NCLB & PARENT CHOICE

NCLB & PARENT CHOICE Presented by: John~Erika~Shirrecca~Kathie~Barbara

Parent Choice for NCLB (in theory) • In the case of a school identified for school improvement, the school district will, not later than the first day of the school year following identification, provide all students enrolled in the school with the option to transfer to another public school served by the school district, which may be a public charter school, that has not been identified for school improvement, unless this option is prohibited by State law. [Section 1116(b)(1)(E), ESEA.]

Parent Choice for NCLB (in theory) • Priority must be given to the lowest-achieving children from low-income families in providing students the option to transfer to another public school. [Section 1116(b)(1)(E)(ii), ESEA.]

Parent Choice for NCLB (in theory) • If their children are in failing schools, they have the option to transfer their children to other district schools. If parents choose to transfer their children, the failing district must pay for the attendant transportation costs.

What It Should Look Like Vs. What It Does Look Like • In reality • That MIGHT mean that children can transfer to higher-performing schools in the area. • Supplemental educational services are available as a second option after choice. In theory • Under No Child Left Behind, such schools must use their federal funds (Title I), to make needed improvements. In the event of a school’s continued poor performance, parents have options to ensure that their children receive the high-quality education to which they are entitled. • That might mean that children can transfer to higher-performing schools in the area or receive supplemental educational services in the community, such as tutoring, after-school programs or remedial classes.

Reasons it’s not working • Parents aren’t informed of the choice in the first place • There aren’t any alternatives in many districts • Successful schools state no room and deny entry • No mandate forcing schools to accept transfer as of now • Lack of funding to assist in choice • Low parent involvement to move child when option is there (finding out too late) • The at risk child is harmed most by the move into an overcrowded room (high teacher/student ratio)

Is this what we really need? A. Russo would say, fix the schools the children are in…instead of sending them elsewhere.

Change the batting order! • C. Finn and F. Hess suggest that the order of supplemental services and school choice should be reversed. • If school misses AYP two years in a year, the children receive supplemental support and choice on the third year of failure. • This supports what Russo said about fixing the schools first.

TheStruggles of Choice • ACORN~ Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now • NEA teamed up with ACORN to fight against the campaign to protect the integrity of public schools • All Children Matter and LEAD are trying to influence politicians to keep school choice an option and improve the prospects for parents • C. Bolick desires to keep choice and diminish the achievement gap

Skimming the top • J. Garrett terms the “skimming theory” • Milwaukee defies this notion • School choice is a market idea aimed at making schools better • Disadvantaged students need greater access to better performing schools

John’s slide

How is this connected to this course? Explicit Messages • Brofenbrenner model~ Macro belief of no child being left behind • Government is saying parents have a choice to send elsewhere, but sometimes it’s the only school in the district or…. • Other schools in the district are also failing • Anyon’s “elite” schools not accepting transfers based on capacity • Supplemental Support will come next • If you don’t use the funds to improve, they will be taken away and given to other school

How is this connected to this course? Implicit Messages • Kendall would suggest there is a social problem • Ogbu would say it perpetuates the caste system • Rotherham’s notion of a system of accounting but not accountability is clearly demonstrated implicitly. • Mackey realizes that schools do not provide a real choice, rather an opportunity to transfer to other failing schools. • Shrag ~“it is a massive confusion, owing to the stapling together of state and federal accountability systems, and pretending we have one system.”

Administrative Implications Administrators need to provide clearer information to the parents on what their choices are if the district is failing. After all, it is the law of NCLB

Administrative Implications The alternative to losing students and funding is reforming the school. Work on fixing what’s wrong. What a concept!

Administrative Implications Administrators in performing schools are required to accept transfers. Find creative ways to accommodate the children. And this does not mean put them in the closet!

Administrative Implications The best way to preserve and strengthen public education is to make demonstrable, regular progress in providing all students with at least the basics in reading, writing and math--and then be able to communicate that progress to those who actually own your local schools: parents, voters and taxpayers Put your money where your mouth is!

Administrative Implications Administrators need to be pro-active. Spend as much time as possible playing offense, not just hunkering down into a defensive posture. That means, above all, developing in advance a strategic plan for communicating with key stakeholders in your community about school performance. Your best defense is a good offense!

Administrative Implications Help parents and community members understand how their schools are doing--and how they can help. Help me, help you (Jerry MacGuire, people)

Pros Parent involvement is increased Public School choice increases equity and quality in education. Recommendation Educate the parents on the importance of getting involved. Inform parents early so they can make the choice. Action Recommendations based on Pros/Cons

Cons The law makes it difficult for parents to make the choice to transfer….especially when there aren’t any other schools. Schools are turning away students claiming they are over capacity. Tutoring comes after choice and time is lost in this waiting period. Recommendation Avoid the choice and fix the current school. Mandate consequences for schools that turn children away. Start with the supplemental services first, and offer the choice thereafter. Action Recommendations based on Pros/Cons

NCLB What does it really stand for? New Choices Bull##$% Less

NCLB & PARENT CHOICE