[Vision2020] Parental rights bill not needed in Idaho

[Moscow Cares]

Courtesy of today's (March 10, 2014) Moscow-Pullman Daily News.

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OUR VIEW: Parental rights bill not needed in Idaho
Most teachers we know would appreciate more parents showing interest in their children's education.
Education is a partnership between parents, teachers and students. With single-parent families or those where both parents work, that partnership has become a bit fractured.
And, unfortunately, some parents view school and teachers as convenient baby sitters.
Parents have always been welcome to participate in the educational process through conferences with teachers, school booster associations, PTAs, supervising homework and anything else that would improve a child's chances for success.
The Idaho Legislature also wants to weigh in on parents and the schools.
The House Education Committee has approved House Bill 567 that says parents not only have a right but an obligation to participate in their child's education.
We're not sure of the motives behind the bill. Parents already have the right, and school districts willingly accommodate them within the policies of the district and state.
The bill's sponsor, Rep. Janet Trujillo, R-Idaho Falls, said the measure is "simply a way for us as legislators to emphasize that involvement of a parent in education is important."
During testimony in support of the bill last week, several parents said they wanted more control over what their children do in school. A few wanted power to opt their children out of standardized testing. Others wanted control over reading lists, and some hoped the bill would allow parents to pull their children from school if they disagree with its education policy.
While legislators maintain the bill does nothing but affirm parental rights, we believe it can lead to action beyond that intent.
Idaho has a history of placing its obligation to provide a good education to the state's children low on its priority list.
The state also has some of the more lenient home school rules in the country. So for those who disagree with what the professionals are doing in the schools, it's a simple process to school them at home.
Education should not be adversarial, but we fear some parents will use HB 567 as a license to do just that as a "right."
Resources are finite and need to be used to benefit the most students. Districts don't need parents making threats about policy, when the real energy should be expended, equipping a child with the skills necessary to compete in life after school.
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House Bill 567

http://legislature.idaho.gov/legislation/2014/H0567.htm
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Seeya 'round town, Moscow, because . . .

"Moscow Cares" (the most fun you can have with your pants on)
http://www.MoscowCares.com
  
Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

"There's room at the top they are telling you still.
But first you must learn how to smile as you kill,
If you want to be like the folks on the hill."

- John Lennon
  
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