Research shows that family involvement supports student success. Students with involved parents are more likely to:
- Earn higher grades and pass their classes
- Attend school regularly and have better social skills
- Go on to post secondary education
The arts—and the National PTA Reflections program, in particular—can be a valuable tool for building stronger partnerships in your school community. Consider how you can apply the following PTA National Standards for Family-School Partnerships to your Reflections activities (National PTA Brochure on Standards):
Standard 1
Welcoming All Families Into the School Community. Promote PTA Reflections to all families in the school. Emphasize that every child’s participation is valued, and offer tips for how parents can support their children’s artistic expression.
Standard 2
Communicating Effectively. Share Reflections Program information and reminders through a variety of channels, including your school or PTA website, newsletters, PTA meetings and more.
Standard 3
Supporting Student Success. Emphasize that PTA Reflections is designed to support students’ learning by enhancing quality arts education. Entries can be created in school, and the program can be used to support curriculum.
Standard 4
Speaking Up for Every Child. Use PTA Reflections to rally families to speak up for the value of arts education—to work with teachers, school administrators and legislators to keep the arts in your school, despite budget cuts.
Standard 5
Sharing Power. Give students a voice by encouraging them to enter the annual PTA Theme Search Contest. Invite parents and caregivers to volunteer with the PTA Reflections Program, and welcome their ideas.
Standard 6
Collaborating with Community. Seek community partners to support PTA Reflections with prizes and exhibit space.
For more information about PTA’s National Standards for Family-School Partnerships, including an implementation guide and assessment forms, visit the National PTA website: pta.org/FamilyEngagement.
