EPISODE PLAYER
Education Insight: The PTA’s Journey from Tradition to Modern Advocacy
About This Episode
Season 4. Episode 6.
-In this episode of Education Insight, we take a deep dive into the 125-year legacy of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and its evolving role in education. For over a century, the PTA has worked to build strong family engagement in schools, advocate for policies that support student well-being, and ensure equitable access to quality education.
In the Inland Empire, the PTA is still actively involved in traditional activities like in-person and Zoom meetings, and yes, even cake walks. But today’s PTA is also fighting for critical issues like improved funding for schools and the implementation of mental health programs for students.
We are joined by Becca Marks-Anderson, Executive Vice President of the Twenty-Third District PTA, who shares insights into the PTA’s ongoing work in the region and the challenges they’re addressing to support students, teachers, and families.
Featured Guest
Becca Marks-Anderson
Parliamentarian, California State PTA and Executive Vice President, Twenty-Third District PTA
Becca Marks-Anderson is the current parliamentarian for the California State PTA and the current Executive Vice President for the Twenty-Third District PTA. Her past service includes service as a Leadership Services Commissioner for California State PTA, District President and Vice President of Leadership Services for Twenty-Third District PTA, and Temecula Valley Council of PTAs President and Parliamentarian, among other roles. After serving more than 15 years in the nonprofit compliance space professionally, much of that time has been spent in roles that align and work closely with education. Becca finds that knowing and understanding governance helps us break down barriers for family members by drawing them in from where they are and giving them the tools to cleanly, clearly, transparently, and purposefully serve our students in the ways students need to be successful.
Interview Highlights
3:57 – Adrienne describes dual enrollment and its benefits.
7:15 – Adrienne speaks to how recent California mandates and initiatives may have influenced the growth of these new programs.
8:34 – Adrienne explains what research shows about the impact of dual enrollment on a student’s academic achievements or even their future success.
9:24 – Adrienne shares examples of dual enrollment activities that are taking place in our region and what is happening in the IE.
13:11 – Adrienne talks about strategies in place to make sure that equal opportunities are available for all students.
20:18 – Jorge explains how dual enrollment aligns with his role at Riverside County Unified School District.
21:28 – Jorge shares his experiences and thoughts on the current dual enrollment programs that are being offered at Riverside Unified School District.
23:32 – Jorge gives insight into how dual enrollment makes students career ready.
25:58 – Jorge describes what challenges students typically face in dual enrollment programs and how he addresses those issues.
32:43 – Jorge shares what he would like to see be the future of the dual enrollment program in his district and beyond.
36:31 – Special Feature: Avijeet Randhawa, 8th-Grader, Auburndale Intermediate School in the Corona Norco Unified School District.
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Education Insight tells the story of education in the Inland Empire through the diverse voices of those in and around the regional education community. The show is produced by Growing Inland Achievement, a collective impact organization in the Inland Empire with a mission to increase economic prosperity in the region by increasing educational attainment. Hosted by 30-year broadcast veteran Lacey Kendall, monthly shows explore topics ranging from education challenges and shortcomings to innovations and groundbreaking ideas that are driving student success.
