With the first marking period under their belts, your kids are probably fully entrenched in their school work and you’re seeing the benefit of a great public education. Now’s the perfect time to check out some of the programs underway in your local district and share your school’s activities on a community calendar by visiting the Council for the Advancement of Public Schools (CAPS). While you’re there, sign up as a Friend of Public Education to receive an occasional newsletter about activities impacting public education.
You’ll want to be “in the know” as the New Year will bring a lot of news regarding education funding on the state and federal level. With a $4.2 billion gap identified in late 2007 by the Costing-Out Study conducted by the Pennsylvania Legislature, it’s important for all parents to understand the funding issues.
CAPS also invites you to learn about some research-based recommendations on how to improve public schools for all students. Included in these goals are adequate funding, early childhood education, reduced class sizes, parental involvement and policies that improve student achievement. These are detailed by the Pennsylvania State Education Association’s 20/20 Vision for the Future. Learn more and contact your legislators to voice your opinion.
