NEA Resources

Virginia Schools Finding Success

With support, all schools can be excellent. That is the mantra behind the association’s Priority Schools Initiative where four Virginia pilot projects -- two elementary schools, a high school, and a school division -– have been chosen to receive association support. That support translates into training, resources, and expertise.

Low-Performing Schools Must Be Nation's Top Priority

The Opportunity to Excel, NEA's legislative guidebook for national policymakers, cites lifting up low-performing schools as the nation's top education priority.

Parents Are Paramount

While NEA, many school districts, and other organizations are working to create great public schools for every child, there is no single factor more important to student achievement than the day-to-day involvement of the child's parents and family.

Research indicates that the "family makes critical contributions to student achievement from pre-school through high school. A home environment that encourages learning is more important to student achievement than income, education level or cultural background."

For more information about the importance of parental involvement in education, practical guidance and materials for parents, and links to additional resources, please visit our Help for Parents section .

NEA President's Columns

Reversing a Shameful Retreat  During the 1990s, when tax revenues were rolling in and budget surpluses were piling up, every policymaker in America declared his or her unwavering support for education and children. The forces to improve education were on the march. But now the tide is turning and policymakers are retreating. NEA President Reg Weaver says it's time for everyone to become engaged in the political process. (May 14, 2003)

States of Crisis  NEA President Reg Weaver says state governments are "sailing into the perfect storm: plunging tax revenues, soaring health care expenses, and the exploding cost of federal mandates. As a result, states are facing budget deficits that are expected to reach $80 billion in the year ahead." (March 16, 2003)

The Zero-Percent Solution?  "If you want to discover the difference between superb public schools and struggling public schools, follow the money," says NEA President Reg Weaver. (January 26, 2003)

Promises, Promises  "When Washington proposed a revolution in America's national defense and homeland security, it backed up that proposal with tens of billions of dollars of new funding-and rightly so. But when Washington proposed a revolution in American public education, it did not back up that proposal with the same level of support." NEA President Reg Weaver says a strong defense and quality public schools are both essential to national security. (January 12, 2003)

From NEA Today

NEA has launched its Priority School Initiative, a long-term initiative to help struggling schools and close the student achievement gap. NEA Today, May 2001.

NEA Foundation Offers Grants

Through grants and other funding opportunities, the NEA Foundation supports a variety of efforts by teachers, education support professionals, and higher education faculty and staff to improve student learning in the nation's public schools, colleges, and universities.