1. 1 1 Principals and PTA/PTSA The Business of Student Achievement North Fulton Council PTA School of Information January 25, 2012 Grant Rivera, Principal, Westlake High School Donna Kosicki, President

2. 2 Course Objective  Given the time together during this workshop, participants will identify at least ten (10) key strategies or resources that connect their respective PTA/PTSAs to the business of student achievement. 2

3. 3 Activity  Take a few moments and think about what is the current status of your PTA/PTSA and its effectiveness in your school.  Let’s take a few minutes to report out.

4. 4 Basic Assumptions  Every teacher wants the best instruction for their students.  Today, more than ever, networking is vital.  The greatest challenge is agreeing on a common goal. 4  Every parent wants the best education for their child.

5. 5 PTA - Who We Are Our Founders: 5 Alice McLellan Birney Phoebe Apperson Hearst Selena Sloane Butler

6. 6 PTA Vision Every child's potential is a reality. PTA Mission To make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.

7. 7 PTA - The Next Two Years  Target audience  Defined goals Communications Leadership – strong, sustainable parent leader teams Reaching out – events, partnerships, programs  Strategies  Evaluate goals GA PTA Strategic Plan  Membership, Leadership, Organizational Effectiveness, Financial Viability

8. 8 Parents are more likely to become involved when:  Parents understand that they SHOULD be involved.  Parents feel CAPABLE of making a contribution.  Parents feel INVITED by their school and children. (Hoover-Dempsey and Sandler, 1997) 8

9. Organizational Alignment FCS PTA School Mission Statement Priorities/Goals Time (2)

10. Barriers to Leading Family Engagement  “People” Dynamics Building leadership capacity beyond the 5% Relationships (administrators and parent leaders) Accountability  “Organizational” Dynamics Ambiguity of academics Distractions of school Tendencies of at-risk students and their families

11. Stay Focused on Student Achievement  Establish academic priorities (“what”) Alignment to school improvement plan Our “priority”:  Build capacity (“who”) Community leaders Faith-based leaders Parent leaders (who have never been asked)  Brainstorm opportunities (“how”)

12. Communication Strategies  External: Opportunities to spread the word Churches Local businesses Political leaders “Hot spots” in the community  Internal: Captive audiences Athletic events Student performances Marquee  Online: Social networking

13. Engaging the Traditionally “Disengaged” Families  Personalize the invitation What should we learn from our dentist? Use of volunteers  Tailor the message Keep it meaningful and relevant to their child Don’t be afraid to speak to “subgroups”  Monitor student achievement Show the family they make a difference

14. Galileo Reading ~ Beginning of the Year August- 60% March- 80%

15. Tendencies of Effective Organizations  Assemble a strong team of leaders Identify goals, data, and deadlines Acknowledge tendencies – be proactive  Brand your message  Monitor individual and organizational success Accountability Win small, win early, and win often

16. 16 Let’s Recap Identify key strategies or resources that connect your respective PTA/PTSAs to the business of student achievement. Questions? How can we help!?!

17. 17 Georgia PTA 114 Baker Street, NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 404 659-0214, www.georgiapta.orgwww.georgiapta.org everychild. onevoice. Donna Kosicki, President dkosicki@georgiapta.org Debbie Rabjohn, 13 th District Director drabjohn@georgiapta.org Grant Rivera, Principal riverag@fultonschools.org 17

18. 18 The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. - Ghandi