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The is a nationwide network of parents and teachers working together in national, state, and local organizations to improve the lives of children. Membership at the local level is open to anyone who has an interest in children. There are now close to 6 million members in 23,000 local chapters. Joining the PTA is an excellent way for parents to get involved in their children's education. Local PTAs throughout the country are making a difference in the quality of children's education.

A local PTA chapter is part of a national network of organizations working together for children's interests. Most parents join a local unit, which automatically gives them membership in the state and national PTAs. The local unit can represent a single school or a group of schools. Local units have the autonomy to establish their own priorities, select the national programs in which they will participate, assess the needs of the school, and decide how to raise needed funds.

This video explains reasons for joining the PTA.

Fundraising

Local units frequently hold fundraisers, the proceeds from which go to support school programs, building maintenance or improvements, and educational events. The following are examples of how local PTAs can improve a child's education.

The children at Washington Elementary School in San Gabriel, California, are enjoying their art classes once again this year, thanks to a $6,000 donation by

With the advent of cell phones, the Internet, MP3 players, DVDs, and more, what should be used in the classroom, and what should be left at the schoolhouse door? Many school administrators, teachers, and parents are pondering this question these days. Like many other complex conundrums, there is no easy answer. There are clear advantages and disadvantages to using new media in the classroom.

If you are a parent, it is up to you to say how much new media should be used in your child’s classroom. The prevalence of both benefits and disadvantages warrants finding the right balance of media in the context of learning.

This video discusses the pros and cons of using technology in the classroom

Learning Advantages of New Media

Less than 30 years ago, fewer than half the households in the United States owned a personal computer, and the Internet was still primarily used by scientists to share information.

Today, the “new media” of learning has leaped off the pages of books and onto the web pages online. For example, volumes of encyclopedias are becoming more obsolete, as this knowledge is easily accessible through the internet and CD-ROMs. Elementary school children are learning to use new media more fluently than their parents, with applications ranging from PowerPoint to Excel. Subsequently, with the potential for learning enclosed in new media, these technologies have found a place in the classroom. While some

In recent years, home-schooled children seem to be “winning.” They have conquered national spelling bees, obtained generous scholarships to elite universities, and have even been crowned beauty queens. If home-schooled kids are enjoying such success, it is understandable why any parent would ask, “Is regular or home school best for my child?”

Like many questions about your child’s education, this particular one does not have an easy answer. It is important to consider many factors before deciding whether your child should stay at home to learn or should be sent to a regular public school.

Home environment vs. school environment

For many advocates of either homeschooling or public school education, the environment offered by either situation is the determining factor as to whether a child should be home-schooled or sent to a regular public school.

The calm, safe environment of home school

Proponents of homeschooling believe that children thrive better in a safe, comfortable environment with which they are familiar. Ironically, so do advocates of public schooling.

However, home-schoolers believe the home is the safest, most secure environment in which a child can learn. At home, a child does not have to deal with peer pressure or with fitting in with the popular cliques. A child can just “be.” This gives the child the opportunity to focus on the lessons being taught and on the educational expectations required of him or her.

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The debate on whether smaller class size corresponds with higher academic achievement is an ongoing controversy. Numerous studies have been conducted with conflicting results. Federal funding for class size reduction has been inconsistent. A 1999 federal program designed specifically to fund class size reduction was repealed by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. The inconclusive results from the studies of class size reduction leave education policymakers to decide whether reducing class sizes should be a state priority in school reform. This article discusses some of the approaches states have used to regulate class size, whether current budget shortages or other changing conditions may have an unintended impact on class size initiatives, and what parents can do with respect to their child's class sizes.

This insightful article delves into states' various approaches to regulating class size, examining their effectiveness and potential unintended consequences amidst current budget shortages and changing educational landscapes. We explore how factors such as funding limitations, shifting priorities, and evolving instructional models may impact class size initiatives. Additionally, we provide valuable guidance for parents on understanding and advocating for their child's class sizes. By empowering parents with knowledge and practical steps, we aim to equip them to engage with schools, educators, and policymakers to ensure optimal learning environments for their children. Discover the complexities of class size regulations, their potential implications, and how parents can actively contribute to the conversation surrounding this critical aspect of education.

State Laws Limiting Class Size

Notwithstanding the ongoing