Spring, 1998 No. 4 National Network of Partnership Schools
Meeting the Challenge
Linking Action Teams for Partnerships and Parent Associations: A Type 5 ChallengeMavis G. Sanders, Assistant Director
The National PTA’s article in this issue of Type 2 (p. 5) reinforces the important connection between the National Network of Partnership Schools and parent associations (e.g., PTA, PTO, PTSA, Home-School Associations) at state, district, and school levels. Traditionally, parent associations have been important vehicles for parent participation in school decision making (Type 5) and in other types of involvement. However, in some schools, especially middle and high schools, these important organizations are inactive. Many schools in the National Network are working to revitalize their parent associations to increase family input and participation in matters concerning the school and students’ educational success.
Revitalizing Parent Associations
For example, at one middle school in Baltimore, the parent liaison, who is also an Action Team member, plans to use the school’s celebration for volunteers to identify parents who are interested in re-establishing a PTO. Another Baltimore middle school is working to revive its PTO through other Type 5-Decision Making activities, such as community meetings. When this school had problems with student discipline on the school bus, it held meetings in the community to discuss solutions. The Action Team chairperson hopes to "build a resource list" from participants at the community meetings. From the list, she will recruit members to re-establish a strong parent-teacher organization at the school.
Building comprehensive, permanent programs of school, family, and community partnership takes time, and requires everyone’s effort and cooperation. Several state and district members of the National Network are working in full partnership with state and local PTAs to improve their leadership and services to schools. Further, partnering with the PTA, PTO or other parent associations has provided many schools’ Action Teams the crucial support needed to create more meaningful school, family, and community connections that meet the needs of students and their families.
Taking a Type 5 Challenge
If your Action Team has not yet linked with your school’s parent association, now is the perfect time to do so in order to develop your One-year Action Plan for the 1998-99 school year. If your school does not have a strong, active parent association, your Action Team should consider taking the Type 5 challenge to establish one.
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