Do you sense something is amiss in your local public school but don’t know where to start? Here are a few ideas:
In your child’s classroom:
- Ask for and review the course syllabus and reading list for each class your child takes. Ask to be notified and copied on readings assigned outside of the syllabus. Pay special attention to English, History, Health (part of Physical Education,Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment a.k.a. “Kinetic Wellness”), World Languages and Science, though politicized content can appear in any class.
- If materials are of questionable quality, write the teacher. If dissatisfied with the response, elevate to the department chair and/or superintendent. Stay active and keep a paper trail. If you have a phone call, send a follow up email outlining what was discussed and any action items.
- If surveys are being conducted, ask for a copy ahead of time and review it. If it is of dubious quality, you may opt your child out per the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA). For an opt out form, click here.
At your school board meeting:
- Most school policy is made at the local board level. Bookmark your school board’s website.
- Obtain a copy of board policies, identify who is on your school board and make note of when school board meetings occur. Many are live-streamed so you can also watch from home, though attending in-person is more impactful.
- Have coffee with a board member – get to know them. They serve the interests of all community members and you’d be surprised how few they hear from.
- If you attend a meeting, bring a friend or two.
- Usually school board meetings allow for public comments. If you speak, be concise, fact-based and professional. Note that there is usually a time limit of 2-3 minutes.
- If you write a letter, copy all board members so your letter becomes public record. At some boards, if a letter is addressed to all members it must be read out loud at the meeting. Again, be concise, fact-based and professional in your content.
- Ask the school for information you want. If you don’t get a response you are entitled to public information via the Freedom of Information Act. Contact your school’s FOIA point person and make your request. Here are some FOIA tips.
With your friends:
- Read up! Read both the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. Watch both CNN and Fox. Be balanced.
- Share what you learn. People are busy and usually appreciate an article or book recommendation. Form a discussion group around what you are reading.
- Listen to podcasts about education and influencers and in the education space.
- Vote! We won’t tell you who to vote for or how, but once you know the issues, ask questions and vote for people who will represent your values!