In October 2016, at WA State PTA Legislative Assembly, the body voted on our platform which consists of 10 priority issues and 3 resolutions. The top 5 issues were ranked to help the State PTA focus energy and resources on these issues that the voting delegation considers a priority.
In the 2017-18 Legislative Biennium, the Washington State PTA will set these 5 issues as their top 5 priorities:
- Create positive school climates through social emotional learning: The Washington State PTA shall initiate and/or support legislation/policies which engage in deliberate efforts to create positive school climates, including those that pertain to Social Emotional Learning within the K-12 education system through development of standards and benchmarks, technical assistance, and guidance with research supported curriculum and instruction techniques.
- Amply Fund Education – McCleary decision: The Washington State PTA shall initiate and / or support legislation/policies that fulfill the promise of amply funding basic education as defined by the legislature in HB 2261 and 2776.
- Closing Opportunity Gaps: The Washington State PTA shall support legislation that ensures that public education is available to ALL children in Washington State regardless of zip code, family status, race, and culture or income level. It is not acceptable for there to be a consistent 20%-30% point gap in student achievement between students of color and White and many Asian students.
- Standards for Para-Educators: The Washington State PTA shall initiate or support legislation or policies that set statewide standards, training, and career development for para-educators, including training for teachers who have paraeducators assisting in their classrooms, and their principals. Policies shall include minimum employment standards, certification and endorsements.
- Breakfast After the Bell: The Washington State PTA shall support legislation instituting a “Breakfast After the Bell” program in high needs schools and initiate policies at the district level that encourage early adoption of “Breakfast After the Bell” programs.
“Also Supported” issues remaining on the platform were supported in this order:
- Post-Secondary Higher Education
- Improving Educational Outcomes for Foster Children
- Engaging Families in Student Success
- Restorative Justice and School Safety
- Removing Barriers to Implementing ECEAP