Legislative Directives 2007-08

New York State PTA, with a membership of nearly 370,000 parents, teachers, students, administrators
and community members, advocates for all children. Legislative directives, adopted by the NYS PTA
Board of Managers at the annual pre-convention meeting, are indicative of issues on which we expect to
target advocacy efforts for the current school year. As educational and social conditions are always in flux,
it is not unusual for unexpected issues to emerge. In response to unanticipated changes and the need for
action, directives may be amended by the NYS PTA Board of Managers.

The 2007-08 Legislative Directives are

Support for Public Education:

• Support education finance reform to provide equitable funding for all children in New York State;
• Support adequate funding for school districts to provide continuing professional development for
  educators in order to prepare students to meet required assessments and to become productive
  participants in a democratic society;
• Support funding for Universal Pre-K and full day kindergarten;
• Support the provision of equal, educational opportunities for all children including homeless
  children, emancipated youth and those who are incarcerated;
• Support full funding for IDEA and NCLB and all other federal laws affecting the education of
  children and youth in New York State ;
• Oppose the diversion of public funds from public schools for vouchers and tuition tax credits;
• Support adequate and equitable funding for maintenance and modernization of school facilities;
• Support adequate funding for maintenance and modernization of school facilities;
• Support fiscal independence for all school districts;
• Support legislation that would change the method of funding charter schools to eliminate any
  adverse impact on existing school districts and ensure charter school accountability.

Safe and Nurturing Environments:

• Support healthy children and youth initiatives including mental and physical health;
• Support initiatives that foster a supportive school climate;
• Support policies and initiatives that engage home, school and community in violence prevention
  planning and measures;
• Support class size reduction efforts;
• Support school-based before school and after school programs;
• Support initiatives to require the use of seat belts on all school buses;
• Support legislation advocating for improved child nutrition including weight issues and eating
  disorders;
• Support legislation, policies, and regulations that protect children and youth when using the
  internet, wireless and other electronic communications.

Parent Involvement:

• Support parent and family involvement partnerships in all state education policies based on
  National PTA Standards;
• Support the establishment of a statewide Parent Advisory Council (PAC) to include NYSPTA
  representatives;
• Support the development of an effective parent and family involvement partnerships plan in every
  school using a reportable accountability system.

View Legislative Directives 2007-08 ( PDF version)