Client in the news- MEA

For Immediate Release

February 07, 2012

Contact: John Kosinski, Director of Government Relations Maine Education Association

Office: 207.622.4418 ext 2217 Mobile: 207.458.1312

Email: jkosinski@nea.org

Citing a need for greater parental involvement in local schools, MEA President Chris Galgay testified in support of LD 1770. The bill sponsored by Senator Justin Alfond of Portland requires every school board in the state to develop a plan to engage parents in their schools. In making his remarks before the committee Galgay, an elementary school teacher in Sumner, said, " “For decades the research regarding parental engagement has told us the same thing. When parents are involved in the education of their children, children succeed. It is a simple as that. Sadly, we have spent a lot of time in Maine debating so-called reform efforts such as charter schools, school choice, merit pay, etc. Research has consistently shown that these things do nothing to improve public education. We feel it is time to get back to basics. Getting parents more involved in our schools must be a primary focus of the school boards, teachers, and our Department of Education.” Galgay pointed to various programs the MEA is shepherding around the state to involve parents in the schools Carrabec High School was visited last week by Undersecretary of Education, Joe Anderson to review the progress on a "School Improvement Grant" which involves the MEA, NEA the Local Association, the school board and administration working together. LD 1770 would also require school board’s submit their parent engagement plans to the Department of Education and Department of Education would then post plans from the various school districts on their website so parents can access them easily. “This bill is not only about making sure school boards are doing some deep thinking about parental engagement in our schools, but the bill is also about best practices. Once all the plans are submitted, parents, school board members from around the state, and advocates for public education can read and peruse the programs around the state and find new, innovative ideas for their own schools. And parents will have a clearinghouse on the Department of Education’s website to learn more about ways they can become active in their child’s education at their school."