Councilmember Brown Holds Parents Accountable

WASHINGTON – Today, At-Large Councilmember Kwame R. Brown introduced the “Parental Involvement in Children’s Education School Participation Act of 2008,” which would require TANF applicants and recipients with children in DC public or charter schools to attend PTA meetings and parent-teacher conferences. The measure also requires all parents with children attending DC Public Charter schools to attend conferences and meetings.

“I am determined to find ways to increase parental involvement in the lives of children,” said Councilmember Brown, who is a parent of two children in public charter schools. “We can revitalize our schools, paint the walls and reform programs but without parental engagement we are only addressing a part of challenge. This legislation makes parents full partners in school reform.”

“Clearly parents play an important role in shaping the lives of their children, especially when it comes to education,” said Sekou Biddle, Board of Education Member and parent. “I support this initiative because we need parents to be committed to their children’s futures, and active participants in their education.”

Specifically, the legislation makes it mandatory that parents attend all parent-teacher conferences and PTA meetings. Exceptions are made for parents with a medical excuse, job training, personal and family medical emergencies, or other documented reasons. Parents who fail to attend mandatory PTA conferences or more than two PTA meetings will be rendered ineligible for TANF assistance or will be in violation of the Public Charter School contract.

The legislation is not Councilmember Brown’s first initiative to get parents involved in schools. Last year, he introduced the Parental Engagement Pledge, which challenges parents to commit to volunteering 1 hour a month at their local schools. Councilmember Brown plans to continue working with parents, educators, and the Administration on ways to involve parents.

For more information or to interview Councilmember Brown, please contact Press Secretary Michael Price at 202-445-4510 or mprice@dccouncil.us.

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