California Parent Trigger Law Used to Force School Overhaul

A group of parents in Compton, California, are using the "parent trigger policy" to require their neighborhood school to be taken over by a charter school operator. Although this policy was approved by the state legislature in January, the petition put forth by Compton parents was the first of its kind. Many parents and proponents view trigger policies as allowing grassroots mobilization of parents to force change in failing schools; meanwhile, critics -- like NEPC fellow Bruce Baker -- voice concern about the unregulated growth of charter schools and the possibility of charters forcing low-achieving students out of restructured schools.

Several NEPC briefs address the issue of charter schools. Check them out here. 

Check out NEPC fellow Dr. Baker's blog post here.