Classnotes Podcast (December 22, 2011) Meaningful family and community engagement is a critical element for strengthening schools. IDRA has transformed the traditional PTA organizational model into a more effective vehicle for parents who have been previously excluded or underserved. Our Community PTA model transforms that traditional model of volunteerism and fundraising to one of a mutual school-home partnership in support of children’s academic and social success. Aurelio Montemayor, M.Ed., an IDRA senior education associate, describes how groups in three communities have formed their own community PTAs (or PTA Comunitarios) to transform education in their neighborhoods. He gives examples of their work advocating for equitable school funding, informing other parents about Texas’ relatively new graduation plans that track many students into low-quality courses, and meeting with school leaders about quality education for all students. Aurelio is interviewed by Christie Goodman, APR, IDRA communications manager.Show length: Send comments to [email protected].Sign up for Classnotes e-mail alerts.ResourcesCommunity Leaders Discuss How PTA Comunitarios Give Voice to Parents in their Children’s EducationIDRA Newsletterhttp://www.idra.org/resource-center/community-leaders/Family Leadership in the Field – Lasting Community Leadership in EducationBy Aurelio Montemayor, M.Ed., IDRA Newsletterhttp://www.idra.org/resource-center/family-leadership-in-the-field/IDRA’s Family Leadership PrinciplesBy Aurelio Montemayor, M.Ed., IDRA Newsletterhttp://www.idra.org/resource-center/idras-family-leadership-principles/ARISE: A Resource In Serving Equality websitehttp://www.arisesotex.org/ARISE South Tower PTA Comunitario – A New Model of Parent EngagementAurelio M. Montemayor, M.Ed., IDRA Newsletterhttp://www.idra.org/resource-center/arise-south-tower-pta-comunitario/The ARISE South Tower PTA Comunitario – An Example Community-Based School EngagementBy Aurelio Montemayor, M.Ed., IDRA Newsletterhttp://www.idra.org/resource-center/community-based-school-engagement/IDRA Texas Parent Information and Resource Centerhttp://www.idra.org/Texas_IDRA_PIRC.htm/Your feedbackWe welcome your comments and questions to the podcast. Send an e-mail to [email protected].Listen to every episode!To ensure you don’t miss a single episode of IDRA Classnotes, subscribe to the podcast in iTunes, (download iTunes free if you don’t have it) or sign up to receive an e-mail alert as soon as a new show is published.The post Community PTAs Growing in South Texas – Podcast Episode 99 appeared first on IDRA.