Parents’ Rights

First, schools must not withhold information about their child’s well-being or education. They must have a regular system for notifying families of activities at school. This applies to both public and charter schools.

This is a simple bill that reinforces the fundamental rights of parents to direct their child’s education. Parents aren’t an afterthought in a child’s education, and this bill will empower them as they guide their child through school. It states school districts must not withhold information about their child’s well-being or education. It requires schools to have a regular system for notifying families of activities at school.

Syllabus Disclosure

Second, we will increase transparency in the classroom. Every class syllabus must be made available to parents within the first two weeks of the educational term.

Teachers must electronically share with parents the syllabus of the class, and update parents if there are significant changes to the syllabus during the course year. This helps parents plan for their individual needs for additional support or instruction outside the classroom.

Parents have the right to know what their kids are being taught. It is imperative our schools have a well-planned and transparent curriculum.

Curriculum Review

Third, parents will have the right to review school curriculum. We will require schools to inform parents of their right to review instructional materials and seek alternative instruction support to suit their child’s needs.

Children are most successful when their parents are engaged and involved in their education. Period. Unfortunately, Minnesotan parents are being shut out of the classroom by teachers and administrative bureaucrats who think they know best. We need to get parents back in the room, and this legislation reaffirms the importance of their involvement in the process.

Anti-Doxxing

Parents should not be required to publicly disclose their addresses to speak before a school board meeting. This would prevent school boards from stifling debate by subjecting parents to an invasion of personal privacy.

It is a parent’s absolute, fundamental right to be actively involved in what is taking place in their child’s school. They cannot be shoved to the sidelines, bullied, or have information withheld from them. That’s happening far too often these days, and we hear the parent outcry loud and clear. This is going to protect their rights.

Education Savings Accounts

These accounts allow parents to set aside money to pay for tutoring, tuition, and other support services with a tax-preferred account, something that could help significantly help students struggling with COVID-related learning loss.

With three academic years hit by COVID restrictions, many students are having to use private tutoring to get caught up with learning loss. ESAs give families more flexibility to enhance their public education or look to alternative school choices. They know what they need – this helps them afford it. Eligible expenses could include tutoring for a child who has fallen behind as well as specialized instruction or materials for advanced skill levels. After COVID shutdowns, learning loss is a real issue many families are grappling with. Giving them the financial flexibility to seek extra support helps prepare students for the future.

Parents have the right to decide the best school for their children, and that right should not be dependent upon race, income, or zip code. With the last few years of disruption, students need this flexibility now more than ever.