by Georgia Charter Schools Association
By Rich Thompson
Have you ever heard the old saying, Bring your “A” game! It means that the competition is capable, competent and committed to cleaning your clock, if you’re not fully prepared. Whether you heard that saying on the ball field, corporate boardroom or in the classroom, it really doesn’t matter. The main point is that bringing your “A” game will exponentially improve in your team’s probability for success.
Josh McDowell, an author and minister, believes that there are six key factors that result in good parenting. He likes to call them the 6 A’s of Good Parenting. Here’s his list: 1) Affirmation 2) Acceptance 3) Appreciation 4) Availability 5) Affection and 6) Accountability. As I rapidly approach my sixteenth year of parenthood, I concur 100% with his list — with one addition. For parents who wish to provide their children access to the very best educational options, I recommend adding a seventh “A“ to good parenting — Advocacy!
Webster defines advocacy as “the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal.” But why is this important? Well, several studies have concluded time and time again that the two leading factors to every child’s future success are: 1) Engaged Parents and 2) Effective Teachers. To that end, the Georgia PTO is a purpose-driven organization established to partner with parents, teachers, students, school leaders, educational service providers and community leaders to support the efforts of high-quality public charter schools in preparing every child for success in college, career and life.
Georgia PTO members belong to the only statewide organization representing “from cradle to college,” our state’s full diversity of educational options — their families, their teachers and the community organizations that serve them. While our current membership is comprised mostly of public charter schools, Georgia PTO welcomes all schools who desire to establish local PTO chapters and individuals who wish to join as at-large members.
On the cusp of the new year, Georgia PTO is launching a bold initiative called “I AM THAT PARENT!” Georgia PTO invites you to join the growing movement of people committed to protecting and promoting the rights of parents and their children to life, liberty and unlimited educational opportunity.
If you’re ready to get engaged and promote responsible parenthood through your direct civic engagement, Georgia PTO invites you to “Take the “I AM THAT PARENT” Pledge.” Join our campaign and Bring your “A” game! to help Georgia expand the ranks of educated, equipped, empowered and engaged parents. The future of our children -and our nation- depends on it!
Rich Thompson is Executive Director of Georgia PTO, founding member of the Parent Advocacy Committee of the Georgia Charter Schools Association, and father of two public charter school scholars.
The views and opinions expressed on CharterConfidential are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency.
Georgia Charter Schools Association
The Georgia Charter Schools Association (GCSA) is the membership organization for Georgia’s charter school operators and petitioners, established in 2001. Our mission is to be an effective advocate and service provider for all charter public schools in Georgia.
