The Associated Press

LOUISVILLE - School and parent leaders across Kentucky are concerned about declining participation in parent-teacher associations.

Statewide PTA membership has fallen to 113,552 from a high of 196,169 in 1991, at the start of the state's education reform efforts.

That follows the nationwide trend of decreasing membership during the last three years.

The 55,995-member Jefferson County organization - the state's largest - has shrunk by nearly a third since 1997 and lost more than 9,000 members last year alone.

PTA leaders blame the loss on factors such as a sluggish economy, busier parents, less longevity in volunteering, higher dues, poor outreach or too little emphasis by the district.

School leaders and experts say PTA membership is an indicator of parent involvement.

Studies have shown that involved parents generally lead to higher grades and test scores among students, better attendance, more motivation and a greater likelihood of graduation and college attendance.

"When you look at schools with a strong PTA ... compared to those that don't have one, there are huge differences," said Traci Priddy, president of the Jefferson County PTA.