MAKING PARENTS PARTICIPATE

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

By Laura Diamond | Thursday, October 16, 2008, 08:55 AM

Many educators and politicians like to say a child’s schooling begins at home. That may be true, but what happens when parents don’t do their job?

When you look at education laws and policies very little focuses on parents’ responsibilities. Sure parents can get arrested if their child skips too much school, but few Georgia districts follow up on that.

Politicians who support school choice - such as vouchers and charter schools - say giving parents the power to decide where their children go to school will naturally get parents more involved. Do you think that’s true?

One of my favorite parent sources has told me about the fights she’s had with her kids to make them study and do their homework. She’s grounded them, hidden their car keys and confiscated their games and cell phones.

I know many parents do this, but many do not.

Would it be possible to legislate strong parent involvement in their kids’ education? Without a law requiring it, how do we make parents do their part?

NOTE: Education advisors for John McCain and Barack Obama will participate in a debate Tuesday at Teachers College at Columbia University. The debate will be Webcast, but you must register first.