ATLANTA (February 11, 2011) – Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell) has co-sponsored the Parent Trigger Act, which gives parents the power to intervene if their child’s school is failing to meet federal standards. Senate Bill 68 allows a minimum of 50 percent of the school’s parents to sign a petition to require the local school board to implement certain reforms.
“This bill puts control over their child’s education back in the hands of parents,” said Albers. “When school systems in this state are in danger of losing their accreditation or are embroiled in an ethics scandal, parents should have the power to step in and do something. Improving Georgia’s education system will require cooperation from everyone, including teachers, school administrators and state officials, and this legislation guarantees parents a seat at the table. At the end of the day, education is all about the kids, and we must focus on how to better prepare them for the future.”
The benchmarks that determine when a school is underperforming include when it fails to meet adequate yearly progress for two or more consecutive years in the same subject, or is a high school that has failed to graduate at least 60 percent of its students within four years of entering ninth grade for the past three years.
Albers is co-sponsoring the bill with Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock). Similar legislation was passed in California last year.
Sen. John Albers represents the 56th Senate District, which includes portions of North Fulton County. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at john.albers@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
February 11, 2011
For Information Contact:
Natalie Strong, Director
Kallarin Richards, Deputy Director
kallarin.richards@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028