Since it began in 1897, National PTA has been a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Washington State PTA (WSPTA) began in 1905 and was instrumental in many issues, from creating preschool to promoting seat belts. For more information about our PTA history and founders: History - WSPTA (wastatepta.org)
PTA Vision and Mission Our vision is that every child’s potential becomes a reality.
Our mission is for PTA to be:
A powerful voice for children,
A relevant resource for families, schools, and communities, and
A strong advocate for the well-being and education of all children.
WSPTA Legislative Platform The WSPTA legislative platform consists of:
Legislative Principles: broad conceptual policy objectives that align with our mission and are the foundational basis for our overall platform (long-term). Legislative Principles (wastatepta.org)
Resolutions: positions that guide our work from the local to the state level, are usually broader in scope than legislative issues, and generally have a call for action (long-term). Resolutions (wastatepta.org)
Legislative Issues: statewide positions that will receive the focus of our advocacy efforts in Olympia (short-term). Advocacy (wastatepta.org)
The 2023-2024 Top 5 legislative priorities are:
Addressing the Student Mental Health Crisis
Addressing Critical Gaps in Education Funding
Preventing and Reducing Gun Violence and Suicide
Addressing Funding, Inclusion, and Supports in Special Education
Building and Maintaining Safer School Facilities
Also Supported issues (listed alphabetically):
Creating a Diverse and Effective Educator Workforce
Expanding School Construction Funding Options
Harnessing the Benefits of Mastery-based Learning
Improving Equitable Identification and Access for Highly Capable Students
Increasing Education Equity by Closing the Digital Divide
Increasing Support for Equitable Family Engagement
Mitigating the Adverse Impacts of Climate Change
Multi and Heritage Language Education for All
Supporting a Meaningful HIgh School Diploma
WSPTA Legislative Assembly 2023 our WSPTA Legislative Assembly was held on October 21-22, 2023.
2023 National PTA LegCon Report Washington State PTA members attended National PTA’s annual Legislative Conference (LegCon). The conference began March 8, 2023. See the full report here: 2023 National PTA LegCon Report - WSPTA (wastatepta.org)
Register to Vote Are you registered to vote? You can register to vote online from the comforts of your own home by visiting the Snohomish County elections website. Our general election will be held on November 5, 2024! Don't forget to register and VOTE!
The Washington State PTA Legislative Assembly will be virtually held on October 24-25th this year. Mark your calendars and lets make a difference!