Just ask.

Just Ask!

The No. 1 reason people state they are not PTA members

is that they have never been asked.

The only wrong way to ask people to join

is not to ask at all!

via

Events and Free Food are the KEY!

In an effort to figure out ways to get the most families involved, I emailed a reading specialist at a very diverse school in Fairfax County, Virginia. I asked her to speak to parent involvement in her school's PTA, the how to get parents involved, and how to communicate with everyone (not just English and Spanish speaking parents). This was her response:

"Our PTA is not very big – as the second language parents are often hesitant to participate. When we do want a lot of parent participation in an event, we offer free food or giveaways. We always have a Spanish translator at events (usually a teacher or aide from the school) and letters are sent home in multiple languages. The other languages are left to their own. The programs I run, like the clothing give-away, book swaps and holiday toy drive, are run by teachers/staff for the benefit of the community, but the community is not involved in the working part."

Though the reading specialist is not boasting a particularly large PTA, I really like some of the ideas about free food and giveways, book swaps, give aways, toy drives, etc. I hate to say it, but these things motivate people. I would love if every parent was able to come to every meeting. But that is not realistic. I know how people feel at the end of the workday. They want to get home and get on with their lives. I myself have only been to a handful of meetings. To get them into the routine of going, they are going to need something to motivate them. This was the same feedback that I got from the former PTA president at my school.

What do you think? Would you come for a free hot dinner? What about a new book for your child?

Parent Interview: "PTA should be the bridge organization for the teachers and parents."

1. Have you been to a PTA meeting?

-Yes, I have been to one meeting this academic school year.

2. Do you know what the PTA is and does at our school?

-I know what the PTA does, but not exactly sure what the goals are for our campus.

3. Shirley Igo, the former PTA president claims, "Now more than ever, PTA has to be an organization that not only welcomes, but also embraces diversity." Do you feel this is true of the PTA at our school?

-Too hard to tell at the one PTA meeting I attended. It appeared more like a committee meeting.

4. What would you like to see happen with the PTA at our school?

-I would like to see the PTA be the bridge organization for the school administrators, teachers, and parents. I think it is very important that the parent community come together on a regular basis to meet and discuss the school. It appears that other school events seem to take the place of the PTA, which makes the PTA seem less relevant. Perhaps some of these events could be coordinated as co-PTA events so that there is much greater participation. During community dinners, perhaps the parents could eat separately from the students so that they can meet. Most of the communication I receive from the PTA centers on fundraising, and I am unclear on what its purpose is. I would like a forum where I could talk to the teachers and administrators about the school and things going on in the school.

**I feel that this parent has captured the essence of our vision for the role of the PTA organization in a school. We want to see an increase in parents and teachers in the PTA so that they begin a dialogue about ways to enrich the multicultural education in the school.**

Interview with PTA Vice President

I met with the PTA Vice President at my school this week. She was SO excited to talk with me about ways to improve PTA membership and attendance at PTA events. She had even prepared by giving me an article called "Building Partnerships with Families of All Cultures" which simply states the benefits of family involvement and tips for involving families in their child's education.

Some of her ideas:
*Breakfast meetings with parents and teachers
*Invite parents into the classroom to share a talent or a skill they may have
*Have "family day" either for your classroom or school. Invite parents to bring a favorite dish to share.
*Tie into existing school events--training on how to use the online portal to view student grades
*Have a Dance/Family night to involve students and parents
*Invite parents to come to existing events like Field Day to volunteer
*Create t-shirts with class "goals" on the back--so parents can see the type of goals the school has for their child

We talked about how families are essential to developing multi-cultural education she really had a great point---how can we expect kids to be comfortable in their schools and classrooms if their parents aren't even comfortable coming into the school and interacting with staff? She made the point that the family/school relationship is very necessary for children to also feel comfortable.

Devil's Advocate

I interviewed someone I know who works as an educational consultant. He has written books on the state of education in the United States and calls for a new way of educating our youth--with an emphasis on critical thinking. I showed him the link to our blog and asked him to tell me what he thought about the issue.

“PTA general sessions can suffer from certain of shortcomings if not handled right – for instance:

· Rushing by the teacher, who wants to dispatch the session, because he/she is either too busy or is uncomfortable facing parents

· Parents who raise a topic of very narrow interest (even “rathole” the conversation about their kid in particular) during a session of common interest

· Superficial feedback by teachers so preoccupied with child’s self-esteem that educational outcomes are glossed over

In that context, one-on-one parental sessions can be far more specific, and address multiculturalism if parents are exposed to how their child reacts to others’ points of views and behaviors, and is tuned to the misconceptions and biases that the parents themselves bring about. It will thus help parents to understand that their attitudes/behaviors/values get imprinted on their children, unconsciously not just deliberately.”

Interesting to see how PTA meetings may be a way to open the door to communication with parents, but one-on-one meetings are still one of the best ways to gain information about students and their families.

Safety Concerns

This parent would like to see the PTA help enforce policies at school that ensure all students' safety.

"I have only attended one PTA meeting at this school--so I am not very informed on what the PTA does. I have not attended enough meetings to know if our PTA embraces diversity."

In response to "What would you like to see in the PTA at our school?" She responded:

"As a parent that has had several safety issues at this school, I would like for them to try to reinforce the importance of the staff following all rules when it comes to releasing our kids as far ask asking for ID and verifying that they person is who they say they are."

Interview with a Fellow Teacher

I interviewed a fellow teacher at my school about our grad school project. I told her about our idea as a group: We want to put in a plan to encourage parent and teacher communication by allowing there to a be something set in place in order to utilize the PTA.

She said that she really liked the idea. She has been in my school for about 6 years now and is so used to the way things are that she is sick of the PTA.

She has been to a meeting and one of the biggest problems in her opinion is the way the meetings are run. There is no set agenda, or there is one that is ill formed. Maybe the collaboration of a teacher and a parent and the use of Robert's rules might help?

PTA-An American Tradition?

Teaching in a school where 80% of the student body is first generation Americans, makes encouraging parents to join the PTA not only a difficult task but one in which we as the teachers need to teach our students' parents what the PTA is.

Ana, the PTA president at my school, said in our interview that in the countries where our student body's parents are from, an organization like the PTA does not exist. Parents naturally come to school and help. Therefore, a formal organization like the PTA is a foreign concept for them and one they aren't feeling comfortable joining.

However, being a first generation American myself and having my mother join the PTA in my childhood allowed my mother to feel like she had a place in this American organization and a voice in my educational success.

This is what I want for my students.

Parent Interview in Spanish

1) Usted ha participado en una reunion de la asociacion de padres y maestros?

No.

2) Usted sabe lo que es la asociacion de padres y maestros y lo que hace en nuestra escuela?

[no comment]

3) Shirley Igo, la presidente antigua de la PTA nacional dice, "Ahora, mas que nunca, la PTA tiene que ser una organizacion que no solo da la bienvenida a, pero tambien abraza la diversidad." Usted piensa que eso es veridico de la asociacion de padres y maestros en nuestra escuela?

Si. [yes]

4) Que quiere ver ocurrir con la asociacion de padres y maestros en nuestra escuela? Usted tiene alguna sugerencia?

Yo pienso que siga como esta. [I think it should continue as it is.]

Progress of Our Children

This parent seemed fully focused on their child and I loved how "student-centered" their responses were. I think that sometimes adults get too caught up in their own needs and wants, when really an organization like the PTA exists to help better educate our children through a partnership between parents and school staff. His responses are below:

Have you been to a PTA meeting? Do you know what PTA is and does at our school?

Yes, the PTA is the parent teacher association meeting where important discussion and information is exchanged for the progress of our children.

Shirley Igo, the National PTA President claims, "Now more than ever, the PTA has to be an organization that, not only welcomes, but also embraces diversity." Do you feel that is true of the PTA at your school?

Yes.

What would you like to see at the PTA at your school?

More of the same thing for the progress of our children.

New parents left in the dark

I gave all of my students' families the opportunity to fill out the PTA survey. One of my students recently moved to the United States and he started school here in Feburary. His mother knew nothing about the PTA or it's function.

Have you been to a PTA meeting? Do you know what PTA is and does?

No, I don't have any idea.

She did not answer the other questions on the form:

Shirley Igo, the National PTA President claims, "Now more than ever, PTA has to be an organization that, not only welcomes, but also embraces diversity." Do you feel this is true of the PTA?

What would you like to see at the PTA at this school?


I think this is truly a missed opportunity for the PTA and the school community to embrace a foreign culture. This family has very recently joined the school community and it would be beneficial for the family, the student and the school community if we were able to embrace their culture and welcome them into their new setting.

Teacher Liaison to PTA... only 6 parents attend

Are meetings well attended?

Our meeting are not well attended. We average about 6 parents per meeting, sometimes Carlie is there. So no there is no good mix of faculty and parents.

What does PTA at Excel Academy do?

What does PTA do? Overall they present an open forum for parents to share questions and concerns. They also take parent feedback and take it to our school leadership team with future school events and fundraiser ideas. For example, at the meeting in January, lots of parents wanted to see the black history month presentations.

What are the goals of PTA?

As far as what PTA goals are: If there in writing I haven’t seen them, but I feel their goal is build a better line of communication between the school and its parents. As far as goals for the year I don’t know them.

Shirley Igo, the National PTA president claims, "Now more than ever, PTA has to be an organization that, not only welcomes, but also embraces diversity." Do you feel this is true of the PTA at Excel Academy?

Shirley Igo quote: I feel that the quote is more about embracing race, PTA isn’t really a race thing, it’s more of an idea forum. So no I don’t feel this is true of Excel’s PTA.

What would you like to see in the PTA at Excel Academy?

I would like to see more parents attend meeting. I also feel that PTA needs to host some school events. I think a lot of parents don’t know who they are because they don’t do anything but hold meetings.

Parent Interview... Need more parents.

Have you been to a PTA meeting? Do you know what PTA is and does at Excel Academy? Yes, I have attended PTA at Excel. Yes, I know what PTA is and does at Excel.

Shirley Igo, the National PTA president claims, "Now more than ever, PTA has be an organization that, not only welcomes, but also embraces diversity." Do you feel this is true of the PTA at Excel Academy? Yes.

What would you like to see in the PTA at Excel Academy? More parents attending and getting to know other parents and their children. And for the school to allow parents to interact with teachers, staff, and children a little more.

Parent Interview... Yes.

Have you been to a PTA meeting? Do you know what PTA is and does at Excel Academy? Yes I have and yes I do.

Shirley Igo, the National PTA president claims, "Now more than ever, PTA has be an organization that, not only welcomes, but also embraces diversity." Do you feel this is true of the PTA at Excel Academy? Yes.

What would you like to see in the PTA at Excel Academy? I am not sure at this time.

Parent Interview... Please have meetings when parents can attend

Have you been to a PTA meeting? Do you know what PTA is and does at Excel Academy? No, I have not. Yes, I do.

Shirley Igo, the National PTA president claims, "Now more than ever, PTA has be an organization that, not only welcomes, but also embraces diversity." Do you feel this is true of the PTA at Excel Academy? I can't say due to the fact I don't attend. I only know what other parents have told me. From what I hear, I think that it is diverse.

What would you like to see in the PTA at Excel Academy? I wish the meetings were held on Saturday during or after Saturday school. I would be able to attend and quite sure more parents would come as well. During the week, after work, I am not in the mood and not focused on any topics to discuss. I want to get my child, help do her homework, read a story, cook dinner, take a shower and bath, and get ready for the next day. People are more productive after getting proper rest, not at the end of the day. It's the end of the day and I can't really think of what I want to see in the PTA, my personal homework only comes to mind. Sorry.

Parent Interview... I am the treasurer.

Have you been to a PTA meeting? Do you know what PTA is and does at Excel Academy? Yes. I am the treasurer of Excel Academy PTA. I attend almost every meeting.

Shirley Igo, the National PTA president claims, "Now more than ever, PTA has be an organization that, not only welcomes, but also embraces diversity." Do you feel this is true of the PTA at Excel Academy? Yes, as much as the school is diversified.

What would you like to see in the PTA at Excel Academy? I would like to see more parent involvement.

Parent Interview... Maybe in the spring.

Have you been to a PTA meeting? Do you know what PTA is and does at Excel Academy? I have been to a PTA meeting before, not at Excel Academy. But I do plan on attending one in the spring.

Shirley Igo, the National PTA president claims, "Now more than ever, PTA has be an organization that, not only welcomes, but also embraces diversity." Do you feel this is true of the PTA at Excel Academy? I think diversity is good to have because everyone there has opinions.

What would you like to see in the PTA at Excel Academy? No comment.

Parent Interview... More parent involvement

Have you been to a PTA meeting? Do you know what PTA is and does at Excel Academy? Yes, I have. I know that PTA is an association of parents and teachers that come together to help make decisions that can help make the school year run smooth or better.

Shirley Igo, the National PTA president claims, "Now more than ever, PTA has be an organization that, not only welcomes, but also embraces diversity." Do you feel this is true of the PTA at Excel Academy? I have not been to many PTA meetings at Excel this year. However, I do believe that diversity is present at Excel Academy.

What would you like to see in the PTA at Excel Academy? I would like to see more parent involvement.

Parent Interview... Short and sweet.

Have you been to a PTA meeting? Do you know what PTA is and does at Excel Academy? No. Yes.

Shirley Igo, the National PTA president claims, "Now more than ever, PTA has be an organization that, not only welcomes, but also embraces diversity." Do you feel this is true of the PTA at Excel Academy? Yes.

What would you like to see in the PTA at Excel Academy? More parent involvement.

Teacher Interview... For a certain group of parents.

Have you been to a PTA meeting? Do you know what PTA is and does at Excel Academy? No. Yes. The PTA sponsors events, fundraisers, etc. to support the work of Excel Academy.

Shirley Igo, the National PTA president claims, "Now more than ever, PTA has be an organization that, not only welcomes, but also embraces diversity." Do you feel this is true of the PTA at Excel Academy? I don't know, but my sense is that the more class privileged parents are active in PTA.

What would you like to see in the PTA at Excel Academy? I'd like the PTA to sponsor "Being an Excel-lent parent," events that builds parents capacity to assist their children in high academic achievement.

Using PTA organizations to increase aspects of multiculturalism in education

Some PTAs are using the relationship between parents and teachers to bring interesting multicultural ideas into the classrooms. In a North Carolina school, a teacher and a parent worked together to earn a grant to purchase books about topics of ethnic diversity. Other schools' PTAs have also earned large amounts of money to purchase books about topics of multiculturalism and diversity. After reading one of the books, some of the students in the N.C. school then raised enough money to buy livestock to help families in other countries. As a teacher, I can only imagine what sorts of topics I would feel comfortable introducing to my students if I had helpful resources such as the books the PTAs worked to secure for those teachers. I know that my students learn the most when we are able to reference books on the particular topic at hand. Some of the parents in the PTA at my school were discouraged by the fact that only two or three teachers attended any of the PTA meetings. They wanted to raise money to help support our endeavors in our classrooms, but since most teachers didn't participate in the meetings, they weren't sure what to do. They asked our principal to ask us to give them proposals about things we'd like the PTA to purchase. When he let us teachers know about this, I was very excited. I immediately researched some of the science resources I had been wanting for my classroom. I submitted a proposal to the PTA, and assumed all other teachers were doing the same time. I later found out that I was the only teacher to have done so. The parents in the PTA received such a meager and unenthusiastic response from the teachers that future fundraising efforts were aimed at supporting PTA events, not individual teachers' classrooms. I like to think that if there were greater teacher participation in the PTA, such miscommunication and misunderstandings would be avoided. Teachers and parents would work together to identify the school's needs and then to solve them together.

Article: http://www.ptotoday.com/pto-today-articles/article/57-build-a-multicultural-pto

Teacher Interview... PTA collects money - I think.

Have you been to a PTA meeting? Do you know what PTA is and does at Excel Academy? No. I think they collect money for the school.

Shirley Igo, the National PTA president claims, "Now more than ever, PTA has be an organization that, not only welcomes, but also embraces diversity." Do you feel this is true of the PTA at Excel Academy? Diversity is not a huge issue at Excel Academy.

What would you like to see in the PTA at Excel Academy? Teacher participation.

Teacher Interview: "Need to make PTA meetings earlier"

N1) Have you been to a PTA meeting at our school?

"No. I haven't had the time."

2) Do you know what the PTA is and does at our school?

"Yes, it seems to do a lot."

3) Shirley Igo, the former National PTA president claims, "Now more than ever, PTA has to be an organization that not only welcomes, but also embraces diversity." Do you feel this is true of the PTA at our school?

"Yes, I think it definitely embraces diversity."

4) What would you like to see happen with the PTA at our school? Do you have any suggestions?

"It would help teachers to have the meetings earlier than 5 or 6pm. We've been at school since at least 7am, and it's hard to stay that late."

Teacher Interview... Can teachers participate?

Have you been to a PTA meeting? Do you know what PTA is and does at Excel Academy? No. I notice a number of student handouts regarding coin drives, school uniforms, and book sales.

Shirley Igo, the National PTA president claims, "Now more than ever, PTA has be an organization that, not only welcomes, but also embraces diversity." Do you feel this is true of the PTA at Excel Academy? I have little experience with members or cultivation of members but they seem to cater to a range of activities to support the school.

What would you like to see in the PTA at Excel Academy? Teacher participation?

Parent Interview: Not much to say...

1) Have you been to a PTA meeting at our school?

"No."

2) Do you know what the PTA is and does at our school?

"Yes, I think so."

3) Shirley Igo, the former National PTA president claims, "Now more than ever, PTA has to be an organization that not only welcomes, but also embraces diversity." Do you feel this is true of the PTA at our school?

"Yes, I think it embraces everyone who wants to come."

4) What would you like to see happen with the PTA at our school? Do you have any suggestions?

"I can't think of anything."

Teacher Interview... Does PTA do anything?

Have you been to a PTA meeting? Do you know what PTA is and does at Excel Academy? No and no.

Shirley Igo, the National PTA president claims, "Now more than ever, PTA has be an organization that, not only welcomes, but also embraces diversity." Do you feel this is true of the PTA at Excel Academy? I have no idea.

What would you like to see in the PTA at Excel Academy? I would like to see them doing something.

Parent Interview: "PTAs need to advertise more"

1) Have you been to a PTA Meeting?

"I've been to PTA meetings at my student's previous schools, but not at this school."

2) Do you know what the PTA is and does?

"I know what the PTA is and I have a working knowledge of its role at this school."

3) Shirley Igo, the former National PTA president claims, "Now more than ever, PTA has to be an organization that not only welcomes, but also embraces diversity." Do you feel this is true of the PTA at our school?

"From what I have seen thus far, I believe it to be true. I hope that it is for the sake of the tremendously diverse student body."

4) What would you like to see happen with the PTA at our school? Do you have any suggestions?

"I would like for the meetings to be more visibly advertised along with reminders equal to the frequency that which the school sends other reminders. I would like for the meetings to be more convenient."

Parent interview...unaware but willing to learn!

1) Have you been to a PTA meeting?

No!

2) Do you know what PTA is and does at school?

I do know what PTA does. Never attended one at school.

3) Shirley Igo, the National PTA president claims, "Now more than ever, PTA has to be an organization that, not only welcomes, but also embraces diversity." Do you feel this is true of the PTA at school?

Will attend the next meeting.

4) What would you like to see in the PTA at school?

Will attend the next meeting.

Parent interview...more afterschool programs!

1) Have you been to a PTA meeting?

No.

2) Do you know what PTA is and does at school?

Not sure at PTA at school.

3) Shirley Igo, the National PTA president claims, "Now more than ever, PTA has to be an organization that, not only welcomes, but also embraces diversity." Do you feel this is true of the PTA at school?

Never attended, unable to answer.

4) What would you like to see in the PTA at school?

More after school programs.

Parent interview...a little unaware.

1) Have you been to a PTA meeting?

No.

2) Do you know what PTA is and does at school?

Yes I know what PTA does for the school.

3) Shirley Igo, the National PTA president claims, "Now more than ever, PTA has to be an organization that, not only welcomes, but also embraces diversity." Do you feel this is true of the PTA at school?

Yes!

4) What would you like to see in the PTA at school?

I have not been to a meeting but I'm very pleased with what is going on at school.

No comment.

1) Have you been to a PTA meeting?

I have attended PTA meetings at my son's school but have yet to at our school.

2) Do you know what PTA is and does at school?

No comment.

3) Shirley Igo, the National PTA president claims, "Now more than ever, PTA has to be an organization that, not only welcomes, but also embraces diversity." Do you feel this is true of the PTA at school?

I have not been to a meeting at our school so I can't make a comment.

4) What would you like to see in the PTA at school?

No comment.

Ehh...I don't really know what a PTA is?

1) Have you been to a PTA meeting?

Never been to PTA meeting.

2) Do you know what PTA is and does at school?

Yes I know what PTA is but I don't know what they do at our school.

3) Shirley Igo, the National PTA president claims, "Now more than ever, PTA has to be an organization that, not only welcomes, but also embraces diversity." Do you feel this is true of the PTA at school?

No contributions can be given because I never attend.

4) What would you like to see in the PTA at school?

Positive Improvement.

No clue!

This parent had no idea about the PTA, what it is, or what it does. I feel as though this truly reflects the PTA's presence in my school:

1) Have you been to a PTA meeting?

No.

2) Do you know what PTA is and does at school?

I have no idea.

3) Shirley Igo, the National PTA president claims, "Now more than ever, PTA has to be an organization that, not only welcomes, but also embraces diversity." Do you feel this is true of the PTA at school?

Yes.

4) What would you like to see in the PTA at school?

No comment.

Busy Parent

1) Have you been to a PTA meeting?

No.

2) Do you know what PTA is and does at school?

Yes.

3) Shirley Igo, the National PTA president claims, "Now more than ever, PTA has to be an organization that, not only welcomes, but also embraces diversity." Do you feel this is true of the PTA at school?

Yes.

4) What would you like to see in the PTA at school?

No suggestions at this time.

Great Parent Post about Her View of the PTA

Khalil's mom is a very involved mother. Her viewpoint of what the PTA should be is really eye opening:

1) Have you been to a PTA meeting?

No, I have not been to a PTA meeting.

2) Do you know what PTA is and does at school?

The purpose of the PTA SHOULD be to:

-Bring relation between the home and the school closer, so that parents and teachers may cooperate intelligently in the education of children and youth.

-To develop between educators and the general public united efforts to secure children and youth the highest advantages in physical, mental, social, and spiritual education.

- Make it possible to incorporate the diversity of a community in the school system in which parents and students can become aware of different cultures present in their community.

- Allow parents to express concerns about school policies, securities, etc.

3) Shirley Igo, the National PTA president claims, "Now more than ever, PTA has to be an organization that, not only welcomes, but also embraces diversity." Do you feel this is true of the PTA at school?

I do agree with Shirley Igo. However, I can't answer the questions adequately as a parent that does not attend meetings.

4) What would you like to see in the PTA at school?

Not sure what I would like to see. But if I were to attend meetings, I would like to witness more people requesting certain classes/programs for these kids that would enlighten them on how to survive in the real world. Additionally, how to use money as a tool, leadership programs, how to apply their education to different settings, and eliminating the celebration of holidays in school to name a few are subjects that I would like to discuss.