CA: The Parent Trigger

[formerlurker]

The California Parent Trigger law was passed against huge odds by the Democratic-controlled, teacher union–friendly state Legislature, becoming law this year. The California Teachers Association and the California Federation of Teachers lobbied hard for its demise, but they were beaten by what one Sacramento insider later described as a "ragtag" bunch of minority parents and fierce reformers, who seemed to materialize from thin air.

The trigger gives parents the power to decide the fate of 75 failing California schools by petitioning the school district. It’s up to California parents to choose which schools.

Mothers and fathers who pull the Parent Trigger can pick four options:
1. Establish a charter school in the school buildings;
2. Bring in a new staff and exert some control over staffing and budgeting;
3. Keep the school intact but fire the principal; or
4. Shutter the school entirely and send the students to better, nearby schools.

But first, these hyperlocal reformers must get at least 51 percent of all parents whose children attend that school to join them in signing off on the idea.

http://www.laweekly.com/2010-12-09/news/Californias-Parent-Trigger/


Holy crap - how did this ground breaking law pass without the Nation taking notice?   Parents took on the powerful CA teacher's union and won?   Wow.

I hope this parent succeeds in taking back the school from a corrupt organization.   This one is worth watching.

[rich_t]

Count down until some liberal judge over turns it:

5....4.....3....2......

[NHSparky]

Count down until some liberal judge over turns it:

5....4.....3....2......

Sadly, yes.  I recruited in some of those schools.  To call it depressing would be an understatement.

[DumbAss Tanker]

It's a total nonissue until there is actually a school district where it gets invoked.

[ConservativeMobster]

but *good job* to the parents for at least trying!

[shadow creature]

but *good job* to the parents for at least trying!

I think its probably too late to save California, abandon ship.

[true_blood]

but *good job* to the parents for at least trying!

Yes, good for them.
Commiefornia where else, right??

[Ptarmigan]

That's a great start.