Within the last few weeks we learned about one Maryland school district that’s thinking of doing away with parent teacher conferences, and a proposed law in Colorado to give parents unpaid leave to attend them. Now a Kentucky lawmaker wants a law to require every parent who to meet with his or her child’s teacher within the first 60 days of school–or risk a fine of up to $200.
Rep. Adam Koenig seems unsure if his proposal has a chance. “Parental involvement is not something policymakers are used to talking about, but should be talking about,” he said.
“You can’t dictate parental involvement,” says one school superintendent. “You have to create avenues to make parents feel welcome in the school, and break down those barriers that prevent them from getting involved.”
I believe right here in NY, parents who refuse to come to school when called can be charged with parental neglect.
I don’t think it is realistic for every parent to meet with their student’s teacher within the first 60 days of schools. Fining parents for not being able to is extreme. Many parents would like to meet teachers but coordinating work schedules with teacher availability is difficult and fining parents who are already working long hours to support their families would just add unnecessary financial stress to their situations. Punishing parents could lead to negative feelings between parents and schools which would not help achieve improvement in public education.