PTA Leads in Closing Achievement Gap
In an effort to close the achievement gap for urban and underserved students, three major parent, teacher and education organizations are joining to create pilot programs, community-based projects, and resources.
WHEN & WHERE: Friday, February 15 (Note: All of this day’s events at Spelman College.)
5 p.m. – Press Conference
5:20 p.m. – VIP reception (open to media)
6 p.m. – Town Hall Meeting: National experts will discuss closing the achievement gap. (open to the public)
Saturday, February 16
10 a.m. – Special ceremony at Selena Sloan Butler (founder of PTA and Spelman alumna) grave sight at Oakland Cemetery (open to the public)
10:30 a.m. – Rededication Rally of Selena Sloan Butler Park, Atlanta
(open to the public)
PTA comprises more than 5.5 million parents and other concerned adults devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA flourishes in more than 25,000 school communities nationwide by harnessing the energy and talents of millions of volunteers to be: voices for all children; relevant resources for families and communities; and champions for the education and well-being of every child. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who is concerned about the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.
Spelman College—Founded in 1881, Spelman College is the only historically Black college in the nation to be included on the U.S. News and World Report’s list of top 75 “Best Liberal Arts Colleges — Undergraduate,” 2005. Located in Atlanta, Ga., this private, historically Black women’s college boasts outstanding alumnae, including Children’s Defense Fund Founder Marian Wright Edelman; U.S. Foreign Service Director General Ruth Davis; authors Tina McElroy Ansa and Pearl Cleage and actress LaTanya Richardson. More than 83 percent of the full-time faculty members have Ph.D.s or other terminal degrees and the student-faculty ratio is 12:1. Annually, nearly one-third of Spelman students receive degrees in the sciences. The students number more than 2,186 and represent 43 states and 34 foreign countries. For more information regarding Spelman College, visit: www.spelman.edu.
About Atlanta Public Schools—The Atlanta Public Schools System has an enrollment of 50,000 students who attend 96 traditional schools; 75 percent of the students qualify for free and reduced meals. The district employs 6,631 full-time personnel, including 3,643 teachers. The mission of Atlanta Public Schools is to focus talents and resources on ensuring that APS students are successful in school and in life. Dr. Beverly L. Hall has served as Superintendent since July 1999.
About Georgia PTA—The Georgia PTA serves as a link between the national organization and membership within the state. A person who joins a local Parent Teacher Association automatically becomes a member of the National PTA and the Georgia PTA. The Georgia PTA represents over 330,000 members at the state legislature, state board of education and other education and child-focused organizations; provides support and training for local PTAs through workshops and publications; coordinates special projects to promote the welfare of Georgia’s children and youth, and much more. Georgia PTA is also the proud state to be home of two of three founders for National PTA.#
