Put power over California's schools in hands of parents

12-16-2009

Opinion by Ben Austin/Los Angeles Times

Let me tell you about my recent trip to Sacramento. It is a story about why we need a revolution. Earlier this month, Senate leaders introduced a "parent trigger" into California's "Race to the Top" education reform legislation. Under the policy, parents at a systemically failing school could circulate a petition calling for change. If 51% of the parents signed it, the school would be converted to a charter school or reconstituted by the school district, with a new staff and new ways of operating. The concept recognized a truth that school officials often discount: Parents are in the best position to make decisions about what's right for their kids. Last week, the parent trigger legislation moved to the Assembly Education Committee, chaired by Assemblywoman Julia Brownley (D-Santa Monica). (more...)

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Put power over California's schools in hands of parents

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