The National and Iowa PTA often act jointly with other organizations to achieve common goals. These cooperative efforts are generally the result of an invitation for parent representation on committees or at coalitions. These collaborative efforts allow organizations to pool resources to accomplish an objective. Some of the collaborative organizations are a state or local level group of a national parent organization.

Iowa PTA Board members serve on a variety of committees, task forces, and coalitions across the state to provide input and to gather information about issues concerning children and youth. Joining forces also allows these organizations to pool resources to accomplish a goal.

Des Moines Register Academic All-State

The Academic All-State Program, sponsored by the Des Moines Register, recognizes Iowa students who shine in and outside the classroom. Iowa PTA collaborates with the Des Moines Register and state education organizations in the selection process for the Academic All-State.

Focus On High Schools Leadership Team and High School Steering Committee

In March 2002, the Iowa State Board of Education created a task force to study high schools in Iowa. The Leadership Team researched the status of Iowa’s high schools and the challenges they face in providing a quality education for Iowa’s youth. Those findings were compiled into a report called the “Focus on High School Report” that will be used to develop new policies and practices to ensue the success of all Iowa’s youth.  Support for school improvement efforts focusing on high schools in Iowa continues with the High School Steering Committee.

Iowa After-School Alliance

The Iowa After-School Alliance (IAA) is a statewide coalition of networks and interest groups who support, advocate, train, and work to advance after-school and out-of-school time experiences which are meaningful and beneficial for children, youth, families, and communities. The Iowa After-School Alliance is a member of the National After-School Alliance.

For more information about the Iowa After-School Alliance, go to:    http://www.icyd.org/IowaAfterschoolAlliance.asp

Iowa Community Education Association

The mission of the Iowa Community Education Association (ICEA) is to promote the involvement of schools and communities through training, communications and networking. Community Education seeks to coordinate education, recreation, and social service providers in the community in order to better serve community residents and improve the quality of life for all. The benefits of Community Education include increased community involvement,
opportunities for lifelong learning and the efficient use of resources on a year round basis in a community. 

For more information on the Iowa Community Education Association, go to:    http://www.iowacommunityeducation.org/

Iowa Mathematics and Science Coalition

The Iowa Mathematics and Science Coalition (IMSC) is an alliance of leaders from business, industry, education, and public policy working to achieve mathematics and science literacy for all citizens in Iowa.

For more information on the Iowa Mathematics and Science Coalition, go to:    http://www.nassmc.org/states/iowa.html

Iowa Safe Kids Coalition

The National SAFE KIDS Campaign is a national non-profit organization dedicated solely to the prevention of unintentional childhood injury. The Iowa Safe Kids Coalition is one of more than 300 state and local SAFE KIDS coalitions nationwide.

For information about the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, go to:    www.safekids.org

Iowa Statewide Parent Information Resource Center

Iowa PTA is represented on Iowa’s Parent Information Resource Center (PIRC). The mission of the organization is “to inspire, engage and support parents, schools and communities to improve learning and developmental outcomes for children and youth.” The PIRC supports www.iowaparents.org which is a website designed to provide information and support to a wide-range of parents and educators throughout Iowa. The ultimate purpose of this resource is to help parents and educators work together so all students can be successful. This collaborating partnership is being funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Parent Information and Resource Center.

For more information on this program, go to:    http://www.pirc-info.net/

Iowa Teacher of the Year Award

The Iowa Teacher of the Year Award is sponsored by the Iowa Department of Education through an appropriation from the Iowa legislature. The award provides an opportunity to recognize an Iowa teacher who motivates, challenges, and inspires excellence; who is respected by students and peers; who is a dedicated professional that helps nurture hidden talents and abilities; who is a creative, caring individual; who takes teaching beyond textbooks and blackboards; and who is an exceptional teacher helping to redefine American education.

Iowa PTA participates in the selection of the Iowa Teacher of the Year and, whenever possible, invites the award recipient to speak at Iowa PTA convention and/or leadership training events.

For more information about the Iowa Teacher of the Year, go to:    http://www.iowa.gov/educate/content/view/686/664/

Partners for Healthy Kids Coalition

The Partners for Healthy Kids Coalition is a group of over 25 education and health organizations in Iowa that have joined together to support schools and communities in providing healthy nutrition and physical activity environments for children and youth. The Coalition sponsors regional workshops to demonstrate how comprehensive nutrition and physical activity programs are set up in schools. This Coalition has support from the Iowa Dept. of Education, Bureau of Food and Nutrition, as part of a United States Dept. of Agriculture grant.

Success 4 Initiative

The Success 4 Initiative is “an integrated initiative in school improvement that is intended to increase the capacity of Iowa schools, families, and communities to foster the social, emotional, intellectual, and behavioral development of Iowa students.” This Initiative is a program of the Iowa Dept. of Education and is designed to examine and address the needs, objectives, ideas, and methods needed to enhance our educational system to make schools more effective for Iowa’s children.

Technology Advisory Committee

The Technology Advisory Committee is composed of education and technology leaders from across the state and is under the direction of the Iowa State Board of Education. The Committee is charged with the task of advising the Board of Education on policies and practices related to the use of technology in the classroom.     Rev. 11/08 smb