It's from Chattanooga (TN) and it's worth a read.

First issue is that writer and Superintendent make the mistaken assumption that a school without a PTA is a school without a parent-teacher group, when the fact is that 75% of the parent-teacher groups in the country are no longer PTAs. The goal isn't to have PTAs -- the goal is to have great parent involvement and community and support regardless of acronym.

The second issue -- and this one's a doozy, even though it's hidden all the way at the end of the story -- is this quote from the local principal:

“There’s a very narrow definition of parent involvement in a community,” she said. “Unless you can show me a study that shows making copies raises student achievement, I could care less to have parent volunteers.”

She could care less if there are parent volunteers? Whaaaaat? I sure hope this is out of context. The principal did start by saying she'd love to have parents at home reading with their children -- and that is powerful -- but there's so much more to it, and a principal should know that more than most.

Is "making copies" powerful? Not on it's face, not really. But does welcoming parents into school matter? Absolutely. Are simple volunteering jobs helpful? Yes. Are they also stepping stones to even more powerful involvement? Yes, undoubtedly.

The research is there. In spades. Want a preview? Check out this book by Anne Henderson and crew. Or check out this summary article we've put together on Why Involvement Matters.

A principal downplaying parent involvement? Wrong message. Big time.