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Why focus on EQUITY?
California State PTA believes that all children deserve a quality education regardless of the community in which they live, the color of their skin, their language, their gender identity, or their immigration status.
But too many California students from underserved communities are deprived of an equal opportunity to learn. At this year’s Legislation Conference, we explore how we can use our collective voices to influence legislation and the state budget to improve equity, access, and
opportunity for all of California’s children.
Advocacy Agenda for Equity
- Poverty, Income, and Racial Inequality: The effects of discrimination, past and present, perpetuate today’s
economic inequalities, destabilizing family security at its most basic level. PTA seeks legislation to address poverty, and the income and racial inequities that affect millions
of California families. - Early Learning: PTA supports quality childcare, pre-school and early learning for all children.
- Health and Welfare: Physical, social, emotional, and mental health needs must be met before students can thrive. PTA supports school and community programs that protect the health and welfare of all children and families, including community schools, school-based health services, counseling, nutrition, and other support services.
- Education Funding: California’s school finance system must provide stable, sustainable,
equitable, and adequate funding to meet the diverse needs of all our students, including before and after-school programs, summer school, and distance learning. - Teaching: PTA supports the recruitment and development of an educator workforce that is
reflective of the student population, and that all students have qualified and effective teachers
delivering a full curriculum. - Curriculum: PTA believes that all students deserve an education that prepares them for successful entry into society, college, and the work force. All students should be taught a full curriculum including the arts, P.E., and civics that provides them with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to thrive and become engaged members of society. Instruction should be personalized, culturally relevant, and responsive. Coursework must address racism and bias to counteract the institutional and structural biases and related traumas that often drive inequitable outcomes for students.