WHAT IS THE PARENT TRIGGER?

The Parent Trigger is a law that gives parents at persistently low- performing schools the right to organize and transform their school based on what's good for children, not adults. If they are able to gather a majority of parent signatures at their school their district must implement one of three turnaround models (including in-district reforms such as staff changes and out-of- district reforms such as charter conversion).  This law will give Tennessee parents real power and input on deciding which restructuring option is best for their child’s chronically failing school.

 

 

Why Parents?

Parents are the only people in a child’s life who will put their needs above all else. They deserve the opportunity to ensure their child receives a quality education and if their local school is failing them- they should be able to hold them accountable.  Denying parents whose children are stuck in these failing schools the power to do anything about it is unjust because many children depend on a great education to lift them out of difficult neighborhoods and to send them to college and beyond.

 

 

WHAT WOULD THE TRANSFORMATION LOOK LIKE?

• BARGAINING POWER - If parents want to discuss changes but the school district just won't listen to them, they can organize, get to 51%, and use their signatures as bargaining power.

• TURNAROUND- If parents want big changes but want to leave the school district in charge, this option may be for them. It forces the school district to push the reset button by bringing in a new staff and giving the local school community more control over staffing and budget.

• TRANSFORMATION- This is the least significant change. It forces the school district to find a new principal and make a few other small changes.

• CHARTER CONVERSION - If there is a nearby charter school that is outperforming your child's failing school, parents can bring in a charter school to transform the failing school to serve all of the students that have always attended the school.

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Why Now?

Tennessee schools need parents at the table making positive changes for their children.  Failing schools are left to change with the old ways of thinking. Federal, state and local efforts to fix schools haven't made a difference.  School administrators complain that involved Parents are the missing ingredient to ensure better schools.  Parents and Guardians, YOU, can change that!  Teachers and school administrators have a voice – parents deserve a voice and power too. Parent Trigger gives you a tool to take that power back.