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Principals and PTA/PTSAThe Business of Student

Achievement

North Fulton Council PTA School of Information January 25, 2012Grant Rivera, Principal, Westlake High SchoolDonna Kosicki, President

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Course Objective Given the time together during this

workshop, participants will identify at least ten (10) key strategies or resources that connect their respective PTA/PTSAs to the business of student achievement.

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Activity Take a few moments and think about

what is the current status of your PTA/PTSA and its effectiveness in your school.

Let’s take a few minutes to report out.

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Basic Assumptions

Every teacher wants the best instruction for their students.

Today, more than ever, networking is vital.

The greatest challenge is agreeing on a common goal. 4

Every parent wants the best education for their child.

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PTA - Who We AreOur Founders:

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Alice McLellan Birney

Phoebe Apperson Hearst

Selena Sloane Butler

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PTA VisionEvery child's potential is a reality.

PTA Mission To make every child’s potential a

reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate

for all children.

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PTA - The Next Two Years Target audience Defined goals

Communications Leadership –

strong, sustainable parent leader teams

Reaching out – events, partnerships, programs

Strategies Evaluate goals

GA PTA Strategic Plan Membership,

Leadership, Organizational Effectiveness, Financial Viability

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Parents are more likely to become involved when: Parents understand

that they SHOULD be involved.

Parents feel CAPABLE of making a contribution.

Parents feel INVITED by their school and children.

(Hoover-Dempsey and

Sandler, 1997)

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Organizational Alignment

FCS PTA School

Mission Statement

Priorities/Goals

Time (2)

Barriers to Leading Family Engagement

“People” Dynamics Building leadership capacity beyond the 5% Relationships (administrators and parent leaders) Accountability

“Organizational” Dynamics Ambiguity of academics Distractions of school Tendencies of at-risk students and their families

Stay Focused on Student Achievement Establish academic priorities (“what”)

Alignment to school improvement plan Our “priority”:

Build capacity (“who”) Community leaders Faith-based leaders Parent leaders (who have never been asked)

Brainstorm opportunities (“how”)

Communication Strategies

External: Opportunities to spread the word Churches Local businesses Political leaders “Hot spots” in the community

Internal: Captive audiences Athletic events Student performances Marquee

Online: Social networking

Engaging the Traditionally “Disengaged” Families Personalize the invitation

What should we learn from our dentist? Use of volunteers

Tailor the message Keep it meaningful and relevant to their child Don’t be afraid to speak to “subgroups”

Monitor student achievement Show the family they make a difference

Galileo Reading ~ Beginning of the Year

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August- 60%March- 80%

Tendencies of Effective Organizations

Assemble a strong team of leaders Identify goals, data, and deadlines Acknowledge tendencies – be proactive

Brand your message

Monitor individual and organizational success Accountability Win small, win early, and win often

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Let’s Recap

Identify key strategies or resources that connect your respective PTA/PTSAs to the business of student achievement.

Questions? How can we help!?!

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Georgia PTA114 Baker Street, NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

404 659-0214, www.georgiapta.orgeverychild. onevoice.

Donna Kosicki, Presidentdkosicki@georgiapta.org

Debbie Rabjohn, 13th District Directordrabjohn@georgiapta.org

Grant Rivera, Principalriverag@fultonschools.org

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The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of

others.

- Ghandi