Under the No Child Left Behind Act, parents of children attending Title I schools that are not meeting state academic standards and are identified for improvement may be able to move their children to other public schools that are meeting the standards. This option gives parents the chance to ensure that their children are attending a school that is performing well, while, at the same time, allowing school officials to make improvements in their children’s neighborhood schools. Public School Choice is also an option for parents in the event their child is attending a school that is “persistently dangerous,” or the child has been the victim of a violent crime while on school grounds.
How can I find out if my child’s school has been identified as needing improvement? Yearly school report cards distributed through your child’s school contain detailed information on school performance and district academic performance including whether or not a school has been identified for school improvement. School districts are required to notify parents no later than the first day of school that follows the year the school was identified as needing improvement. This notification must also inform parents that their child is eligible to attend another public school, should identify two or more designated schools that parents may choose, and describe the performance and overall quality of those schools.
What can I do if my school or district does not offer school choice, when my child is eligible? Schools and districts receiving Title I funds must provide public school choice for eligible students as described above. If they do not, parents are encouraged to contact the Alabama Department of Education. (www.alsde.edu)
Does public school choice only include schools in the district where my child is enrolled? Usually. However, there may be situations where children in Title I schools have options to transfer outside their own district. For instance, a school district may enter into a cooperative agreement with another district. This may be necessary when all of the schools in a district have been identified as needing improvement.
Is transportation available for my child if we exercise our right to attend another school designated for choice? Yes, transportation services are available. Priority is given to the lowest achieving children from low- income families in schools required to provide choice.
Can I choose to keep my child in a school that is eligible for school choice? Yes. While the district must offer public school choice, this is an option for parents, not a requirement.
What can I do as a parent if I decide to keep my child at a school that has been identified for improvement?
- Help your child at home by setting high goals, reading together, and monitoring homework
- Make sure that your voice is heard at school
- Make sure the school’s improvement plan focuses on areas where the school is not doing well
- Get a copy of your school’s parent involvement policy from the principal, parent liaison or head of your school’s parent group
- Make sure your school has a school-parent compact that was developed with and approved by parents
For more information about Public School Choice or other issues related to your child’s education, please feel free to contact the Alabama Parent Information and Resource Center. The Alabama PIRC is a clearinghouse with training and information for parents, teachers and administrators with lots of information about educational laws and how effective family engagement can be used to raise student achievement. Contact our office at 334-567-2252 or see our website www.alabamaparentcenter.com.
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