National PTA President's Letter
August, 2002

National PTA to certify schools in parent involvement

As we take our children back to school this month, we’re reminded of the importance of strong relationships between home and school. National PTA is proud of the many schools with excellent parent involvement programs, and we’re encouraged by the countless others who are forming strong partnerships with parents to reach that goal.

National PTA this fall begins a program to bring well-deserved recognition to good school partnerships through a Parent Involvement Schools of Excellence certification. Schools that uphold the highest standards of parent involvement will receive this designation of excellence. We’ll also be presenting a Recognition of Commitment to schools that participate but do not reach the “excellence” designation, with the expectation that they will continue to work toward becoming Schools of Excellence.

This certification program is built around National PTA’s “gold standard” for parent involvement, the National Standards for Parent/Family Involvement Program. Five organizations partnered with National PTA in developing and defining this certification program, including:

Schools from New Hampshire to Alaska served as pilot sites. Feedback from pilot schools and advisory committees was critical to refining the process and tools.

We all want success for our children. I encourage every PTA to participate in this Parent Involvement Certification of Excellence program. Build on the fine work you are already doing in partnership with your school. Bring well-deserved honor to the schools you serve, the parents you represent. Every child deserves to attend a school of excellence.

Shirley Igo
President, National PTA