ALEXANDRIA, VA--(Marketwired - Apr 11, 2013) - The following statements can be attributed to National PTA® President Betsy Landers:
National PTA commends the President's continued commitment to high student achievement for every child and long-term economic success. PTA believes his budget proposal, as presented yesterday, seeks to make strategic investments across the continuum of learning, from expanded access to high-quality early education through success in college and career.
PTA is pleased to see the President's proposed alternative to sequestration and believes this vision for fiscal year 2014 and subsequent years is a balanced approach that does not undermine key investments in education. PTA firmly believes that investing in our children's education today is vital to growing the nation's economy tomorrow. We recognize the President's proposed increase in overall federal education funding as a step in the right direction toward giving all students the education and safe learning environment necessary to compete in a global economy.
Although our association commends many aspects of the far-reaching proposal, PTA notes some areas of concern. As the nation's oldest and largest child advocacy association, PTA is concerned by the lack of emphasis on family engagement in education as a central driver of individual student success and whole school improvement. Research clearly shows that meaningful family-school partnerships are vital to implementation of successful reform, yet the Administration's fiscal year 2014 budget proposal lacks any such investment. Lastly, PTA maintains the firm belief that amidst an austere budget climate priority focus should be given to formula programs which promote educational equity and opportunity for all children.
About National PTA
National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.
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