illinoispta Advocacy, Family Engagement, Leadership, School Funding

Family Engagement and the Renewal of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)

Today’s guest post is by Jacki Ball, the Director of Government Affairs for National PTA®. In 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed into law the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which remains the most comprehensive federal education legislation in the United States today and is a key legislative priority of National PTA. ESEA was first … Continue reading Family Engagement and the Renewal of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)

illinoispta Advocacy, Education News, Resolutions

Social and Emotional Learning Pays Off

In 2009, Illinois PTA convention delegates adopted a resolution stating that based on Illinois PTA’s legislative positions, we would: actively distribute information on and promote the inclusion of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) content, skills, evaluation and assessment standards within school curricula as has been developed by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE); encourage … Continue reading Social and Emotional Learning Pays Off

illinoispta Health, Tips for Parents

Don’t Let Spring Break Be a Break from Healthy Activities for Your Kids (or You)

The US Department of Health and Human Services recommends that children be physically active for 60 minutes each day. During the school year, many get that exercise time in during PE class or recess. Don’t let Spring Break be a break from those healthy habits, though. Action for Healthy Kids, an Illinois PTA cooperating agency, … Continue reading Don’t Let Spring Break Be a Break from Healthy Activities for Your Kids (or You)

illinoispta Legislation, School Funding

Task Force on School Funding Meeting Wednesday

For decades, Illinois PTA has advocated for adequate, equitable and sustainable funding of public schools. Just a few of our specific platform statements are that the Illinois PTA supports: adequate legislative and/or financial support for operation, maintenance, and construction of tax supported schools, and opposes the direct or indirect use of public funds for non-public … Continue reading Task Force on School Funding Meeting Wednesday

illinoispta Family Engagement, Safety

Illinois Bicycle Safety Quiz Challenge—A New Program to Go for Illinois PTAs

Today’s guest post is from Ed Barsotti, Executive Director of the League of Illinois Bicyclists. Illinois PTA partnered with the League of Illinois Bicyclists to bring a new Program to Go to local PTAs. Be sure to check out the League’s Facebook page for additional news and information on bicycling in Illinois. Here is a … Continue reading Illinois Bicycle Safety Quiz Challenge—A New Program to Go for Illinois PTAs

illinoispta Leadership, Running a PTA, Training

Simplify Your PTA Life with E-Learning Courses from National PTA

As PTA volunteers, we are all very busy. We recognize the importance of continuing leadership training, but with our children’s activities, work, and other volunteer commitments, it is difficult to find time to attend training meetings. Are you aware that National PTA offers a large variety of e-learning courses that, as a member of PTA, … Continue reading Simplify Your PTA Life with E-Learning Courses from National PTA

illinoispta Juvenile Protection and Safety, Tips for Parents

Time to Prepare for Severe Weather

Today, for Severe Weather Preparedness Week, we have a guest post from Danny Neal, an Evergreen Park Firefighter/EMTand owner of Northern Illinois Storm Chaser, a science website/Facebook page and associated YouTube channel. Danny is an amateur meteorologist and storm chaser who many turn to for accurate weather conditions and safety advice and was asked to … Continue reading Time to Prepare for Severe Weather