On July 16 John Laing and I met with Robin Dettman to continue our discussion with Robin that had started at the July 2nd SWCC Education Committee meeting.  One of several topics discussed was the difference between having a PTA or a PTO.  PTA's are part of  State and National PTA organizations and dues paid to the local PTA group are shared with the State and National PTA organizations.  One of the benefits that comes out of this State and National PTA affiliation is insurance coverage for activities that a local PTA organization puts on.  PTO are on their own for arranging for insurance if they choose to.

On July 18th we received a note from Robin following up on our July 16th PTA discussion:

Subject:  PTA web sites

On Tuesday we spoke briefly about PTA vs PTO. Here are the links to the National PTA and the California PTA web sites. Every State has a State PTA web site. California has the most content that they have developed and share openly. I am also including a link to the Special Education Took Kit from National PTA that just went live today. This might help to give you some insight into PTA and the depth of what they can provide to parents, teachers, administrators and students.

PTO can be searched as well. You may notice that they are taking some links and content from PTA. In most cases without permission because in many cases PTA posts information as open content but stating ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

National PTA: http://www.pta.org/

California State PTA: http://www.capta.org/

National PTA Special Education Took kit: http://www.pta.org/specialeducation

If you think this information is of value please pass it on.

Best Regards,

Robin