THE TROUBLE WITH THE PARENT TRIGGER
 Deborah Meier |  |
 Diane Ravitch | Deborah Meier and Diane Ravitch have found themselves at odds on policy over the years, but they share a passion for improving schools. Bridging Differences will offer their insights on what matters most in education. |
BY DIANE RAVITCH, BRIDGING DIFFERENCE BLOG/ED WEEK | HTTP://BIT.LY/QL18FV
October 4, 2011
Dear Deborah,
There is a move under way to promote something called the "Parent Trigger" as a way to reform schools. It is another one of those deceptive schemes that comes packaged with an alluring name, but whose true purpose is to undermine public education.
In early 2010, when Arnold Schwarzenegger was governor of California, the state legislature passed the "Parent Empowerment Act." This law is commonly known as the Parent Trigger. It allows a majority of parents in a low-performing school to sign a petition that