HIGHLIGHTS of LEG DAY
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The NCLB waiver is open for public comment on the State Department of Education website;
- Parent Input/Teacher Evaluations will be effective with the 2012-2013 school year. The deadline of Feb. 1 was taken out, districts can complete evaluations on their own timeline.
- The state will spend $963,000 a year to pay for every junior to take the SAT on a school day, starting in the fall 2012. There is online support at sat.org/idaho.
- Pay for Performance was clarified that a school benefits for performance, not just one teacher.
- Common Core State Standards will pilot in 2013-2014 and be in full 2014-2015. Districts are encouraged to start implementing aspects NOW.
- JFAC is hearing testimony on how the surplus is to be budgeted. Mr. Luna asked for 19 million in backfill to teachers salaries where cuts were made to fund Students Come First and a 2% increase in discretionary funds.
- Idaho is 49th in per pupil spending compared to other states.
- Brian Cronin recommended watching the movie, “American Teacher”.
LEGISLATIVE
With thousands of members, Idaho PTA is the largest parent organization in the state. An organization dedicated to the welfare of children and youth must inevitably concern itself with the laws that affect children or those that may be needed to protect them.
In an effort to keep you up-to-date and informed about the FY2010 Public Schools Budget, Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Luna has created this web page that will provide you with information about the Public Schools Budget during the 2009 Legislative Session. The page is located at http://www.sde.idaho.gov/site/schoolsbudget/ There is also a place for you to submit your comments on the public education budget. The page will be updated continuously throughout the legislative session so please check back regularly.
a huge success!
We want to thank all you for your continued dedication to Idaho's children! Idaho PTA is so fortunate to have such dedicated members ready to engage.
We have the most passionate and dedicated advocates in our membership!
Thank you for attending Idaho PTA Legislative Day!
IDAHO PTA LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
2012
Education Funding
Idaho PTA will pursue the full funding needed to provide a quality public education system for the children of Idaho and implement mandated programs and policies.
Idaho PTA will strive for equitable funding for all of Idaho's public education choices. Idaho PTA will not support cuts in the educational funding that will jeopardize the student's safety or quality of classroom instruction. Idaho PTA will pursue an equitable funding formula related to the actual costs of the educational choices of traditional public schools, public charter schools, and public virtual charter schools that are based on the expense to deliver each educational choice.
Idaho PTA opposes any attempts to divert public funding to private or sectarian schools. Idaho PTA believes this would promote division without diversity and create separation within the community. Idaho PTA supports providing school choice within the public education system while maintaining accountability.
Parent Involvement and Responsibility
Idaho PTA recognizes parents as a child's first and most influential teachers. Idaho PTA recognizes the research that demonstrates that when parents are involved in their child's education, students achieve more regardless of socioeconomic status, ethnic/racial background, or parents' level of education.
Idaho PTA seeks: 1. the protection of the rights of parental involvement in site-based decision making 2. the assurance that schools communicate with and involve parents in meaningful ways.
Idaho Endowment Lands
Idaho PTA encourages Idaho state officials to take all necessary steps to manage the School Trust Lands and the School Endowment Funds in accordance with trust duties and principles, including undivided loyalty to the beneficiaries and a duty to make Trust property productive in long term as well as short term ways.
Promoting Childhood Nutrition, Health, and Safety
PTA in its purposes and programs promotes safety for children and youth. Idaho PTA recognizes the hazards to Idaho's children and youth walking to and from school as well as other dangers and risks on Idaho roadways which may risk their safety. Idaho PTA will work with school districts, communities, law enforcement, policy makers, and others to increase awareness and seek positive solutions.
500 W. Washington - Boise, ID 83702
208-344-0851 Fax- 208-342-8585
www.idahopta.org
idahopta@idahopta.org
