.m. and
2 a.m. who sell beer or wine shall be at least 21 years
• That strategies for preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS of age.
and HPV should be taught, including abstinence from
sexual relations and intravenous drug use. Cities, however, can zone specific areas where liquor
can be sold, keeping it out of residential and school
• That the local school board has an existing condom areas.
availability policy.
PTAs may find that some of these establishments are
• That a licensed health professional provide condoms being placed in locations too close to residential and
only upon request. school areas or that these establishments are not
following conditions mandated by the State or laws
• That verbal and written instructions be given in the established by the local government. Dependent upon
proper use of condoms including information about the situation, the local unit, council or district PTA must
spermicide(s) approved by the Centers for Disease be prepared with accurate data prior to confronting local
Control and Prevention as well as information on government with their complaints.
condom failure at the time they are given to students.
Do Research:
• That any parent or guardian who objects to his or her
student receiving a condom may so inform the school • Contact members of the Board of Supervisors and
in writing. (The law requires school districts to notify City Council (or the Planning Department staff)
parents when a condom availability policy is regarding their policies and/or ordinances regulating
established.) the sale of alcoholic beverages at establishments that
sell gasoline and the licensing fees paid by such
establishments.
California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016 A72 Advocacy
• Check with police, sheriff’s and California highway These guidelines have been developed to facilitate
patrol departments to determine number of teenage parent involvement to assist PTAs in addressing the
deaths and injuries in your community which are problems of drug, alcohol, tobacco and other nicotine-
related to alcohol and driving. containing products, such as e-cigarettes and other
products as yet to be created, and to identify resources
• Contact your local government offices regarding their for information and further assistance.
local zoning for off-sale alcoholic beverages.
Education
• Contact the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) in your
area about the location of a particular establishment The parent, school, and community can heighten
and its proximity to schools or homes. awareness by learning:
Share information and express concern with: • What is happening regarding new drug look-alikes;
• Hours of operations; • What changes have been made in laws concerning
use and misuse of controlled substances, such as
• Noise and litter control; stiffer penalties for use and possession of drugs,
alcohol, tobacco and other nicotine-containing
• Lighting and exterior signs; products, such as e-cigarettes and other products as
yet to be created on or near school property;
• Architectural design review;
• What teacher/staff training is effective in education
• Adequate and functional ingress/egress and primary prevention methods;
(entrance/exit) and parking for automobiles;
• What is the school policy regarding
• Appropriate set-backs from front, rear and side lot
lines; – Students who use alcohol or take drugs at school
• Landscaping; – Sale of alcohol or drugs on or near school property
• Relations to housing, schools, churches; – Teachers/staff with alcohol or drug problems
• Proliferation and undue concentration of similar outlets – Teachers/staff involved in sale of alcohol or drugs
in the area;
– Drug, alcohol, and tobacco education curriculum (K-
• Substantial change in mode or character of operation. 12)
Attend public hearings before Planning Commission, – Teacher/staff training programs for teaching about
City Council and/or Board of Supervisors in your abuse
community and express PTA concerns on limiting
development projects that would allow sale of alcoholic – Other school drug, alcohol, tobacco and other
beverages at establishments that also sell gasoline, nicotine-containing products, such as e-cigarettes
even though it will bring extra revenues by license fees. and other products as yet to be created prevention
programs;
Support local legislation on these issues.
• What is the mass media influence;
Refer to the California State PTA resolution “Regulation
of Liquor Licenses Near Schools,” May 1997 for further • What is the relationship between school personnel
information. and law enforcement;
Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco • What is the proliferation of mini-marts selling alcohol,
Abuse Prevention and Awareness tobacco and other nicotine-containing products, such
as e-cigarettes and other products as yet to be
January 1999 – Revised February 2014 – Health created;
The PTA believes that prevention efforts must involve • What are early intervention resources;
the home, the school, and the community seeking
effective ways to address the use and abuse of drugs, • How to use law enforcement as a positive support
alcohol, tobacco and other nicotine-containing products, system for the community.
such as e-cigarettes and other products as yet to be
created. The issues should be faced through improving To set and attain their goals PTAs should:
family communication skills, knowledge of primary
prevention education programs in the school, and • Be aware of school and neighborhood drug and
developing community programs. alcohol environments;
The PTA believes every child has the right to develop to • Observe and talk with parents, children and youth;
his fullest potential and is firmly committed to helping
ensure that development through proactive methods. To • Meet with teachers, counselors, principals, and
fulfill this commitment, the PTA initiates and supports members of the community;
drug, alcohol, tobacco and other nicotine-containing
products, such as e-cigarettes and other products as yet • Seek data from local law enforcement agencies, as
to be created, legislation aimed at education, abuse well as the California Alcohol Beverage Control.
prevention and control.
PTAs should understand school district policy and work
with administrators to:
• Learn about the school primary prevention education
plan;
Advocacy A73 California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016
• Encourage establishment of a school primary • Encourage support of law enforcement agencies
prevention plan, if one does not exist; collaborating with merchants and businesses to solve
and alleviate problems;
• Examine curriculum of county and local school district
offices; • Seek cooperation of merchants, including agreement
to a Merchant’s Pledge not to sell alcohol and tobacco
• Obtain information from school district superintendent to youth or to adults who buy for youth;
or school board to request drug and alcohol, tobacco
and other nicotine-containing products, such as e- • Provide certificates of commendation to community
cigarettes and other products as yet to be created and members and agencies that give exemplary service in
abuse prevention education and its implementation; the area of awareness and prevention;
• Support limiting the proliferation and availability of • Offer school climate assessment programs designed
alcohol vendors accessible to youth; to change negative school environment and attitudes
as well as curriculum;
• Examine city zoning policies on vendor locations and
proximity to schools. • Form networks within individual PTAs and within
council and district PTAs for communication and to
PTAs can learn about parent education resources work toward a common goal.
through:
Evaluate the primary program by asking the following
• The county coordinator of drug, alcohol, tobacco and questions:
other nicotine-containing products, such as e-
cigarettes and other products as yet to be created • Is it appropriate for the target group?
abuse;
• Are teachers or facilitators trained in the primary
• Well-established drug, alcohol, tobacco and other prevention programs?
nicotine-containing products, such as e-cigarettes and
other products as yet to be created, abuse agencies, • Have students been involved in planning and
many of which have a variety of parent participating in programs?
communications and abuse information groups;
• Do the programs develop strategies specified in the
• Allied agencies providing drug, alcohol, tobacco and description of types of primary prevention programs?
other nicotine-containing products, such as e-
cigarettes and other products as yet to be created, • Is the program accountable to some established
and abuse awareness classes; agency, such as the school district, a governmental
agency or a community agency?
• District PTA and California State PTA resource people
trained in parent education and communication skills. • Have provisions been made for: continuing the
program, evaluation, follow-up?
Prevention
Criteria for Evaluating Drug and
There is no single primary prevention program to fit all Alcohol Education Material
needs. Numerous approaches and activities have been
developed. A combination of methods may be suitable In evaluating drug and alcohol education material, check
for your community. Methods used must be appropriate the following:
for their respective target groups: elementary students,
secondary students, parents, families, community, and • Background and reputation of those who prepared the
school administrators. Successful programs include the material;
following components:
• Physical appearance of the material;
• Provide accurate information;
• Timeliness of material: is it current and up-to-date;
• Stress self-esteem, communication skills, decision
making, understanding of personal values; • Readability: vocabulary, type size, organization, etc.;
• Utilize peer counseling and peer tutoring, including • Point of view expressed;
older students working with younger students;
• Unique information and quality of material;
• Provide alternatives to the use of drugs, alcohol,
tobacco and other nicotine-containing products, such • Ability to interest reader;
as e-cigarettes and other products as yet to be
created that are attuned to community involvement as • No “put on” or “put down” of the reader;
well as school environment;
• Relation of material to objectives;
• Offer work experience programs, career education,
family and parent involvement; • Objective and non-judgmental in tone;
• Offer family programs stressing communication skills, • Sufficient amount of information;
problem solving, counseling and support groups;
• Bibliography and cross reference index.
California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016 A74 Advocacy
Forming a Committee to Study the plans are for facility utilization in using a multi-track
and/or Implement Year-Round system, phase-in of schools if several schools or
Education school levels are involved, and involvement in regular
districtwide events and activities.
January 1999 – Reaffirmed April 2010 – Education
• Plans for coordinating the various community services
The California State PTA acknowledges the concern that support families such as before- and after-school
parents have when school districts find it necessary to child care and preschool child care, the need for
change from the traditional September-to-June school youth-serving agencies to adapt their programs to
year. Whether the decision is for educational reasons or serve students with varying schedules, coordination
due to severe overcrowding of available facilities, parent with public and private agencies and religious groups
and community concerns should be addressed through that provide religious instruction programs, summer
the work of a study committee appointed by the local camps and recreation programs and the ability of
school governing board. PTAs in the affected schools students to obtain needed employment whenever their
should take the lead in ensuring that a representative vacation schedules permit.
study committee is appointed and that the study agenda
includes the potential impact on the total community. If Throughout this discussion the quality of the instructional
the decision is to change to a year-round calendar, the program and availability of the total curriculum to all
implementation task force should structure the agenda to students in the district must be uppermost in the minds
answer all concerns expressed by students, parents and of everyone involved. (PTA strongly recommends a
the broader community. public hearing process as part of the study to ensure that
all constituencies in the community are given an
I. The Study Committee should include representatives opportunity to voice their concerns.) The assurance that
from: qualified teachers and staff will be provided for all
students regardless of calendar decisions and that all in-
• PTA(s) and all other groups with parent members. service/staff development activities undertaken by the
district will be provided for staff at all the affected
• Students. schools are considerations of prime importance.
• Administrative, certificated and classified staff. The decision to adopt a single- or multi-track calendar
should provide an implementation task force and plan
• Youth serving agencies. that includes the following:
• Public service agencies. • Recommendations that address the issues identified
by the committee in its deliberations, with substantive
• Religious groups because of their religious instruction rationale to support the recommendations.
programs, summer camps and daily recreation
programs. • Ways to inform everyone who will be affected by the
new calendar and methods to resolve resistance to
• Faith-based groups that offer youth programs. the decision.
• Business community and youth employment agencies. • A commitment for continued involvement of the school
community as the plan is implemented and necessary
• Child care providers. changes are made; and a method for ongoing
evaluation of student success.
II. The study committee agenda should include, but not
be limited to, the following general topics: Resources
• A thorough understanding of the proposed year-round “Year-Round Education”
plan, whether it is a single- or multi-track plan and California State Department of Education
what configuration of days on/days off is being 1430 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
considered, the benefits and drawbacks to changing www.cde.ca.gov/ls/fa/yr/guide.asp
from the traditional calendar, the need for a common
calendar K-12, etc. National Association for Year-Round Education
6401 Linda Vista Road,
• Visitations and interviews with current year-round San Diego, CA 92111
participants. 619.292.3679, Fax 619.571.5754,
E-mail [email protected]; www.nayre.org
• The district plan for providing all necessary student
services, such as activities with other schools not on a Parent Involvement
year-round calendar, the opportunity for students to
participate in extra-curricular and co-curricular March 1992 – Revised January 2005 – Family
activities in a multi-track system, counseling and other Engagement
student support services, particularly when multiple
tracks are involved, student access to both remedial Parent Involvement: Individual and Organizational Rights
and enrichment programs and, at the high school and Responsibilities in the Development of Children
level, access to advanced placement programs (AP),
timely planning and applications for college entrance National PTA Position Statement (Adopted by the
and other career options. 1991-1993 California State PTA Board of Managers)
• The district plan for providing services to the school
such as emergency repair and regular maintenance,
consideration of possible air-conditioning needs, what
Advocacy A75 California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016
Parent involvement is the participation of – Teacher Conferencing: Parents should contact the
parents/guardians in every facet of the education and school to schedule a date and time convenient for
development of children from birth to adulthood, all participants.
recognizing that parents/guardians are the primary
influence in children’s lives. – Volunteering: Parents should contact the school to
determine the terms and conditions of this service.
Parent involvement takes many forms, including the
parents’ shared responsibilities in decisions about – Student Attendance: Be notified in a timely
children’s education, health and well-being, as well as manner if their child is absent from school without
the parents’/guardians’ participation in organizations that permission.
reflect the community’s collaborative aspirations for all
children. – Student Testing: Be notified of their child’s
performance on standardized and statewide tests,
Parent’s Responsibilities and the school’s ranking on these tests.
The parent/guardian, as a role model and initial teacher, – School Selection: To request that their child be
has the responsibility to: enrolled in any school in the district. The district is
not compelled to grant the request.
• Safeguard and nurture the physical, mental, social and
spiritual education of the child; – Safe School Environment: Parents are entitled to
the assurance of a safe and supportive learning
• Provide opportunities for interaction with other children environment for their child.
and adults;
– Curriculum Materials: Examine the curriculum
• Lay the foundation for character development and materials of the class or classes in which their child
responsible behavior; is enroll.
• Lay the foundation for responsible citizenship, by – Student Academic Progress: Be informed of their
instilling a knowledge of and respect for our nation’s child’s academic progress in school and of persons
diverse cultural heritage; to contact if they wish more information or
assistance with their child.
• Provide a home environment that encourages and
sets an example for the child’s commitment to – Student Records: Access to their child’s records
learning; and to question anything they feel is inaccurate or
misleading, or an invasion of privacy.
• Know, help and work as partners with teachers and
school support staff, administrators, and special – Standards: Receive information regarding the
teachers; academic standards their child is expected to meet.
• Communicate with, serve on, and participate in the – School Rules: Receive written notification of school
selection/election of school officials (e.g., school board rules, attendance policies, dress codes, and
members, superintendents, school councils); procedures for school visitations.
• Develop, through observation, a knowledge of how the – Psychological Testing: Receive information on all
child functions in the school environment. psychological testing recommended for their child.
Parent’s Rights – Councils and Committees: Participate as a
member of a parent advisory committee, school-site
A parent/guardian has a right to: council, or site-based management leadership team
in accordance with established rules and regulations
• Clear, timely, and concise two way communication for membership.
and information between home and school;
– Policy Development: Have the opportunity to work
• Clear and concise information about the school and in a mutually supportive and respectful partnership
the child’s grade level and developmental progress; with the school to help their child succeed.
• Confidentiality of information about the child; – Beyond High School: Be informed of college
entrance requirements.
• Clear understanding of the processes to gain access
to the appropriate school officials, to participate in Organizational Responsibilities
decisions that are made and to appeal matters
pertaining to the child and the appeal process; In order to protect the education, health and well-being
of the whole child, the membership of the PTA has the
• Promote inclusiveness and sensitivity to language; responsibility to:
• Expect a sensitivity to language and cultural • Ensure access to an equitable and quality education
differences (inclusiveness); for all children equally;
• Be informed of disciplinary or investigative action • Advocate that all children have the support necessary
regarding their child; in the home, school and in the community;
• Be aware that California Law (Chapter 864, Statutes • Seek information on policies, curriculum and laws that
of 1998, gives parents/guardians the legal rights to affect all children and youth;
– Classroom Observing: The time and date of the
visitation must be arranged in advance with the
school.
California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016 A76 Advocacy
• Share accurate information about the school—(e.g., its A. Establish a study committee to:
goals, programs and policies)—with the membership
and school community; 1. Explore the number and location of establishments
which operate video game machines;
• Help and interact with students, teachers,
administrators and community; 2. Explore the types of video games sold by retailers
for home game systems as well as personal
• Promote inclusiveness and sensitivity to language and computers;
cultural differences of the community;
3. Research existence of any city or county
• Ensure an active PTA; ordinances, police permit regulations and other
regulations relating to video game sites;
• Work within the PTA, school, and community in a
constructive and respectful manner of procedures and 4. Consult with school district personnel, law
a diversity of opinion; enforcement agencies, city or county officials and
other concerned community groups to determine the
• Work in partnership with school professionals and effect of existing video game machines or arcades
parent advisory groups to determine appropriate levels on the schools and the community;
of programs and services;
5. Consult with or include in the study existing video
• Participate in decisions affecting policies, rules and game machine operators in order to encourage
regulations; voluntary cooperation with the study group’s
recommendations;
• Provide educational resources and increase
opportunities for the development of parenting skills. 6. Work with the community to determine a mutually
acceptable program to reduce or prevent any
Organizational Rights existing or future negative impact video game sites
may have on the schools and communities.
A PTA organization has the right to:
B. Many communities have found the following
• Function as an independent, nonpartisan child objectives to be effective in reducing potentially
advocacy group; detrimental effects of video game machines:
• Meet with appropriate school officials to discuss 1. Regulations which restrict the location of video
matters of mutual concern affecting all children and game sites to areas of the community that are some
youth; distance from schools;
• Participate, within state law and school board policy, in 2. Restrictions on the number of video game machines
the setting of the school goals and assist in the review permitted to one location;
of teaching materials and curriculum;
3. Charges for licenses to operate such machines or
• Seek enactment and participate in decisions affecting arcades to show reflected costs of added
policies, rules and regulations relating to all children community services required by the installation of
and youth. such sites, e.g., trash pickup, police protection;
Studying the Impact of Video 4. Regulations governing the hours of operation of
Games video game machines that include restriction of
access by minors during normal school hours;
January 1993 – Reaffirmed March 2012 – Community
Concerns 5. Requirements that there be adequate supervision of
video game sites to insure safety and school
PTA’s concerns regarding the impact of video games attendance;
include: the location of these machines, number of
machines permitted at any given location, impact on 6. Requirements that zoning ordinances be reviewed
street and sidewalk congestion where machines are to insure video game machines/arcades are located
concentrated, accessibility to the machines by students in areas where their presence will not disrupt or
during school hours where little or no supervision exists, violate community planning requirements;
occurrence of public disturbances and petty crimes in
the vicinity of these games. 7. Requirements that where video game machines are
already in place, steps for review of the permits
The California State PTA encourages its unit, council and/or licenses issued for such operations be
and district PTAs to be aware of and to educate their adapted to provide for evaluation and review of such
membership and the community regarding activities of licenses with appropriate school and community
young people at business establishments having video input.
game machines and the impact these activities have on
school attendance, alcohol and drug activity, gambling 8. Requirements that retailers who sell video games
and gang involvement. for home game systems, or personal computers
should label and separate games that portray
A unit, council or district PTA undertaking an educational violent or graphic material from those that are not
action program should consider the following general violent or graphic.
recommendations:
Advocacy A77 California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016
Suicide Prevention Education and board members, community leaders, and health and
Awareness social services agencies and providers.
January 1999 – Revised February 2015 – Health and The Health Framework for California Public Schools
Family Engagement recognizes that an important element of mental and
emotional health is a positive view of one’s self and a
PTA members’ long standing concern about suicide sense of a relationship to others. The Framework
prevention was formalized by the adoption of the 1983 encourages students:
convention resolution “Suicide Prevention Education and
Awareness.” These guidelines are to assist unit, council • To take pride in their personal identity,
and district PTAs in the implementation of the resolution.
• To view self-esteem as being based not only on one’s
The purpose of this guideline is to provide a roadmap for accomplishments, but also on personal values and
PTA members toward resources that can assist them in ethical considerations,
the development and implementation of activities and
programs concerning suicide prevention focusing in the • To make healthy decisions, and
home, school, and community.
• To refuse to take part in negative behaviors without
PTA’s focus is on youth and statistics showed nationally the fear of rejection.
that in 2009:
In order for parents to engage in efforts to prevent
• 13.8% of students in grades 9-12 seriously considered suicide attempts, it is useful to become familiar with
suicide in the previous 12 months (17.4% of females some of the characteristics associated with suicide,
and 10.5% of males). which may or may not be direct causes. There are
several different factors that may lead a teenager to take
• 6.3% of students reported making at least one suicide his or her life, but the most common is depression.
attempt in the previous 12 months (8.1% of females Feelings of hopelessness and anxiety, along with
and 4.6% of males). feelings of being trapped in a life that one can’t handle,
are very real contributors to teen suicide. In some cases,
• 1.9% of students had made a suicide attempt that teenagers believe that suicide is the only way to solve
resulted in an injury, poisoning, or an overdose that their problems. The pressures of life seem too much to
required medical attention (2.3% of females and 1.6% cope with, and some teenagers look at suicide as a
of males). welcome escape.
In 2014, the CDC reported that 60% of high school Risk Factors:
students claimed that they had thought about committing
suicide, and around 9% of them said that they tried • Divorce of parents
killing themselves at least once. According to the
National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) • Violence in the home
• 19.3% of high school students have seriously • Death of someone close to the teenager
considered killing themselves
• Family history of suicide
• 14.5% of high school students made actual plans for
committing suicide • Family history of child maltreatment
• 900,000 youth planned their suicides during an • Previous suicide attempt(s)
episode of major depression
• The suicide of a friend or someone he or she “knows”
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15 to online
24-year-olds. Even more disturbing is the fact that
suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for children • History of mental disorders, particularly clinical
between the ages of 10 and 14. More people survive depression
suicide attempts than actually die. However, they are
often seriously injured and need medical care. Our goal, • History of alcohol and substance abuse
then, is to stop suicide attempts.
• Feelings of hopelessness
(The citation for the statistics referenced above is:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National • Rejection by friends or peers
Center for Injury Prevention and Control
http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/Suicide_Data • Impulsive or aggressive tendencies
Sheet-a.pdf)
• Cultural and religious beliefs (e.g., belief that suicide is
The California Department of Education’s Health noble resolution of a personal dilemma)
Framework for California Public Schools, adopted in
2002, outlines a course of study with two factors central • Local epidemics of suicide
to its new approach to health education; emphasis
placed on developing lifelong, positive health-related • Isolation, a feeling of being cut off from other people
attitudes and behaviors and health education supported
by a comprehensive schoolwide system to promote • Inability to find success at school
children’s health, developed and sustained through
collaborative efforts of school personnel, parents, school • Barriers to accessing mental health treatment
• Loss (relational, social, work or financial)
• Physical illness
• Easy access to lethal methods
California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016 A78 Advocacy
• Unwillingness to seek help because of the stigma only school-related factor that consistently protected
attached to mental health and substance abuse students from engaging in unhealthy behaviors.
disorders or to suicidal thoughts
Developmental assets include those relating to the
It is important to be on the lookout for signs that your individual and those relating to his or her environment. A
teen may attempt suicide. What is so difficult about study involving more than 99,000 students in grades 6-
some of these warning signs of teen suicide is that some 12 investigated the role of 40 developmental assets in
of them are similar to normal adolescent behavior. The protecting adolescents from a variety of health-
teenage years are a trying time, and sometimes normal compromising behaviors.
behavior looks a lot like possibly destructive behavior.
But it doesn't hurt to look into the following warning signs Research on resilience identifies caring relationships,
of teen suicide: messages of high expectations, and opportunities for
participation and contribution as factors supporting
• Talks about death and/or suicide (maybe even with a positive youth development. The presence of a
joking manner) committed caregiver, a broad community support
system, and engaging social skills were the three most
• Plans ways to kill him or herself powerful predictors that children at risk would grow up to
be healthy, functioning adults.
• Expresses worries that nobody cares about him or her
Suicide prevention plans at public schools can involve
• Has attempted suicide in the past the support of families, schools, and communities
working together as part of a comprehensive
• Dramatic changes in personality and behavior Coordinated School Health system that considers
resiliency, and youth development assets in pursuit of
• Withdraws from interacting with friends and family the goal of preventing suicide attempts.
• Shows signs of depression Exemplary school-based prevention programs take the
following steps:
• Shows signs of a substance abuse problem
• Enlist the support of administration.
• Begins to act recklessly and engage in risk-taking
behaviors • Advocate for a school district wide suicide-prevention
policy.
• Begins to give away sentimental possessions
• Institute training for faculty and all school staff, which
• Spends time online interacting with people who includes intervention and aftermath approaches.
glamorize suicide and maybe even form suicide pacts
• Institute a school crisis response team.
Protective factors buffer individuals from risks such as
suicidal thoughts and behavior: • Institute parent/guardian education regarding youth
suicide
• Effective clinical care for mental, physical, and
substance abuse disorders • Institute community “gatekeeper” training.
• Easy access to a variety of clinical interventions and • Implement skills training and social support programs
support for help seeking for students.
• Family and community support (Connectedness) • Implement school activities that increase students’
connection to the school.
• Support from ongoing medical and mental health care
relationships • Develop supportive school-community partnerships
• Skills in problem solving, conflict resolutions, and A coordinated school health system includes health
nonviolent ways of handling disputes. (Youth education, physical education, health services, nutrition
Development and Resiliency) services, psychological and counseling services, a safe
and healthy school environment, health promotion for
• Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide staff, and parent and community involvement. The
and support instincts for self-preservation system is designed to protect and promote the health
and well being of students and staff. One way parents
It is important to treat your child with respect and can get involved is by serving on School
understanding. Show your unconditional love, and offer Health/Wellness Councils.
emotional support. It is important that a teen considering
suicide feel loved and wanted. Show your teenager that Resources
it is possible to overcome life’s challenges, and make
sure that he or she knows that you are willing to help Health Framework for California Public Schools,
out. adopted by the California Board of Education 2002;
http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/suicide
Youth Development is the name of an approach that
focuses on building youths’ assets rather than repairing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Youth
their deficits. Youth development strategies help most Risk Behavior Surveillance—United States, 2009.
young people, including those challenged by multiple Surveillance Summaries, June 4. MMWR 2010; 59
risks and adversities, to grow into thriving adults. (No. SS-5);
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/ss/ss5905.pdf
School connectedness means that students have a
sense of belonging at school and perceive that teachers
are fair and care about them. A study of 20,000 students
in grades 7-12 found that school connectedness was the
Advocacy A79 California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016
U.S. Public Health Service. The surgeon general’s call Health Framework for California Public Schools –
to action to prevent suicide. Washington (DC): US Kindergarten Through Grade Twelve;
Department of Health and Human Services; 1999; http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/cr/cf/documents/healthfw.pdf
http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/calltoaction/callt
oaction.pdf What is Coordinated School Health? – California
Department of Education;
American Association of Suicidology. Youth Suicide http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/cs/csh.asp
Fact Sheet; http://www.suicidology.org/web/guest/
stats-and-tools/fact-sheets A Guide to Community School Health Councils –
American Cancer Society; http://www.cancer.org/
Search Institute, The Banks Building 615 First Avenue Healthy/MoreWaysACSHelpsYouStayWell/
NE, Suite 125 Minneapolis, MN 55413; SchoolHealth/SchoolHealthCouncils/
www.search-institute.org guide-to-community-school-health-councils-pdf;
www.cancer.org/acs/groups/content/@nho/documents
Getting Results: Developing Safe and Healthy Kids; /document/guidetocommunityschoolhealhcou.pdf
www.gettingresults.org
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
California State PTA Convention Resolution – Student Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Substance Abuse: Alternatives to Zero Tolerance – Administration; www.samhsa.gov
2003
Resources for Suicide Prevention at:
Youth Suicide-Prevention Guidelines for California www.mentalhealth.gov with Spanish-language
Schools – 2005; http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/cg/mh/ resources at:
documents/suicideprev.doc http://espanol.mentalhealth.gov/index.html
Youth Suicide Prevention Resources, California
Department of Education:
www.cde.ca.gov/ls/cg/mh/suicideprevres.asp
California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016 A80 Advocacy
Advocacy Topic Index
The Advocacy Topic Index is intended to provide quick access to relevant PTA positions in a particular subject area, and may not be all-
inclusive. When reviewing the resolutions, position statements and guidelines listed for a particular topic, please refer also to the General
Principles and Legislation Planks in the California State PTA Legislation Platform and to California State PTA Legislation Policies and
Procedures for an overall understanding of PTA’s legislative direction. Resolutions (R) are published in the Resolutions Book and posted on the
California State PTA website at capta.org.
R=Convention Resolution C=Communications L=Legislation Committee
R*= Board of Managers Resolution CC=Community Concerns M=Membership
PS=Position Statement E=Education F=Family Engagement
G=Guideline H=Health S=Student Involvement
Title ..............................................................................................................................................................................................Commission
ACCOUNTABILITY (SEE EDUCATION)
Achievement: Eliminating the Gap (2009) R .......................................................................................................................................E/F
Assessment and Testing (2010) G.........................................................................................................................................................E
Assessment (Statewide) (2009) PS .......................................................................................................................................................E
Student Assessment, Achievement and Accountability (2000) R ..........................................................................................................E
AIDS/HIV (SEE SEXUALLY-TRANSMITTED DISEASES)
Condom Availability Through the Schools (2012) G ..............................................................................................................................H
HIV/STD Prevention Education in Our Schools (2008) R ......................................................................................................................H
ALCOHOL (SEE SUBSTANCE ABUSE)
ANTIBIOTICS (SEE HEALTH)
ARTS
Arts Education (1998) R.........................................................................................................................................................................E
Arts in Education (2010) PS...................................................................................................................................................................E
ASSESSMENT
Assessment and Testing (2010) G.........................................................................................................................................................E
Educational Testing and Test Scores (1971) R .....................................................................................................................................E
Assessment (Statewide) (2009) PS .......................................................................................................................................................E
Longitudinal Integrated Statewide Data System (2008) R .....................................................................................................................E
Student Assessment, Achievement and Accountability (2000) R ..........................................................................................................E
ATTENDANCE
Absentees and Dropouts, Programs ......................................................................................................................................................E
Attention Deficit Disorder in Children (1998) R ......................................................................................................................................H
Delinquency Prevention (2012) PS ..................................................................................................................................................... CC
Grade Retention (1991) R......................................................................................................................................................................E
Juvenile Offenders in the Justice System (2012) PS .......................................................................................................................... CC
Prevention and Intervention Programs (2010) PS ..............................................................................................................................H/F
Safe School Environments (2011) PS................................................................................................................................................. CC
School Absenteeism/Dropouts (1986) R............................................................................................................................................. CC
Status Offenders (2011) PS ................................................................................................................................................................ CC
Student Participation in Public Demonstrations (2011) PS ................................................................................................................. CC
Student Records (2011) PS ...................................................................................................................................................................E
Violence Prevention in Schools (1999) R............................................................................................................................................ CC
Youth Involvement (2010) PS ................................................................................................................................................................S
BACKGROUND CHECKS
Background Checks of Ice Cream Truck Vendors (1986) R ............................................................................................................... CC
Background Checks of Mobile Food Vendors (2012) G...................................................................................................................... CC
Advocacy A81 California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016
Credentialed School Personnel (2010) PS ............................................................................................................................................E
Promoting the Inclusion of Nonpublic Schools on California’s Megan’s Law Registered Sex Offender Database (2008) R........... CC/L
BEFORE- AND AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS (SEE CHILD CARE)
BICYCLE SAFETY (SEE SAFETY)
CATEGORICAL PROGRAMS (SEE SPECIAL NEEDS)
CHARTER SCHOOLS
Charter Schools (2010) PS ....................................................................................................................................................................E
CHILD ABUSE (SEE VIOLENCE AND VANDALISM)
Aid to Rape Victims and Their Families (1977) R .............................................................................................................................. CC
Child Abuse (2011) PS........................................................................................................................................................................ CC
Child Abuse Prevention, Programs ..................................................................................................................................................... CC
Child Trafficking in California (2010) R ............................................................................................................................................... CC
Child Victims/Witnesses Rights (2012) PS ......................................................................................................................................... CC
Family Preservation: An Alternative to Out-of-Home Placement (1990) R ......................................................................................... CC
Mental Illness: Treatment and Support (1999) R ...................................................................................................................................H
Missing and Exploited Children, Programs ......................................................................................................................................... CC
Save Our Kids (1983) R ......................................................................................................................................................................... F
Treatment Centers for the Sexually Abused (1978) R .....................................................................................................................CC/H
Use of Children as Subjects in Pornographic Materials (1977) R ...................................................................................................CC/C
Violence in the Home (1977) R .......................................................................................................................................................CC/F
CHILD CARE
Assistance to Families in Need (2012) PS.......................................................................................................................................... CC
Before- and After-School Options for Children and Youth (2008) PS .................................................................................................... F
Child Care (2012) PS ............................................................................................................................................................................. F
Child Victims/Witnesses Rights (2012) PS ......................................................................................................................................... CC
Early Childhood Development and Education (2000) R......................................................................................................................E/F
Education: The Early Years, Ages 3 to 6 (2010) PS ..............................................................................................................................E
Support for Quality Child Care (1986) R ................................................................................................................................................ F
CHOICE IN EDUCATION (SEE CHARTER SCHOOLS, EDUCATION)
CLASS SIZE REDUCTION
Class Size Reduction (1996) R ..............................................................................................................................................................E
Class Size Reduction Flexibility (2005) R ..............................................................................................................................................E
Reduced Class Size in Grades K-3 (2013) PS ......................................................................................................................................E
Reduction of Student:Teacher Workload (Class Size) (1989) R............................................................................................................E
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
Collective Bargaining Background and PTA Guidelines ........................................................................................................................G
Public School Employer-Employee Negotiations (2010) PS..................................................................................................................E
Teacher Quality: Recruitment, Retention and Resources (2001) R .......................................................................................................E
COMPUTERS (SEE EDUCATION, MASS MEDIA, TECHNOLOGY)
COUNSELING (SEE CHILD ABUSE, EDUCATION, HEALTH, MENTAL HEALTH, VIOLENCE AND VANDALISM)
Child Victims/Witnesses Rights (2012) PS ......................................................................................................................................... CC
Child Trafficking in California (2010) R ............................................................................................................................................... CC
Increasing Counselor-to-Student Ratio in Schools (2000) R .................................................................................................................E
CREDENTIALED AND SUPPORT PERSONNEL, EDUCATION
Credential Requirement: Parent/Family Involvement Component (1993) R .......................................................................................... F
Credentialed School Nurses (2005) R ............................................................................................................................................... E/H
Credentialed School Personnel (2010) PS ............................................................................................................................................E
Family Engagement in Credentialing Programs (2012) PS ................................................................................................................... F
California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016 A82 Advocacy
Early Childhood Development and Education (2000) R......................................................................................................................E/F
Education: Support of Public Education (2010) PS................................................................................................................................E
Evaluation of Teachers (2011) PS .........................................................................................................................................................E
Improving K-12 Mathematics Education (1998) R .................................................................................................................................E
Increased School Nurse-to-Student Ratios (1997) R.............................................................................................................................H
Increasing Counselor-to-Student Ratio in Schools (2000) R .................................................................................................................E
Teacher Preparation for Elementary Education (1973) R ......................................................................................................................E
Teacher Quality: Recruitment, Retention and Resources (2001) R .......................................................................................................E
CURRICULUM AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Arts Education (1998) R.........................................................................................................................................................................E
Arts in Education (2010) PS...................................................................................................................................................................E
Before- and After-School Options for Children and Youth (2008) PS .................................................................................................... F
Breast Cancer Early Detection Awareness and Education (1988) R .....................................................................................................H
Character Education (2013) PS .............................................................................................................................................................E
Citizenship Education (1989) R* ............................................................................................................................................................E
Creating Lifelong Readers (1998) R ......................................................................................................................................................E
Early Childhood Development and Education (2000) R......................................................................................................................E/F
Ethnic Representation in Curricula (1970) R..........................................................................................................................................E
Financial Literacy for Youth (1999) R..................................................................................................................................................... F
Freedom to Learn (2010) PS .................................................................................................................................................................E
HIV/STD Prevention Education in Our Schools (2008) R ......................................................................................................................H
Improving K-12 Mathematics Education (1998) R .................................................................................................................................E
Literacy Education (1989) R................................................................................................................................................................E/F
Nutrition Education (1991) R...............................................................................................................................................................H/F
Nutrition Education (2010) PS................................................................................................................................................................H
Opposition to Televised Commercials in California Classrooms (1990) R* ....................................................................................... E/C
Pedestrian Safety Education (1990) R.............................................................................................................................................CC/E
Prejudice Awareness Education (1989) R .............................................................................................................................................E
School-to-Career for All Students (2001) R ...........................................................................................................................................E
School-to-Career Technical Education (2004) PS .................................................................................................................................E
Self-Esteem and Personal and Social Responsibility Awareness (1991) R........................................................................................... F
Summer Learning Loss Resolution (2013) R .........................................................................................................................................E
Summer School (1980) R.......................................................................................................................................................................E
Support for the Civic Mission of Schools (2006) R.................................................................................................................................E
Teen Driving Safety (2009) R.............................................................................................................................................................. CC
DELINQUENCY PREVENTION (SEE ATTENDANCE, MENTAL HEALTH, SPECIAL NEEDS, VIOLENCE AND VANDALISM)
Assistance to Families in Need (2012) PS.......................................................................................................................................... CC
Before- and After-School Options for Children and Youth (2008) PS .................................................................................................... F
Character Education (2013) PS .............................................................................................................................................................E
Child Trafficking in California (2010) R ............................................................................................................................................... CC
Delinquency Prevention (2012) PS ..................................................................................................................................................... CC
Family Preservation: An Alternative to Out-of-Home Placement (1990) R ......................................................................................... CC
Family Services (2012) PS.................................................................................................................................................................. CC
Gang Awareness (2011) PS ............................................................................................................................................................... CC
Juvenile Justice Reform – A Priority (1983) R .................................................................................................................................... CC
Juvenile Offenders in the Justice System (2012) PS .......................................................................................................................... CC
Prevention and Intervention Programs (2010) PS ..............................................................................................................................H/F
Prevention of Teen Pregnancy (2012) PS .............................................................................................................................................H
Mental Illness: Treatment and Support (1999) R ...................................................................................................................................H
School Absenteeism/Dropouts (1986) R............................................................................................................................................. CC
Status Offenders (2011) PS ................................................................................................................................................................ CC
Student Participation in Public Demonstrations (2011) PS ................................................................................................................. CC
Violence Prevention in Schools (1999) R............................................................................................................................................ CC
DESEGREGATION AND INTEGRATION
Desegregation and Neighborhood Schools (1979) R ............................................................................................................................E
Equal Rights (2009) PS.......................................................................................................................................................................... L
Advocacy A83 California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016
Ethnic Representation in Curricula (1970) R..........................................................................................................................................E
Fair Housing (2011) PS....................................................................................................................................................................... CC
Funding of Mandated Programs: Effect on Public Education (2010) PS ...............................................................................................E
Human Relations (2012) PS ............................................................................................................................................................... CC
Inclusiveness and Diversity (2008) PS.................................................................................................................................................. M
Prejudice Awareness Education (1989) R .............................................................................................................................................E
School Desegregation/Integration (2009) PS.........................................................................................................................................E
School Desegregation Through Housing Integration Incentives (1982) R .............................................................................................E
Support and Funding for Voluntary Integration Programs (1980) R.......................................................................................................E
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Disaster Preparedness (1986) R......................................................................................................................................................... CC
Disaster Preparedness/Crisis Response, Job Description.................................................................................................................. CC
Mitigating Earthquake Hazards in Public Schools (1989) R.............................................................................................................CC/E
Safe School Environments (2011) PS................................................................................................................................................. CC
School Bus Safety (2006) PS.............................................................................................................................................................. CC
School Emergency First Aid Plan (1973) R............................................................................................................................................H
DISCIPLINE (SEE DELINQUENCY PREVENTION, VIOLENCE AND VANDALISM)
Character Education (2013) PS .............................................................................................................................................................E
Delinquency Prevention (2012) PS ..................................................................................................................................................... CC
Safe School Environments (2011) PS................................................................................................................................................. CC
Status Offenders (2011) PS ................................................................................................................................................................ CC
Student Participation in Public Demonstrations (2011) PS ................................................................................................................. CC
Violence Prevention in Schools (1999) R............................................................................................................................................ CC
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (SEE CHILD ABUSE, HEALTH, MENTAL HEALTH, VIOLENCE AND VANDALISM)
Aid to Rape Victims and Their Families (1977) R ............................................................................................................................... CC
Child Abuse (2011) PS........................................................................................................................................................................ CC
Child Abuse Prevention, Programs ..................................................................................................................................................... CC
Child Trafficking in California (2010) R ............................................................................................................................................... CC
Child Victims/Witnesses Rights (2012) PS ......................................................................................................................................... CC
Family Responsibility and Accountability (2012) PS .............................................................................................................................. F
Family Services (2012) PS.................................................................................................................................................................. CC
Mental Illness: Treatment and Support (1999) R ...................................................................................................................................H
Responsibility of Society to the Family (2005) PS ................................................................................................................................. F
Treatment Centers for the Sexually Abused (1978) R .....................................................................................................................CC/H
Use of Children as Subjects in Pornographic Materials (1977) R ...................................................................................................CC/C
Violence in the Home (1977) R ........................................................................................................................................................CC/F
DRIVER EDUCATION
Alcohol-Related (1982) R................................................................................................................................................................... CC
Teen Driving Safety (2009) R.............................................................................................................................................................. CC
DRUG ABUSE (SEE SUBSTANCE ABUSE)
DRUGS (SEE SUBSTANCE ABUSE)
EDUCATION
Achievement: Eliminating the Gap (2009) R .......................................................................................................................................E/F
Alcohol-Related (1982) R................................................................................................................................................................... CC
Arts Education (1998) R.........................................................................................................................................................................E
Arts in Education (2010) PS...................................................................................................................................................................E
Assessment (Statewide) (2009) PS .......................................................................................................................................................E
Assessment and Testing (2010) G.........................................................................................................................................................E
Basic Education (2010) PS ....................................................................................................................................................................E
Character Education (2013) PS .............................................................................................................................................................E
Charter Schools (2010) PS ....................................................................................................................................................................E
Citizenship Education (1989) R* ............................................................................................................................................................E
California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016 A84 Advocacy
Class Size Reduction (1996) R ..............................................................................................................................................................E
Comprehensive Waste Reduction in Schools (2007) R ............................................................................................................... CC/E/H
Class Size Reduction Flexibility (2005) R ..............................................................................................................................................E
Computer Technology in Education (1983) R ........................................................................................................................................E
Computer Workstation Health (2010) R .................................................................................................................................................H
Creating Lifelong Readers (1998) R ......................................................................................................................................................E
Credentialed School Personnel (2010) PS ............................................................................................................................................E
Developmentally-Appropriate Physical Education (1999) R ..................................................................................................................H
Early Childhood Development and Education (2000) R......................................................................................................................E/F
Education Chairman, Job Description....................................................................................................................................................E
Education, Programs..............................................................................................................................................................................E
Education of English Language Learners (2010) PS .............................................................................................................................E
Education: A 21st Century Vision (2005) R............................................................................................................................................E
Education: Higher Education (2010) PS ................................................................................................................................................E
Education: Parental Choice in Public Schools (2010) PS ......................................................................................................................E
Education: Support of Public Education (2010) PS................................................................................................................................E
Education: The Early Years, Ages 3 to 6 (2010) PS ..............................................................................................................................E
Education: The Elementary Years, Ages 6 to 10 (2013) PS ..................................................................................................................E
Education: The High School Years, Ages 14 to 18 (2009) PS...............................................................................................................E
Education: The Middle Years, Ages 10 to 14 (2009) PS........................................................................................................................E
Educational Testing and Test Scores (1971) R .....................................................................................................................................E
Education Technology Funding (1995) R...............................................................................................................................................E
Evaluation of Teachers (2011) PS .........................................................................................................................................................E
Funding of Mandated Programs: Effect on Public Education (2010) PS ...............................................................................................E
Extended Educational Services for the Handicapped (1967) R .............................................................................................................E
Financial Literacy for Youth (1999) R..................................................................................................................................................... F
Financing California's Public Schools (2007) R ..................................................................................................................................E/L
Forming a Committee to Study and/or Implement Year-Round Education (2010) G.............................................................................E
Freedom to Learn (2010) PS .................................................................................................................................................................E
Grade Retention (1991) R......................................................................................................................................................................E
HIV/STD Prevention Education in Our Schools (2008) R ......................................................................................................................H
Improving K-12 Mathematics Education (1998) R .................................................................................................................................E
Inclusive Schools Build Stronger Communities (2013) R.......................................................................................................................E
Increasing Counselor-to-Student Ratio in Schools (2000) R .................................................................................................................E
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Underfunding (2007) R .........................................................................................E/L
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in Schools (2007) R .........................................................................................................................................H
Instructional Materials (2009) PS ...........................................................................................................................................................E
Learning Disabilities and Learning Disabilities in Gifted Children (2000) R ...........................................................................................E
Library and Media Facilities in Schools, Programs ................................................................................................................................C
Library Services (2010) PS ....................................................................................................................................................................E
Literacy Education (1989) R................................................................................................................................................................E/F
Minimum Instruction Time (1983) R .......................................................................................................................................................E
Prejudice Awareness Education (1989) R .............................................................................................................................................E
Prevention and Intervention Programs (2010) PS ..............................................................................................................................H/F
Public School Governance Authority (2007) R....................................................................................................................................E/L
Reduced Class Size in Grades K-3 (2013) PS ......................................................................................................................................E
Reduction of Student:Teacher Workload (Class Size) (1989) R............................................................................................................E
Safe School Environments (2011) PS................................................................................................................................................. CC
School Based Decision Making (2009) PS ............................................................................................................................................E
School Closure (2013) PS......................................................................................................................................................................E
School-to-Career for All Students (2001) R ...........................................................................................................................................E
School-to-Career Technical Education (2004) PS .................................................................................................................................E
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education (2011) R...............................................................................E
Special Education (2010) PS .................................................................................................................................................................E
Student Assessment, Achievement and Accountability (2000) R ..........................................................................................................E
Student Participation in Public Demonstrations (2011) PS ................................................................................................................. CC
Student Records (2011) PS ...................................................................................................................................................................E
Summer School (1980) R.......................................................................................................................................................................E
Support for the Civic Mission of Schools (2006) R.................................................................................................................................E
Advocacy A85 California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016
Support of Public Education, PTA Priority (1980) R...............................................................................................................................E
Teacher Preparation for Elementary Education (1973) R ......................................................................................................................E
Teacher Quality: Recruitment, Retention and Resources (2001) R .......................................................................................................E
Year-Round Education (2011) PS..........................................................................................................................................................E
EMERGENCY
Disaster Preparedness/Crisis Response, Job Description.................................................................................................................. CC
Duplicate Emergency Forms at Athletic Events (1974) R ......................................................................................................................E
Emergency School Bus Evacuation (1973) R ..................................................................................................................................CC/E
First Aid and/or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (C.P.R.) (1987) R .......................................................................................................H
Safe School Environments (2011) PS................................................................................................................................................. CC
Safety/Disaster Preparedness, Programs........................................................................................................................................... CC
School Bus Safety (2006) PS.............................................................................................................................................................. CC
School Emergency First Aid Plan (1973) R............................................................................................................................................H
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Air Pollution (1973) R .............................................................................................................................................................................H
Comprehensive Waste Reduction in Schools (2007) R ............................................................................................................... CC/E/H
Electro-Magnetic Fields (1994) R...........................................................................................................................................................H
Energy Conservation (2011) PS ......................................................................................................................................................... CC
Environmental Protection, Programs .....................................................................................................................................................H
Environmental Health and Environmental Education (2012) PS........................................................................................................ E/H
Hazardous Waste Management (1980) R..............................................................................................................................................H
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in Schools (2007) R .........................................................................................................................................H
Lead Poisoning (2005) PS .....................................................................................................................................................................H
Longitudinal Integrated Statewide Data System (2008) R .....................................................................................................................E
Pesticides (1972) R................................................................................................................................................................................H
Protection of Children from the Harmful Effects of Aircraft Emissions (1998) R ....................................................................................H
Sun Safety: Skin Cancer Prevention Measures at School (2005) R ......................................................................................................H
Teen Driving Safety (2009) R.............................................................................................................................................................. CC
Toxins (Persistent and Bioaccumulative) and Their Effects on Children (2002) R ................................................................................H
Trees for Life (1989) R ........................................................................................................................................................................ CC
EQUAL RIGHTS
Achievement: Eliminating the Gap (2009) R .......................................................................................................................................E/F
Assistance to Families in Need (2012) PS.......................................................................................................................................... CC
Child Trafficking in California (2010) R ............................................................................................................................................... CC
Desegregation and Neighborhood Schools (1979) R ............................................................................................................................E
Equal Rights (2009) PS.......................................................................................................................................................................... L
Ethnic Representation in Curricula (1970) R..........................................................................................................................................E
Fair Housing (2011) PS....................................................................................................................................................................... CC
Family Responsibility and Accountability (2012) PS .............................................................................................................................. F
Family Services (2012) PS.................................................................................................................................................................. CC
Freedom to Learn (2010) PS .................................................................................................................................................................E
General Principles, #1 Principle ............................................................................................................................................................. L
Human Relations (2012) PS ............................................................................................................................................................... CC
Responsibility of Society to the Family (2005) PS ................................................................................................................................. F
Services for Children of Undocumented Immigrants (2012) PS ......................................................................................................... CC
FACILITIES
Bungalow Classroom Safety (1971) R .............................................................................................................................................CC/E
Computer Workstation Health (2010) R .................................................................................................................................................H
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in Schools (2007) R .........................................................................................................................................H
Mitigating Earthquake Hazards in Public Schools (1989) R.............................................................................................................CC/E
Revenue from Sale or Rental of School Properties for Maintenance Services and Repair of School Sites (1979) R ...........................E
Safe School Environments (2011) PS................................................................................................................................................. CC
Safety Problems Related to Freeway Construction Near Schools (1970) R....................................................................................CC/E
School Buildings and Railroad Safety Requirements (1990) R........................................................................................................CC/E
School Closure (2013) PS......................................................................................................................................................................E
California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016 A86 Advocacy
School Construction Funding (1986) R ..................................................................................................................................................E
School Facilities and Public Planning (1991) R .....................................................................................................................................E
School Facilities Crisis (1986) R*...........................................................................................................................................................E
School Facilities Crisis (1990) R ............................................................................................................................................................E
FAMILY
Assistance to Families in Need (2012) PS.......................................................................................................................................... CC
Credential Requirement: Parent/Family Involvement Component (1993) R .......................................................................................... F
Family Engagement in Credentialing Programs (2012) PS ................................................................................................................... F
Family Planning (2012) PS .................................................................................................................................................................... F
Family Preservation: An Alternative to Out-of-Home Placement (1990) R ......................................................................................... CC
Family Responsibility and Accountability (2012) PS .............................................................................................................................. F
Family Services (2012) PS.................................................................................................................................................................. CC
Foster Families (1999) R........................................................................................................................................................................ F
Homeless Families and Children, Programs....................................................................................................................................... CC
Homeless Families/Children (2012) PS .............................................................................................................................................. CC
Homeless Families With Children (1989) R ........................................................................................................................................ CC
Prevention and Intervention Programs (2010) PS ..............................................................................................................................H/F
Responsibility of Society to the Family (2005) PS ................................................................................................................................. F
Services for Children of Undocumented Immigrants (2012) PS ......................................................................................................... CC
FAMILY ENGAGEMENT
Achievement: Eliminating the Gap (2009) R ......................................................................................................................................E/F
Basic Education (2010) PS ....................................................................................................................................................................E
Character Education (2013) PS .............................................................................................................................................................E
Charter Schools (2010) PS ....................................................................................................................................................................E
Computer Workstation Health (2010) R .................................................................................................................................................H
Credential Requirement: Parent/Family Involvement Component (1993) R .......................................................................................... F
Delinquency Prevention (2012) PS ..................................................................................................................................................... CC
Early Childhood Development and Education (2000) R......................................................................................................................E/F
Education: Parental Choice in Public Schools (2010) PS ......................................................................................................................E
Education: Support of Public Education (2010) PS................................................................................................................................E
Family Engagement in Credentialing Programs (2012) PS ................................................................................................................... F
Financial Literacy for Youth (1999) R..................................................................................................................................................... F
Foster Families (1999) R........................................................................................................................................................................ F
Literacy Education (1989) R................................................................................................................................................................E/F
Nutrition Education (1991) R...............................................................................................................................................................H/F
Nutrition Education (2010) PS................................................................................................................................................................H
Parent and Family Involvement, Programs ............................................................................................................................................ F
Parent/Community Action for Effective Schools (1993) R......................................................................................................................E
Prevention and Intervention Programs (2010) PS ..............................................................................................................................H/F
Public Involvement in School Governance (2009) PS ........................................................................................................................... L
Safe Routes to School for All Children (2008) R................................................................................................................................. CC
Save Our Kids (1983) R ......................................................................................................................................................................... F
School Absenteeism/Dropouts (1986) R............................................................................................................................................. CC
School Based Decision Making (2009) PS ............................................................................................................................................E
Self-Esteem and Personal and Social Responsibility Awareness (1991) R........................................................................................... F
Suicide Prevention Education and Awareness (1983) R ....................................................................................................................H/F
Suicide Prevention Education and Awareness (2010) G ....................................................................................................................H/F
Support for Quality Child Care (1986) R ................................................................................................................................................ F
Television/Screen Time Awareness (2006) R........................................................................................................................................H
Violence in the Home (1977) R ........................................................................................................................................................CC/F
FAMILY PLANNING
Condom Availability Through the Schools (2012) G ..............................................................................................................................H
Family Planning (2012) PS .................................................................................................................................................................... F
Health Care Access for Children, Youth, Pregnant Women and Their Families (2009) PS...................................................................H
Minor Consent for Health Care (2011) PS .............................................................................................................................................H
Advocacy A87 California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016
Prevention and Intervention Programs (2010) PS ..............................................................................................................................H/F
Prevention of Teen Pregnancy (2012) PS .............................................................................................................................................H
FILMS (SEE MASS MEDIA)
FINANCE AND FUNDING – EDUCATION
Adequate and Equitable School Finance System (1987) R ...................................................................................................................E
Assistance to Families in Need (2012) PS.......................................................................................................................................... CC
California K-12 Public School Funding Crisis (1998) R..........................................................................................................................E
Education: Opposing Vouchers, Tuition Tax Credits and Deductions as Systems of Education Aid (2010) PS ...................................E
Education: Support of Public Education (2010) PS................................................................................................................................E
Educational Funding Crisis (1981) R .....................................................................................................................................................E
Educational Technology Funding (1995) R............................................................................................................................................E
Financing California's Public Schools (2007) R ..................................................................................................................................E/L
Equal Access to School Improvement Program Funds (1983) R...........................................................................................................E
Equalized Base Revenue Limit Funding (1991) R .................................................................................................................................E
Funding Sources for Adult Crossing Guards (1981) R........................................................................................................................ CC
Lottery Revenue and Public School Funding (2009) PS........................................................................................................................E
Lowering the 2/3 Vote Requirement on School and Library Bonds (1999) R ........................................................................................ L
Nonsuspension of Proposition 98 (1991) R ...........................................................................................................................................E
Opposing Vouchers, Tuition Tax Credits and Deductions, Education (2008) PS ..................................................................................E
Post Proposition 13 Funding of Public Education (1979) R ...................................................................................................................E
Property Tax Limitation (1978) R ........................................................................................................................................................... L
Public School Governance Authority (2007) R....................................................................................................................................E/L
School Buildings and Railroad Safety Requirements (1990) R........................................................................................................CC/E
School Construction Funding (1986) R ..................................................................................................................................................E
School Facilities and Public Planning (1991) R .....................................................................................................................................E
School Facilities Crisis (1986) R*...........................................................................................................................................................E
School Facilities Crisis (1990) R ............................................................................................................................................................E
School Funding (1981) R .......................................................................................................................................................................E
School Library Media Center Funding Crisis (1988) R...........................................................................................................................E
School Support Program (1976) R.........................................................................................................................................................E
School Transportation (1981) R .............................................................................................................................................................E
Services for Children of Undocumented Immigrants (2012) PS ......................................................................................................... CC
Support of Public Education, PTA Priority (1980) R...............................................................................................................................E
Tuition Tax Credits (1982) R*.................................................................................................................................................................E
FINGERPRINTING
Credentialed School Personnel (2010) PS ............................................................................................................................................E
Voluntary Fingerprinting (1983) R ....................................................................................................................................................... CC
FIREARM SAFETY (SEE WEAPONS)
FUNDING (SEE FINANCE AND FUNDING)
GANGS
Delinquency Prevention (2012) PS ..................................................................................................................................................... CC
Gang Awareness (2011) PS ............................................................................................................................................................... CC
Gangs, Programs ................................................................................................................................................................................ CC
Safe School Environments (2011) PS................................................................................................................................................. CC
School Absenteeism/Dropouts (1986) R............................................................................................................................................. CC
Strategies to Reduce School, Family and Community Violence (1995) R .......................................................................................... CC
Violence Prevention in Schools (1999) R............................................................................................................................................ CC
GOVERNANCE, PUBLIC SCHOOL
Public Involvement in School Governance (2009) PS ........................................................................................................................... L
School Based Decision Making (2009) PS ............................................................................................................................................E
California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016 A88 Advocacy
GUNS (SEE WEAPONS)
HANDICAPPED (SEE SPECIAL NEEDS)
HAZARDOUS/TOXIC MATERIALS (SEE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION):
Delivery of Unsolicited and Hazardous Products (1971) R ..............................................................................................................CC/H
Environmental Protection, Programs .....................................................................................................................................................H
Hazardous Waste Management (1980) R..............................................................................................................................................H
Pesticides (1972) R................................................................................................................................................................................H
Toxins (Persistent and Bioaccumulative) and Their Effects on Children (2002) R ................................................................................H
HEALTH (SEE AIDS/HIV, MENTAL HEALTH, PREGNANCY, SEXUALLY-TRANSMITTED DISEASES, SUBSTANCE ABUSE)
Aid to Rape Victims and Their Families (1977) R ............................................................................................................................... CC
Air Pollution (1973) R .............................................................................................................................................................................H
Antibiotic Resistance Awareness (2001) R ............................................................................................................................................H
Assistance to Families in Need (2012) PS.......................................................................................................................................... CC
Attention Deficit Disorder in Children (1998) R ......................................................................................................................................H
Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Awareness in Schools (2011) R ..............................................................................................H
Behavioral Health and Social Emotional Development (2010) PS.........................................................................................................H
Breakfast in Every School (2003) R .......................................................................................................................................................H
Breast Cancer Early Detection Awareness and Education (1988) R .....................................................................................................H
Community and Wellness Fairs, Programs............................................................................................................................................H
Computer Workstation Health (2010) R .................................................................................................................................................H
Condom Availability Through the Schools (2012) G ..............................................................................................................................H
Control of Look-Alike Stimulants and Depressant Drugs (1982) R. .................................................................................................... CC
Credentialed School Nurses (2005) R ............................................................................................................................................... E/H
Developmentally-Appropriate Physical Education (1999) R ..................................................................................................................H
Duplicate Emergency Forms at Athletic Events (1974) R ......................................................................................................................E
Education on Health Hazards in the Use of Anabolic Steroids (1989) R ........................................................................................... E/H
Electro-Magnetic Fields (1994) R...........................................................................................................................................................H
Energy Drink and Coffee Beverage Awareness (2009) PS ...................................................................................................................E
Environmental Health and Environmental Education (2012) PS........................................................................................................ E/H
Family Planning (2012) PS .................................................................................................................................................................... F
First Aid and/or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (C.P.R.) (1987) R .......................................................................................................H
Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis in Schools (2004) R ...............................................................................................................................H
Hazardous Waste Management (1980) R..............................................................................................................................................H
Health, Job Description ..........................................................................................................................................................................H
Health, Programs ...................................................................................................................................................................................H
Health Care Access for Children, Youth, Pregnant Women and Their Families (2009) PS...................................................................H
Health Education (2005) PS...................................................................................................................................................................H
Healthy Lifestyles for All Children (2004) R ...........................................................................................................................................H
HIV/STD Prevention Education in Our Schools (2008) R ......................................................................................................................H
Hot Weather Standards in the School Setting (1992) R.........................................................................................................................H
Immunization Awareness and Educational Programs (1975) R.............................................................................................................H
Increased School Nurse-to-Student Ratios (1997) R.............................................................................................................................H
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in Schools (2007) R .........................................................................................................................................H
Lead Poisoning (2005) PS .....................................................................................................................................................................H
Measles (Rubeola) Vaccinations (1990) R.............................................................................................................................................H
Mental Illness: Treatment and Support (1999) R ...................................................................................................................................H
Nutrition Education (1991) R...............................................................................................................................................................H/F
Nutrition Education (2010) PS................................................................................................................................................................H
Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness (1999) R ......................................................................................................................................H
Pesticides (1972) R................................................................................................................................................................................H
Physical Education (K-12) (2009) PS.....................................................................................................................................................H
Prevention and Intervention Programs (2010) PS ..............................................................................................................................H/F
Prevention of Teen Pregnancy (2012) PS .............................................................................................................................................H
Protection of Children from the Harmful Effects of Aircraft Emissions (1998) R ....................................................................................H
School-Based/Linked Health Centers (2009) PS ...................................................................................................................................H
Advocacy A89 California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016
School Emergency First Aid Plan (1973) R............................................................................................................................................H
Scoliosis Screening (1980) R.................................................................................................................................................................H
Suicide Prevention Education and Awareness (1983) R ....................................................................................................................H/F
Suicide Prevention Education and Awareness (2010) G ....................................................................................................................H/F
Television/Screen Time Awareness (2006) R........................................................................................................................................H
Minor Consent for Health Care (2011) PS .............................................................................................................................................H
Toxins (Persistent and Bioaccumulative) and Their Effects on Children (2002) R ................................................................................H
Treatment Centers for the Sexually Abused (1978) R .....................................................................................................................CC/H
Venereal Disease Education and Control (1973) R ...............................................................................................................................H
HIV (SEE AIDS)
HIV/STD Prevention Education in Our Schools (2008) R ......................................................................................................................H
HOME AND SCHOOL SAFETY (SEE SAFETY)
HOMELESS (SEE FAMILY)
Assistance to Families in Need (2012) PS.......................................................................................................................................... CC
Child Trafficking in California (2010) R ............................................................................................................................................... CC
Homeless Families and Children, Programs....................................................................................................................................... CC
Homeless Families/Children (2012) PS .............................................................................................................................................. CC
Homeless Families With Children (1989) R ........................................................................................................................................ CC
Missing and Exploited Children, Programs ......................................................................................................................................... CC
Responsibility of Society to the Family (2005) PS ................................................................................................................................. F
School Absenteeism/Dropouts (1986) R............................................................................................................................................. CC
ICE CREAM VENDORS
Background Checks of Mobile Food Vendors (2012) G...................................................................................................................... CC
Background Checks of Ice Cream Truck Vendors (1986) R ............................................................................................................... CC
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS AND TIME
Freedom to Learn (2010) PS .................................................................................................................................................................E
Instructional Materials (2009) PS ...........................................................................................................................................................E
Minimum Instruction Time (1983) R .......................................................................................................................................................E
Support for the Civic Mission of Schools (2006) R.................................................................................................................................E
INTERNET (SEE MASS MEDIA)
JUVENILE JUSTICE
Child Victims/Witnesses Rights (2012) PS ......................................................................................................................................... CC
Delinquency Prevention (2012) PS ..................................................................................................................................................... CC
Family Preservation: An Alternative to Out-of-Home Placement (1990) R ......................................................................................... CC
Foster Families (1999) R........................................................................................................................................................................ F
Juvenile Justice Reform – A Priority (1983) R .................................................................................................................................... CC
Juvenile Offenders in the Justice System (2012) PS .......................................................................................................................... CC
School Absenteeism/Dropouts (1986) R............................................................................................................................................. CC
Use by Mass News Media of Names of Juveniles in Police Matters (1971) R.................................................................................CC/C
LEGISLATION
Ballot Propositions (Initiatives) (1999) R ................................................................................................................................................ L
Broadcast Projections of Results on Election Day (1985) R ..................................................................................................................C
Financing California's Public Schools (2007) R ..................................................................................................................................E/L
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Underfunding (2007) R .........................................................................................E/L
Local School Parcel Tax Measure Threshold Reduction (2008) R ........................................................................................................ L
Lowering the 2/3 Vote Requirement on School and Library Bonds (1999) R ........................................................................................ L
Lowering the Vote Requirement in the California State Budget Process (2009) R................................................................................ L
Promoting the Inclusion of Nonpublic Schools on California’s Megan’s Law Registered Sex Offender Database (2008) R........... CC/L
Property Tax Limitation (1978) R ........................................................................................................................................................... L
Public Involvement in School Governance (2009) PS ........................................................................................................................... L
Public School Governance Authority (2007) R....................................................................................................................................E/L
California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016 A90 Advocacy
Qualifications for Candidacy in California Elections (2013) R................................................................................................................ L
State Government Responsibility for a Rational Budget Process (1992) R*.......................................................................................... L
State Tax Reform (1991) R .................................................................................................................................................................... L
LIBRARY
Freedom to Learn (2010) PS .................................................................................................................................................................E
Library and Media Facilities in Schools, Programs ................................................................................................................................C
Library Services (2010) PS ....................................................................................................................................................................E
Lowering the 2/3 Vote Requirement on School and Library Bonds (1999) R ........................................................................................ L
School Library Media Center Funding Crisis (1988) R...........................................................................................................................E
LITERACY
Creating Lifelong Readers (1998) R ......................................................................................................................................................E
Financial Literacy for Youth (1999) R..................................................................................................................................................... F
Literacy Education (1989) R................................................................................................................................................................E/F
MASS MEDIA (FILM, INTERNET, PRINT, TELEVISION, VIDEO)
Admission of Minors to R-Rated Films (1981) R....................................................................................................................................C
Alcohol Beverage Advertising That Targets Youth (1992) R ...........................................................................................................CC/C
Broadcast Projections of Results on Election Day (1985) R ..................................................................................................................C
Closed Captioned TV (1978) R ..............................................................................................................................................................C
Computer Technology in Education (1983) R ........................................................................................................................................E
Drug Advertising (1970) R......................................................................................................................................................................H
Freedom to Learn (2010) PS .................................................................................................................................................................E
Internet Access for California Classrooms (2000) R ..............................................................................................................................C
Mass Media and the Family (2012) PS ..................................................................................................................................................C
Online Safeguards for Internet Use by Children and Youth (1997) R ....................................................................................................C
Opposition to Televised Commercials in California Classrooms (1990) R* ....................................................................................... E/C
Quality of Life Portrayed on Television (1979) R ...................................................................................................................................C
Rating of PG (Parental Guidance) Films, The (1979) R.........................................................................................................................C
Regulation of the Display and Sale to Minors of Drug-Use Information and Paraphernalia Including Cigarette Papers (1979) R ..CC/H
Studying the Impact of Video Games (2012) G .................................................................................................................................. CC
Television Literacy and Program Accountability (1993) R .....................................................................................................................C
Television Programming (2009) PS .......................................................................................................................................................C
Television/Screen Time Awareness (2006) R........................................................................................................................................H
Use by Mass News Media of Names of Juveniles in Police Matters (1971) R.................................................................................CC/C
Use of Children as Subjects in Pornographic Materials (1977) R ....................................................................................................CC/C
MENTAL HEALTH
Aid to Rape Victims and Their Families (1977) R ............................................................................................................................... CC
Increasing Counselor-to-Student Ratio in Schools (2000) R .................................................................................................................E
Behavioral Health and Social Emotional Development (2010) PS.........................................................................................................H
Mental Illness: Treatment and Support (1999) R ...................................................................................................................................H
Prevention and Intervention Programs (2010) PS ..............................................................................................................................H/F
Prevention of Teen Pregnancy (2012) PS .............................................................................................................................................H
School-Based/Linked Health Centers (2009) PS ...................................................................................................................................H
Self-Esteem and Personal and Social Responsibility Awareness (1999) R........................................................................................... F
Suicide Prevention Education and Awareness (1983) R ....................................................................................................................H/F
Suicide Prevention Education and Awareness (2010) G ....................................................................................................................H/F
Treatment Centers for the Sexually Abused (1978) R .....................................................................................................................CC/H
MINORS
Alcohol Beverage Advertising That Targets Youth (1992) R ...........................................................................................................CC/C
Admission of Minors to R-Rated Films (1981) R....................................................................................................................................C
Basic Education (2010) PS ....................................................................................................................................................................E
Child Abuse (2011) PS........................................................................................................................................................................ CC
Child Abuse Prevention, Programs ..................................................................................................................................................... CC
Child Trafficking in California (2010) R ............................................................................................................................................... CC
Delinquency Prevention (2012) PS ..................................................................................................................................................... CC
Advocacy A91 California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016
Family Responsibility and Accountability (2012) PS .............................................................................................................................. F
Juvenile Offenders in the Justice System (2012) PS .......................................................................................................................... CC
Missing and Exploited Children (2011) PS.......................................................................................................................................... CC
Missing and Exploited Children, Programs ......................................................................................................................................... CC
Online Safeguards for Internet Use by Children and Youth (1997) R ....................................................................................................C
Regulation of the Display and Sale to Minors of Drug-Use Information and Paraphernalia Including Cigarette Papers (1979) R ..CC/H
Services for Children of Undocumented Immigrants (2012) PS ......................................................................................................... CC
Status Offenders (2011) PS ................................................................................................................................................................ CC
Student Participation in Public Demonstrations (2011) PS ................................................................................................................. CC
Student Records (2011) PS ...................................................................................................................................................................E
Support for the Civic Mission of Schools (2006) R.................................................................................................................................E
Television/Screen Time Awareness (2006) R........................................................................................................................................H
Use of Children as Subjects in Pornographic Materials (1977) R ....................................................................................................CC/C
Youth Involvement (2004) R (Student Involvement Committee)............................................................................................................ F
Youth Involvement (2010) PS ................................................................................................................................................................S
NUTRITION
Assistance to Families in Need (2012) PS.......................................................................................................................................... CC
Breakfast in Every School (2003) R .......................................................................................................................................................H
Nutrition Education (1991) R...............................................................................................................................................................H/F
Nutrition Education (2010) PS................................................................................................................................................................H
School Nutrition Programs: Improvement and Expansion (1991) R ......................................................................................................H
Services for Children of Undocumented Immigrants (2012) PS ......................................................................................................... CC
PARENTING EDUCATION
Child Abuse (2011) PS........................................................................................................................................................................ CC
Child Abuse Prevention, Programs ..................................................................................................................................................... CC
Child Trafficking in California (2010) R ............................................................................................................................................... CC
Family Engagement in Credentialing Programs (2012) PS ................................................................................................................... F
Human Relations (2012) PS ............................................................................................................................................................... CC
Parenting Education and Skills Development (2008) PS ....................................................................................................................... F
Family Engagement, Job Description .................................................................................................................................................... F
Patent Involvement (2005) G ................................................................................................................................................................. F
Family Engagement, Programs.............................................................................................................................................................. F
Save Our Kids (1983) R ......................................................................................................................................................................... F
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY (SEE SAFETY)
PESTICIDES (SEE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, HAZARDOUS/TOXIC MATERIALS)
Pesticides (1972) R................................................................................................................................................................................H
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Developmentally-Appropriate Physical Education (1999) R ..................................................................................................................H
Physical Education (K-12) (2009) PS.....................................................................................................................................................H
PLAYGROUND
Playground Equipment Safety Standards (1996) R ............................................................................................................................ CC
Playground Surface Safety (2002) R .................................................................................................................................................. CC
POLITICS
Broadcast Projections of Results on Election Day (1985) R ..................................................................................................................C
Local Candidates Forum Event Planning............................................................................................................................................... L
Purposes of PTA ..................................................................................................................................................................................----
POLLUTION (SEE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION)
PREGNANCY
Condom Availability Through the Schools (2012) G ..............................................................................................................................H
Family Planning (2012) PS .................................................................................................................................................................... F
California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016 A92 Advocacy
Health Care Access for Children, Youth, Pregnant Women and Their Families (2009) PS...................................................................H
Prevention and Intervention Programs (2010) PS ..............................................................................................................................H/F
Prevention of Teen Pregnancy (2012) PS .............................................................................................................................................H
Save Our Kids (1983) R ......................................................................................................................................................................... F
Substance Use and Abuse During Pregnancy (1987) R........................................................................................................................H
Minor Consent for Health Care (2011) PS .............................................................................................................................................H
SAFETY
Antibiotic Resistance Awareness (2001) R ............................................................................................................................................H
Background Checks of Ice Cream Truck Vendors (1986) R ............................................................................................................... CC
Background Checks of Mobile Food Vendors (2012) G...................................................................................................................... CC
Ban on Military Assault-Type Weapons (1989) R ............................................................................................................................... CC
Ban on the Manufacture and Sale of Saturday Night Specials/Junk Guns (1997) R .......................................................................... CC
Bicycle Safety Education and Training (1973) R................................................................................................................................. CC
Bicycle Safety Helmets (1991) R ........................................................................................................................................................ CC
Bungalow Classroom Safety (1971) R .............................................................................................................................................CC/E
Child Restraints and Seat Belts, Programs......................................................................................................................................... CC
Child Trafficking in California (2010) R ............................................................................................................................................... CC
Computer Workstation Health (2010) R .................................................................................................................................................H
Delivery of Unsolicited and Hazardous Products (1971) R ..............................................................................................................CC/H
Disaster Preparedness (1986) R......................................................................................................................................................... CC
Disaster Preparedness/Crisis Response, Job Description.................................................................................................................. CC
Duplicate Emergency Forms at Athletic Events (1974) R ......................................................................................................................E
Emergency School Bus Evacuation (1973) R ..................................................................................................................................CC/E
Environmental Health and Environmental Education (2012) PS........................................................................................................ E/H
Firearm Safety and Awareness (1995) R............................................................................................................................................ CC
Firearm Safety Devices (1999) R........................................................................................................................................................ CC
Firearms and Assault Weapons (2011) PS......................................................................................................................................... CC
Fireworks: Hazards to Youth (1990) R................................................................................................................................................ CC
First Aid and/or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (C.P.R.) (1987) R .......................................................................................................H
Football Safety (1975) R ..................................................................................................................................................................... CC
Funding Sources for Adult Crossing Guards (1981) R........................................................................................................................ CC
Gang Awareness (2011) PS ............................................................................................................................................................... CC
Gangs, Programs ................................................................................................................................................................................ CC
HIV/STD Prevention Education in Our Schools (2008) R ......................................................................................................................H
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in Schools (2007) R .........................................................................................................................................H
Lead Poisoning (2005) PS .....................................................................................................................................................................H
Licensing and Registration of Handguns (2000) R ............................................................................................................................. CC
Mitigating Earthquake Hazards in Public Schools (1989) R.............................................................................................................CC/E
Paintball Gun Control (1993) R ........................................................................................................................................................... CC
Pedestrian Safety Education (1990) R.............................................................................................................................................CC/E
Playground Equipment Safety Standards (1996) R ............................................................................................................................ CC
Playground Surface Safety (2002) R .................................................................................................................................................. CC
Promoting the Inclusion of nonpublic Schools on California’s Megan’s Law Registered Sex Offender Database (2008) R ........... CC/L
Regulation of 976 Information Access Service (1986) R .................................................................................................................... CC
Regulation of Liquor Licenses Near Schools (1997) R ....................................................................................................................... CC
Safe Routes to School for All Children (2008) R................................................................................................................................. CC
Safe School Environments (2011) PS................................................................................................................................................. CC
Safe School Approaches for Pedestrians and Bicyclists (1974) R...................................................................................................... CC
Safety, Job Description ..........................................................................................................................................................................H
Safety/Disaster Preparedness, Programs..............................................................................................................................................H
Safety Helmets for Scooter, Skateboard and Skate Users Under the Age of 18 (2001) R ................................................................. CC
Safety Problems Related to Freeway Construction Near Schools (1970) R....................................................................................CC/E
School Buildings and Railroad Safety Requirements (1990) R........................................................................................................CC/E
School Bus Safety (1993) R................................................................................................................................................................ CC
School Bus Safety (2006) PS.............................................................................................................................................................. CC
School Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Improvement (2001) R............................................................................................................. CC
School Transportation (1981) R .............................................................................................................................................................E
Seat Belts and Child Restraint Usage (1983) R.................................................................................................................................. CC
Advocacy A93 California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016
Sun Safety: Skin Cancer Prevention Measures at School (2005) R ......................................................................................................H
Strategies to Reduce School, Family and Community Violence (1995) R .......................................................................................... CC
Student Participation in Public Demonstrations (2011) PS ................................................................................................................. CC
Teen Driving Safety (2009) R.............................................................................................................................................................. CC
Toy Look-Alike Guns (2009) PS.......................................................................................................................................................... CC
Use of Children as Subjects in Pornographic Materials (1977) R ....................................................................................................CC/C
Violence Prevention in Schools (1999) R............................................................................................................................................ CC
Voluntary Fingerprinting (1983) R ....................................................................................................................................................... CC
Weapons on Campus (1973) R........................................................................................................................................................... CC
SAFETY HELMETS
Bicycle Safety Helmets (1991) R ........................................................................................................................................................ CC
Safety Helmets for Scooter, Skateboard and Skate Users Under the Age of 18 (2001) R ................................................................. CC
Save Our Kids (1983) R ......................................................................................................................................................................... F
SCHOOL BONDS (SEE FINANCE AND FUNDING)
SCHOOL BUSES
Emergency School Bus Evacuation (1973) R ..................................................................................................................................CC/E
Safe Routes to School for All Children (2008) R................................................................................................................................. CC
School Bus Safety (1993) R................................................................................................................................................................ CC
School Bus Safety (2006) PS.............................................................................................................................................................. CC
School Transportation (1981) R .............................................................................................................................................................E
Social Host Accountability and Underage Drinking (2009) R...........................................................................................................CC/H
SCHOOL NURSES
Credentialed School Nurses (2005) R ...................................................................................................................................................H
Increased School Nurse-to-Student Ratios (1997) R.............................................................................................................................H
School-Based/Linked Health Centers (2009) PS ...................................................................................................................................H
SCHOOL-TO-CAREER
Education: Higher Education (2010) PS ................................................................................................................................................E
Education: The Early Years, Ages 3 to 6 (2010) PS ..............................................................................................................................E
Education: The Elementary Years, Ages 6 to 10 (2013) PS ..................................................................................................................E
Education: The High School Years, Ages 14 to 18 (2009) PS...............................................................................................................E
Education: The Middle Years, Ages 10 to 14 (2009) PS........................................................................................................................E
School-to-Career for All Students (2001) R ...........................................................................................................................................E
School-to-Career Technical Education (2004) PS .................................................................................................................................E
SEAT BELTS
Child Restraints and Seat Belts, Programs......................................................................................................................................... CC
Seat Belts and Child Restraint Usage (1983) R.................................................................................................................................. CC
SEXUAL ASSAULT AND ABUSE (SEE MENTAL HEALTH)
Aid to Rape Victims and Their Families (1977) R ............................................................................................................................... CC
Child Abuse (2011) PS........................................................................................................................................................................ CC
Child Abuse Prevention, Programs ..................................................................................................................................................... CC
Child Trafficking in California (2010) R ............................................................................................................................................... CC
Missing and Exploited Children, Programs ......................................................................................................................................... CC
Save Our Kids (1983) R ......................................................................................................................................................................... F
Treatment Centers for the Sexually Abused (1978) R .....................................................................................................................CC/H
Use of Children as Subjects in Pornographic Materials (1977) R ....................................................................................................CC/C
SEXUALLY-TRANSMITTED DISEASE
AIDS Prevention Education in the Curriculum (1988) R .................................................................................................................... E/H
Condom Availability Through the Schools (2012) G ..............................................................................................................................H
Venereal Disease Education and Control (1973) R ...............................................................................................................................H
California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016 A94 Advocacy
SMOKING (SEE SUBSTANCE ABUSE)
SPECIAL NEEDS (SEE CATEGORICAL PROGRAMS)
Attention Deficit Disorder in Children (1998) R ......................................................................................................................................H
Closed Captioned TV (1978) R ..............................................................................................................................................................C
Education of English Language Learners (2010) PS .............................................................................................................................E
Educationally Handicapped Children (1972) R ......................................................................................................................................E
Equal Access to School Improvement Program Funds (1983) R...........................................................................................................E
Extended Educational Services for the Handicapped (1967) R .............................................................................................................E
Funding of Mandated Programs: Effect on Public Education (2010) PS ...............................................................................................E
Grade Retention (1991) R......................................................................................................................................................................E
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Underfunding (2007) R .........................................................................................E/L
Learning Disabilities and Learning Disabilities in Gifted Children (2000) R ...........................................................................................E
School Absenteeism/Dropouts (1986) R............................................................................................................................................. CC
Services for Children of Undocumented Immigrants (2012) PS ......................................................................................................... CC
Special Education (2010) PS .................................................................................................................................................................E
STANDARDS
Assessment and Testing (2010) G.........................................................................................................................................................E
Grade Retention (1991) R......................................................................................................................................................................E
Assessment (Statewide) (2009) PS .......................................................................................................................................................E
Student Assessment, Achievement and Accountability (2000) R ..........................................................................................................E
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Alcohol and Tobacco Use in Youth: Education, Prevention and Intervention (2002) R .........................................................................H
Alcohol Beverage Advertising That Targets Youth (1992) R ...........................................................................................................CC/C
Alcohol-Related (1982) R................................................................................................................................................................... CC
Ban on Drug Paraphernalia (1981) R.................................................................................................................................................. CC
Community Drug Abuse Prevention Programs (1970) R .......................................................................................................................H
Control of Look-Alike Stimulants and Depressant Drugs (1982) R. .................................................................................................... CC
Drug Abuse Program Funding – Penalty Assessment (1980) R............................................................................................................H
Drug Advertising (1970) R......................................................................................................................................................................H
Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Abuse Prevention and Awareness (2012) G .............................................................................................H
Education on Health Hazards in the Use of Anabolic Steroids (1989) R ........................................................................................... E/H
Dealing with Establishments That Sell Gasoline and Alcohol Concurrently (2012) G .....................................................................CC/H
Limiting Concurrent Sales of Gasoline and Alcohol and the Proliferation of Outlets (1985) R ........................................................... CC
Prevention and Intervention Programs (2010) PS ..............................................................................................................................H/F
Primary Prevention of Substance Abuse (1979) R ................................................................................................................................H
Prohibiting the Promotion of Tobacco Products (1987) R......................................................................................................................H
Regulation of Liquor Licenses Near Schools (1997) R ....................................................................................................................... CC
Regulation of the Display and Sale to Minors of Drug-Use Information and Paraphernalia Including Cigarette Papers (1979) R ..CC/H
Sale of Tobacco Products to Minors (1988) R .................................................................................................................................CC/H
Save Our Kids (1983) R ......................................................................................................................................................................... F
Smoking and Health (1964) R................................................................................................................................................................H
Social Host Accountability and Underage Drinking (2009) R...........................................................................................................CC/H
Student Substance Abuse – Alternatives to Zero Tolerance (2003) R ............................................................................................... CC
Substance Use and Abuse During Pregnancy (1987) R........................................................................................................................H
Tobacco Advertising That Targets Minors (1993) R ..............................................................................................................................H
SUICIDE PREVENTION
Mental Illness: Treatment and Support (1999) R ...................................................................................................................................H
Suicide Prevention Education and Awareness (1983) R ....................................................................................................................H/F
Suicide Prevention Education and Awareness (2010) G ....................................................................................................................H/F
TAXES
Education: Opposing Vouchers, Tuition Tax Credits and Deductions as Systems of Education Aid (2010) PS ...................................E
Local School Parcel Tax Measure Threshold Reduction (2008) R .....................................................................................................E/L
Lowering 2/3 Vote Requirement on School and Library Bonds (1999) R .............................................................................................. L
Property Tax Limitation (1978) R ........................................................................................................................................................... L
Advocacy A95 California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016
State Tax Reform (1991) R .................................................................................................................................................................... L
State Tax Reform (2009) PS.................................................................................................................................................................. L
Tuition Tax Credits (1982) R* ................................................................................................................................................................E
TEACHERS (SEE CREDENTIALED AND SUPPORT PERSONNEL)
TECHNOLOGY
Computer Technology in Education (1983) R ........................................................................................................................................E
Computer Workstation Health (2010) R .................................................................................................................................................H
Educational Technology Funding (1995) R............................................................................................................................................E
Online Safeguards for Internet Use by Children and Youth (1997) R ....................................................................................................C
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education (2011) R...............................................................................E
Television/Screen Time Awareness (2006) R........................................................................................................................................H
TELEVISION PROGRAMMING AND VIEWING (SEE MASS MEDIA)
TOBACCO (SEE SUBSTANCE ABUSE)
TOXIC/HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
TOYS
Bicycle Safety Helmets (1991) R ........................................................................................................................................................ CC
Online Safeguards for Internet Use by Children and Youth (1997) R ....................................................................................................C
Paintball Gun Control (1993) R ........................................................................................................................................................... CC
Safety Helmets for Scooter, Skateboard and Skate Users Under the Age of 18 (2001) R ................................................................. CC
Save Our Kids (1983) R ......................................................................................................................................................................... F
Studying the Impact of Video Games (2012) G .................................................................................................................................. CC
Television/Screen Time Awareness (2006) R........................................................................................................................................H
Torture Toys (1972) R......................................................................................................................................................................... CC
Toy Look-Alike Guns (2009) PS.......................................................................................................................................................... CC
TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION
Funding Sources for Adult Crossing Guards (1981) R........................................................................................................................ CC
School Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Improvement (2001) R............................................................................................................. CC
School Transportation (1981) R .............................................................................................................................................................E
School Transportation: Equitable Funding (2004) R ..............................................................................................................................E
TRUANCY (SEE ATTENDANCE, GANGS)
Before- and After-School Options for Children and Youth (2008) PS .................................................................................................... F
Delinquency Prevention (2012) PS ..................................................................................................................................................... CC
VEHICLE SAFETY (SEE SAFETY)
VIDEO (SEE MASS MEDIA)
VIOLENCE AND VANDALISM
Aid to Rape Victims and Their Families (1977) R ............................................................................................................................... CC
Child Trafficking in California (2010) R ............................................................................................................................................... CC
Delinquency Prevention (2012) PS ..................................................................................................................................................... CC
Gang Awareness (2011) PS ............................................................................................................................................................... CC
Gangs, Programs ................................................................................................................................................................................ CC
Inclusiveness and Diversity (2008) PS.................................................................................................................................................. M
Juvenile Offenders in the Justice System (2012) PS .......................................................................................................................... CC
Missing and Exploited Children, Programs ......................................................................................................................................... CC
Safe School Environments (2011) PS................................................................................................................................................. CC
Status Offenders (2011) PS ................................................................................................................................................................ CC
Strategies to Reduce School, Family and Community Violence (1995) R .......................................................................................... CC
Threatening Phone Calls to Schools (1990) R.................................................................................................................................... CC
Torture Toys (1972) R......................................................................................................................................................................... CC
California State PTA Toolkit – May 2016 A96 Advocacy
The words you are searching are inside this book. To get more targeted content, please make full-text search by clicking here.
Emailing Toolkit-1
Discover the best professional documents and content resources in AnyFlip Document Base.
Search
Emailing Toolkit-1
- 1 - 50
- 51 - 100
- 101 - 150
- 151 - 200
- 201 - 250
- 251 - 300
- 301 - 350
- 351 - 400
- 401 - 450
- 451 - 474
Pages: