# Parents' Bill of Rights Act of 2021: Plain Language Summary

This bill is designed to give parents more information about and involvement in their children's education and school activities. The core idea is that parents should have the right to know what's happening in schools and have a say in decisions that affect their kids. Specifically, the bill requires schools to notify parents about their children's well-being, including physical and mental health concerns, and gives parents the ability to access school records and information about their child's progress and activities.

The bill also establishes that parents have the right to be involved in their child's education decisions. This means schools would need to inform parents about curriculum changes, classroom activities, and any programs or services their child participates in. Parents would have the ability to opt their children out of certain activities or programs if they choose. Additionally, the legislation aims to ensure that parents can communicate with teachers and school staff, attend school events, and participate in school governance through parent-teacher organizations and school boards.

In practical terms, if this bill became law, it would mean schools couldn't keep significant information about a student's health, academic performance, or activities hidden from parents. A parent couldn't be surprised to learn their child was struggling in class or dealing with mental health issues without the school having notified them first. Schools would also need to be transparent about what they're teaching and what programs are available, giving parents the opportunity to make informed decisions about their child's education. The bill essentially codifies the principle that parents should be treated as partners in their children's education rather than being kept in the dark about school matters.

Parents’ Bill of Rights Act of 2021

Hawley, Josh

Parents' Bill of Rights Act of 2021 This bill establishes various rights of parents and guardians regarding the elementary or secondary school education of their minor children. Specifically, the bill prohibits a state (or its agents, subdivisions, or agents of its subdivisions) from denying certain rights to a parent or guardian of a minor child regarding the child's education. These include, among others, the right to (1) fully review and make copies of the curricula, books, and other educational materials used by the child's school; (2) access information on teachers, guest lecturers, and outside presenters; (3) access school records; and (4) visit the child during school hours. A person aggrieved by a violation of this bill, and a state on behalf of its residents, may bring a civil action for injunctive relief. The bill also requires the Department of Education to withhold federal education funds from a state for noncompliance with this bill.