MassPartners for Public Schools is a coalition of the statewide teacher, parent, school committee, principal and superintendent organizations in Massachusetts. These organizations pledged to find common ground on issues that affect everyday life in schools. The leaders of these organizations share a commitment to improving public schools, to educating all children to high standards, and to supporting accountability within the education workforce.

With Massachusetts PTA representatives as active members of MassPartners, the visibility and legitimacy of our role in state education policy decision-making is raised and embraced, along with a philosophy of partnership where power and responsibility are shared with education leaders. Massachusetts PTA seeks to support all children in all schools and also supports the family-school partnership so children succeed and learning environments improve. Since it’s founding in 1897 (when women did not have the vote and social activism was scorned), National PTA has become the largest volunteer parent organization and child advocacy group in the United States (www.pta.org). With nearly 6 million members, PTA is a powerful voice for children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for the education and well-being of every child.

A message from Massachusetts PTA president, Michelle Tremont, regarding advocacy

The third Purpose of PTA is: "to secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth."

Individuals advocate every day in ways that we do not think about -- talking to your child's teacher to find out how to get him help in reading, a ten-year-old presenting her "case" to stay up past her 9:00 p.m. bedtime to watch a television show, visiting the customer service department of a store to return broken merchandise ... all are forms of advocating in various degrees.

Become involved!! Your voice does make a difference. It is our hope that you and your PTA members participate in the political process -- your community leadership directly impacts the quality of life of your children.

Included in this section of the website are tools, tips, and information to help you make a real, long-term difference for all children.

Sign-up today for our periodic legislative e-newsletter -- "Massachusetts PTA in Action".

Ellie Goldberg, Vice-President of Legislation for Massachusetts PTA, keeps a close eye on activity relevant to keeping our children healthy and safe. For more information on what is current and how you can help, check out Ellie's blog.

Need more information or help? Contact vplegislation@masspta.org

Working with Others

April 25, 2007. Massachusetts PTA partnered with Stand for Children to address the issue of public education funding. Massachusetts PTA board member, Mary Ann Stewart's inspiring words reminded the audience how each of us is needed to ensure adequate funding for public education..

March 2, 2007. Massachusetts PTA board members Mary Ann Stewart and Ellie Goldberg attended a meeting with Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy at the JFK Library and Museum with other members of Massachusetts Partners for Public Schools (MPPS). Senator Kennedy and MPPS members discussed concerns and recommendations for correcting and improving the No Child Left Behind law." PTA recommendations to NCLB:

• NCLB/ESEA Reauthorization -- PTA Position Overview
• NCLB/ESEA Reauthorization -- PTA Recommendations
• NCLB/ESEA Reauthorization -- Action Checklist
• PTA’S Parent Involvement Legislative Initiative Talking Points
• More information

January 2007. MassPartners for Public Schools (MPS) is a coalition of the statewide teacher, parent, school committee, principal and superintendent organizations in Massachusetts. These organizations pledged to find common ground on issues that affect everyday life in schools. The leaders of these organizations share a commitment to improving public schools, to educating all children to high standards, and to supporting accountability within the education workforce. Massachusetts PTA is an active member of this coalition and, as such, is proud to present our newest policy brief -- Getting it Right: Education Policy Brief #1. "Reconcile Multiple and Conflicting Accountability Systems"

Recent Massachusetts PTA Testimony

HB-2246 and SB-2201: "An Act to Reduce Asthma by Using Safer Alternatives to Cleaning Products"

HB-489: "An Act Relative to the Public Health Impact of Commercialism in Schools." (Ellie Goldberg)

HB-489: “An Act Relative to the Public Health Impact of Commercialism in Schools.” (Mary Ann Stewart)

HB-783 and SB-558: "An Act for a Healthy Massachusetts: Safer Alternatives for Toxic Chemicals"

HB-3056: "An Act Promoting Healthy Buildings and Public Schools"

Join the Massachusetts PTA Legislative Network
by Ellie Goldberg, Massachusetts PTA Vice-President of Legislation

PTA members can and must participate in public policy making.  We belong to PTA because it supports us in advocacy and lobbying efforts to mold local, state and national programs, policies, and priorities on behalf of children. What does the Massachusetts Vice President of Legislation do? What can PTA members do?

As Vice-president of Legislation for Massachusetts PTA my role is to raise awareness of PTA issues and positions among PTA members, policy makers and the public. At times, I am a spokesperson on National and Massachusetts PTA priority issues, giving testimony at hearings and joining policy making committees on behalf of the PTA. I keep informed on legislative activities at the state and national level, attend national meetings and conferences, and participate in national legislative and policy conference calls. 

In order to help you stay informed about the news and resources you need to play a leadership role in making children a high priority in your community and at the state and national levels, I send out the e-newsletter Massachusetts PTA in Action. I also send out Action Alerts. These are usually urgent appeals for action at critical times in the legislation and budget-making process. I hope you will write letters or make phone calls to state and national legislators, legislative committees, and news editors. Usually I can provide a draft, template or script to make it easy for you. These Action Alerts are an important way to make the PTA voice count. 

The real key to public advocacy is developing and maintaining relationships with policy makers throughout the year.  I encourage you to build strong relationships with your policy makers at the local, state and federal level.  Get to know your legislators and their staff.  Write letters to the editor about PTA priority issues. Increase the visibility of the PTA and promote PTA's advocacy agenda among the public and policy makers.

Do you have a passion? I am most passionate about environmental health and safety, pollution prevention, health security, asthma and other chronic health conditions, and school indoor air quality issues.  There are many other health promotion, education, nutrition, community safety and parent involvement activities that need your attention and involvement.  Consider serving as the PTA liaison to or as a member of public policy committees and groups organized to promote the issues you care about.

Most importantly, think of yourself as a resource to your local PTA, to your legislators, their staff people, and other community policy makers.  You are their eyes and ears at the local level.  Let them know your personal, school and community concerns, interests and needs.

Seek out local community partners and organizations such as the League of Women Voters, your district's Parent Advisory Committee for Special Education, Stand for Children, and other groups working to promote the interests of children and to enhance pride in the schools and community. Work with them to promote and move forward PTAs positions relating to children and families.

There is always plenty of room for new ideas!   We are most powerful and effective when we work together.  Please contact me at vplegislation@masspta.org.  I look forward to hearing from you.