Duval County Council of PTAs / PTSAs

August 2011 – The Duval County Council of Parent Teacher Associations (PTA’s) announced today that it will receive funding from National PTA to train its members, educators, administrators and community leaders on the implementation of Common Core Standards in classrooms.

The Duval County, PTA is part of National PTA’s Common Core State Standards Initiative. Through their involvement, the Duval County PTA will meet with key state and local decision-makers, engage the media and train parents with key advocacy skills to support the Standards. Created by teachers, parents, education experts and others from across the country, the Standards provide clear, consistent expectations for what students should be learning at each grade in mathematics and English language arts in order to be prepared for college and career.

This selection marks the first time PTA’s have competed by submitting grant applications to receive National PTA training and advocacy support. The Duval County PTA, was selected by National PTA based on its organizational background, project goals and objectives, organizational capacity, advocacy capacity, member communication and community engagement.

“We are pleased that Duval County now joins the National PTA’s effort to advocate for the implementation of the Common Core Standards, which 45 states and the District of Columbia have adopted. These standards will allow our children to compete academically and in an increasingly global economy,” said Betsy Landers, National PTA President.

More than 18,000 local PTA members have been trained on Common Core Standards. In addition to Duval County, National PTA Wave III Common Core Standards Initiative selectees include local school districts in Pinellas County; Jefferson County, Kentucky; Springdale, Arkansas and the states of Delaware and Michigan.

National PTA’s Common Core State Standards Initiative began in December 2009. Wave I states included Florida, Georgia, New Jersey and North Carolina. Wave II included Washington, Ohio, Minnesota and Mississippi. National PTA’s latest effort will officially launch on September 17, 2011 in Tampa, FL.

Listen to the PSA
We have 10 days to make a difference. Just 10 days to tell our Legislature to Fund Education First, Cut it Last

On Monday April 25th, the Legislature begins the process of negotiating the Florida budget, and if they don’t hear from you the anticipated cuts to public schools will get worse. Tax cuts for corporations will get bigger on the backs of our students.

Cuts to education have been coming for years. They are not new, they are not necessary, and they are NOT acceptable.

In a year when Tallahassee can give a tax break to companies like Expedia, how can we stay silent as they cut basic core services at public schools?

It is time for public education supporters to be heard. Call 10 friends and ask them to reach the 10 elected officials listed below.

Gov Scott     1-850-488-7146      rick.scott@eog.myflorida.com

Rep. Cannon: Speaker of the House     1-850-488-2742    dean.cannon@myfloridahouse.gov

Sen. Simmons: Pre K – 12 Appropriations     1-850-487-5050    simmons.david.web@flsenate.gov

Rep. Coley: Pre K – 12 Appropriations     1-850-488-2873     marti.coley@myfloridahouse.gov

Rep. Proctor: Education     1-850-488-2977     bill.proctor@myfloridahouse.gov

Sen. Haridopolos: President of the Senate     1-850-487-5229      haridopolos.mike.web@flsenate.gov

Sen. Wise: Education     1-850-487-5027       wise.stephen.web@flsenate.gov

Sen. Alexander: Budget     1-850-487-5044      alexander.jd.web@flsenate.gov

Rep Grimsley: Appropriations     1-850-488-3457      denise.grimsley@myfloridahouse.gov

Rep. Fresen: Ed. Competitiveness Subcomm.     1-850-488-4092      erik.fresen@myfloridahouse.gov

Download Talking Points from Florida PTA for the 2011 Legislative Session