National PTA Calls for Common Core State Standards

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL--(Marketwire - June 25, 2009) - America's children haven't been able to compete with students from around the globe for years when it comes to academic achievement. That's why the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is calling for the creation of a voluntary, internationally benchmarked common core of state standards in English language arts and mathematics for grades K-12.

This week, PTA became an endorsing partner of the National Governors Association and Council of Chief State School Officers' Common Core State Standards Initiative. As National PTA conducts its 113th annual convention in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. this weekend (June 26-29), the organization is announcing to its millions of members and supporters it has joined this national effort to improve the rigor and relevance of education in the U.S.

"National PTA has been on the forefront of this issue for years and our commitment remains steadfast," said Charles J. "Chuck" Saylors, National PTA's Incoming-President. "No longer should states have different expectations for what students should know. We should all be on the same page. This is important for parents because we need to be able to articulate to our children what they need to know and be able to do to be successful in college and in their career."

As a partner in the Common Core State Standards Initiative, PTA will offer input, expertise and guidance to the development and adoption of a common core of state standards. In alignment with this effort, PTA believes the standards should be:

--  Aligned with college and career expectations;
--  Internationally benchmarked against high performing nations;
--  Reflective of vital cross-disciplinary skills such as critical
    thinking, problem solving, logical reasoning, communication, and team work;
--  Fewer in scope and deeper in meaning; and
--  Clearly written and user-friendly to educators.
    

"This effort will ensure equity in education nationwide and will improve the level of rigor that will ultimately make the U.S. more competitive with other leading countries," said Byron V. Garrett, National PTA's Chief Executive Officer. "The skills that students are required to know today are considerably different than those that were required a generation ago. This effort to establish 'higher, clearer, and fewer' standards that will be internationally benchmarked will help better prepare our nation's students in a meaningful way."

About National PTA

PTA comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.

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Contact Information: Contacts: James Martinez Office: (312) 670-6782 Ext. 325 Cell: (773) 339-4533 La'Keisha Gray-Sewell Office: (312) 670-6782 Ext. 321 Cell: (312) 623-4560