Parents

Education news, analysis, and opinion about how parents and other family members interact with schools and their children’s education
Families & the Community Video Faced With the Possibility of School Closure, Parents Sprang Into Action
Due to financial challenges, a Texas district was considering closing several schools. These parents came together in search of a solution.
Lauren Santucci, March 23, 2023
4:51
Image of a conceptual dashboard that tracks attendance.
Polina Ekimova/iStock/Getty
Families & the Community Some Students Are Less Likely to Have Absences Excused. Why That Matters for Schools
Schools' punitive responses to unexcused absences can be counterproductive, a new analysis suggests.
Evie Blad, March 23, 2023
5 min read
Families & the Community Video How School Districts and Families Can Better Engage With Each Other
Ideas for districts and families looking to build a collaborative and productive relationships.
Kaylee Domzalski, March 17, 2023
4:37
Brother and sister sitting at desk with their mother and writing their homework using a pen and a notebook in front of a digital tablet at home
E+/Getty
Reading & Literacy Q&A Why One Education Policy Wonk Started a Phonics Program for Parents
When his son struggled to decode, a policy analyst dove into the 'science of reading.'
Madeline Will, March 14, 2023
8 min read
Latina mother and son meeting with school teacher.
E+ / Getty
Families & the Community Engaging Latino Parents: One District's Success Story
Schools need to set up systems that make participation possible, advocates say.
Sarah Schwartz, March 8, 2023
3 min read
Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, center, with Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., left, and Rep. Julia Letlow, R-La., speaks about proposed legislation dubbed the "Parents Bill of Rights," Wednesday, March 1, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington.
Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, center, with Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., left, and Rep. Julia Letlow, R-La., speaks about proposed legislation dubbed the "Parents Bill of Rights," March 1, 2023, on Capitol Hill in Washington.
Jacquelyn Martin/AP
Families & the Community Teachers Say a New Parents' Bill of Rights Doesn't Solve Schools' Problems
Three teachers worry that a proposed federal law would drive a wedge between parents and educators.
Libby Stanford, March 7, 2023
6 min read
Image of a young girl and a pediatrician.
E+
Student Well-Being Districts, Here's How to Alert Families of Medicaid Changes That Could Affect Millions of Students
Students could lose Medicaid coverage due to paperwork issues. Use these new tools to help them stay enrolled.
Evie Blad, March 2, 2023
3 min read
Images shows a stylized artistic landscape with soothing colors.
Getty
Student Well-Being Opinion Ouch! Why Teens Criticize Adults
What to say to students—especially when they’re right.
Lisa Damour, March 1, 2023
1 min read
Nataliia Mostova points to molding pumpkins with Adrian Karmalita in Debra McCann's 2nd grade classroom at Jardine Elementary School on Jan. 20, 2023. Mostova, a Ukrainian refugee, is working as a paraeducator helping other Ukrainian students learn.
Nataliia Mostova points to molding pumpkins with Adrian Karmalita in a 2nd grade classroom at Jardine Elementary School in Topeka, Kan., last month. Mostova, a Ukrainian refugee, is working as a paraeducator in the district.
Evert Nelson for Education Week
School & District Management The School District That's Enrolling Ukrainian Refugees—and Hiring Their Parents
The Topeka, Kan., district has hired Ukrainian refugees in multiple roles, helping provide stability to families uprooted by war.
Denisa R. Superville, February 22, 2023
11 min read
Protesters hold signs at a Moms for Liberty rally at the state Capitol in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on October 9, 2021. About 100 people attended the rally to protest mask and vaccine mandates.
Protesters gather at a Moms for Liberty rally against mask and vaccine mandates at the state Capitol in Harrisburg, Pa., Oct. 9, 2021.
Paul Weaver/Sipa via AP Images
Families & the Community What the Push for Parents’ Rights Means for Schools
Conservative parents and politicians are pushing for parents' bills of rights, but what they actually mean for schools is untested.
Libby Stanford, February 22, 2023
11 min read
Illustration of eyes.
GeorgePeters / Getty
Equity & Diversity Opinion 3 Myths About White Parents and School Choice
White parents would opt for diverse schools if they could find them, write two veterans of New York City school choice.
Allison Roda & Amanda Vender, February 22, 2023
5 min read
House Education and Workforce Committee Chair Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., greets then-Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar at the conclusion of a House Education and Workforce Committee hearing on "Examining the Policies and Priorities of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.' Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, June 6, 2018.
House Education and Workforce Committee Chair Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., greets then-Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar at the conclusion of a House Education and Workforce Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington in June 2018. Foxx spoke to Education Week about her priorities as she becomes chair of the committee for a second time.
Carolyn Kaster/AP
Federal Q&A Ending 'Government-Run Monopoly' on Schools Is Top Priority for Rep. Virginia Foxx
The Republican chair of the U.S. House's education committee plans to pass parents' rights and school choice bills.
Libby Stanford, February 14, 2023
5 min read
Photo of shadow of children holding hands.
iStock / Getty
Equity & Diversity This Principal Uses Her Experience as the Child of Farmworkers to Support Students
Raquel Martinez, a middle school principal in Washington state, ensures parents and students know their culture and language are valued.
Denisa R. Superville, February 8, 2023
6 min read
U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., speaks with reporters during a news conference on Capitol Hill, in Washington on Nov. 3, 2021.
U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., speaks with reporters during a news conference on Capitol Hill, in Washington last fall. Foxx is the new chairwoman of the U.S. House of Representatives' Education and Workforce committee.
Alex Brandon/AP
Federal House Republicans Say Schools 'Stonewalled' Concerned Parents
Previewing their agenda, GOP members prioritized 'parents' rights' in the first education committee hearing since taking control of the House.
Libby Stanford, February 8, 2023
4 min read