2011 Proposed Legislation Program

In the 2010 General Assembly session legislation was introduced that would expand the definition of these “gang-free” zones to include any school bus stop or property that is within 1,000 feet of a school bus stop during the time when school children are waiting for the bus or are being dropped off and the property of any publicly owned community center, park, library, or hospital. This legislation was carried over into the 2011 when it will again be considered.

POLICY STATEMENT #1:

VA PTA supports charter school plans that are initiated, operated and evaluated by the local school division. These charter schools should meet the following criteria:

• No negative impact on the regular public school programs, including no diversion of funds
• Parental and school staff involvement in the charter’s design, implementation, and governance
• Meet the same state regulations as other public schools including required testing (SOLs), reporting and other requirements in the Standards of Accreditation unless these regulations are also waived for all public schools
• Provide adequate procedures for assessment and evaluation as required by the local school division
• Staffed by licensed professionals with adequate safeguards covering contract and employment provisions
• Maintain health and safety standards for all students
• Offer equal educational opportunity and be non-discriminatory

Rationale:

The Constitution of Virginia grants the local school boards the power to operate, maintain and supervise public schools in Virginia. In 1994, Virginia PTA members passed a Resolution in favor of local school boards initiating and nurturing charter schools. Given the changes in public school requirements since this position passed, VA PTA believes that strengthening our position is important.

VA PTA supports education reform that would allow all children to learn at their greatest potential. We further support educational methods within the public schools that promote rigorous learning standards and shared decision-making.

We oppose any state or federal regulations that impede this educational reform. However, we must insure that all schools, including charter schools, which use public school funding are required to meet state standards including, but not limited to, required testing, reporting and other requirements in the Standards of Accreditation unless waivers of these requirements are granted to all public schools.

Charter school plans must not negatively impact the regular public school programs through diversion of funding. They must include health and safety standards for all students. They must be nondiscriminatory and offer equal educational opportunities for all enrolled students.

POLICY STATEMENT #2:

Virginia PTA supports the selection of materials utilized to teach gun safety education in public schools to be decided at the local school district level. Further, the Virginia PTA supports the inclusion of the National Crime Prevention Councils materials in those suggested for use by local districts.

Rationale:

By requiring the Virginia Board of Education to establish a standardized program of gun safety education for students in schools, they must also establish SOLs for such a curriculum. Such curriculum and the associated SOLs are taught consistently across the state. However, depending on where you live in Virginia, the most effective and appropriate gun safety message to deliver to children may vary. Offering the flexibility for the local districts to make the decision on what materials suit the needs of their community is the most effective way to address this area of the school curriculum.

With the rise in popularity and availability of violent video games, movies, music and music videos it is important to teach children that guns can kill if handled inappropriately. Furthermore, all children will experience some struggles and conflict in their daily lives. Children should be taught to resolve conflict without the use of weapons. The Crime Prevention Program has been successfully conveying these messages for over 30 years. McGruff the Crimefighting Dog has an established resonance with children after being the nationally recognized spokesperson for Crime Prevention and Safety. The NCPC has found that 76% of all children ages 9-11 recognize McGruff. An unbiased characterization of gun safety and handling is critical and the proven effective content provided by the NCPC provides an exceptional program that is used in schools across the country.

POLICY STATEMENT #3:

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