Local PTAs may see their state PTA and National PTA as just a group to which they have to pay membership dues without getting anything in return. They may not see the state PTA as a resource. Perhaps they are not attending their state convention or the National PTA convention because they do not perceive any value. The author has learned from…

People are busy, we all know that. Getting their attention is harder and harder all the time. That's especially true for member organizations and advocacy groups. The National PTA is both and has adapted some social media practices to reach out and maintain contact with more than 5 million volunteers in 25,000 local units. James Martinez, senior…

The author describes a process through which parents of exceptional children or school personnel in any community can organize a parent group for themselves and their children. (CL)

Presents some considerations and guidelines for child welfare workers who are recommending Parents Anonymous to clients with child abuse problems. (BD)

Increasingly, there is advocacy for parents to be included in partnership roles with schools. Indeed, the term "partnership" seems to have acquired the connotation of an ideal form of parent-school relationship. This paper argues that the notion of partnership, with its accompanying suggestion of equality as a framework for the…

The author criticizes the fact that the PTA takes positions on television programing, believing the interest of the PTA should be in what goes on in classrooms, not in what comes into the home via television. (KC)

The parent of a handicapped child reviews the development of parent groups and parent advocacy internationally. Among the programs described are weekend education courses for parents in Norway, deinstitutionalization efforts in England, mass media approaches in France, and the Extend-a-Family program in Canada in which a handicapped child is…

A parent recounts his experiences as a member of a parents' group seeking the continuation of a program of home visits to parents of handicapped children. Suggestions for creating change through parents' groups, such as locating and lobbying local officials and organizations that can effectively support the group, are listed. (PHR)

Describes the tradition of honor and service provided by the Diocese of Trenton's PTA, which guarantees ongoing connections from the local school to the region to the diocesan level. Summarizes the governance of the PTA in all of the diocese's schools, its 73-year celebration of service, history, organizational structure, parent partnership…

Discusses political action by and on behalf of parents. Suggests ways that existing interest group theory can further our understanding of how parents' interest is or is not represented in educational policy making. (Author/GC)

Offers suggestions for superintendents to follow to involve community leaders, enlist professional assistance, keep the public informed, and work through established school-based groups in seeking successful passage of a bond issue. (Author/WD)

The parent of a trainable mentally retarded adolescent describes his need for a summer school program and the successful efforts of organized parents to obtain summer educational services. (DB)

A Canadian parent of a mentally retarded daughter talks of the support provided her and the community achievements of local parent committees. (DB)

This brochure from the National PTA outlines the roles of parents and principals in the education of youth and suggests how they can work together. (JM)

This article, reprinted from "PTA Magazine," January 1978, suggests ways that parents can help teachers by monitoring homework, by working cooperatively to solve problems, and by being supportive of the teacher and the school. (SJL)