What Is Straight Talk?

Straight Talk is Texas PTA’s Biannual Forum on Matters that Matter to Texas Families. 

When the Texas Legislature is not in session, Straight Talk gives PTA leaders, members, families, and supporters across Texas an opportunity to lean into the pressing issues affecting students, without waiting for the next legislative cycle. Held every other February, this livestreamed event features expert panelists and special guests, including students, educators, and health professionals, who explore timely topics shaping the lives of Texas children.

To make the most of this shared experience, PTAs across the state host watch parties in schools, libraries, and living rooms, offering their communities a welcoming space to reflect, connect, and take action together.

Each Straight Talk dives into a key issue impacting student health, learning, or development—from mental wellness and school climate to digital safety and more. The result is a statewide conversation that brings clarity, compassion, and momentum to our work supporting Texas families.

Why It Matters

Even when the Capitol is quiet, the work of supporting students never stops. Straight Talk bridges legislative sessions by helping PTA leaders and school communities stay informed, inspired, and engaged. Because real change begins with strong local conversations, and when families and schools work together, we can move mountains for our children.

🗓️ Mark your calendar now for the next Straight Talk. We’ll see you in February!

Watch Parties

Whether hosted by a Council PTA or a local PTA, watch parties are a powerful way to turn information into action. These gatherings help bring the conversation to life, deepen local connections, and empower school communities to work together on solutions right in their own backyard!

📍 Planning a watch party? Watch for toolkits, invites, and other support from Texas PTA!

Panelists

Straight Talk panelists represent a cross-section of experience and expertise — from classrooms to clinics, from advocacy to academia.

Featured guests in recent years have included:

• Superintendents and teachers from Texas public schools

• Mental health practitioners and pediatric specialists

• Digital safety thought leaders and student representatives

• Texas PTA presidents and elected officials

Straight Talk ’24: Navigating the Smartphone Era

Smartphones have changed childhood. While they offer endless information and connection, they also introduce concerns about social-emotional development, attention spans, and school readiness.

Straight Talk ’24 brought together educators, digital safety experts, students, and mental health professionals to help families better understand:

• The physiological effects of smartphones on young minds

• The latest research on device usage and student well-being

• What parents, educators, and policymakers can do to foster healthy boundaries with technology

Click here to watch the recording and access leader resources.

Straight Talk ’22: Dare to Self-Care (Identify the Signs, Heal the Mind)

Straight Talk ’20: A Matter of Life and Breath (Vaping and Our Children)