K-12 Parents and the Public
In this blog, Education Week explored the substantive role parents play in helping set the course of their children’s education and the direction of America’s public schools. This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: families & the community.
Families & the Community
Some Recent Headlines About Parent-Involvement Issues
Here's a news roundup that features three recent stories about parent-involvement issues, including some interesting developments in California and Florida.
Families & the Community
Poll: Parents Believe Children Doing Better Academically Than Scores Show
About 1,300 parents were surveyed in the poll that shows a disconnect between how well parents think their children are performing in school and how students score nationally.
Families & the Community
How Do Online Gradebooks Affect Parent Involvement in Public Schools?
Now that nearly half of public schools use online gradebooks, parents see pros and cons in the ability to electronically monitor their children's school progress.
School Choice & Charters
Ted Cruz Stands Firm in Support of Charter Schools, Vouchers
The Republican presidential candidate has supported charter schools and vouchers in his words and in his legislative proposals as a U.S. senator from Texas.
Law & Courts
Florida Students Can Transfer to Schools Outside Their Districts Under New Law
Gov. Rick Scott signed a school choice bill that will let parents take their children to schools outside their districts.
Families & the Community
Parent-Trigger Efforts in California Hit Stumbling Blocks
California wrestles with how to determine if a school is failing and subject to overhaul under the law that lets parents trigger major changes.
School Choice & Charters
Baton Rouge Charter Schools Use Community Engagement, Report Says
New Schools for Baton Rouge, a non-profit organization, requires community members to be involved in the development of charter schools in that Louisiana city.
School Choice & Charters
L.A., Detroit Try to Simplify Application Process for School Choice Options
The Los Angeles and Detroit school districts both plan to simplify the way parents apply to school-choice options within their districts.
Equity & Diversity
Black, Latino Parents Say Expectations for Poor Children Too Low in Public Schools
A new poll by a national civil rights organization found that African-American and Latino families seek higher expectations and academic rigor in public schools.
School Choice & Charters
Washington's New Charter School Law May Face Lawsuit By Teachers' Union
The Washington Education Association and labor unions say they will file a lawsuit to dispute the state's new charter school law that became law without the governor's signature.
Families & the Community
California PTA Pushes Bill to Improve Parent-Engagement Plans
A California legislative committee passes a bill that aims to improve parent involvement, particularly in the district's funding and in its accountability plans.
School Climate & Safety
Lawsuit: Parents Claim Violence Affects Students' Education in New York Schools
A lawsuit against the New York City Department of Education claims violence and bullying create an unsuitable school environment for students.
Families & the Community
District of Columbia Family Involvement Program Finds Success, Study Shows
A Johns Hopkins University study found that a family-engagement program in the District of Columbia school system is helping students improve attendance and literacy.
School Choice & Charters
Few Parents Serve on Charter School Boards in Massachusetts, Report Says
A new report by the Annenberg Institute for School Reform shows that about 60 percent of Massachusetts charter schools have no parents on their governing boards.