California State everychild. onevoice. VOLUME 40

Convention Chronicle

FOR DELEGATES TO THE 117TH ANNUAL CALIFORNIA STATE PTA CONVENTION

APRIL 2016

Support student success May 4-7 in San Diego Join thousands of PTA parentvolunteer advocates and leaders along with educators and community leaders to address education, health and community issues affecting our state’s children and families.

• Learn how to set up and support your PTA, your kids and your school for success in the months and years to come.

• Get the latest information on issues affecting your family and school community, build the skills you need to strengthen your PTA and network with other leaders from across California.

117th annual event helps you make your PTA the best it can be

There’s nothing like convention to strengthen your leadership skills, confidence and knowledge. It’s an investment in your PTA’s success.

WHAT DO YOU GET FOR YOUR REGISTRATION FEES?

Access to workshops and exhibitors, discount tickets to special events, an opportunity to meet PTA founder Phoebe Apperson Hearst and much more!

WHAT DOES YOUR PTA UNIT GET?

Leaders who are trained in the best tradition of PTA, great ideas and assorted free samples from the Exhibit Hall and a voice in general meetings. Plus, your unit will get an opportunity to share best practices and challenges with PTA leaders from throughout the state.

Don’t miss the excitement – register online at capta.org! Stay engaged with the latest convention news, updates and info by visiting capta.org. And be sure to use #PTA4Kids in all of your social-media posts!

#PTA4Kids

Descargar en Español en http://downloads.capta.org/con/Chronicle_Spanish.pdf

CALL to Convention: The California State PTA hereby calls upon its membership to send duly accredited delegates to the 117th Annual Convention in San Diego, May 4-7, 2016. All PTA members are welcome and encouraged to attend. *Membership card required at convention check-in.

Special guests get you engaged, educated and inspired ur convention speakers and guests are all about engagement. Like you, they have dedicated themselves to making a big difference in their communities. They will share unique insights on challenges they have overcome and big-picture best practices they have used to help make a better future for children and families.

O

Dr. Randolph E. Ward San Diego County Office of Education

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Randolph E. Ward has led the

Laura Bay National PTA President

Laura Bay is a passionate advocate for education and children’s issues. Ever since entering a kindergarten classroom with her oldest son more than 20 years ago, Bay’s dedication to PTA has become a passion. Bay was involved in

San Diego County Office of Education since 2006, focusing on technology for everyone and world languages. Under his leadership, schools operated by the San Diego County Office of Education have undergone a technological transformation, leading to significantly greater student engagement and dramatic improvements in student achievement. Before that, he was the state-appointed administrator of the Oakland Unified School District from 2003 to 2006 and Compton Unified School District from 1996 to 2003. Ward’s education career began in 1978, as a preschool teacher in his hometown of Boston. local unit, council and regional PTA activities for many years and served in a variety of PTA positions—from committee member/chair to president. Bay believes that the power of this association is found in the passionate and diverse volunteers who share a common desire to reach out and engage parents, support their community in voicing their needs concerning education and health and safety issues and grow as leaders prepared to advocate anywhere, at any time. Bay and her husband Robert Bay have three adult children—Andrew, Matthew and Celeste. She has worked for the Bremerton School District as an educator and currently works in the district office as a coordinator for assessment and instruction. Bay and her husband make their home in Poulsbo, Washington, where they enjoy time with family and friends.

Andy Hargreaves Lynch School of Education at Boston College

Daniel Jocz 2016 California Teachers of the Year

Daniel Jocz, one of the five 2016 California Teachers of the Year, was selected by State Superintendent of Public

Andy Hargreaves is the Thomas More Brennan Chair in the Lynch School of Education at Boston College. Before that, he was the co-founder and coDirector of the International Centre for Educational Change at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. Hargreaves has authored or edited over 30 books, several of which have achieved outstanding writing awards. He holds an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Uppsala in Sweden. In January 2015, he was ranked the #6 scholar with most influence on U.S. policy and consults with organizations and governments all over the world.

Instruction Tom Torlakson to represent California in the prestigious National Teacher of the Year competition. We recently learned that Daniel is among the four finalists for that honor. Jocz teaches 10th to 12th grade social studies at Downtown Magnets High School in Los Angeles Unified School District in Los Angeles County. He is the department chair, instructional leadership team member and associated student body advisor. His use of 21st century technology, specifically YouTube multimedia, is recognized nationally and worldwide. As a history teacher, he utilizes the latest technology, music that his students identify with, and spirited discussion as his means of instruction.

Tom Torlakson Invited

California State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Tom Torlakson was re-elected to a second four-year term as California’s 27th State Superintendent of Public Instruction on November 4, 2014. As chief of California’s public school system and leader of the California Department of Education, Superintendent Torlakson applies his experience as a science teacher, high school coach, and state policymaker to fight for our students and improve our state’s public education system.

‘Incredible!’ First-time attendee Evelyn Arellano inspired, empowered by convention One of the many memorable 2015 convention moments occurred near the end of the final general meeting when Evelyn Arellano took to the mic.

Originally motivated to simply thank outgoing California State PTA President Colleen A.R. You for the event, Arellano ended up sharing her personal PTA journey with the thousands of attendees, who gave her a standing ovation.

Arellano outlined how she and other parents, together with the support and guidance of 2

Convention Chronicle • April 2016

Principal Larry Cecil, brought PTA back to her son’s El Monte’s Mountain View High School (El Monte Council PTA, First District PTA), which had been without a PTA since she herself graduated from Mountain View 28 years ago.

“This is the beginning of something great at our school,” she said, noting that the brand-new unit already created a scholarship program for seniors. “It’s the beginning of a new era.” Arellano thanked PTA for the information, education and inspiration she received at

convention, which she looked forward to sharing with Mountain View parents and educators.

“In one word, ‘incredible’ – it was incredible to see everyone there advocating for children,” she said. “I learned so much and got educated myself by such amazing people. I can’t wait to return for next year’s convention: I’m telling other parents to save the date because, now that we’ve started, I don’t want it to be another 28 years – I just want PTA to continue!”

Activities get everyone engaged

There’s so much to see and do at convention! There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, engaged and inspired. Here’s just a sample of what you can expect in San Diego: Healthy Lifestyles Walk & Scavenger Hunt Wednesday, May 4, through Friday, May 6

Optional $10 donation that supports Healthy Lifestyle Grants.

The Equity Institute: Engaging All Families to Address Chronic Absenteeism and Truancy Wednesday, May 4, from 2 to 4 p.m. FREE! Reflections Art Gallery Wednesday, May 4, through Friday, May 6

Take a selfie with a Board of Director, log your steps and meet new friends and more. Use a smartphone app to trek around the convention site and engage in a scavenger hunt. ity pportun Ribbon O

Presented in partnership with the California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators (CAAASA), this institute will focus on engaging parents and families as partners to eliminate chronic absenteeism and truancy. View and experience awardwinning student art.

Phoebe Apperson Hearst: Founders Exhibit Wednesday, May 4, through Friday, May 6 Opens at 8 a.m. each day. FREE!

Where PTA history comes alive!

SeaWorld Dinner & Program Thursday, May 5, from 6 to 9 p.m. Dinner & Program: $38 Registration Fee. Must pre-register.

Arts-Education Advocacy Breakfast Friday, May 6, from 7 to 8:15 a.m. Breakfast: $20 Registration Fee. Must pre-register.

Chalk Art Showcase: I Madonnari Friday, May 6, from 8 a.m. to Noon FREE!

>

Get the information you need all in one easy place, so you can go back and be a superstar in carrying out the PTA leadership position you just volunteered for.

10

Build up your family’s “survival skills” for a few days while you’re away.

9 8

Pick up great new ideas for programs, partnerships, fundraisers and – let’s face it, lots of free, fun stuff – in two unique Exhibit Halls. Laugh, cheer, cry and celebrate with 2,000 other PTA leaders and members.

7 6 5 4

You simply won’t want to miss our AMAZING keynote speakers.

Opens at 8 a.m. each day. FREE!

Phoebe Apperson Hearst: Founders Exhibit

Top 10 reasons why you need to attend convention

Visit a very special exhibit featuring the life of one of our beloved founders Mrs. Hearst and showcasing some of her personal artifacts. Plus, learn more about her accomplishments by “meeting” Phoebe Apperson Hearst in person and take part in a special presentation. Join us for an evening of dining and entertainment. Meet and greet park animals in a private setting while mingling with other PTA members from around the state. Does not provide access to park.

Come to the arts breakfast to celebrate the arts and link up with arts-education advocates to learn how you can advance access and equity for students.

Make your PTA’s voice heard on important state resolutions and business items.

Brush up on all your public-education acronyms like CCSS, LCFF-LCAP, ESEA, IDEA, CAASP – or skip the alphabet soup and just meet some new friends who share your excitement about doing important things for kids and families. Come for the convention – stay for the San Diego vacation!

3 2

Learn, laugh, cry and be moved by the wonderful student Reflections Art Program winners as they perform their art works on the big stage at our special event.

Join thousands of PTA parent-volunteer advocates and leaders along with educators and community leaders for the engagement adventure of a lifetime!

1

Bring the child out in you and have a little fun with chalk art! Show us your artistic talents in one of the marked-out squares.

SPECIAL FOR ADMINISTRATORS AND SCHOOL TEAMS: School Strategies for Effective Family Engagement

An interactive forum in partnership with School Services of California, Inc. will focus on family-engagement practices that result in sustainable family-school partnership and that support development of the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP). Keynote speakers include Executive Director of the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence Dr. Carl A. Cohn and The Education Trust-West Executive Director Ryan Smith. Talk to your school administrators about creating a team of school-site leaders to attend! Registration for this forum is separate from convention.

Visit https://w3.smartreg.com/webreg/CAPTA16/AFE/ for more information.

Convention Chronicle • April 2016

3

San Diego: Come for convention – stay for vacation and workshops. Credentials may not be shared. Dress: Business casual.

Handouts: Print or download handouts online at capta.org beginning April 29.

Convention badge: You must wear your credential (name badge) for admittance to the convention floor, exhibit halls

Special offers for popular area attractions  LEGOLAND California & SEA LIFE Aquarium

As a Member Perk provider for California State PTA, these San Diego attractions offer exclusive PTA member discounts. Tickets must be reserved and pre-paid by phone (minimum purchase of six tickets), so call (760) 438-5346 to book now.

 SeaWorld

California State PTA has negotiated with SeaWorld to offer discounted $69 tickets for convention participants. Tickets must be purchased through online registration only by April 22 and are valid May 4 – Dec. 31, 2016.

Don’t forget to bring:

 Your bar-coded confirmation letter

 Your current PTA membership card, if not pre-verified when registering early

Notes: Use your smartphone, tablet or notepaper to take adequate notes to prepare a report for your unit when you get home. Include events, resolutions, new ideas and trainings you received at convention. Share the materials you bring home with your unit,

Be courteous: Give attention to the speaker who has the floor. Minimize side conversations. Turn cell phones OFF or silence them.

Network: Take this opportunity to make new friends and share ideas with others from all over California. Visit exhibits: Find information on exciting new

programs and products for your students and school.

Convention delegates: Attend the convention general meetings and conferences. You are the elected convention delegate representing your local PTA. Members of your unit, council or district are depending on you to represent them and vote on their behalf. Arrive on time and remain until adjourned. Most of all: Have a good time!

Convention Q&A

California State PTA Vice President for Communications Carol Green sat down with Vice President for Convention Barbara Harris to get a peek at the excitement of convention:

Q A

What’s new this year at convention?

Wow! There are so many new things, it’s hard to know where to start. We’re going to have different themes and activities each day. We’re going to bring the history of PTA to life and we are going to embrace Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) in a unique interactive way. Everyone who attends is going to be able to see it, feel it, touch it and smell it—it’s going to be a great PTA adventure!

Q A

Who should attend convention?

Anyone and everyone who has a desire to impact the lives of children and families! That would certainly include PTA leaders and members, parents, teachers, administrators, students and community members—we have something for everyone!

Q A

What workshops will be offered?

We’ll have great PTA leader training workshops, hot topics in education, family engagement and several brand-

 For students, a signed Parent/Guardian Approval and Consent to Treatment Form.

Don’t be left out of the excitement! Be sure to pack and bring these items with you to San Diego. 4

council or district to help spread the word about all you’ve learned to help your PTA, students and school.

Convention Chronicle • April 2016

new workshops that you have been asking for. We’ll have table topics and traditional workshops as well as a panel discussion on the arts. Let me highlight just three of the new offerings:

 The diversity in our state creates real opportunities in schools. A new presentation this year is a workshop titled “Cross- Cultural Communication – Keeping PTA Inclusive.” You will learn how to empower your diverse community, increase awareness and gain new skills for working in diverse environments.

 The local leader survey had a number of requests for information on working with foster youth. I’m pleased to let you know about “Foster Youth in Transition,” a very special workshop designed to help both foster parents and the children about to transition out of foster care.  We’ve seen a significant increase in students with special needs, and parents who want help navigating the system. Well, we have “Special Education Services 101” to help you sort all this out. Oh! And before I forget, the ever-popular workshop, “Meetings Gone Wild!” is making a return engagement. All workshops are first come – first serve with open seating, so don’t miss out.

Q A

Will there be an exhibit hall?

Absolutely. In fact, we have TWO Exhibit Halls this year. There are quite a few new faces you’ll see in there, too. Another new activity this year is a special Exhibit Hall reception planned for the first night of convention. I hope our convention participants take advantage to check out the programs and products on display.

Q A

What’s your favorite part of convention?

Putting all the pieces together to meet the needs of those coming to convention, and especially meeting the folks who come and participate with us. It’s great that people from all over California come together to learn, share and inspire each other and get ready to work together for all children and families. So be sure to say “hi” as we are all looking forward to meeting you.

BUSINESS OF THE ASSOCIATION

G

Your voice matters

eneral meetings allow PTA to enact the business of the association, hear inspiring speakers and celebrate our founders’ legacy and vision in the ongoing work of California State PTA.

Delegates will debate and vote on items to direct our organization, advocacy and future.

Your voice matters – we look forward to hearing from you at the general meetings!

Making motions at convention

To assist delegates during consideration of business items, a Motion Review Station will be located in the general meeting room. Notice of the business items to delegates is published in the Convention Chronicle, on the website and in the Convention Program Book. Notices of “Intent to Amend” may be submitted at two locations: at a topic hearing; or at the Motion Review Station by the end of the general meeting on the day before the item is presented for debate. Submitted Notices of “Intent to Amend” will be posted for delegate review at the Information/Lost and Found booth.

If a delegate wishes to amend the proposed Legislation Platform as published, a Notice of Intent To Amend must be received at  a Legislation Hearing; OR

 the Motion Review Station before the end of the first general meeting.

Delegates who wish to amend the resolveds of a proposed resolution must present a Notice of Intent to Amend at

 a Resolutions Hearing; OR

 the Motion Review Station before the end of the third general meeting.

Delegates who wish to amend a proposed bylaws amendment

must present a Notice of Intent to Amend at

 a Bylaws Hearing; OR

 the Motion Review Station before the end of the first general meeting.

A motion to amend may be permitted without the required written notice only if the amendment results from new information that came after the deadline or because the resolution has been changed substantially by other amendments. Delegates presenting such amendments must first go to the Motion Review Station before proceeding to the microphone.

Hearings

Learn about the proposed resolutions, the Legislation Platform and bylaws amendments:

Wednesday May 4 11 a.m. - Noon

• Bylaws

Wednesday May 4 11 a.m. - Noon

• Legislation

Friday May 6

1 - 2 p.m.

Convention Chronicle • April 2016

5

• Resolutions

BUSINESS OF THE ASSOCIATION

Proposed Amendments to the Bylaws

Delegates to the 2016 convention will be asked to consider the following amendments to the California State PTA bylaws, published in the California State PTA Toolkit, and posted online at capta.org. Unit presidents are asked to assure that delegates arrive at convention informed regarding the views of their membership on these questions. Deletions are identified by a line through the word (unit); additions, insertions or substitutions are identified by underlining (unit). Each proposed revision is followed by the rationale for the change. ARTICLE VIII — Officers

Section 1. The officers of the State PTA shall be a president, a president-elect, nine (9) seven (7) vice presidents, secretary, treasurer, parliamentarian and director of legislation. *PROVISO: Change to take effect 07/01/2017.

RATIONALE: The Internal Structures Committee

of the California State PTA has been reviewing Board structure and function for the past two terms. The committee appointed for this term studied previous recommendations and work of the previous terms Internal Structures Committees. The committee looked at the current functions, roles and responsibilities of vice presidents (VP) according to the Standing Rules. Staff support for VP and Board of Directors, interviews with current and past VPs were also reviewed. The committee held webinars to share information and solicit questions. An opportunity was provided at the November 2015 Board of managers meeting for all board members to provide written feedback, which was then collated and further reviewed by the Internal Structures Committee. Based on these reviews, the committee recommends combining the responsibilities for Membership and Programs and Member Services, and Health and Community Concerns. The resulting vice presidents would be 1) leadership, 2) membership & member services, 3) communications, 4) convention, 5) community concerns & health, 6) education and 7) family engagement. The committee agreed these changes, if approved, should take effect at the beginning of the next term. The committee also reviewed the Standing Rules pertaining to the suggested combinations if the bylaws change is approved by the convention delegates. The Standing Rules changes would be considered for adoption by the CAPTA Board of Managers in mid-2016 to take effect 7/1/2017 to be consistent with the Bylaws change.

ARTICLE XII — Nominations and Elections

Any person who is qualified to be an elected officer may be nominated by one of the following procedures:

Section 2. Nomination by Petition.

a. Only unsuccessful candidates in the most recent nomination by committee process may proceed by nomination by petition.

b. An official nominating petition, obtained from the State office, shall be completed and delivered to the State president or secretary no later than forty-eight (48) hours thirty (30) days prior to the opening of convention.

c. The petitioners shall be delegates to the convention at which the officers are to be elected and shall number not less than two percent (2%) of the delegate body attending the last previous convention.

d. Nominations received by petitions shall be presented by the president following the report of the nominating committee.

Section 3. Nomination at the Meeting.

At the conclusion of the report of the nominating committee and the report of any nomination by petition, nominations may be made from the floor providing the nominee has given consent and has filed a written notice with the president of intent to be nominated from the floor at least thirty (30) days prior to the beginning of the state convention. When the opportunity for all nominations has been fulfilled following any of the foregoing procedures, the nominations shall be closed. At the conclusion of the report of the nominating committee and the report of any nomination by

RESOLUTION A

petition, nominations may be made from the floor providing the nominee has a. given consent;

b. filed a written notice with the president of intent to be nominated from the floor at least thirty (30) days prior to the beginning of the state convention, and;

c. been an unsuccessful candidate through the most recent nominating committee process. When the opportunity for all nominations has been fulfilled following any of the foregoing procedures, the nominations shall be closed.

RATIONALE: The current wording allows individuals to bypass the rigorous application and vetting process. By including a requirement for individuals to participate in the nomination by committee process, they will have demonstrated an initial effort for obtaining a board position. A potential hostile environment may arise should any candidate nominated by petition or from the floor and subsequently elected by delegates due to not participating in the initial vetting process.

The change in timing for submission of a petition is in support of convention /conference planning. In past election cycles, there have been individuals declaring an intent to petition or run from the floor, only to drop their intent at the last minute. This has created much unnecessary planning and scheduling challenges, including; volunteer scheduling, making time in general meetings for speeches, locating voting room, securing voting equipment and identifying when and where delegates can meet the candidates vying for the same office. The current requirement of 48 hours causes a lot of unnecessary last minute work to undo the plans for a challenged office. The two days before convention is already stressful in setting up the convention site. Extending the notification for petitioning will prevent a lot of unnecessary work and allow planners to focus on activities that will be realized.

DYSLEXIA: Addressing the Educational Implications in Public Schools

1 WHEREAS, Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin and is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities, which typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction, whose secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge; and

2 WHEREAS, Up to 20% of the general population, or over 1 million students in California K-12 public schools, display signs or symptoms of dyslexia; and

3 WHEREAS, The term dyslexia is found in twenty-two states’ laws, including California Education Code, and in Federal law under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) within the broad eligibility category of a Specific Learning Disability (SLD), yet many public schools have historically avoided the term “dyslexia” in evaluations, when determining special education eligibility, and in 6

Individual Education Program (IEP) documents; and

4 WHEREAS, Without appropriate remediation, most students who struggle to learn to read, continue to struggle with reading, with lasting consequences including not reaching college and career readiness, increased risk of not earning a high school diploma, not attending or completing college, and social/emotional problems; and

5 WHEREAS, There is compelling scientific evidence that early identification and intervention using an evidence-based multisensory, direct, explicit, structured and sequential approach to instructing pupils with dyslexia (defined as “Structured Literacy Instruction” by the International Dyslexia Association) improves literacy outcomes for most students with symptoms of dyslexia; and

6 WHEREAS, Most teacher preparation programs provide no training regarding dyslexia, appropriate accommodations or evidence-based Structured Literacy Instruction, leaving most teachers unprepared to adequately address the learning needs of children with dyslexia; now therefore be it

Convention Chronicle • April 2016

1 RESOLVED, That the California State PTA, and its units, councils and districts recognize that dyslexia has significant educational implications that need to be better addressed by public schools and school districts; and be it further

2 RESOLVED, That the California State PTA, and its units, councils and districts hereby adopt the following definition of dyslexia (previously adopted by the Board of Directors of the International Dyslexia Association and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)):

“Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge”; and be it further

3 RESOLVED, That the California State PTA, and its units, councils and

districts support teacher/staff training necessary to improve the understanding of dyslexia and its warning signs, including training in appropriate evidence-based Structured Literacy Instruction for students with dyslexia in accordance with the International Dyslexia Association’s Knowledge & Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading, and to promote knowledge of appropriate accommodations for dyslexic students; and be it further

4 RESOLVED, That the California State PTA, and its units, councils and districts support early screening for signs and symptoms of dyslexia in kindergarten through the third grade, with parental notification; the use of evidence-based Structured Literacy Instruction as defined by the International Dyslexia Association; and the use of appropriate accommodations in order to provide students with dyslexia equitable access to the general education curriculum; and be it further

5 RESOLVED, That the California State PTA, and its units, councils and districts forward this resolution to the National PTA for consideration by the delegates at the National PTA Convention in June 2016. #####

BUSINESS OF THE ASSOCIATION

Legislation Platform for Adoption

In even-numbered years, Convention delegates adopt the California State PTA Legislation Platform. After thorough study, the California State PTA Board of Managers recommends that the Preamble, General Principles, and Legislation Planks be adopted as presented with the addition of a twentyfirst plank that states: “To support the needs of vulnerable children in all aspects of their lives.”

RATIONALE: Over the past two years, many of the bills brought forward in the area of foster youth and homeless children relied upon the previous term’s advocacy goal:

“supporting the needs of vulnerable children.” Currently two position statements and two resolutions on homeless children and foster youth place a focus on securing housing for homeless families and supporting families of foster youth. The authority for advocating for homeless youth and foster children is weak when dealing with the whole child. This plank puts into words that which we do as PTA Advocates. It is broad enough to expand if needed for English Language Learners (ELL), LBGTQ+, and other “vulnerable” children throughout California.

Legislation Platform Adopted May 2014

Preamble

The legislation program of the California Congress of Parents, Teachers, and Students, Inc., is derived from the work of the PTA in home, school, and community. PTA efforts “to secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth” are based on recognition of the home as the foundation of our society, the responsibility of the PTA for parent education, the appreciation of our national heritage, the observance and understanding of the rights and obligations of responsible citizenship, and the realization that maintaining a free and public education system is the cornerstone of democracy.

General Principles

General Principles for Consideration of Proposed Legislation: 1. Equal justice, equal privileges, equal opportunities, and equal responsibilities in every phase of life for all children and youth, while recognizing that each child is unique with individual needs and talents. 2. High standards for those who work in all areas concerned with children and youth. 3. Effective governance systems and practices that place a high priority on the needs of children and youth. 4. Coordination and planning by all agencies with clear definition of responsibility at each level of government.

Resolution A continued BACKGROUND SUMMARY

Dyslexia is a language-based disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is also the most common learning disability in the nation. Dyslexia is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities, and it occurs in a continuum from mild to severe. Scientific research from the past few decades has resulted in remarkable progress in the understanding of reading and reading disorders; however, this knowledge, particularly about dyslexia, has yet to bridge the gap between academia and educational practice in public schools, despite the longstanding efforts of the International Dyslexia Association. That is now changing as parents from across the country are coming together in grassroots movements such as Decoding Dyslexia which now has chapters in every state. The U.S. Congress has formed a bipartisan Dyslexia Caucus, and several federal dyslexia initiatives are underway. In addition, as of July 2012, twenty-two

5. Establishment of and adherence to fiscal responsibility in government, with concern for fair taxation, but keeping priorities for the needs of all children and youth foremost. 6. Adherence to strict ethical practices in political campaigns and at all levels of government. 7. Strong and broadly based tax structures at state and local levels. 8. Budgets and financial support to provide needed public services for all children and youth with the continued constitutional guarantee of financial support for public schools as the first claim on all state revenues in the general fund. 9. Maximum local control when it serves the best interest of all children and youth.

Legislation Planks

The California State PTA will support legislation: 1. To provide the most comprehensive and diversified education possible for all children, youth and adults: education that will achieve quality and excellence encourage maximum individual development and provide equal educational opportunity for each student, with particular focus on eliminating the achievement gap. 2. To secure financing for public education that will be sufficient to provide optimum educational opportunity for all students, including state aid to school districts for building purposes as well as state funds to cover excess costs of all programs mandated by the Legislature. states have passed laws regarding dyslexia. Continued legislation, advocacy, training and research is necessary to address the educational implications of dyslexia in public schools.

Research shows that if students who display the characteristics of dyslexia are provided with evidence-based, multisensory instruction in a structured and explicit manner, most of them learn to read and spell successfully. This instructional approach is defined as “Structured Literacy” by the International Dyslexia Association. Early identification and intervention with the appropriate duration and intensity are critical because the longer students struggle with basic reading and spelling skills, the more difficult the task of remediation and the lower the rate of success. Currently, most general education teachers, special education teachers, and reading specialists, and other professionals in our public schools do not have training in dyslexia. Many teachers don’t know what dyslexia is or how to

3. To attain quality counseling and guidance services, school health services and library services, provided by credentialed personnel at all educational levels. 4. To ensure pre-service and inservice teacher preparation programs, remuneration, supportive services and professional development designed to attract and retain qualified men and women in the teaching profession. 5. To provide guidelines for assessing competence in the teaching profession, and to provide for due process in dismissal procedures. 6. To encourage state, county, regional, and local school district organizations and public educational governance structures that effectively serve the needs of all students and maximize efficient delivery of services. 7. To include parents/guardians in decisions that affect the education and well-being of their children, and to promote their involvement in their children’s education and schools. 8. To give students the skills they need to become effective citizens and parents. 9. To protect and improve the health of all families through the prevention, treatment and control of disease. 10. To extend and improve physical and mental health services and facilities, including rehabilitation. 11. To protect families from unsafe, impure or ineffective drugs, foods, medical devices and cosmetics.

12. To prevent, control or eliminate hazards to the health, safety and well-being of all children and youth. 13. To require state and local government to publicize and disseminate information regarding issues affecting the public’s wellbeing. 14. To provide effective community services and facilities for all children, youth and adults, directed toward the well-being of the family. 15. To promote public policy that contributes to the stability of families and to the adequate physical, emotional and financial support of children and youth. 16. To provide services and facilities for the care, protection and treatment of abused, dependent, neglected or abandoned children and youth. 17. To secure specialized programs for the prevention of crimes and misdemeanors committed by juveniles. 18. To provide adequate facilities and services for the treatment, education and rehabilitation of juvenile offenders. 19. To promote public policies that protect and conserve natural resources and provide a quality environment for present and future generations. 20. To improve governance systems and practices in order to effectively serve the needs of children and youth. 21. To support the needs of vulnerable children in all aspects of their lives.

identify it, nor do they have access to, and training in, evidence-based Structured Literacy programs.

Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services issued guidance to states and local education agencies stating the importance of using the term dyslexia. The majority of students with dyslexia are not identified for special education services until after the third grade, if identified at all in public school. Studies show that the likelihood of successful remediation decreases significantly for students who are not identified before third grade.

There is also a lack of knowledge about appropriate classroom accommodations and modifications necessary for dyslexic students to be able to access the curriculum.

Although dyslexia is recognized under federal and California special education law under the broad eligibility category of “Specific Learning Disability,” most public schools and school districts do not identify dyslexia or use the term. Without identifying dyslexia, it is unlikely that appropriate remediation and accommodations will be provided. This issue has become so significant that the U.S. Department of

In order to address this critical literacy issue, it is imperative that our schools identify students with the symptoms of dyslexia as early as possible and provide evidence-based Structured Literacy instruction by trained teachers.

San Ramon Valley Council of PTAs

Originating Body

Action by PTA Organizations Thirty-Second District PTA California State PTA

Position

Support Support

(A SUPPORT position means a PTA body approved sending the resolution forward to convention delegates.)

Convention Chronicle • April 2016

7

CONVENTION CHRONICLE Volume 40 – April 2016

CALIFORNIA STATE PTA 2327 L Street, Sacramento 95816-5014 PH: (916) 440-1985 • FAX: (916) 440-1986 Online: capta.org

California State

PRESORTED FIRST CLASS U. S. Postage PAID Sacramento, CA Permit No. 1491

2327 L Street Sacramento, California 95816-5014

Official CALL to the 117th Annual Convention of the California State PTA. Mailed to all unit and council presidents, California State PTA Board of Managers, past state presidents, advisory board members, and county superintendents. President: Justine Fisher

Vice President for Convention: Barbara Harris

Vice President for Communications: Carol Green Executive Director: Sherry Skelly Griffith

Editorial and Design Team: Michelle Eklund, Brady Oppenheim, Ralph Ruiz, Pat Ruiz, Whitney McCain

Register today for a stronger PTA tomorrow! Get the tools and skills you need to make your PTA stronger and your job easier – all while having fun with other leaders from across California! Attending convention is the very best investment you can make in the future of your kids, school and PTA, so don’t wait – register today at

capta.org/convention (Don’t forget to book your room at our host hotels for a great PTA rate.)

Get the scoop on workshops and table talks Just look at a few of the great comments from last year’s workshop and table talk participants!

“Thank you for making life normal!” “Learned about resources that I did not know about.” “Fantastic, informative and reassuring.” “I feel confident with my new role.” “Cannot wait to bring all the info back to my unit.” “Gave me great ideas and inspired me to make changes.” “Comfortable and open interactive experience.” “Informative, instructional, necessary and important!” “Loved sharing experiences with other parents.” “Got lots of new ideas.” “Walking away with so much info for next year.” “Very informative—I can do this now!”

Workshops and table talks to engage and help you

Want hands-on training opportunities? Want to learn more about issues affecting children and families while making your PTA job even easier? Let convention workshops and table talks help! Enjoy more than 40 new or improved workshops along with 20 classics. Plus, there are a variety of topics to offer something for everyone. Each workshop and table talk is a great way to share your ideas and inspiration with the PTA leaders from across California!

 Open-Seating Workshops Workshops are open-seated, so no need to sign up in advance. Attend any workshop with open seating. Workshops are your opportunity to gain skills in areas of leadership, finance, membership, education, parliamentary producers and more! Some trainings do fill up fast, so arrive early to ensure you get the information that matters most to you and your PTA.

 Table Talks While workshops focus more on training, table talks offer more opportunities for you to ask questions and share information on what your PTA is doing. Check them out!

 Digital Handouts Access the materials you need with electronic handouts that are available for download or printing beginning April 29 at capta.org, or bring your own USB to the PTA Booth onsite for full download of handouts. And don’t miss these topic strands:

Advocacy Education Family Engagement Finance + Leadership Health + Community Concerns  Membership + Students  Programs + Communications.     

Visit www.capta.org/convention for a complete list of workshops.