In an effort to defend parental rights and keep political ideology and activism out of public schools, a national grassroots organization has just published its “Back to School Checklist” to empower parents to take control of their children’s education.
Defending Education fights indoctrination in classrooms and on campuses across the country in order to promote the reestablishment of a quality, non-political education for all students.
For the current school year, Defending Education is urging parents to take a proactive approach to keeping schools accountable. Below is the group’s “Back to School Checklist.”
— Get to know district leadership. Who is your school board member? Email them and introduce yourself. It is best to establish a relationship before you have an issue. Get to know your PTA or, even better, join your local PTA!
— Review your district’s opt-out policies. These can often be found in the Student Handbook. Many opt-out forms must be submitted at the beginning of every school year. Not sure if you should opt out of school-administered surveys? Educate yourself on the types of questions asked of your kids. Did you know you have the right to review surveys before they are administered?
— A new Supreme Court ruling allows parents to opt their children out of gender instruction that violates their religious beliefs. Ask your school district how they will comply with “Mahmoud v. Taylor” … Submit an opt-out letter!
— Do you know what PPRA is? It is the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment. Do you know the 8 categories that require advance parental notification if a school wants to survey your child? Did you know that under PPRA, parents are allowed to review the curriculum before it is taught to their children?
— How is Title IX enforced by your district? Are boys allowed in girls’ restrooms? Are males permitted to compete against girls in sports? What is your school district’s Title IX policy? Your state?
— Are you familiar with the rights afforded to you under the federal Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA)? This allows you to review your child’s Official Student Record. Start off the year knowing where your child stands with regard to grades, discipline and any other information noted in your child’s comprehensive file.
— How does your child’s school use tech? What is their cell phone policy? What is their AI policy?
— Does your school have a school-based health center? If so, what are the regulations surrounding parental notification? What are the qualifications for the school staff who are providing social and emotional instruction to your child? Are they professionally licensed in psychology? How do you review SEL lessons prior to your child’s participation (this is your right under PPRA)? Do they offer counseling or medical treatments related to gender?
— Review your district’s Code of Conduct or Student Rights and Responsibilities document. Does your district practice Restorative Justice? If so, how and why?
