Global Breaking News - Sunday, December 22, 2024

Hopes and Fears for Parent Trigger Laws

As many as 20 states have considered enacting parent trigger laws, which would let parents who are dissatisfied with the way a school is being run, turn it into a charter, replace the staff, or even shut it down, if 51 percent of the school's families agree. The laws — which have been passed in various forms in California, Connecticut, Mississippi and Texas — have generated controversy and even inspired a movie to be released this fall. Do these laws give parents the first real power over their children's education? Or do they put public schools in private hands and impede real improvements?

 공교육에 학부모들의 모든 행정적 권한의 부여는 실질적인 힘이 될까요? 아니면 개선을 지연시킬까요? 

* Another Battle in the War Against Public Schools
Collaboration — not hostile takeovers — is the most effective way to improve their public schools.
 
* Reject Fear-Mongering and Support Parent Power
Trigger laws have led parent groups to seek cooperative plans for the good of students.
 
* Make Sure Parents, not Companies, Have Power
Triggers can be worthwhile if charter promoters aren't allowed to exploit them.
 
* Don't Condescend, Parents Know What's Needed
It is amoral to tell families that they shouldn't do all they can to get their kids the schools they deserve.
 
* Triggers Create Nothing but Chaos and Division
It's surprising to see a strategy that has never improved a school, being proposed nationally.
 
* Parent Power Can Keep Schools Public
Public schools must remain public and open to all children, while also being accountable to the public.